Gateron Teardown

[hwood34]

Check out the Gateron IC

I purchased 15 Gateron Blues and 10 Gateron Blacks from Taobao recently to do some Cherry comparisons. If you want any other pictures or info, just ask!



First off, everything about the smoothness was absolutely true. The blacks felt great, and the blues were soft. One thing to note though, as Zeal mentioned in his Gateron build thread, these are somewhat difficult to fit into the PCB, the problem seems to arise from the PCB mounting stabs being either too thick or too far apart, which can be solved by sanding them slightly. The plastic used in the housing seems to be more flexible than that used for Cherry switches; the clips on the tops were much easier to pry apart. Keycaps also fit very tightly to the Gateron stems, comparable to Alps switches.

Can you put gateron stem in MX housing?

Yep

So would you say they're a good alternative?

Depends on your preferences, but they certainly could be, and I'd say pretty much across the board yes for linears.

I'm curious how these stand against heavy use.  Is the leaf the same durability as cherry MX?  Does it feature that cherry crosspoint tech?

since these are relatively new, no one really has any information on the long term durability of them, though most people seem to be wondering about the softer stem plastic. Gateron claims there switches are rated for 50m presses, like Cherry

Are these easy to buy or do you have to snag em when you see these things?

It seems that each seller (on Taobao) seems to keep a max of 200 switches in stock at any time, so you have to get them when you can find them.

The Blues:



The top is branded Gateron in place of Cherry, inscribed into the housing, the opposite of Cherry. Instead of an "A" next to the LED hole, there seems to be arbitrary (I'm not sure of the significance at the moment) letters on the left including "B,C,K,F,I, and A" and an "O" on the right.



Use: The first thing one notices is the higher actuation point. The Gateron actuates almost a mm higher than the MX blue. The hysteresis is also worse, the stem needs to almost fully return to register again. The click is also more pronounced in the Gaterons.



There are a few slight differences in the leaf, mostly in the shape.


(Gateron left, MX right)

(Gateron left, MX right)

Again, there are a few differences in the shape of the stem, but for the most part they are the same. The clicking mechanism is shaped slightly differently. The Gateron stem also has a nib that fits into the clicking mechanism.



Weight=60g

Blues final verdict: The higher actuation point is certainly interesting, mostly opinion though as to if it's better or not. Same goes for the more pronounced click. The smooth stem is certainly a plus and acts to replace the smaller amount of lube.

Blacks:




(MX left, Gateron right)

One thing I noticed about both the switches is that the little indent on the stem is on the opposite side, facing the top of the switch instead of the bottom. The Gateron stem extends slightly farther out than its MX counterpart. The smooth stem is most notable with the linear switch, stock Gaterons are comparable to lubed or vintage MX blacks.


(MX left, Gateron right)

The Gateron switch is slightly longer and seems to be made of a slightly different material or mix than the MX spring.



Weight=60g

Final verdict: Gateron blacks feel incredibly smooth compared to MX, and slightly lighter.

[SpAmRaY]

Can you put gateron stem in MX housing?

[hwood34]

Can you put gateron stem in MX housing?

Yep

[snipars]

So would you say they're a good alternative?

[tp4tissue]

Sooooo.... we definitely know the Cherry leaf is of higher quality..  But I mean.. only in the sense that it's got gold plated.. but, then again, the gold probably wears through pretty quickly on the 2 side nubs part.. so... there wouldn't be any mechanical advantage.. (smoothness)

wait is the cherry leaf gold plated? or is it only the contact portion.

[hwood34]

So would you say they're a good alternative?

Depends on your preferences, but they certainly could be, and I'd say pretty much across the board yes for linears.

Sooooo.... we definitely know the Cherry leaf is of higher quality..  But I mean.. only in the sense that it's got gold plated.. but, then again, the gold probably wears through pretty quickly on the 2 side nubs part.. so... there wouldn't be any mechanical advantage.. (smoothness)

wait is the cherry leaf gold plated? or is it only the contact portion.

Moslty just the contact portion, it doesn't extend all the way down the pin

[Novus]

Are these easy to buy or do you have to snag em when you see these things?

[hwood34]

Are these easy to buy or do you have to snag em when you see these things?

It seems that each seller (on Taobao) seems to keep a max of 200 switches in stock at any time, so you have to get them when you can find them. I put an order in for some of the super heavy (like super blacks) yellow Gaterons, but they went out of stock before the proxy could put the order in.

[Defect]

I'm curious how these stand against heavy use.  Is the leaf the same durability as cherry MX?  Does it feature that cherry crosspoint tech?

[strict]

Very interesting post, thanks for sharing! I think someone should put together a group buy for these, I would definitely buy a couple bags worth. 

Is there a Gateron equivalent of Cherry Clears?

[hwood34]

Very interesting post, thanks for sharing! I think someone should put together a group buy for these, I would definitely buy a couple bags worth. 

Is there a Gateron equivalent of Cherry Clears?

I can't think of one off the top off my head. The gateron clears are like lighter reds

I'm curious how these stand against heavy use.  Is the leaf the same durability as cherry MX?  Does it feature that cherry crosspoint tech?

since these are relatively new, no one really has any information on the long term durability of them, though most people seem to be wondering about the softer stem plastic. Gateron claims there switches are rated for 50m presses, like Cherry

[Evo_Spec]

Nice write up! hope to see these become more widely available

[hwood34]

Nice write up! hope to see these become more widely available

Just wait

[billnye]

Very nice write up!

