[MO] The Geekhack Spring for switch modding (~50g)

[sixty]

THIS TOPIC IS FOR DISCUSSION ONLY - PLEASE KEEP ACTUAL ORDERS IN THE ORDER TOPIC.


Hey guys,

I had a lot of time to waste recently and learned how to calculate springs and related stuff thanks to the help of a local spring company. I got this idea when I received some third party springs from Korea and a few from red MX switches.

Now the spring I came up with has a total force of 50g, but obviously activates earlier when used in a linear switch. Due to being based on the Cherry red spring the feel is very similar to Cherry reds, but still a tad smoother. I have a few of the first prototype springs and they feel great in black switches. Smooth as butter and activating at around 42g in actual usage. I have not yet tried them in browns or blues, but I assume they will make the switch a bit smoother too. They turn clears into "light browns" with a slightly more tactile point. Very interesting.

If you always wanted a ghetto Cherry red board but were too poor/greedy to sacrifice 87/104/105 Cherry browns, here is your chance.

Anyway, would anyone else be interested in a massorder on these?

The price would be around $12~15 for a set of 120 springs including worldwide shipping. I calculated out 120 to fit most boards and allow for some damaged/lost springs.
Production time is 2-3 weeks and shipping would be from Germany.
Ideally we would need around 30 people, but we can also order with less since I'm willing to cover more of the cost on my own since I love the feel of these and need more than the few prototypes I have.

If you are interested in purchasing a set of springs please reply with how many sets you would want. Due to limited internet access I will edit the post whenever I am able to do so.

[msiegel]

i'm not a cherry modder, but i'm here to encourage you... BIG thumbs up, sixty!

[iMav]

I'd purchase a couple sets.

[taswyn]

That's cheaper than killing my 8963 for switches =O

I don't currently have a board for them to go into, but a tentative yes on one set.

Out of curiosity, can they do springs with ~40g of force for about 2/3 of the spring, increasing to ~70+ (possibly growing) for the last thirdish? Basically, light until after the actuation point, then increased/increasing to give some tension before bottoming out. Trying something like that seems like it could be very interesting.

[laden3]

just asking, is it possible for them to make conical springs? or lighter springs for buckling spring keyboards?

[elbowglue]

YES.  I would need about 2 sets.

Sixty, would these have more turns than a cherry brown spring, or less? or even the same?

How are the spring parameters in comparison to regular cherry red springs, less steep of force/mm slope?

I don't think conical springs would fit the cherry stem and base correctly..

[Findecanor]

Two sets for me, please.

I am interested in testing modified Cherry MX clears.

[elbowglue]

Actually one other question, would it be possible to make the same springs as are found in cherry greens?  You could change a whole cherry blue board into a cherry green board with this..

[sixty]

Actually one other question, would it be possible to make the same springs as are found in cherry greens?  You could change a whole cherry blue board into a cherry green board with this..

Yeah, its possible. They can make any type of springs and even clone existing ones. The problem is that small orders are not cost effective at all.

100 springs = $240 usd if you were to only order 100.

If this first order for the "smooth springs" as I like to call them works out we can do other orders too, as long as we reach a decent minimum (1000 total springs or more). The whole thing is not cost effective before a minimum of 1000 springs, since they are all not in stock and totally custom made. Most people seem to dislike greens, might be hard to find enough interested people.

[CeeSA]

2 sets for me - plz

[lowpoly]

I'd take 130 springs, if possible.

[TGM]

I'd be interested, might also ask a couple of friends if they would be interested.

[itlnstln]

I'm surprised no one has asked this, but for round 2, how about some lighter BS springs.  I might be in for some of those.  Good job, sixty!

[db_Iodine]

I'd buy two sets. Fantastic work here sixty!

[laden3]

I'm surprised no one has asked this, but for round 2, how about some lighter BS springs.  I might be in for some of those.  Good job, sixty!

#5, good to know someone is interested in lighter BS spring too

[itlnstln]

Contrary to what I use every day, I love buckling springs.  They're just too heavy (and loud for my new office) to use every day.  Something around the 45-50g range would be great.

[laden3]

Why make it round 2? We can have 2 orders at the same time.

[itlnstln]

I would definitely want to test it first.  IBM, in their infinite wisdom, may have picked heavier springs for a reason.  Lighter springs may not buckle correctly, or something.

[HaaTa]

I'm interested Sign me up for one set.

Also interested in the light buckling springs.

[42.tar.gz]

I'm interested as well. I'd purchase at least one set, maybe two.

