Author Topic: Community Cherry Switch Tester 2014 (Read 34373 times)

nubbinator · « **on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 20:38:59 »

EDIT: Switch Tester Sign Up Form

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Seeing as how all the switch testers I've seen so far have been with springs cannibalized from other switches, I wanted to try something a little different. Unlike other switch testers, this one is full of your more common Korean springs that you can find at Originative, in group buys like Sprit's and others that have been done in the past, and sometimes in the Classifieds. Thanks to people here in the community and from drawing on my own stock, I was able to get a handful of each of the common switches, a few less common ones, and a ton of different springs.

The caps for the switch tester will likely be some random SP caps that I have lying around, but I may make Cherry profile resin caps that correspond with the underlying color.

The switches present on the main tester are the following:

Blacks: A "good" vintage Black, stock Black, and Blacks in 45g, 55g, 62g, 65g, 67g, and 80g. I may add a Ghost Black (Clear spring) to the supplemental tester.
Red: A single stock Red. No others were included since Reds and Blacks are the same with different springs and a different color stem.
Linear Grey: A stock Grey heavy linear switch
Browns: A stock Brown and Browns in 45g, 55g, 62g, 65g, 67g, and 80g.
Clears: A stock Clear and Clears in 45g, 55g, 62g, 65g, 67g, and 80g. These are unlubed, though I would recommend anyone actually considering it to lube them.
Blues: A stock Blue and Blues in 45g, 55g, 62g, 65g, 67g, and 80g.
Green: A stock Green switch

The supplemental try, made since I didn't have enough room on the Tipro, contains the following:

Tactile Grey: A heavy tactile Grey switch with a large Clear style bump
Whites: A stock White and Whites in 45g, 55g, 62g, 65g, 67g, and 80g. Like Whites are prone to do, not all of them really click.
Likely a "Ghost Black": A Black with a Clear spring
~~One open spot that can be filled with anything or may remain empty.~~ Likely a "Jailhouse" Blue.

Main Switch Tester

Supplemental Switch Tester

Rules for the tester:

You are responsible for paying the shipping forward to the next person on the list. I'll be paying for shipping to the first person on the list.
You must do a review of it at some point when it's in your possession. This can be a brief write up on the different switches or a full fledged review.
No fiddling with it. Do not desolder and mess with the switches. Feel free to look at them, but do not mod the tester.
Post when the tester has shipped and provide shipping info to the next person in line.
Feel free to add caps, such as POM, thick ABS (Cherry/GMK), PBT, novelty caps, and so on, but pass on all the caps it came with to the next person on the list. I may include one of my key cap pullers in the box so it's easier to try out different caps on the tester.
Ship the tester on to the next person no more than 7 days after you get it. Sooner is better, but if you need the full 7 days, go for it.
You must be an established GH member. That just means you can't have only signed up for this or have a zero or ridiculously low post count.

Right now it will be US only, but it may go international later, especially if there are some people with APO addresses willing to ship within the country or nearby countries.

Sign Up:

I'll add a proper survey to collect shipping info and the like later, but for now, just express your interest and I'll add you to the list.

1pq
riotonthebay
TacticalStache - need shipping info
gameaholic - need shipping info
mooswa - need shipping info
DrinkTea - need shipping info
Jalberstone - need shipping info
CPTBadAss - need shipping info
Sniping
...

Edit: Since there was some confusion, the above is the sign up order, the below is the shipping order.

Here's the order for the tour: Those who have gone already have been struck through. We need to do a small reorder since a small confusion took place.

Tacticalstache
riotonthebay
Luis911
1pq
CPTBadAss
Folio
smferris
jacobolus
Sniping
semyorka
Gameaholic
mooswa
Jalberstone

1pq · « **Reply #1 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 20:42:53 »

Sweet! Thanks so much for doing this. I'd love to be a part of it

fourzeropooh · « **Reply #2 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 20:43:59 »

Jailhouse blues?

1pq · « **Reply #3 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 20:45:06 »

Quote from: fourzeropooh on Sun, 12 January 2014, 20:43:59

Jailhouse blues?

^_^ You should definitely add those if possible, nub

nubbinator · « **Reply #4 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 20:46:14 »

Quote from: fourzeropooh on Sun, 12 January 2014, 20:43:59

Jailhouse blues?

Sounds like a plan.

...now to figure out what's the best way to "lock" the switch down. The plastic insert method is too touchy, so likely one of the wrapping methods.

riotonthebay · « **Reply #5 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 20:49:33 »

I'm very interested. I'd love a jailhouse blue on the aux tester as well.