Gaterons for the Corsa it is

[tp4tissue]

I'm curious how these stand against heavy use.  Is the leaf the same durability as cherry MX?  Does it feature that cherry crosspoint tech?

oh come on.. this is a leaf spring and a plastic slider.. it's not like they just produced some quantum annealing machine..

[hwood34]

Very nice write up!

Gaterons for the Corsa it is

damn straight yo

[Zeal]

Very nice write up!

Gaterons for the Corsa it is

damn straight yo

Everyone joining the bandwagon. Chu chuu~~
#LinearGaterons2k15


Slightly off topic, but still relevant.

Gateron Switch Condoms were made for V1 style (First switch on the left)

[MGH]

What would a Gateron blue with a jailhouse mod in a cherry bottom housing and Gateron translucent top housing approximately feel like?

[hwood34]

What would a Gateron blue with a jailhouse mod in a cherry bottom housing and Gateron translucent top housing approximately feel like?

Well, since the Gateron blues already activate really high, it might be an uncomfortably high actuation point. The cherry bottom wouldn't really make a difference, structurally they're the same, just with slightly different pegs on the bottom

[MGH]

What would thin lube on a black gateron feel like?

What would a Gateron blue with a jailhouse mod in a cherry bottom housing and Gateron translucent top housing approximately feel like?

Well, since the Gateron blues already activate really high, it might be an uncomfortably high actuation point. The cherry bottom wouldn't really make a difference, structurally they're the same, just with slightly different pegs on the bottom

Guess no Gateron blues for me.

[hwood34]

What would thin lube on a black gateron feel like?

They're already so smooth, but pretty much sex on fingers. Thick would be better though

[sethk_]

Would you say it is worth it to buy the switches for the clear tops and then put them on MX switches? Or are they too opaque to be a benefit for the cost.

[Zeal]

Would you say it is worth it to buy the switches for the clear tops and then put them on MX switches? Or are they too opaque to be a benefit for the cost.

Stay tuned. I'll be sourcing some clear tops to try out. These v2 gaterons are more of a milky white.

[hwood34]

Would you say it is worth it to buy the switches for the clear tops and then put them on MX switches? Or are they too opaque to be a benefit for the cost.

I mean, it's up to you whether that's worth it. The clear tops are certainly cool, better than anything else available. It would just be a little expensive to buy switches for just the tops. Though if you can speak a little chinese, they sometimes sell just the tops on Taobao but the savings aren't that great

[sethk_]

Would you say it is worth it to buy the switches for the clear tops and then put them on MX switches? Or are they too opaque to be a benefit for the cost.

Stay tuned. I'll be sourcing some clear tops to try out. These v2 gaterons are more of a milky white.

Awesome! I will have to try some if you start to carry them.

Would you say it is worth it to buy the switches for the clear tops and then put them on MX switches? Or are they too opaque to be a benefit for the cost.

I mean, it's up to you whether that's worth it. The clear tops are certainly cool, better than anything else available. It would just be a little expensive to buy switches for just the tops. Though if you can speak a little chinese, they sometimes sell just the tops on Taobao but the savings aren't that great

I might order a couple and see what they are like with LEDs, and determine if it is worth it, they are a lot cheaper than just the clear tops that were on techkeys, but now they are sold out anyway.

[hwood34]

Would you say it is worth it to buy the switches for the clear tops and then put them on MX switches? Or are they too opaque to be a benefit for the cost.

I mean, it's up to you whether that's worth it. The clear tops are certainly cool, better than anything else available. It would just be a little expensive to buy switches for just the tops. Though if you can speak a little chinese, they sometimes sell just the tops on Taobao but the savings aren't that great

I might order a couple and see what they are like with LEDs, and determine if it is worth it, they are a lot cheaper than just the clear tops that were on techkeys, but now they are sold out anyway.

They're also higher quality.

[sethk_]

Would you say it is worth it to buy the switches for the clear tops and then put them on MX switches? Or are they too opaque to be a benefit for the cost.

I mean, it's up to you whether that's worth it. The clear tops are certainly cool, better than anything else available. It would just be a little expensive to buy switches for just the tops. Though if you can speak a little chinese, they sometimes sell just the tops on Taobao but the savings aren't that great

I might order a couple and see what they are like with LEDs, and determine if it is worth it, they are a lot cheaper than just the clear tops that were on techkeys, but now they are sold out anyway.

They're also higher quality.

I assume you mean the ones off of techkeys, and I assumed that, but if not, that's interesting.

[hwood34]

Would you say it is worth it to buy the switches for the clear tops and then put them on MX switches? Or are they too opaque to be a benefit for the cost.

I mean, it's up to you whether that's worth it. The clear tops are certainly cool, better than anything else available. It would just be a little expensive to buy switches for just the tops. Though if you can speak a little chinese, they sometimes sell just the tops on Taobao but the savings aren't that great

I might order a couple and see what they are like with LEDs, and determine if it is worth it, they are a lot cheaper than just the clear tops that were on techkeys, but now they are sold out anyway.

They're also higher quality.

I assume you mean the ones off of techkeys, and I assumed that, but if not, that's interesting.

The Gateron tops are higher quality, and can actually flex without breaking

[daerid]

Do they make clears?

[hwood34]

Do they make clears?

edit: whoops, though you meant another thing. and not that I know of. IIRC the only tactile switch they make is brown

[n0rvig]

Thanks for writing this up. These sound like something fun to try next.

