Alright so I read in a similar topic that adding LEDs is quite complex and that it should not be considered for simple projects.
I will just go for standard Tenkeyless layout as shown above without any customization and without LEDs.
SwitchesThe important part of this keyboard! There I have gathered a lot of information already but I would like to know more about the new Cherry-like switches.
The only switches I have used so far are MX Blues from my Das. I like the tactility of it but they are quit loud.
Biggest problem is the fact that the release point of key is higher than the actuation point, which is bad when playing games. Great for typing though.
I saw that MX Browns use the same actuation / release point and are quieter so I might go for these.
MX switches are very expensive though and quite hard to find even though they are initially from here (Germany)... Any tips?
Greetech / Gateron / Kailh
- does someone use them? are they good? any good way to find them in Europe?
- do these switches have the same actuation / release point in their brown version? and clear versions?
- should I wait for a group buy or something similar to get switches?
I actually like how Gateron Browns actuate and sound:
Another option would be to go for Alps switches (these sound great):
Matias is offering such switches at a reasonable price (200 switches for $50). The main problem is finding keycaps (only Matias would offer keysets at the moment).
After thinking about it for a while I think I will stick to Cherry compatible switches for my first keyboard to keep it simpler to build.
StabilizersI am very concerned about getting the right feeling for my space bar. I am really disapointed with my Das space bar. It feels sluggish and sticky and bottoms out almost right after the actuation point.
What are the options for space bar stabilizers? The other keys use Costar stabilizers (well the ones with a steel part) and are OK. They wobble a bit but it is not a problem.
Has anyone tested building keyboard with mixed switches? Tactile and linear space bar for instance? I am afraid it would feel really weird.
In the endSo far I think I will just go with quiet tactile Cherry-like switches, if possible cheap ones because I am not really concerned about the durability of the keyboard.
Do you guys have tips to find and buy such switches (I cant read Chinese) and have any recommandation (Gateron? Greetech? Kailh?)?
Depending on how good the first keyboard, I might build an ALPS keyboard afterwards to see how it performs vs. Cherry copies.