Author Topic: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches  (Read 51107 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline pixelpusher

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 4179
  • Location: Tennessee - USA
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #50 on: Sat, 03 November 2018, 23:12:11 »
I keep hearing people refer to OG and first generation box switches as if this is no longer an issue. I have been told the exact opposite by several people. Do I need this if I buy new box switches or not?

I'm trying to test them but it's a slow process.  I have a GMK set sitting on retooled box red switches.  They've been on there for over two weeks and still not signs of stress.  I'll try another box switch in a few days probably.  I own a full set of all of them, old and newly retooled.
« Last Edit: Sat, 03 November 2018, 23:22:24 by pixelpusher »

Offline lutchbu

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #51 on: Sun, 04 November 2018, 05:04:38 »
Can you explain how this tool actually works??
OG box stems have little ridges on the side that can break caps, this cuts them off
Awesome illustration! Thanks for making it.

Hey OP, what do you think would your tool work with Nexus ALPS to MX stem equally well? Turns out, they need some shaving too.
I don't see why it shouldn't work with all MX style stems.

Offline Techno Trousers

  • Posts: 908
  • ʘ_ಠ
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #52 on: Sun, 04 November 2018, 17:22:01 »
Thanks for updating with FAQ. I've registered, and am looking forward to it!

Offline dario

  • Posts: 217
  • Location: Croatia
  • obsessive–compulsive hardware slut
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #53 on: Tue, 06 November 2018, 11:27:47 »
Hey OP, what do you think would your tool work with Nexus ALPS to MX stem equally well? Turns out, they need some shaving too.
I don't see why it shouldn't work with all MX style stems.

There is one thing I still don't understand though.
Guy who's making those Nexus stems mentioned 1.28 mm as his goal after shaving with a razor blade.

You on the other hand was going after 1.25 mm if I understood correctly what you wrote in the initial post? Isn't that perhaps a little bit too thin?

What's the official Cherry specification?
« Last Edit: Tue, 06 November 2018, 11:43:03 by dario »

Offline BlindAssassin111

  • Posts: 1106
  • Location: Behind you
  • I design keyboards and stuff.
    • Viktus
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #54 on: Tue, 06 November 2018, 12:47:27 »
Hey OP, what do you think would your tool work with Nexus ALPS to MX stem equally well? Turns out, they need some shaving too.
I don't see why it shouldn't work with all MX style stems.

There is one thing I still don't understand though.
Guy who's making those Nexus stems mentioned 1.28 mm as his goal after shaving with a razor blade.

You on the other hand was going after 1.25 mm if I understood correctly what you wrote in the initial post? Isn't that perhaps a little bit too thin?

My spec was 1.30mm±0.02mm, but the mold is measuring 1.28mm or 1.29mm, so a light shave would be 1.25mm, but I actually fully cut them off on mine and the caps still stay on.

Offline dario

  • Posts: 217
  • Location: Croatia
  • obsessive–compulsive hardware slut
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #55 on: Tue, 06 November 2018, 12:58:08 »
My spec was 1.30mm±0.02mm, but the mold is measuring 1.28mm or 1.29mm, so a light shave would be 1.25mm, but I actually fully cut them off on mine and the caps still stay on.

Thing is, official MX spec that I found was 1.31 +/-0.2 mm. GMK molds are actually OG Cherry molds, so they should work fine on Cherry stem.

You are saying yours are 1.28 and they still somehow have problems. I find that to be peculiar because obviously stem thickness is just one of the factors, and shape, size and volume of the knob on the stem may actually have a lot to do with the problem, but that's just my speculation.

Offline BlindAssassin111

  • Posts: 1106
  • Location: Behind you
  • I design keyboards and stuff.
    • Viktus
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #56 on: Tue, 06 November 2018, 13:16:15 »
Thing is, official MX spec that I found was 1.31 +/-0.2 mm. GMK molds are actually OG Cherry molds, so they should work fine on Cherry stem.

You are saying yours are 1.28 and they still somehow have problems. I find that to be peculiar because obviously stem thickness is just one of the factors, and shape, size and volume of the knob on the stem may actually have a lot to do with the problem, but that's just my speculation.

Oh I know the geometry is the problem...but only now because the sliders were designed before the issue with BOX switches came to light, and I was going off of their design but thinner. V2 is going to be like cherry but I still don't know what dimension, Cherry spec may be 1.31±0.02mm but they tend to measure smaller than that, so I will have to figure that out.