[minh278]

I feel like a scrub, at first glance i was like the the blue one on the left is cherry! that weird bluish color is the gateron. I was wrong :/, i have much to learn...

Thanks for posting a break down though! What was the pricing on the switches you got?

[hwood34]

I feel like a scrub, at first glance i was like the the blue one on the left is cherry! that weird bluish color is the gateron. I was wrong :/, i have much to learn...

Thanks for posting a break down though! What was the pricing on the switches you got?

I can remember exact per switch,  i think for the 25 plus proxy fee it was like $11. International shipping wasn't cheap though

[minh278]

Have you tried putting an mx-stem in a gateron switch or the inverse? Would it work?

[sethk_]

Have you tried putting an mx-stem in a gateron switch or the inverse? Would it work?

Between Zeal and hwood they have confirmed that they do work both ways.

[minh278]

Have you tried putting an mx-stem in a gateron switch or the inverse? Would it work?

Between Zeal and hwood they have confirmed that they do work both ways.

Thanks!

[Karura]

Gaterons are going to be the next big thing on GH.

[tbc]

how does an inswitch led look?  does the top let the light through cleanly or does it get very blocked out compared to an abostudio?

[exitfire401]

Alright, I'm going to ask the fun question! Have you tried swapping leafs from an MX switch in? (Using tweezers to pull the leafs out, then sliding in and making the contacts still work properly) I'd rather not chance it on the copper internals with the humidity level in MI during the summer.

[pichu23]

Alright, I'm going to ask the fun question! Have you tried swapping leafs from an MX switch in? (Using tweezers to pull the leafs out, then sliding in and making the contacts still work properly) I'd rather not chance it on the copper internals with the humidity level in MI during the summer.

for science !  )

[exitfire401]

Alright, I'm going to ask the fun question! Have you tried swapping leafs from an MX switch in? (Using tweezers to pull the leafs out, then sliding in and making the contacts still work properly) I'd rather not chance it on the copper internals with the humidity level in MI during the summer.

for science !  )

More like for not having corroded sticky switches! Haha

[rowdy]

It would be interesting to know the consistency between the blue switches.

Quite often someone will have a board with MX blues that does not click consistently cross the board (I have one myself).

Although I understand you have too small a sample to make a reasonable assessment (unless the ones you have are so wildly different in sound and feel, but I think you would have mentioned something obvious like that).

[hwood34]

how does an inswitch led look?  does the top let the light through cleanly or does it get very blocked out compared to an abostudio?

You'd have to ask Zeal this question, I actually don't have any LEDs on hand to test it out.

Alright, I'm going to ask the fun question! Have you tried swapping leafs from an MX switch in? (Using tweezers to pull the leafs out, then sliding in and making the contacts still work properly) I'd rather not chance it on the copper internals with the humidity level in MI during the summer.

Yep, everything works nearly the same. I think the difference in feel comes primarily from the stem and spring because it feels nearly the same. I wouldn't recommend it though, it can be hard to removed the leaf from the MX switch without damaging it, that might just be due to there being some minuscule amount of solder left on the leaf, maybe this isn't a problem with new MX switches

[Giorgio]

How much did you pay?
Cost of the switches / each piece
Delivery
Taxes

From which vendor did you buy? Please add a link.

[hwood34]

How much did you pay?
Cost of the switches / each piece
Delivery
Taxes

From which vendor did you buy? Please add a link.

I got them at ¥1.30 from loveq on Taobao. I used Taobao Focus as a proxy, international shipping was almost $20

[monotagary]

How much did you pay?
Cost of the switches / each piece
Delivery
Taxes

From which vendor did you buy? Please add a link.

I got them at ¥1.30 from loveq on Taobao. I used Taobao Focus as a proxy, international shipping was almost $20

Thanks for the vendor link hwood. I've been trying to track down some Gaterons as a cheaper alternative to clear switch housings from an RGB board... but I'm terrible at navigating Taobao.

[hwood34]

How much did you pay?
Cost of the switches / each piece
Delivery
Taxes

From which vendor did you buy? Please add a link.

I got them at ¥1.30 from loveq on Taobao. I used Taobao Focus as a proxy, international shipping was almost $20

Thanks for the vendor link hwood. I've been trying to track down some Gaterons as a cheaper alternative to clear switch housings from an RGB board... but I'm terrible at navigating Taobao.

Luckily the biggest seller of them had part of the title in english . But you have to jump on them when they're in stock, they sell out pretty quickly

[exitfire401]

how does an inswitch led look?  does the top let the light through cleanly or does it get very blocked out compared to an abostudio?

You'd have to ask Zeal this question, I actually don't have any LEDs on hand to test it out.

Alright, I'm going to ask the fun question! Have you tried swapping leafs from an MX switch in? (Using tweezers to pull the leafs out, then sliding in and making the contacts still work properly) I'd rather not chance it on the copper internals with the humidity level in MI during the summer.

Yep, everything works nearly the same. I think the difference in feel comes primarily from the stem and spring because it feels nearly the same. I wouldn't recommend it though, it can be hard to removed the leaf from the MX switch without damaging it, that might just be due to there being some minuscule amount of solder left on the leaf, maybe this isn't a problem with new MX switches

It's not a problem at all with unsoldered switches. The leaf from a damaged clear I have (switch top is messed up) came out with no problem. Went back in with no issue, and still actuates perfectly.

[hwood34]

how does an inswitch led look?  does the top let the light through cleanly or does it get very blocked out compared to an abostudio?