[turbocharged]

In for 2 sets.

[kriminal]

1 set for me

[woody]

Sixty, how would your selected spring change MX blues?

[PRISONER 24601]

in for at least one set. sixty is da man!

[Orphagn]

I'm in for one set, if these springs work out as well as I like, I might just get a White Filco tenkeyless w/ Black and and swap the black springs out with these "smooth springs".

[symphonic1985]

Very exciting!  I'm in for 1-2 sets as well.

All these MX Blacks in Germany may end up being godsends!

[lowpoly]

I'd take 130 springs, if possible.

What was I thinking. Two sets please.

[laden3]

clone these for lulz
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=6861

[Soarer]

Model F springs buckle in a Model M but feels like crap.

What's a Model M spring like in a Model F?

[keyb_gr]

Cherry Browns are pretty smooth already to me.

As are blacks.

I have two boards with blacks gathering dust for the usual reason (too stiff), so one set would seem tempting. I currently don't have a switch opening tool though.

[lowpoly]

I currently don't have a switch opening tool though.

A regular watchmaker's screwdrivers set will do.

[nanu]

in for a set

[sixty]

Model F springs buckle in a Model M but feels like crap.


I'm still holding out until I see results with a Cherry Blue or Brown stem.  And no offense but what is a "smooth" spring?    Cherry Browns are pretty smooth already to me.

They called it a "smooth pressure spring" when I asked to have them made. Apparently they also have "snappy pressure spring" which are snappy. Who knows. Spring business was at first making my head explode. So many dimensions and numbers.

[suka]

I'd also like 1 set !

[Nadger]

So from what i can tell you can just pop the top of the switch off with a small screwdriver, replace the spring and snap it shut again?

[sixty]

So from what i can tell you can just pop the top of the switch off with a small screwdriver, replace the spring and snap it shut again?

There are some better methods for opening switches than a screwdriver. Check this out for an example. There probably are some more detailed guides in our wiki too.

[Nadger]

Hmm from the sounds of that you cant replace the springs without opening it up and de-soldering them if its plate mounted which filcos and leopolds are...

Id hate to mess around with soldering as i have not done it in about 12 years and even then i was sloppy with it.  Not to mention voiding the warranty in the process.

If it can be done without resulting to soldering id be down for a set.

[CeeSA]

So from what i can tell you can just pop the top of the switch off with a small screwdriver, replace the spring and snap it shut again?

watch my video:

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:12790

[itlnstln]

Hmm from the sounds of that you cant replace the springs without opening it up and de-soldering them if its plate mounted which filcos and leopolds are...

Plate mounted Cherrys would be a big undertaking.  Some one in Asia figured out how to open them without desoldering, but I think it would still be cumbersome, though.

[laden3]

Plate mounted Cherrys would be a big undertaking.  Some one in Asia figured out how to open them without desoldering, but I think it would still be cumbersome, though.

Any links or hints? this is really interesting...

[turbocharged]

Plate mounted Cherrys would be a big undertaking.  Some one in Asia figured out how to open them without desoldering, but I think it would still be cumbersome, though.

I just replaced two of the plungers in my plate mounted TG3 last night...I honestly don't see how it would be possible to open up the switch without desoldering it first. If someone figured out a way, it would be amazing.

[itlnstln]

The guy used some really thin piece of sheet/spring metal that he could slide between the plate and the switch.  Again, I don't think I would want to mod a whole 'board like that, but it's out there.

[Manyak]

I'm surprised no one has asked this, but for round 2, how about some lighter BS springs.  I might be in for some of those.  Good job, sixty!

THIS

I'd get a set if it's just a lighter cherry replacement, but probably like 3 or 4 sets if it's a lighter BS spring.

[JBert]

Just get a model F and be done with it... AT prices are coming down again, thank god.

[laden3]

is it possible to make lighter BS springs with materials that are more malleable?so... we still retain the number of coils n length

[MysteryOfTime]

Hmm from the sounds of that you cant replace the springs without opening it up and de-soldering them if its plate mounted which filcos and leopolds are...

Id hate to mess around with soldering as i have not done it in about 12 years and even then i was sloppy with it.  Not to mention voiding the warranty in the process.

If it can be done without resulting to soldering id be down for a set.

Does the Ducky 1087 have the same problem?

[laden3]

all plate mounted cherry mx switches have that problem, so... yes

[didjamatic]

I'd take 2 sets!

Didn't someone try brown springs on blue switches and have problems?  I'd love to try them in blacks though.