Puddsy · « **Reply #6 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 20:56:39 »

I'm down. I bet I can convince a few people to buy keyboards with the try.

1pq · « **Reply #7 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 20:57:41 »

Our locations are working out very well (I'm in MA).

SpAmRaY · « **Reply #8 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 21:09:08 »

Awesome tester nubs!

Ghetto Caps · « **Reply #9 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 21:09:33 »

REMOVED ,wups i forgot to read it carefuly

Puddsy · « **Reply #10 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 21:11:28 »

I think it should depend on where people are willing to ship, but it's nubs' tester, so it's up to nubs.

joneslee85 · « **Reply #11 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 21:16:03 »

envy with US members, I hope one day I could get my review on this

gameaholic · « **Reply #12 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 22:07:54 »

Count me in!

mooswa · « **Reply #13 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 23:11:15 »

Fantastic! Please count me in!

clickclack123 · « **Reply #14 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 23:43:42 »

I'd love to get in on this, but unfortunately I'm in Australia... Bloody CONUS all the time!!

nubbinator · « **Reply #15 on:** Sun, 12 January 2014, 23:46:53 »

Quote from: clickclack123 on Sun, 12 January 2014, 23:43:42

I'd love to get in on this, but unfortunately I'm in Australia... Bloody CONUS all the time!!

If enough Australians want to get in on it, we can always split the shipping to and from Australia between you and the others once the US rounds are done. The main issue is just that it's asking a lot for one person to pay for international shipping and there's always the potential that it will get lost in the post.

DrinkTea · « **Reply #16 on:** Mon, 13 January 2014, 01:03:50 »

I am interested!

clickclack123 · « **Reply #17 on:** Mon, 13 January 2014, 01:31:20 »

Quote from: nubbinator on Sun, 12 January 2014, 23:46:53

Quote from: clickclack123 on Sun, 12 January 2014, 23:43:42
I'd love to get in on this, but unfortunately I'm in Australia... Bloody CONUS all the time!!

If enough Australians want to get in on it, we can always split the shipping to and from Australia between you and the others once the US rounds are done. The main issue is just that it's asking a lot for one person to pay for international shipping and there's always the potential that it will get lost in the post.

Just guessing but I'd say there'd be a lot of Aussies interested. Don't forget us when the US leg is done!!

Jalberstone · « **Reply #18 on:** Mon, 13 January 2014, 01:48:21 »

I know I don't have that many posts, but I would love to sign up if I can.

terran5992 · « **Reply #19 on:** Mon, 13 January 2014, 02:25:00 »

This would be pretty great for keyboard newbies

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #20 on:** Mon, 13 January 2014, 08:30:15 »

If you're not willing to risk shipping internationally Nubbinator, I have a tester I'd be willing to send abroad.

Also I'd like to sign up if I could. There's a few spring weights in there that would be cool to play with.

nubbinator · « **Reply #21 on:** Mon, 13 January 2014, 09:06:43 »

Quote from: clickclack123 on Mon, 13 January 2014, 01:31:20

Just guessing but I'd say there'd be a lot of Aussies interested. Don't forget us when the US leg is done!!

Get them to chime in in here. I can always start getting the Aussie leg ready for when the US run is done.

And remember, there's nothing stopping someone in Australia, Europe, or wherever from making one to send around either. In some cases, making one would be just as expensive as getting one shipped in internationally.

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Mon, 13 January 2014, 08:30:15

If you're not willing to risk shipping internationally Nubbinator, I have a tester I'd be willing to send abroad.

Also I'd like to sign up if I could. There's a few spring weights in there that would be cool to play with.

I'm fine with shipping it internationally, I just want to keep it in the same country with a decent number of people signed up if I do so. Keeping it US right now just makes things easier and makes it so no one has to pay a lot to send it abroad. That and shipping it back and forth between countries a bunch of times increases the risk it will get lost. If it just goes into that country once, makes the rounds, then comes back, that risk is reduced.

bueller · « **Reply #22 on:** Mon, 13 January 2014, 10:07:02 »

If people are keen on an Aussie switch tester I can start getting one together. I already have brown, clear, blue and vintage blacks so I don't think it would be that hard to source the extra stems and springs to get it rolling. I'll start a thread and see what I can put together.

smferris · « **Reply #23 on:** Mon, 13 January 2014, 10:13:44 »

I just signed up recently so I could get my hands on the keyboard AcidFire is developing over in http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44940.990, but if you don't mind my tiny post count I'd love to get on the list for the tester so that I can figure out which switches I prefer.

clickclack123 · « **Reply #24 on:** Mon, 13 January 2014, 17:07:50 »

Quote from: bueller on Mon, 13 January 2014, 10:07:02

If people are keen on an Aussie switch tester I can start getting one together. I already have brown, clear, blue and vintage blacks so I don't think it would be that hard to source the extra stems and springs to get it rolling. I'll start a thread and see what I can put together.