You'd have to ask Zeal this question, I actually don't have any LEDs on hand to test it out.

Alright, I'm going to ask the fun question! Have you tried swapping leafs from an MX switch in? (Using tweezers to pull the leafs out, then sliding in and making the contacts still work properly) I'd rather not chance it on the copper internals with the humidity level in MI during the summer.

Yep, everything works nearly the same. I think the difference in feel comes primarily from the stem and spring because it feels nearly the same. I wouldn't recommend it though, it can be hard to removed the leaf from the MX switch without damaging it, that might just be due to there being some minuscule amount of solder left on the leaf, maybe this isn't a problem with new MX switches

It's not a problem at all with unsoldered switches. The leaf from a damaged clear I have (switch top is messed up) came out with no problem. Went back in with no issue, and still actuates perfectly.

Alright, good. Still pretty tedious doing that 100 or so times

[Giorgio]

Yes, 1.3 Chinese Yuan equals 0.18 Euro

Considering that a cherry switch costs about 0,55 eur, you need to buy more than 50 switches to even consider the gaterons. Plus the cost of the proxy (maybe it was included).

[hwood34]

Yes, 1.3 Chinese Yuan equals 0.18 Euro

Considering that a cherry switch costs about 0,55 eur, you need to buy more than 50 switches to even consider the gaterons. Plus the cost of the proxy (maybe it was included).

proxy cost was 10%

[azhdar]

Damn those Gateron black seems interesting .
I love my mx blacks but something slightly lighter and smoother is exactly what I'm looking for . Can't wait to try them on Varmillo switch tester .

[monotagary]

How much did you pay?
Cost of the switches / each piece
Delivery
Taxes

From which vendor did you buy? Please add a link.

I got them at ¥1.30 from loveq on Taobao. I used Taobao Focus as a proxy, international shipping was almost $20

Thanks for the vendor link hwood. I've been trying to track down some Gaterons as a cheaper alternative to clear switch housings from an RGB board... but I'm terrible at navigating Taobao.

Luckily the biggest seller of them had part of the title in english . But you have to jump on them when they're in stock, they sell out pretty quickly

I better keep a close eye on this page then!

[whentheclouds]

Everyone joining the bandwagon. Chu chuu~~
#LinearGaterons2k15

between your build log and this thread, i seriously think I will get these for my kustom build. i mean, better than lubed vintage blacks? that's as big an endorsement as can be

[berserkfan]

hwood, awesome work! This must be the most important review to have come out in the past few months!

My personal view: looks like I was correct about the leafs being copper. That was the easiest way to save money, and the manufacturer did it. I am extremely disappointed, because it seems that most other things about Gateron are very positive.

Leafs being copper will decrease the life of this switch greatly, especially in a humid environment.

[Defect]

I ordered a bunch of 35g (presumably Gateron) springs off MD.  Wondering if anyone here has some and can test if they will work with unlubed clears.

I would assume that 35g is too light and will have struggles with pushing on the upstroke.

Hwood looks like you didn't get any of the reds, so don't know if this applies.  Would you mind trying with one of those 50g bottom out springs?

But on a similar note...any way to tell if Gateron springs are stainless steel?

[Dihedral]

The main issue with MX clones appears to be consistency... what are your thoughts on the consistency of the switches within your sample?

[hwood34]

The main issue with MX clones appears to be consistency... what are your thoughts on the consistency of the switches within your sample?

Well with the small batch I have I haven't noticed and inconsistency. All the blues click evenly and the blacks all feel the same.

[Zeal]

I have faith in Gateron. Taiwanese founded company running their plant in China. They import their plastics from Switzerland and it's apparent in the switch tops.

[tp4tissue]

I ordered a bunch of 35g (presumably Gateron) springs off MD.  Wondering if anyone here has some and can test if they will work with unlubed clears.

I would assume that 35g is too light and will have struggles with pushing on the upstroke.

Hwood looks like you didn't get any of the reds, so don't know if this applies.  Would you mind trying with one of those 50g bottom out springs?

But on a similar note...any way to tell if Gateron springs are stainless steel?

It's not that 35g struggles with upstroke..

It's that @ <40g  the weight of your hand/fingers may trigger the key past 2mm travel..


which is why they use 45g..

You also have to take into account that all of these springs will lose ~ 5g over time..

[berserkfan]

Sorry but TP, how do springs lose weight over time? If I could do that for myself I would be pretty happy.

[Zeal]

Sorry but TP, how do springs lose weight over time? If I could do that for myself I would be pretty happy.

As you compress the springs over the course of a long time, they will become slightly "shorter" from all the squishing. That's why "vintage" blacks usually have softer springs than stock blacks.

[aceps00]

Would love to give these a try, thanks for the write up 

[iTzi]

Nice review for nice switches !
Do you feel any difference in the noise level between Cherry blue and Gateron blue ?

[hwood34]

Nice review for nice switches !
Do you feel any difference in the noise level between Cherry blue and Gateron blue ?

The sounds is pretty similar, though the MX blues are a little more plasticy sounding

[KRKS]

From what I've heard Cherry Ergo-Clears have a tendency to get stuck with lighter spring, would the smoother stem help with that?

I'm looking into Ergos because Browns' bump feels too small and I don't like heavy switches(I thought about using Blue spring).

[hwood34]

From what I've heard Cherry Ergo-Clears have a tendency to get stuck with lighter spring, would the smoother stem help with that?

