geekhack
geekhack Community => Reviews => Topic started by: Lastpilot on Fri, 31 May 2013, 07:33:47
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Switch Review Directory
If you're reading this you've probably been in the situation where you want to read EVERYTHING possible on a type of switch that you are interested in. This is my attempt at making that process easier by compiling a directory of review threads.
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Ordered in ascending level of detail:
Switch Decision Tree (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k221/undarken/Mechancial.png) Made by SquareBox!
Switch Ratings for Gaming, Typing, and Both (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/mechanical_switches.php) MechanicalKeyboards.com attempts to facilitate a rating system allowing anyone to vote on Gaming, Typing, and Balanced categories.
MX Red VS MX Brown (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44257.0) GH users compare reds and browns.
MX Red VS MX Black (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45700.0) GH users compare reds and blacks.
Realforce 45g vs 55g (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45708.0) GH users compare 45g and 55g Topre. MX comparisons are also included.
MX Brown VS MX Clear (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45821.0) GH users compare browns and clears.
NEW! MX Red Switches for Typing? (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56623.0) GH users discuss MX reds for typist needs.
Why Ergo Clears? (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54366.0) GH users talk about springs in clear switches.
Switch Review thread in Keyboards subforum (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39272) GH Users posting quick, brief thoughts on the switches they've used. Many of the reviews here are just a few sentences so this is a good starting point if you want an overview of different people's perspectives.
GH Wiki Guide (http://wiki.geekhack.org/index.php?title=Mechanical_Keyboards) Light explanation of the functioning architecture of different types of switches. [Does not include MX variations]
Best Cherry MX Mechanical Key Switch for Gamers and Typists (http://www.yurtopic.com/tech/gadgets/cherry-mx.html) Paul Lucas writes about which MX Switches are best suited for gaming or typing.
Mr. Interface Switch Try Bag Review (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41117.0) Moderately comprehensive review on many of currently produced switches. Has pictures! From CPTBadAss.
Post-Chicago/Great Lakes/Nashville Meetup Switch Reviews (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42669.0) CPTBadAss writes on new experiences like 65g Korean springs, 45g Topre switches, Ergo Whites and Ergo Clears.
Will you like Cherry MX Reds? (http://sittingscribe.com/which-mechanical-keyboard-switch-should-i-get-cherry-mx-red-keyswitch/) Peter Hallam writes about his MX Red experience in great detail. Includes videos, animations, actuation graphs and typing accuracy measurements.
UST Tour 2013 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39254) Universal Switch Tester [image (http://i.imgur.com/mtIIk.jpg)] is passed among nine individuals. All kinds of reviews here. Some write objectively, some opinionated and some are just plain strange [mine] lol. MX switches only.
CaptainBadAss' Keycap and Switch Test Tour 2013 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44312) People post thoughts on different keycap and switch combinations. Includes Alps, Topre, Buckling Spring, and MX switches paired with ABS, PBT, Zinc and Novelty keycaps!
NEW! Community Cherry Switch Tester 2014 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=53344) Very MX. Much testing. Many write. Wow.
UST Tour 2013 R2 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44880.0) Universal Switch Tester [image (http://i.imgur.com/mtIIk.jpg)] is passed among ten individuals. Comprehensive opinions on MX switches.
Lifehacker Mechanical Keyboard Guide (http://lifehacker.com/how-to-choose-the-best-mechanical-keyboard-and-why-you-511140347): Great, comprehensive guide for newbies on how to choose your keyboard. Animations, pictures and superb write up.
VR-Forum Mechanical Keyboard Guide (http://forums.vr-zone.com/hardware-depot/890488-vr-forums-mechanical-keyboard-club-guide-discussion-thread.html) Includes cherry switch sound comparison,animations, and videos! Cherry MX only.
2009 Overclock.net Guide (http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide) Pretty comprehensive guide explaining switches to the layman. Includes animations, terminology and lots of pictures. Little dated though.
DT Wiki (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Category:List_of_all_keyboard_switches) Includes almost exhaustive list of all the switches accompanied by descriptions and some history.
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Please let me know what else to add to this list! You can PM me or post here :D Thanks!
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Thanks for this, it very was informative! Makes me want to try black switches more and more.
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Thanks for adding my work to this list! It's cool to see a collection of reviews in one place. :D
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Ohmagawd, you posted really fast! O.O
Yay guys, thanks for the support! Now have 13 links on here. Check out the CPTBadAss Tour taking signups NOWWWWW!
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By the way, this is a ridiculously good guide too. Posted by (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44462.msg920804#msg920804) Shadovved.
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EDIT: Ah you meant the picture. Yes let me add that!
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I actually meant this guide from vr-zone: http://forums.vr-zone.com/hardware-depot/890488-vr-forums-mechanical-keyboard-club-guide-discussion-thread.html
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XD I gotcha! Gonna leave the decision chart up since some people might just want that too.
WOOO HOOOOOO! Got stickied!
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I wonder if you can pass the OP ownership to me LastPilot so we can keep this going while you're away from GeekHack.
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Very nice job, this should help a lot of people.
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Updated! Two new links :]
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Welcome back!
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Thank you sir! It is great to be back.
Sorry I never got back to you, it seems I left before seeing your post. Anyway, I appreciate you willing to take over for me. I'll let you know if I ever take another leave. :]
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Thx for useful Directory!
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lots of nice infos here but I keep waiting for next gen buckling spring keyboards... ^^
Now that IBM patent has expired, we should see new models,
better and cheaper than MX type keyboards.