[elbowglue]

I'd take 2 sets!

Didn't someone try brown springs on blue switches and have problems?  I'd love to try them in blacks though.

Brown springs and blue springs are identical IMHO.  They are interchangeable.

[Orphagn]

If only Filcos didn't have to be re-soldered to change switches, i'd put my Reds in my tenkeyless

[Nadger]

watch my video:

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:12790

Thanks for the video, thats with PCB mounted though, i assume that will not work for plate mounted boards.  At least according to random stuff i read on the interwebnets.com

Does the Ducky 1087 have the same problem?

Ducky 1087 has an aluminum plate in it, so yes you would run into the same problem.  Italian Stallion is refering to this i believe...but thats on a PCB mounted, not plate.

I couldnt find any guides to doing plate mounted without desoldering.

[Nkromancer]

I'm interested in 2 sets

[PRISONER 24601]

So is this as light as we can go? What is "the limit", so to speak, and would it be advisable to "push" said "limit"?

Thing is I'd like to turn one of my ol' G80-3000s into a feather-touch dream machine. This can be done, I believe. All I need is a new set of springs, some dental bands, 104 black MX stems, and about 3 hours of free time.
Oh, and a six pack of Fat Tire... And Hawkwind's "Warrior on the Edge of Time"

[sixty]

So is this as light as we can go? What is "the limit", so to speak, and would it be advisable to "push" said "limit"?

We can go lower in force I think, but I'm not sure if it would be any good. These 50g springs in blacks are already very light (at least to me), going any lighter might not work out in actual use. I guess we shall see once the springs are done what most people think of them. If some people still find them too heavy we could try 45g next.

[sixty]

I will be opening a second topic with ORDERS ONLY later today. Those of you who ordered "a couple" "maybe 1 or 2" "maybe ..." please make up your mind then, since I need actual numbers and not estimates to calculate to see when we reach the required MOQ.

Thanks!

[sixty]

Sixty, how would your selected spring change MX blues?

I currently do not have any non plate mounted blues to try. I might desolder some later.

[sixty]

Actual order topic is up here. Please try to keep discussion in this topic here and use the others for orders only. This will make my life easier when organizing the order. Due to my currently very limited internet access I would prefer not having to go through dozens of pages to find new orders.

So, if you announced your interest in this topic, please check to make sure I added you in the other topic. Those who were not sure what they would order yet, please confirm the actual amount.

[Moogle Stiltzkin]

i'm not a cherry modder, but i'm here to encourage you... BIG thumbs up, sixty!

Same sentiments.

Maybe if they came with the cherry switches as well i would have been interested.

[Supergleep]

Just bought a second Nostromo n52 from ebay to do a Ripster-like Cherry MX conversion with.

Sign me up for 2 sets please. Ghetto-smooth Cherry Reds here I come!

And just to confirm, the ghetto-Red recipe is a Cherry black switch with these springs, yes? (in lieu of the usual blue or brown springs)

[Lucien]

This is interesting enough to finally drag me out of lurker mode...

Is there a confirmed price yet?  I would definitely be in for one set of these, maybe two but that would depend on the final price.

[sixty]

Just bought a second Nostromo n52 from ebay to do a Ripster-like Cherry MX conversion with.

Sign me up for 2 sets please. Ghetto-smooth Cherry Reds here I come!

And just to confirm, the ghetto-Red recipe is a Cherry black switch with these springs, yes? (in lieu of the usual blue or brown springs)

They will not be IDENTICAL to Cherry reds, but very very similar in feel. These will have a few more coils and are a tiny bit smoother than the reds. I think the actual force on the real reds is 55g, ours is 50g.

For those that asked: I was not able to calculate out a confirmed price yet, please give me a bit so I can get a new offer based on the orders we have now.

[sixty]

45cn.  It's in the wiki but that gets obnoxious saying that all the time.

Yeah but its actually not. That might be the resistance in the assembled switch, but the actual spring resistance is higher.

[woody]

I currently do not have any non plate mounted blues to try. I might desolder some later.

Oh, crap. I forgot all the hard work needed for plate mounted switches' disassembly. My Filcos are safe - I am too lazy to try this.
Thumbs up and good luck with the spring order!

[kidchunks]

Hey sixty,
When is the deadline to have orders placed? I'm in the process of grabbing a cherry board this weekend and want to try this out. But want to make sure I obtain the board before I place an order for a set of the springs.

Thanks!

[sixty]

Sometime next week, I guess. We should have spare sets for later sales anyway, since I will be covering more of the order to make it possible.