I'm looking into Ergos because Browns' bump feels too small and I don't like heavy switches(I thought about using Blue spring).

A smoother stem might help, but I think for the most part the problem would remain. And thanks to Poly for reminding me that Gateron clears are linear. The only tactile switches Gateron makes are browns

[Oobly]

From what I've heard Cherry Ergo-Clears have a tendency to get stuck with lighter spring, would the smoother stem help with that?

I'm looking into Ergos because Browns' bump feels too small and I don't like heavy switches(I thought about using Blue spring).

These Gateron "Clears" are actually linear, like Reds and Blacks.

I can highly recommend ErgoClears with 62g springs! They're by far my favourite MX switch. 62g springs work fine on brand new, stock, unlubed switches without causing any sticking and they just feel even better with worn in and lubed stems You can "shave" new Clear stems by scraping the mold lines smooth. It makes them less "scratchy" and reduces the time they take to wear in.

[hwood34]

Just in case people haven't seen it yet, here's the IC for a Gateron buy

[Dihedral]

From what I've heard Cherry Ergo-Clears have a tendency to get stuck with lighter spring, would the smoother stem help with that?

I'm looking into Ergos because Browns' bump feels too small and I don't like heavy switches(I thought about using Blue spring).

These Gateron "Clears" are actually linear, like Reds and Blacks.

I can highly recommend ErgoClears with 62g springs! They're by far my favourite MX switch. 62g springs work fine on brand new, stock, unlubed switches without causing any sticking and they just feel even better with worn in and lubed stems You can "shave" new Clear stems by scraping the mold lines smooth. It makes them less "scratchy" and reduces the time they take to wear in.

Where would you recommend picking up 62g springs at a good price? I'm looking to build an ergo clear board.

[justordinary]

Since the gateron leaf is a little different, if you swap gateron black stems into a cherry housing, does it still feel as good as it is on the gateron housing?

[Zeal]

Since the gateron leaf is a little different, if you swap gateron black stems into a cherry housing, does it still feel as good as it is on the gateron housing?

The smoothness found in Gateron switches is the combination of the smooth stem + housing. Putting a Gateron stem into a Cherry housing will still be smooth -- just not as smooth as in the original housing.

From what I've heard Cherry Ergo-Clears have a tendency to get stuck with lighter spring, would the smoother stem help with that?

I'm looking into Ergos because Browns' bump feels too small and I don't like heavy switches(I thought about using Blue spring).

These Gateron "Clears" are actually linear, like Reds and Blacks.

I can highly recommend ErgoClears with 62g springs! They're by far my favourite MX switch. 62g springs work fine on brand new, stock, unlubed switches without causing any sticking and they just feel even better with worn in and lubed stems You can "shave" new Clear stems by scraping the mold lines smooth. It makes them less "scratchy" and reduces the time they take to wear in.

Where would you recommend picking up 62g springs at a good price? I'm looking to build an ergo clear board.

I sell a variety of springs on my site if you're interested.

[Findecanor]

Can a Gateron be opened while mounted in an enthusiast plate that has cutouts that would allow mounted Cherry MX switches to be opened without desoldering ?

[Zeal]

Can a Gateron be opened while mounted in an enthusiast plate that has cutouts that would allow mounted Cherry MX switches to be opened without desoldering ?

Yes. I've opened one up with switch tools with no problem.

[Dihedral]

Since the gateron leaf is a little different, if you swap gateron black stems into a cherry housing, does it still feel as good as it is on the gateron housing?

The smoothness found in Gateron switches is the combination of the smooth stem + housing. Putting a Gateron stem into a Cherry housing will still be smooth -- just not as smooth as in the original housing.

From what I've heard Cherry Ergo-Clears have a tendency to get stuck with lighter spring, would the smoother stem help with that?

I'm looking into Ergos because Browns' bump feels too small and I don't like heavy switches(I thought about using Blue spring).

These Gateron "Clears" are actually linear, like Reds and Blacks.

I can highly recommend ErgoClears with 62g springs! They're by far my favourite MX switch. 62g springs work fine on brand new, stock, unlubed switches without causing any sticking and they just feel even better with worn in and lubed stems You can "shave" new Clear stems by scraping the mold lines smooth. It makes them less "scratchy" and reduces the time they take to wear in.

Where would you recommend picking up 62g springs at a good price? I'm looking to build an ergo clear board.

I sell a variety of springs on my site if you're interested.

Cool! Do you just sell gold springs or normal ones as well? Also do you ship to UK?

[Zeal]

Since the gateron leaf is a little different, if you swap gateron black stems into a cherry housing, does it still feel as good as it is on the gateron housing?

The smoothness found in Gateron switches is the combination of the smooth stem + housing. Putting a Gateron stem into a Cherry housing will still be smooth -- just not as smooth as in the original housing.

From what I've heard Cherry Ergo-Clears have a tendency to get stuck with lighter spring, would the smoother stem help with that?

I'm looking into Ergos because Browns' bump feels too small and I don't like heavy switches(I thought about using Blue spring).

These Gateron "Clears" are actually linear, like Reds and Blacks.

I can highly recommend ErgoClears with 62g springs! They're by far my favourite MX switch. 62g springs work fine on brand new, stock, unlubed switches without causing any sticking and they just feel even better with worn in and lubed stems You can "shave" new Clear stems by scraping the mold lines smooth. It makes them less "scratchy" and reduces the time they take to wear in.

