Author Topic: [IC] Cupid Switch 9/23 update  (Read 7215 times)

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Offline CHAOSERA

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[IC] Cupid Switch 9/23 update
« on: Thu, 06 July 2023, 02:37:38 »
Hello everyone, we are Chaosera!
As the Cupid65 is preparing for its launch, we are excited to introduce the companion switch for this kit —the Cupid Switch.

In March, during a casual discussion about the Cupid65, we started talking about switches.
Just like Cupid has his golden arrows, we thought Cupid65 should also have a fitting weapon—a companion switch that feels just right. 
With this in mind, we reached out to JWK factory. JWK is an excellent switch manufacturer that has provided the custom market with many outstanding switches. That's why we chose JWK as our manufacturing partner for this project.
Our goal is to create a switch that the majority of players will gladly embrace and find appealing.


Basic information:
Stem material: POK
Top and Bottom Housings: PA66+POM
When it comes to materials, We initially wanted to use a stiffer stem, which led me to choose POK. However, due to the friction coefficient between the materials, even with the smoothness achieved by JWK switches, it would be difficult to guarantee with just pure POM for the top and bottom housings. Therefore, the selection and combination of materials for the housings became crucial.
As the companion switch to Cupid, it was essential for the sound of the switch to be “Hi-fi” enough. It's true that nowadays, hi-fi switches are becoming more powerful, and the sound improvements are quite enjoyable. However, we didn't want to simply join in on the hype without any meaningful enhancements. Therefore, we made several optimizations in the structure of the switch:

Firstly, we incorporated the essential feature of a hi-fi switch, which is a flat bottom when bottoming out.

Secondly, we reduced the amount of plastic at the contact point between the stem column and the stem. The idea here was inspired by the shape of a drum, with thicker sides and a thinner center, to allow the sound to fully resonate.

Thirdly, we further increased the contact area between the stem column and the stem. The inner diameter of our stem column is 1.2mm (typically 1mm), and the flat bottom inner diameter of the stem is 2.08mm. This adjustment was made to achieve a more concentrated sound.


Regarding the issue of metallic sound:
Firstly, we conducted an analysis and testing to identify the factors contributing to the metallic sound, such as the fixation method of the leaf, its range of movement, material properties, and the level of contact between the stem and the leaf during operation. Through extensive testing, we discovered that adjusting the curvature of the leaf and reducing the contact area between the stem and the leaf can effectively reduce the metallic sound.

Secondly, we introduced a completely new leaf structure. Based on the test results, we redesigned the leaf for the Cupid switch. The new mold optimizes the bending angle of the leaf to minimize the contact area between the stem and the leaf, reducing the chances of rubbing between them during the stem's travel. This design ensures that the stem quickly separates from the  leaf after brief contact, significantly reducing the vibration and resulting metallic sound.


When it comes to smoothness:
JWK’s switches have always been known for their excellent smoothness, which can be attributed to two main factors

High precision in mold manufacturing: JWK pays great attention to the precision and quality of their molds. The molds used in the production process are finely crafted, ensuring a high level of consistency and smoothness in the switches.

Implementation of lubrication additives: JWK has mastered the art of incorporating lubrication additives into their switch materials. This process, commonly referred to as "modification" in the industry, enhances the smoothness and reduces friction between the moving parts of the switch, resulting in a smoother typing experience.


Color selection:
Top housing: Pale Pink
Bottom housing, stem: Viva Magenta
We have chosen the vibrant and passionate colors of Pale Pink and Viva Magenta as the primary colors for our Cupid switches. The Magenta color is inspired by this year's Pantone Color of the Year, 18-1750 - Viva Magenta. It is a color that falls between red and purple, exuding energy, enthusiasm, bravery, and inspiring hearts. Just like Cupid, it encourages people to boldly express themselves and convey their emotions to others.


Quality control:
In addition to the regular quality control procedures carried out on the factory assembly line, we are implementing a manual full inspection for each Cupid switch.

We believe in delivering a product that is ready to use out of the box, and we want our customers to have a seamless experience with the Cupid switches. Therefore, our team conducts a thorough manual inspection of each switch to ensure its quality and performance.

Basic Specifications:
Top Housing: PA66+POM
Bottom Housing: PA66+POM
Stem: POK
Travel Distance: 3.8mm
Actuation Force: 42g
Bottom-out Force: 48g
Spring Length: 18mm
Contact: Flat Bottom
Type:Linear

GB time will release at next IC, Welcome to join our discord to follow more information.
https://discord.gg/pnp98dRpch

« Last Edit: Sat, 23 September 2023, 04:44:17 by CHAOSERA »

Offline nainaigogo

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  • Location: ATX
Re: [IC] Cupid Switch
« Reply #1 on: Fri, 11 August 2023, 00:55:56 »
Wow, really dig the colors on the switch. It’s cool to see much more affordable switch options. Nicely written.

Offline CHAOSERA

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Re: [IC] Cupid Switch
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 23 September 2023, 04:30:43 »
Hello everyone, this is CHAOSERA.
Today, we bring you the IC update for the Cupid Switch. To let you guys know what we did for Cupid switch to make it better since the first IC.

Material & Mode:
Top Housing: POM+UPE+MoS2
Bottom Housing: POM+PA
Stem: POK+Slicone

As mentioned in our last IC, we continued to explore materials during this period and ultimately decided to make adjustments to the combination of POM upper and lower housing with a POK stem.
If lubrication is seen as a means to improve the upper limit of the switch, then the choice of materials determines the lower limit.
The combination of POM and POK has significantly enhanced the inherent smoothness of the Cupid switch.
Furthermore, on the mold, we have polished the ribs of the stem and upper housing, further improving the overall quality of the switch.



Factory Lubrication Adjustments:
In the prototyping phase, we based our lubrication choices on manual lubing practices, along with several rounds of comparison and discussions.
Ultimately, we unanimously agreed that the factory lubing methods of dry-film lubrication on the stem and lubing only the small legs on stem were the most suitable for the Cupid switches.
Specifically, lubing only the small legs on the stem with a minimal amount of lubrication proved to be the optimal choice to ensure consistent tactility.
Due to the meticulous polishing of the molds and the material combinations, any additional lubrication on this switch, regardless of its smoothness, would have been somewhat redundant in terms of feel.





However, through testing, we discovered that while this approach provided the best tactile feel, it resulted in a slightly subdued sound profile.
Although it guaranteed a crisp and clean keypress sensation, the sound produced after applying the dry film lubrication left us somewhat undecided.
As a result, we decided to provide two factory lubing options: the 48g version features lubing only the small legs on the stem and springs, while the 63.5g version incorporates the dry film lubrication method. We welcome your feedback on the feel and performance of these switches after use.






Specification:
Switch type: MX-stem 5-pin
Linear switch
Total travel distance: 3.8mm
Actuation Force: 42g/48g
Bottom-out Force: 48g/55g
Contact: Flat Bottom
 Spring: 20mm non-gold plated stainless steel


The Cupid switches will be available in two actuation forces, and we will offer both unlubed versions for users to choose from. We will also be publishing a tutorial on hand-lubing the Cupid switches on YouTube for your reference.

Furthermore, we welcome YouTubers to participate in reviewing the Cupid switches and creating related video content. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us through our official Discord channel.

« Last Edit: Thu, 26 October 2023, 21:03:01 by CHAOSERA »

Offline keymaven

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Re: [IC] Cupid Switch 9/23 update
« Reply #3 on: Thu, 19 October 2023, 17:27:59 »
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