[2084]

Can you pop the Steelseries 7G/6Gv2 switches without desoldering or same issue as with Filcos and Duckys?

[JBert]

Yeah but its actually not. That might be the resistance in the assembled switch, but the actual spring resistance is higher.

That sounds physically impossible to me...

Sure this is the same switch we are talking about? No room for errors?

[sixty]

That sounds physically impossible to me...

Sure this is the same switch we are talking about? No room for errors?

No, it is because when the spring is mounted in the switch, the pressure measured is that until the switch triggers (by people like us keyboard maniacs). Spring companies usually measure the resistance needed until the spring entirely collapses, thats why it took quite some time to figure out what we actually needed for a nice smooth spring. When I told them "around 50g" they came up with springs that would never work out in an MX spring.

[Soarer]

Springs ain't all that complicated, they just use different units to switches.

Cherry switch might actuate at, say, 60 cN, but the spring has a rate of 10 cN/mm and a relaxed length of 14 mm. Popping it in an MX switch compresses it to 10 mm, so the initial force would be 40 cN. MX travel is 2 mm to actuation, so that's another 20 cN making 60 cN.

I just picked easy numbers, but it looks much like a 'black' spring in my example

So yeah, they would understand a '50g' spring to mean a 50 cN/mm spring - 5 times stronger than blacks!

[sixty]

So yeah, they would understand a '50g' spring to mean a 50 cN/mm spring - 5 times stronger than blacks!

Right! That was the actual problem at first. Results were quite hillarious when I attempted to fit one into a switch.

Oh well, by now I learned quite a bit in the two visits to the spring company. I think my next project might be an MX opening tool. Seems these guys can also bend iron wire into shape for mass production.

[Soarer]

Right! That was the actual problem at first. Results were quite hillarious when I attempted to fit one into a switch.

I'll bet! I must admit I'm finding the idea of trying to close up a switch with a fifth of a kg (nearly half a pound, for the USians) pushing outwards quite funny!

Oh well, by now I learned quite a bit in the two visits to the spring company. I think my next project might be an MX opening tool. Seems these guys can also bend iron wire into shape for mass production.

Well I for one am glad you did, I'm down for two sets :-)

And the tool idea sounds cool, how many would you need to order?
Would be great to just push the tool down, hear four clicks, then pull. (If that could be made).

[nanu]

[strike]While we're on custom tools, maybe we could get custom-made Greenlee punches that are H-shaped, sorta. They'd be square, the same size of MX switches, so it'd go through preexisting plate-mount holes, yet also cut out the needed extra material so your MX opening tool go through and remove plate-mounted MX switches, too!

If they were reasonably priced I would desolder my Filco just so I have the ability to swap out springs easier.[/strike]

Or maybe we just get custom plates for entirely new keyboards, since that's always easier. This is where Deck keyboards' plates with long hole-slots per keyrow is superior in design (I can't find a pic).

[Parak]

Considering how many brown boards I have I'm not too interested in the springs, but I'd be all over the switch disassembly tool

[symphonic1985]

How is the ordering process coming along - do you have enough people?  So excited to get my hands on these and do some modding.

[db_Iodine]

That disassembly tool could make the modding a lot easier for sure. I would certainly buy one of those.

[sixty]

Order deadline will be this Friday.

[Findecanor]

Perhaps it would be a good idea to remind people also that they will have to sign up in the order thread. Someone who hasn't re-read the first post, might have missed that. :-)

Btw. Myself, I just got myself a Cherry keyboard with Cherry MX Clears so that I could try them out with light springs to get "a more tactile brown".

[db_Iodine]

Perhaps it would be a good idea to remind people also that they wioll have to sign up in the order thread. Someone who hasn't re-read the first post, might have missed that. :-)

Btw. Myself, I just got myself a Cherry keyboard with Cherry MX Clears so that I could try them out with light springs to get "a more tactile brown".

You linked this same thread. Also I have only posted on this thread but sixty already listed me on the other thread also. So I think you're OK, if you've signed up in this thread before the other thread was made.

Here's the actual order thread for future orders.

[Findecanor]

There... fixed! Thanks!

[PRISONER 24601]

Props to sixty for starting all this up.

I was originally going to put them in one of my black MX 'boards, but now I'm thinking about hunting down something with clears. Hmmm..

Oh, has anyone considered finding/making a tool specifically for disassembling MX switches?
My pickle fork-based removal tool is okay and all, but I'm thinking of something like an IC extractor that would pop off both sides at the same time...
edit: i see the disassembling tool topic has already been addressed. oops!