Where would you recommend picking up 62g springs at a good price? I'm looking to build an ergo clear board.

I sell a variety of springs on my site if you're interested.

Cool! Do you just sell gold springs or normal ones as well? Also do you ship to UK?

My inventory is mostly gold springs. I do have a bag of 60g & 62g standard SS springs though.
I also ship worldwide.

[Dihedral]

Since the gateron leaf is a little different, if you swap gateron black stems into a cherry housing, does it still feel as good as it is on the gateron housing?

The smoothness found in Gateron switches is the combination of the smooth stem + housing. Putting a Gateron stem into a Cherry housing will still be smooth -- just not as smooth as in the original housing.

From what I've heard Cherry Ergo-Clears have a tendency to get stuck with lighter spring, would the smoother stem help with that?

I'm looking into Ergos because Browns' bump feels too small and I don't like heavy switches(I thought about using Blue spring).

These Gateron "Clears" are actually linear, like Reds and Blacks.

I can highly recommend ErgoClears with 62g springs! They're by far my favourite MX switch. 62g springs work fine on brand new, stock, unlubed switches without causing any sticking and they just feel even better with worn in and lubed stems You can "shave" new Clear stems by scraping the mold lines smooth. It makes them less "scratchy" and reduces the time they take to wear in.

Where would you recommend picking up 62g springs at a good price? I'm looking to build an ergo clear board.

I sell a variety of springs on my site if you're interested.

Cool! Do you just sell gold springs or normal ones as well? Also do you ship to UK?

My inventory is mostly gold springs. I do have a bag of 60g & 62g standard SS springs though.
I also ship worldwide.

I can't find those standard springs on your site. What do I have to do to buy them?

[whentheclouds]

whoops nvm

[Zeal]

Since the gateron leaf is a little different, if you swap gateron black stems into a cherry housing, does it still feel as good as it is on the gateron housing?

The smoothness found in Gateron switches is the combination of the smooth stem + housing. Putting a Gateron stem into a Cherry housing will still be smooth -- just not as smooth as in the original housing.

From what I've heard Cherry Ergo-Clears have a tendency to get stuck with lighter spring, would the smoother stem help with that?

I'm looking into Ergos because Browns' bump feels too small and I don't like heavy switches(I thought about using Blue spring).

These Gateron "Clears" are actually linear, like Reds and Blacks.

I can highly recommend ErgoClears with 62g springs! They're by far my favourite MX switch. 62g springs work fine on brand new, stock, unlubed switches without causing any sticking and they just feel even better with worn in and lubed stems You can "shave" new Clear stems by scraping the mold lines smooth. It makes them less "scratchy" and reduces the time they take to wear in.

Where would you recommend picking up 62g springs at a good price? I'm looking to build an ergo clear board.

I sell a variety of springs on my site if you're interested.

Cool! Do you just sell gold springs or normal ones as well? Also do you ship to UK?

My inventory is mostly gold springs. I do have a bag of 60g & 62g standard SS springs though.
I also ship worldwide.

I can't find those standard springs on your site. What do I have to do to buy them?

PM'd

[snipars]

this is some exciting stuff, especially if the linear switches are as nice as they're said to be 
although there's the question of how durable they are and what kind of rate of failure they have. I really hope gaterons turn out to be a cheap MX killer

[ccc24]

Couple questions, would these switches fit on my ducky zero shine? And blacks are most like cherry vintage blacks right? And which switch would most be like mx green?

[hking0036]

this is some exciting stuff, especially if the linear switches are as nice as they're said to be 
although there's the question of how durable they are and what kind of rate of failure they have. I really hope gaterons turn out to be a cheap MX killer

I hope that they make cherry innovate more than anything. I'm glad to have more competition, it means that the quality can only go up. That said, I also hope that they can stick to one stem, although I'm sure the romer-g's and such use them for a reason I think that it'll just get confusing if you have eleventeen different types of key caps to buy. Only time will tell, though.

[davkol]

Quality can go down to keep price as low as possible too. That's what happened in the 90's anyway.

Weren't all sorts of Gateron switches a part of the Varmillo switch tester drop on MD?

Also, is Gateron the same thing as Gaote? Probably not...?

[hwood34]

Couple questions, would these switches fit on my ducky zero shine? And blacks are most like cherry vintage blacks right? And which switch would most be like mx green?

Yes, yes, and Gateron doesn't currently manufacture a heavy clicky switch, so your best bet would be blues.

Quality can go down to keep price as low as possible too. That's what happened in the 90's anyway.

Weren't all sorts of Gateron switches a part of the Varmillo switch tester drop on MD?

Also, is Gateron the same thing as Gaote? Probably not...?

Yeah, you could get a regular MX tester, or one which either was just gaterons or a bunch of different MX compatible switches that included gaterons (forget). And Gateron and Gaote are two different things, yes.

[ablooga]

is there a keyboard that uses these switches? or do you have to just buy the switches separelyly

[hwood34]

is there a keyboard that uses these switches? or do you have to just buy the switches separelyly

The only one that I've seen using them is a custom keyboard, I forgot which one though. But no big brand stock keyboard come with them yet

[Eszett]

(deleted)

[Magna224]

As you compress the springs over the course of a long time, they will become slightly "shorter" from all the squishing. That's why "vintage" blacks usually have softer springs than stock blacks.

I have "essentially brand new" vintage MX blacks not worn in and they are much smoother than MX blacks you find in modern keyboards. Its not just the usage!