MX keyboard are expensive because Cherry has no competitors,
but as soon as a company will produce clipsed buckling spring switches,
prices are going to fall down... better for all of us :)
You can compare MX colors but if you compare MX to BS or high-end domes,
IMO MX is bad, even for gaming, and mainly for gaming, just because
you need more force to keep a key pressed. On a model M or my Compaq RT102,
you need almost no force to keep a key down, I find it much better for FPS-like games
or MMO where keys are used for character movements.
Cherry MX is a fashion... I bet it will fall down in 1 or 2 years. Far too expensive anyway.
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You realize cherry MX has been around for years right?
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lots of nice infos here but I keep waiting for next gen buckling spring keyboards... ^^
Now that IBM patent has expired, we should see new models,
better and cheaper than MX type keyboards.
MX keyboard are expensive because Cherry has no competitors,
but as soon as a company will produce clipsed buckling spring switches,
prices are going to fall down... better for all of us :)
You can compare MX colors but if you compare MX to BS or high-end domes,
IMO MX is bad, even for gaming, and mainly for gaming, just because
you need more force to keep a key pressed. On a model M or my Compaq RT102,
you need almost no force to keep a key down, I find it much better for FPS-like games
or MMO where keys are used for character movements.
Cherry MX is a fashion... I bet it will fall down in 1 or 2 years. Far too expensive anyway.
im laughing so hard
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Wow, what a great thread! Thanks for putting this together!
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lots of nice infos here but I keep waiting for next gen buckling spring keyboards... ^^
Now that IBM patent has expired, we should see new models,
better and cheaper than MX type keyboards.
MX keyboard are expensive because Cherry has no competitors,
but as soon as a company will produce clipsed buckling spring switches,
prices are going to fall down... better for all of us :)
You can compare MX colors but if you compare MX to BS or high-end domes,
IMO MX is bad, even for gaming, and mainly for gaming, just because
you need more force to keep a key pressed. On a model M or my Compaq RT102,
you need almost no force to keep a key down, I find it much better for FPS-like games
or MMO where keys are used for character movements.
Cherry MX is a fashion... I bet it will fall down in 1 or 2 years. Far too expensive anyway.
im laughing so hard
Well you may laugh^^ but this is only my taste, I have a brown MX keyboard which is not too bad, but I still prefer my other black lubed ALPS one, question of personnal feeling. A lot of marketing on MX but it's not always the best option IMO.
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Updated
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I think the impressions found in this thread (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=53344) might be helpful as well.
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Yo thanks homie. Updated TIMES TWO! Yeeee boiii.
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Thanks for putting this together.
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This is a good read through. Thanks for that!
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I hate to spam this fine thread with a posting of doubtful value, but I have to say thank you very much for this compilation on switches reviews, that is a recursive question we newbies and seniors alike have had at least once, and most of us are having many times during our keyboard-addiction journey.
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For whatever it's worth (With my lack of quality not much! :p ) I have done Video reviews on most of the common switches. Of course these are very subjective.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7ak2YdFASQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7ak2YdFASQ) MX Browns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY8NbBgeqOo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY8NbBgeqOo) MX Blacks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8HIldNWJf4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8HIldNWJf4) MX Whites
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9RmfrtD4d0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9RmfrtD4d0) MX Clears
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfCX0wqW-ig (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfCX0wqW-ig) MX Blues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbDVjFPZU_8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbDVjFPZU_8) (Attempt to describe what Topre feels like for those without access to it)
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For whatever it's worth (With my lack of quality not much! :p ) I have done Video reviews on most of the common switches. Of course these are very subjective.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7ak2YdFASQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7ak2YdFASQ) MX Browns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY8NbBgeqOo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY8NbBgeqOo) MX Blacks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8HIldNWJf4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8HIldNWJf4) MX Whites
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9RmfrtD4d0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9RmfrtD4d0) MX Clears
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfCX0wqW-ig (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfCX0wqW-ig) MX Blues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbDVjFPZU_8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbDVjFPZU_8) (Attempt to describe what Topre feels like for those without access to it)
my favorite video reviews on keyboards.. big fan always enjoy your reviews.Keep up the good work.
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lots of nice infos here but I keep waiting for next gen buckling spring keyboards... ^^
Now that IBM patent has expired, we should see new models,
better and cheaper than MX type keyboards.
MX keyboard are expensive because Cherry has no competitors,
but as soon as a company will produce clipsed buckling spring switches,
prices are going to fall down... better for all of us :)
You can compare MX colors but if you compare MX to BS or high-end domes,
IMO MX is bad, even for gaming, and mainly for gaming, just because
you need more force to keep a key pressed. On a model M or my Compaq RT102,
you need almost no force to keep a key down, I find it much better for FPS-like games
or MMO where keys are used for character movements.
Cherry MX is a fashion... I bet it will fall down in 1 or 2 years. Far too expensive anyway.
im laughing so hard
still laughing
-
lots of nice infos here but I keep waiting for next gen buckling spring keyboards... ^^
Now that IBM patent has expired, we should see new models,
better and cheaper than MX type keyboards.
MX keyboard are expensive because Cherry has no competitors,
but as soon as a company will produce clipsed buckling spring switches,
prices are going to fall down... better for all of us :)
You can compare MX colors but if you compare MX to BS or high-end domes,
IMO MX is bad, even for gaming, and mainly for gaming, just because
you need more force to keep a key pressed. On a model M or my Compaq RT102,
you need almost no force to keep a key down, I find it much better for FPS-like games
or MMO where keys are used for character movements.
Cherry MX is a fashion... I bet it will fall down in 1 or 2 years. Far too expensive anyway.
im laughing so hard
still laughing
kilogeek been mia since mid-2015.
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good job :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
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Really good reviews!