[hoggy]

+1 for the switch disassembly tool if that helps - no rush.

[db_Iodine]

Order deadline today! I can't wait to get my hands on those springs. I just need to find a used 6gv2 to mod now.

[eugenius]

Hmm .. some (lazy) questions:

1. Can I use these springs in the ErgoPlus without desoldering?
2. What do the springs to for Cherry Browns?
3. Can I use these in a TG3/Deck82 / Filco Tenkeyless with blacks without desoldering?

[sixty]

Hmm .. some (lazy) questions:

1. Can I use these springs in the ErgoPlus without desoldering?
2. What do the springs to for Cherry Browns?
3. Can I use these in a TG3/Deck82 / Filco Tenkeyless with blacks without desoldering?

1) Yeah
2) Probably not much to nothing at all. These are almost the same resistance as the browns itself.
3) Some Decks/TG3 will work as they are PCB mounted, some will not. Filco definitely a no.

[Findecanor]

The G80-5000 ErgoPlus has PCB-mounted switches, that you can open if you have a tool for it.
Deck and Filco have plate-mounted switches, that you can not open without desoldering

[db_Iodine]

Anything that's plate mounted, you're going to have to desolder I think.

[eugenius]

Thanks!

I'm interested if the Deck82 that they sell now on the site works ...

[sixty]

I am awaiting the final quote now and will be sending out invoices to everyone within the next week or so, basically as soon as I receive the final amount to pay from the spring company.

Thanks for participating!

[db_Iodine]

Thank you for making stuff like this happen!

[turbocharged]

How will you be sending invoices?

[sixty]

How will you be sending invoices?

Via Geekhack PM.

UPDATES:

Since the company can't deliver the springs before the 4th week of 2011, I am extending the order deadline until Sunday, 12/26/2010.

The final price will be $15 per 120 springs. My first quote did not include VAT, I got screwed there and so the final price will be the highest original estimate of $15. Anyway, the springs will already come packaged in plastic bags (in quantities of 100).

[db_Iodine]

Too bad they can't deliver before that. But at the same time it's a great chance for more members to get a set of springs here.

[jpc]

IBM, in their infinite wisdom, may have picked heavier springs for a reason.

Hahahahahaha. Good one. Oh, I'm a former IBM-er...

I don't know one way or the other whether a lighter BS spring is possible. Would be neat, certainly.

I know from talking to Chuck at Unicomp that the spring alone is not enough. In a BS board, the springs need to be aligned a certain way on the hammers. If you compare any two hammers, and look at the end of the spring opposite the hammer, you'll see that the springs have exactly the same rotation. (This is not true if you look at the end of the spring adjacent to the hammer.)

I'm not sure what exactly Unicomp is controlling for when they assemble these things. I know that if you try to assemble springs and hammers by hand, you won't get the uniform key feel of a stock Model M.

Chuck also mentioned that Unicomp contracts with another company to align the springs and hammers. That's part of their secret sauce, it's surprising that they contract it out.

[msiegel]

look at the end of the spring opposite the hammer, you'll see that the springs have exactly the same rotation

interesting!

also confirmed for AT model F.

[Oqsy]

I'd be up for some HEAVIER buckling springs

[PRISONER 24601]

I'd be up for some HEAVIER buckling springs

More power to ya! In America we are free to be masochistic or w/e.

[db_Iodine]

I'd be up for some HEAVIER buckling springs

You want to make a geek's finger strength personal trainer keyboard?

[HaaTa]

I'd be up for something heavier than buckling springs too.

And something a lighter than my modified MY switches (20g), but that's just me :biggrin:.

Quick note for Sixty:
Dammit, your website needs RSS

[sixty]

Quick note for Sixty:
Dammit, your website needs RSS

I do have a hacked-up custom RSS script running:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/keyboardporn

[nocturn4l3030]

sign me up for one set

[taswyn]

I'm still really tempted, but want to see how these do for now since there are enough for an order, since I still don't have something for them to go into. I wouldn't even hesitate about something lighter than browns for the first ~2.5mm of key travel, then increasing quickly. Smooth and light up to and past actuation, then snappy before bottoming out. Probably not easily or (reasonably) cheaply possible, though. So I'll wait and see what the next order is, I think. Even just a little lighter would be fun to play with, and it sounded like that at least may have enough interest for another order. A custom key tool sounds great too ^^

[HaaTa]

I do have a hacked-up custom RSS script running:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/keyboardporn

Ooooo
*added*

Thanks

[sixty]

UPDATE 2011

There might be some delays with the production... and possibly a price increase. My sample springs finally all arrived and we need a slight change in material. Also we have by now exceeded the original planned amount of orders, so I'll have to order another "pack" of at least 2500 additional springs to satisfy the demand.