[hwood34]

As you compress the springs over the course of a long time, they will become slightly "shorter" from all the squishing. That's why "vintage" blacks usually have softer springs than stock blacks.

I have "essentially brand new" vintage MX blacks not worn in and they are much smoother than MX blacks you find in modern keyboards. Its not just the usage!

yea vintage springs are also made from 1.4310 SS instead of 1.4301

[Tofunator]

do the gateron housings fit onto the mx switches?

[CPTBadAss]

do the gateron housings fit onto the mx switches?

Yes

[Tofunator]

Yes

awesome. thanks

[MrRooks]

So my thing with Gaterons is... people seem to say they are very smooth but are concerned about durability. If they are made of softer plastic and maybe wear a bit faster, who cares? We're dealing with mechanical keybaords here. If you're interested in Gaterons in the first place your going to be doing some custom work to a KB. If they are smoother and last even half the time, what does it matter? The glory of mechs is they are easily repaired, switch died? Replace it!

I'm going to be doing a custom build with Gateron browns, unless they fail at a CRAZY fast rate I'll take the smoothness boost for a small durability hit. Cheaper and smoother? Sign me up...

[whentheclouds]

The glory of mechs is they are easily repaired, switch died? Replace it!

funny you say that. one of the appeals that initially drew me into researching mechs was the promise of longevity, i.e. buy it for life kind of deal. one single keyboard that you can use for a decade or more sounds pretty good, right? i thought so until i joined this unholy forum

[MrRooks]

The glory of mechs is they are easily repaired, switch died? Replace it!

funny you say that. one of the appeals that initially drew me into researching mechs was the promise of longevity, i.e. buy it for life kind of deal. one single keyboard that you can use for a decade or more sounds pretty good, right? i thought so until i joined this unholy forum

Slippery slope! haha. When I initially did my mech research it was a long time ago and I ended up with a Filco TKL MJ1 with browns, I've since put a programmable controller in it and it's still working great! Hell I don't even have shine on the keys and it's been used every day for 8+ hours. With a bit of self control you can buy one, and only one. But still, if Gaterons were around when I did my research many years ago and people said they were smoother but MIGHT have slightly lower durability(which hasn't even been proven, not enough time in the field) I would probably get those. If anyone doesn't know how to solder, mechs are a great place to learn. Soldering key switches is about as straight forward as it gets(assuming no SMD).

[whentheclouds]

When I initially did my mech research it was a long time ago and I ended up with a Filco TKL MJ1 with browns

twinsies :-) and i agree, spend a couple months here and before you know it, you're suddenly interested in actually customizing your keyboard, and the notion of using a stock board no longer appeals to you

[FoC_Tow]

When I initially did my mech research it was a long time ago and I ended up with a Filco TKL MJ1 with browns

twinsies :-) and i agree, spend a couple months here and before you know it, you're suddenly interested in actually customizing your keyboard, and the notion of using a stock board no longer appeals to you

Twinsies!! <3

(Didn't get a Filco TKL as my first mech, just enjoyed the fact you said Twinsies! Last time I did that around here people somehow felt like I have to justify my self for using that...  )

[Zukoi]

Does anyone know if there ever would be clones of cherry MX clears?

People are really desperate for them.

[Evo_Spec]

Does anyone know if there ever would be clones of cherry MX clears?

People are really desperate for them.

i'm hearing that browns are close, may not be the same but if people are actually "desperate" for them then it should be good enough for them.

[Zukoi]

Does anyone know if there ever would be clones of cherry MX clears?

People are really desperate for them.

i'm hearing that browns are close, may not be the same but if people are actually "desperate" for them then it should be good enough for them.

Well the reason why people choose clears in the first place is because browns leaves an underwhelming feeling. They are similar in that they are tactile but clears have a large bump for the tactile feel so you can see why browns can't replace clears.

[Evo_Spec]

Does anyone know if there ever would be clones of cherry MX clears?

People are really desperate for them.

i'm hearing that browns are close, may not be the same but if people are actually "desperate" for them then it should be good enough for them.

Well the reason why people choose clears in the first place is because browns leaves an underwhelming feeling. They are similar in that they are tactile but clears have a large bump for the tactile feel so you can see why browns can't replace clears.

You realize that this is a gateron thread right?
So Gateron clears are linear.
Also the Gateron Browns are different from the MX Browns, it's said that they're more tactile than the MX Browns.

[Zukoi]

Does anyone know if there ever would be clones of cherry MX clears?

People are really desperate for them.

i'm hearing that browns are close, may not be the same but if people are actually "desperate" for them then it should be good enough for them.

Well the reason why people choose clears in the first place is because browns leaves an underwhelming feeling. They are similar in that they are tactile but clears have a large bump for the tactile feel so you can see why browns can't replace clears.

You realize that this is a gateron thread right?
So Gateron clears are linear.
Also the Gateron Browns are different from the MX Browns, it's said that they're more tactile than the MX Browns.

Woops. I should have specified which clear I was referring to (mx). My mind lapsed about gaterons for a moment.

Anyway, are there pictures of the gateron brown stem? The comparison would be a lot easier. I heard that they were more like light versions of browns but I am probably wrong.

[KHAANNN]

I've read that some of the semi-transparent gateron's had issues with some keycaps, where the stem was stuck sometimes

I have a batch of fully-transparent switch tops, wondering whether I should be worried and maybe not use them
(they didn't have any issues from my limited trials tho, on the contrary, they seemed much better than the cherry tops, got them from zealpc recently)

[daerid]

This thread should probably live in the Reviews forum.