Offline dario

  • Posts: 217
  • Location: Croatia
  • obsessive–compulsive hardware slut
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #57 on: Tue, 06 November 2018, 13:26:56 »
V2 is going to be like cherry but I still don't know what dimension, Cherry spec may be 1.31±0.02mm but they tend to measure smaller than that, so I will have to figure that out.

Yeah, to complicate things even further, size of the mold is one thing and size of the product is another because POM shrinks a little bit during the cooling process. It's quite difficult to determine everything right
« Last Edit: Tue, 06 November 2018, 13:29:02 by dario »

Offline Vizir

  • Posts: 298
  • Location: Tulsa, OK
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #58 on: Tue, 06 November 2018, 18:15:46 »
I'll take 1

Offline TheMastermind

  • Posts: 71
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #59 on: Tue, 06 November 2018, 21:28:06 »
Def would buy 2 budget ones as I plan on fixing quite a few switches.

Offline Darknight00z

  • Posts: 644
  • Location: UK
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #60 on: Wed, 07 November 2018, 11:05:09 »
Would caps be loose on 1.25mm?

Offline AlcoholEnthusiast

  • Posts: 456
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #61 on: Wed, 07 November 2018, 12:36:28 »
Hey OP, any update on these?

Offline lutchbu

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #62 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 12:28:43 »
Hey OP, what do you think would your tool work with Nexus ALPS to MX stem equally well? Turns out, they need some shaving too.
I don't see why it shouldn't work with all MX style stems.

There is one thing I still don't understand though.
Guy who's making those Nexus stems mentioned 1.28 mm as his goal after shaving with a razor blade.

You on the other hand was going after 1.25 mm if I understood correctly what you wrote in the initial post? Isn't that perhaps a little bit too thin?

What's the official Cherry specification?

Hey OP, what do you think would your tool work with Nexus ALPS to MX stem equally well? Turns out, they need some shaving too.
I don't see why it shouldn't work with all MX style stems.

There is one thing I still don't understand though.
Guy who's making those Nexus stems mentioned 1.28 mm as his goal after shaving with a razor blade.

You on the other hand was going after 1.25 mm if I understood correctly what you wrote in the initial post? Isn't that perhaps a little bit too thin?

My spec was 1.30mm±0.02mm, but the mold is measuring 1.28mm or 1.29mm, so a light shave would be 1.25mm, but I actually fully cut them off on mine and the caps still stay on.

Would caps be loose on 1.25mm?

1.25mm is not too thin. I have some Gateron Reds that measure at around 1.22mm.
I removed the nubs entirely on one of the BOX switches and this is definitely to thin (~1.08mm). Keycaps still hold on when turned upside down but just barely.

Hey OP, any update on these?
I've been working on a new version. I'll post an update this weekend.

Offline LightningXI

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 4280
  • Location: New York
  • PPD
    • ArtisanMacro
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #63 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 12:34:05 »
Ideally the shaving should be to the point where it holds as well as an original Cherry MX switch does.

Offline dario

  • Posts: 217
  • Location: Croatia
  • obsessive–compulsive hardware slut
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #64 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 13:16:26 »
Ideally the shaving should be to the point where it holds as well as an original Cherry MX switch does.

Yes but this is almost impossible to do properly because OG Cherry stems have different geometry. You can measure the thickess and try to reproduce that, but it most probably won't feel the same on another stem.

Offline lutchbu

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #65 on: Sun, 11 November 2018, 19:45:56 »
First post updated with new version and prototype pictures.

Offline 82d28a

  • Posts: 71
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #66 on: Sun, 11 November 2018, 19:59:52 »
Good job!

Offline Starius

  • Posts: 602
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #67 on: Sun, 11 November 2018, 21:17:42 »
By golly, I really want this to work. This could save the box switches. 
I only just noticed the video in the initial post too, that is very compelling. 

Thank you so much for starting this project!

Offline BlindAssassin111

  • Posts: 1106
  • Location: Behind you
  • I design keyboards and stuff.
    • Viktus
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #68 on: Sun, 11 November 2018, 21:33:59 »
OP if you need someone to test the shaver on the Nexus sliders, hit me up. They have a very similar bump to the box switches so I would be curious to see how it does. Plus you may get more sales if I can confirm it. :P

Offline Ambelie

  • Posts: 6
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #69 on: Sun, 11 November 2018, 23:37:52 »
I have a few hundred box switches that I'm not planning on using. If you need someone to test these let me know. I also work in a machine shop and can do precision measurements if you want to collect more data on the dimensions after shaving.