That would be awesome, bueller. If I had more switches I would help out, but I only have browns atm. I'm very keen to try reds, clears and especially ergo clears.

Hopefully it's not too off-topic, it is regarding switch testers: where does one get a plate or pcb for a switch tester? Do you make your own or use some kind of a numpad thing? I need to get my own laser cutter/cnc miller or 3d printer!!

Photoelectric · « **Reply #25 on:** Mon, 13 January 2014, 17:15:47 »

I can make one or two jailhouse blues easily, as I've got a board's worth of them already, but I have no free Blues to use

If anyone could spare a blue switch or two, I could mod them and send to Nubs.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45992.msg966197
I use 45g springs for them to avoid cutting stock springs. A couple would be good--I'd leave one with stock 60g spring and do one with a 45g spring to compare.

HPE1000 · « **Reply #26 on:** Mon, 13 January 2014, 17:16:33 »

Hmm, great idea nubbs, I might pass on it though, the only switches I want to try at this point are mx whites and topre

I would be down to send you a 120g spring later on once sprits group buy is over, if you would be interested in adding that for later on.

Vaii · « **Reply #27 on:** Mon, 13 January 2014, 17:29:37 »

Would definitely join if I was able to, sadly I do not live in the US.

Looks prett badass though, great idea!

nubbinator · « **Reply #28 on:** Mon, 13 January 2014, 20:28:46 »

Quote from: bueller on Mon, 13 January 2014, 10:07:02

If people are keen on an Aussie switch tester I can start getting one together. I already have brown, clear, blue and vintage blacks so I don't think it would be that hard to source the extra stems and springs to get it rolling. I'll start a thread and see what I can put together.

I can serve as a US proxy to you for parts if people want to donate parts for it. Like I said though, I have no problem shooting it down to Australia once it's done here. Just get ~5-10 people on board so that the shipping cost isn't too much.

Quote from: smferris on Mon, 13 January 2014, 10:13:44

I just signed up recently so I could get my hands on the keyboard AcidFire is developing over in http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44940.990, but if you don't mind my tiny post count I'd love to get on the list for the tester so that I can figure out which switches I prefer.

If you keep involved in the community and show it means something to you, I'll add you. I may add you at the end and just have you send a Paypal deposit on it then have it sent off to you. Not that I think you're dishonest, but it's just one way to make sure there's an incentive to send it back.

Quote from: clickclack123 on Mon, 13 January 2014, 17:07:50

Hopefully it's not too off-topic, it is regarding switch testers: where does one get a plate or pcb for a switch tester? Do you make your own or use some kind of a numpad thing? I need to get my own laser cutter/cnc miller or 3d printer!!

Mine is built on a Tipro I picked up for fairly cheap. They've been going for far too much lately though, closer to $25-30 than the ~$15 I think I paid for mine.

Quote from: Photoelectric on Mon, 13 January 2014, 17:15:47

I can make one or two jailhouse blues easily, as I've got a board's worth of them already, but I have no free Blues to use If anyone could spare a blue switch or two, I could mod them and send to Nubs.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45992.msg966197
I use 45g springs for them to avoid cutting stock springs. A couple would be good--I'd leave one with stock 60g spring and do one with a 45g spring to compare.

I've got a few on hand to make my own. I think it will have to be with a 55g spring though. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to lock it down. I have a couple left, so I might try superglue on one, solder on another, and something like your o-rings if I have another left.

nubbinator · « **Reply #29 on:** Wed, 15 January 2014, 20:17:09 »

I added a proper sign up at the top. So if you're interested make sure to sign up. Even if I have your username on the list, I still need you to sign up.

I also added something for you Aussies. If there's enough interest from you, I'll be doing an Australian tour with it.

riotonthebay · « **Reply #30 on:** Wed, 15 January 2014, 20:23:14 »

Signed up!

clickclack123 · « **Reply #31 on:** Wed, 15 January 2014, 23:22:52 »

There's at least one Aussie signed up now!

libz94 · « **Reply #32 on:** Thu, 16 January 2014, 03:52:48 »

Sadly I just found out about this website :/ Is there any other chance to have a tester like this to get somewhere in Europe? Would be interesting.