[hwood34]

This thread should probably live in the Reviews forum.

seconded. Not sure what I was thinking putting it in here lol

[infiniti]

This thread should probably live in the Reviews forum.

seconded. Not sure what I was thinking putting it in here lol

*BEEP BOOP*

Moved this to the reviews sub-forum.

[Johan]

So i replaced one of the switches on my filco and i notice this issue.

any ideas?

Threw in a cherrybrown instead, I suspect its the housing. Rahter have a scratchy switch than a sticking one.

[infiniti]

So i replaced one of the switches on my filco and i notice this issue.

any ideas?

Threw in a cherrybrown instead, I suspect its the housing. Rahter have a scratchy switch than a sticking one.

Check the edges around the opening of the switch top housing and see if there is some flashing that makes the stem stick.  You could also swap top housings and see if that fixes things...if it doesn't it's probably a problem with the bottom housing.

[dr_habu]

What would you guys say is the better way of replacing Cherry MX switches with Gaterons(without desoldering) - putting Gateron spring and stem in Cherry housing or replacing everything but the bottom Cherry housing and leaf? I'm talking about PCB mounted switches.

[SpAmRaY]

What would you guys say is the better way of replacing Cherry MX switches with Gaterons(without desoldering) - putting Gateron spring and stem in Cherry housing or replacing everything but the bottom Cherry housing and leaf? I'm talking about PCB mounted switches.

So basically you are asking if it's worth replacing the cherry top with a gateron top when swapping gateron stems and springs into cherry PCB mounted switches?

I would say might as well if you aren't concerned with having a two tone switch housing.

[hwood34]

What would you guys say is the better way of replacing Cherry MX switches with Gaterons(without desoldering) - putting Gateron spring and stem in Cherry housing or replacing everything but the bottom Cherry housing and leaf? I'm talking about PCB mounted switches.

Since the bottom is where you're feeling a lot of the friction, I'd say that switching the full housing is important to really get the benefits

[keshley]

I'm actually thinking of putting Cherry MX tops on my Gaterons... I don't need the milky/clear tops since I don't use LEDs, so the black tops would be nicer aesthetically. But from what I have seen, the Gateron switches fit together nicer, and don't have nearly as much play in the housings, so not sure its worth it.

[dr_habu]

Since the bottom is where you're feeling a lot of the friction, I'd say that switching the full housing is important to really get the benefits

Well, it turns out that the keyboard that I want to buy is currently only manufactured with Cherry MX Blacks, and I want blue switches. Luckily the switches are PCB mounted, so I figured that I could get 100 Gateron Blue switches and use them to replace the factory mounted MX Blacks. So, for me, the main benefit is actually having blue switches instead of blacks.
Why get Gateron Blues and not Cherry MX Blues? Gaterons are cheaper, AFAIK only the leafs aren't fully compatible, and on top of that Gaterons seem to be high quality.

Also - I've asked about the top housing because I was slightly worried about key sticking.

[Vox_PT]

Nice teardown/analysis. 

I was one of the people who got into the Magicforce 68 drop at Massdrop and I was interested in getting a board with Gaterons. Unfortunately I wasn't too interested in the Gateron choices they had. Reds are a bit too light and linear for me, Blues I didn't want because I already have a board with Cherry MX Blues and the same thing goes for Browns. I was looking into Gateron Black switches but the drop didn't had Gateron Blacks as an option, so I went with Cherry MX Black.

Though, I've had the opportunity to try some Gateron switches in a switch tester that I have at my room and I must say that they do feel nice. I like the smoothness they have.

[iLLucionist]

I'm confused.. so gateron clears are not the alternative to mx clears?

What IS the Gateron-alternative to MX clears?

[davkol]

I'm confused.. so gateron clears are not the alternative to mx clears?

What IS the Gateron-alternative to MX clears?

Nothing, or purple Zealio switches with corresponding springs (78g, if it's like sprit's, should be close to lighter stock clears, whereas the lighter variant is pretty much "ergo clear").

[bocahgundul]

I'm confused.. so gateron clears are not the alternative to mx clears?

What IS the Gateron-alternative to MX clears?

Zealios switch or gateron brows if you are desperate

[-musubi]

I'm confused.. so gateron clears are not the alternative to mx clears?

What IS the Gateron-alternative to MX clears?

Zealios switch or gateron brows if you are desperate

Yeah, zeal just submitted a group buy for the switches but they should be in stock soon afterwards for about $1 each ($0.75 pre-order price). However on winkeyless I saw something where he was able to get gateron clears that were tactile

[gadzkun]

want to ask difference about blue and green..
is there any difference between those two beside the spring weight?
i seen zealio R2 had a bigger leaf that zealio R1.
so i was thinking maybe green had a bigger leaf or maybe different stem?
or the only difference was just a spring weight?

[bocahgundul]

want to ask difference about blue and green..
is there any difference between those two beside the spring weight?
i seen zealio R2 had a bigger leaf that zealio R1.
so i was thinking maybe green had a bigger leaf or maybe different stem?
or the only difference was just a spring weight?

Just spring weight differences

[gadzkun]

want to ask difference about blue and green..
is there any difference between those two beside the spring weight?
i seen zealio R2 had a bigger leaf that zealio R1.
so i was thinking maybe green had a bigger leaf or maybe different stem?
or the only difference was just a spring weight?

Just spring weight differences

thank you sir