Offline xoxox1029

  • Posts: 92
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #70 on: Mon, 12 November 2018, 05:13:06 »
feel bad for people whove used the box switches until now,

Offline funderburker

  • * Exquisite Elder
  • Posts: 1395
  • Location: Latvia, Riga
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #71 on: Mon, 12 November 2018, 05:31:16 »
feel bad for people whove used the box switches until now,

Why? It's only an real issue if you have them on "end-game" builds and/or GMK keysets I think. They're still great switches just ****s up keysets :D
« Last Edit: Mon, 12 November 2018, 05:41:29 by funderburker »
Keyboard design by Skepur

My boards: TMO50 FE:06 | LAGOM Groda-T | TMOv2 R1 prototype | Onyx FRL TKL prototype | Stege TKL prototype | Ellipse prototype | Cyberstar

Offline ExuDeCandomble

  • Posts: 24
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #72 on: Mon, 12 November 2018, 08:24:14 »
Why? It's only an real issue if you have them on "end-game" builds and/or GMK keysets I think. They're still great switches just ****s up keysets :D

This is a good point. I've actually considered getting something like Maxkey WoB so that I can use Box switches with impunity!

Offline Acereconkeys

  • Posts: 498
  • Location: West Coast US of A
  • Happiness = life - expectations
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #73 on: Mon, 12 November 2018, 11:37:56 »
OP if you need someone to test the shaver on the Nexus sliders, hit me up. They have a very similar bump to the box switches so I would be curious to see how it does. Plus you may get more sales if I can confirm it. :P

Someone get this man a stem shaver... stat!! I really hope this solves one of the unforseen aspects of the nexus buy.

TMO50 | Jane V2 CE Incoming | Realforce 87u 55g | Aergo

Aergo design and build log: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103681.msg2840918#msg2840918

Offline abrahamstechnology

  • Posts: 210
  • Location: USA
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #74 on: Mon, 12 November 2018, 13:06:28 »
I volunteer to be a tester. I will put this through heavy use. Will pay whatever you want!

Offline Techno Trousers

  • Posts: 908
  • ʘ_ಠ
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #75 on: Tue, 13 November 2018, 14:57:22 »
Having viewed the pictures, I think the regular handle is my favorite. Looking forward to the GB.

Offline Albatross

  • Posts: 33
  • Location: United States
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #76 on: Tue, 13 November 2018, 17:10:32 »
OP if you need someone to test the shaver on the Nexus sliders, hit me up. They have a very similar bump to the box switches so I would be curious to see how it does. Plus you may get more sales if I can confirm it. :P

Definitely would like to know if this tool works well for the Nexus sliders.

Offline GigaFlop

  • Posts: 85
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #77 on: Tue, 13 November 2018, 17:31:01 »
I have a few hundred box switches that I'm not planning on using. If you need someone to test these let me know. I also work in a machine shop and can do precision measurements if you want to collect more data on the dimensions after shaving.

I, too have a stash of Box switches and may be able to afford to be a tester. I'll have to get some calipers, but those will be cheaper than replacing my Mitolet or upcoming Carbon purchases.
Oh god why did my wallet get so thin

Offline abrahamstechnology

  • Posts: 210
  • Location: USA
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #78 on: Sat, 17 November 2018, 10:58:30 »
Any updates on this? I have a lot of Boz switches in the mail for some requested builds.

Offline Cods

  • Posts: 164
  • Location: Australia
  • Penumbra SA Mark II please?
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #79 on: Sat, 17 November 2018, 16:07:49 »
Interested!
Model M Industrial, SSK, Unicomp 104, Code TKL MX Green, FC660M MX Green + Clear + White + Grey, FC660C Topre 45g, MagicForce 68 USB and Bluetooth, Whitefox, some optical switch 65% Bluetooth split spacebar thing ... wait, I think I need an intervention. Too late, there’s a couple of new Model Fs on the way.
Too much SA is never enough.

Offline abrahamstechnology

  • Posts: 210
  • Location: USA
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #80 on: Sat, 17 November 2018, 17:02:55 »
I'll pay $40 for a prototype stemshaver sent to me.