Anyway really nice idea.

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #33 on:** Thu, 16 January 2014, 10:08:22 »

Quote from: libz94 on Thu, 16 January 2014, 03:52:48

Is there any other chance to have a tester like this to get somewhere in Europe? Would be interesting.

You could try your luck at Deskthority. They're more European oriented. That being said, I'm considering doing some form of an international tour with mine.

1pq · « **Reply #34 on:** Thu, 16 January 2014, 10:16:54 »

Signed up.
When do you expect to be mailing this out, Nub? Can't wait to try 'em

Again, thanks so much for organizing this!

nubbinator · « **Reply #35 on:** Mon, 20 January 2014, 12:00:31 »

Quote from: 1pq on Thu, 16 January 2014, 10:16:54

Signed up.
When do you expect to be mailing this out, Nub? Can't wait to try 'em
Again, thanks so much for organizing this!

I've been waiting for a few more people to sign up and those who signed up in here to fill out the sign up form. Right now I only have 4 people signed up on the list.

Puddsy · « **Reply #36 on:** Mon, 20 January 2014, 12:10:15 »

Make it 5.

jacobolus · « **Reply #37 on:** Mon, 20 January 2014, 22:22:53 »

It’s slightly off topic but.. it would be awesome to get a custom plate or two cut which could fit an assortment of Alps, SMK, Futaba, Cherry MX, etc. switches, and custom PCBs, and then try to give some idea about effect of plate mounted vs. PCB mounted vs. plate + direct wiring on the feeling, as well as different switch types, etc.

As far as I can tell, previous switch-try bags have been of loose switches, which makes it hard to get an idea what they feel like when installed.

Also, on this current switch tester, it might be nice to add one each of stock red/brown/black/blue/clear with lubricant applied, or at least 2-3 of them, so someone can get a basic impression of what difference that makes. And maybe include some o-rings.

1pq · « **Reply #38 on:** Tue, 21 January 2014, 21:10:49 »

+1 on the lubing idea

nubbinator · « **Reply #39 on:** Tue, 21 January 2014, 21:17:00 »

Don't have enough room on the tester to lube. And at this point, it would be too much work. Maybe on a future try if I do a bigger one.

Jalberstone · « **Reply #40 on:** Tue, 21 January 2014, 21:29:38 »

I filled out the form yesterday but forgot to post about it!

Comment · « **Reply #41 on:** Tue, 21 January 2014, 22:13:32 »

Quote from: 1pq on Sun, 12 January 2014, 20:42:53

Sweet! Thanks so much for doing this. I'd love to be a part of it

Dat first post. Grats and looking forward to the review!

1pq · « **Reply #42 on:** Sun, 26 January 2014, 21:35:55 »

Quote from: Comment on Tue, 21 January 2014, 22:13:32

Quote from: 1pq on Sun, 12 January 2014, 20:42:53
Sweet! Thanks so much for doing this. I'd love to be a part of it
Dat first post. Grats and looking forward to the review!

Yeah--I can't wait! Expect a nice long review haha

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #43 on:** Sun, 26 January 2014, 21:38:00 »

PMed you with my address.

Edit: Also filled out the form again.

Air tree · « **Reply #44 on:** Sun, 26 January 2014, 22:02:59 »

This is something I have to try since I'm get a topre board and I want to have something to compare it too!

nubbinator · « **Reply #45 on:** Mon, 27 January 2014, 09:07:57 »

Alright, I'm giving this until the end of the month to let any dawdlers to sign up. In the first week of February, I'll the be sending it out to the first person on the list and will be sending out PMs to each person who signed up with shipping info for the next person on the list.

1pq · « **Reply #46 on:** Mon, 27 January 2014, 20:03:43 »

Sweet! Can't wait for it

nubbinator · « **Reply #47 on:** Thu, 30 January 2014, 21:50:43 »

Tomorrow is the last day to sign up. After that, I will be shipping it Saturday to a random person on the list and will be getting the order all lined up and shipping info passed on to everyone.

1pq · « **Reply #48 on:** Fri, 31 January 2014, 05:43:45 »

Quote from: nubbinator on Thu, 30 January 2014, 21:50:43

Tomorrow is the last day to sign up. After that, I will be shipping it Saturday to a random person on the list and will be getting the order all lined up and shipping info passed on to everyone.

Random?

nubbinator · « **Reply #49 on:** Fri, 31 January 2014, 08:55:35 »

Nothing is truly random.

News:

Author Topic: Community Cherry Switch Tester 2014 (Read 34373 times)