Offline abrahamstechnology

  • Posts: 210
  • Location: USA
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #81 on: Sun, 18 November 2018, 17:32:42 »
Any updates yet???

Offline phatty

  • Posts: 128
    • dailyclack.com
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #82 on: Mon, 19 November 2018, 03:20:00 »
I'd love to buy a stack of these for Australia.

I have something like 5000 cap crackers, so these would be a godsend!

Offline Starius

  • Posts: 602
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #83 on: Mon, 19 November 2018, 10:27:09 »
I'd love to buy a stack of these for Australia.

I have something like 5000 cap crackers, so these would be a godsend!

This is the first time I've heard box switches referred to as "cap crackers."
Tragic, but catchy!

Offline blakstealth

  • Posts: 112
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #84 on: Mon, 19 November 2018, 11:01:00 »
Would love love love to get one of these!

Offline abrahamstechnology

  • Posts: 210
  • Location: USA
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #85 on: Mon, 19 November 2018, 11:45:05 »
Lutchbu seems to be inactive for a while. I hope he/she's not in one of those fire areas.

Offline oldcat

  • Posts: 2640
  • Location: US
  • 65% is Life
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #86 on: Mon, 19 November 2018, 12:41:26 »
All in

Offline romevi

  • Formerly romevi
  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 8941
  • Location: The Windy City
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #87 on: Mon, 19 November 2018, 13:16:41 »
Hey.

Offline Geroximo

  • Posts: 335
  • Location: Germany
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #88 on: Mon, 26 November 2018, 13:03:58 »
Interested aswell. Any updates?

Offline oh_chesteroni

  • Posts: 364
  • Location: Alberta
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #89 on: Mon, 26 November 2018, 13:11:57 »
Bought some old box switches on the cheap in anticipation for the stem shaver. Don't let me down hahaha

Offline AlcoholEnthusiast

  • Posts: 456
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #90 on: Mon, 26 November 2018, 17:51:51 »
Bought some old box switches on the cheap in anticipation for the stem shaver. Don't let me down hahaha

Same got 100 Novelias and Navies on the way in anticipation of this. Hopefully we see something soon.

Offline abrahamstechnology

  • Posts: 210
  • Location: USA
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #91 on: Mon, 26 November 2018, 19:08:49 »
You guys bought those on the Black Friday sale too?

Offline oh_chesteroni

  • Posts: 364
  • Location: Alberta
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #92 on: Mon, 26 November 2018, 19:22:19 »
You guys bought those on the Black Friday sale too?
Yee, couldn't say no to some cheap thick clicks.

Offline abrahamstechnology

  • Posts: 210
  • Location: USA
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #93 on: Mon, 26 November 2018, 20:26:59 »
You guys bought those on the Black Friday sale too?
Yee, couldn't say no to some cheap thick clicks.

Not to mention the last of the Novelias
I'm definitely waiting for the Stemshaver to fix those, I'm not going to risk hacking those up with an Xacto knife.

Offline sJ1N

  • Posts: 75
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #94 on: Sat, 01 December 2018, 05:26:01 »
Also in need of this

Offline gaiden

  • Posts: 343
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #95 on: Sat, 01 December 2018, 07:54:58 »
Any updates? Excited about this!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk


Offline gasp

  • Formerly 'boop' (NTBCW Booper)
  • Posts: 75
  • Location: US
    • none
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #96 on: Sat, 01 December 2018, 21:23:16 »
It'll be nice to not have to just chuck my old switches, looking forward to GB!

Offline Jubileus

  • Posts: 105
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #97 on: Sat, 01 December 2018, 23:21:01 »
Interested!

Offline pixelpusher

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 4179
  • Location: Tennessee - USA
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #98 on: Sat, 01 December 2018, 23:25:42 »
I know that he is sending a few prototypes out for people to test.  So, it'll probably happen soon.

Offline BlindAssassin111

  • Posts: 1106
  • Location: Behind you
  • I design keyboards and stuff.
    • Viktus
Re: [IC] Stemshaver - a tool to fix BOX switches
« Reply #99 on: Sat, 01 December 2018, 23:34:26 »
I know that he is sending a few prototypes out for people to test.  So, it'll probably happen soon.

Yep, mine should be here soon hopefully so stuff will be happening soonish I hope.