Would you people still be cool with this if the price per set goes up to something around $17~20 instead of the initial $15?

Else I will have to see what else I can think of or if I can talk them into producing a smaller "pack" to satisfy the new higher demand. I am still discussing material options with the company and so far nothing is final, but it looks as the price might slightly increase.

I apologize for the slightly chaotic outcome on these, but on a totally custom product things like this seem to happen. Sorry!

[Minskleip]

Would you people still be cool with this if the price per set goes up to something around $17~20 instead of the initial $15?

Yes, always cool!

[chrs]

The price shouldn't be a problem.  I too am curious what the issues are with the material...

[sixty]

The material is loud. It makes a disgusting squeeking sound when depressed. Hell in keyswitches.

Edit: I should clarify that "loud" is relative. Its not really LOUD loud, but its more noticeable so than on regular springs. I want this to be as good as it gets, so I will not accept it in this state.

[CeeSA]

new price is ok

[db_Iodine]

My interest stays, and so does my order for 2 sets of springs.

[Supergleep]

errgh.. I completely missed the original order cut-off but I'd still be interested in 2 sets of these, even at the new price.

Let me know if it's too late to get in on this.

[urlwolf]

price increase ok with me.
Did you ask them about making the mod tool?

[sixty]

price increase ok with me.
Did you ask them about making the mod tool?

The mod tool will be another company (wire bending), which is luckily just down the road. I'm trying to make a prototype that doesn't look like a 5 year old kid made it, so I can show it to them. The idea is basically something like a fork... but spaced out just enough to open a Cherry switch.

[J888www]

In regard to the switch opening tool, I found a hook-tweezer which is of suitable size but they have rather sharp edges so it needs to be filed/emery rubbed smooth to be usable else it will scratch the plastic.
It is a Tick remover, rubbish for removing Ticks as they need to be twisted off, but maybe quite good for opening up Cherry switches. A production model of the "Fork of Death". Just google Lifesystem Tick Remover.


NB: I do not have any Ticks.

Edit: Disregard what I just posted, the metal quality is far too soft, maybe better to purchase the $2.90 (delivered) Surgical Precision Angled Metal Tweezers from DealExtreme.

[intealls]

Price increase is fine with me! Can't wait to try them out. Also, how much will the opening tool be?

[symphonic1985]

I'm ok to wait (and pay) for the best springs as well. Thanks for all the effort you're going to sixty.

[sixty]

Price increase is fine with me! Can't wait to try them out. Also, how much will the opening tool be?

Unknown yet, I have yet to visit that company to find out about the tool. The one J888www posted actually looks promising, lol.

For those that got confused earlier: The spring here is based on the blue/brown springs, but its not entirely identical. So its not a clone. Its supposed to be a bit smoother overall. Its hard to explain, but the first prototypes I had felt (and sounded...) great. I don't know what happened with the recent one or why it squeeks.

[ironman31]

would purchasing the opening tool be a separate group buy completely? I would be interested in that, but not the springs (not sure if this has been answered in the thread)

[sixty]

would purchasing the opening tool be a separate group buy completely? I would be interested in that, but not the springs (not sure if this has been answered in the thread)

Yes, the tool will be a separate buy and I will open a thread once there is more information on this.

[turbocharged]

[strike]I'm still in for two sets of springs as long as the price does not increase again.[/strike]

EDIT: Actually got to reduce it to one set...I'm selling the other board I was going to use the second set in.

[Lucien]

Is the noise in the new batch of springs something that will be looked at, or is that how it's going to be for the MO parts?  I'm a bit concerned about ending up with a squeaky keyboard...

[sixty]

Is the noise in the new batch of springs something that will be looked at, or is that how it's going to be for the MO parts?  I'm a bit concerned about ending up with a squeaky keyboard...

The reason the MO is currently suffering delays is that I am working on resolving the noise issue. I received a sample before the actual production and notice the annoying sound.

So nope, once everything is settled you will not have any extra noise nor squeaky parts

[turbocharged]

Reduce me to just one set please. Thanks.

[urlwolf]

Do we have a new estimate on when the MO will be ready?
Is it still last week of Jan?
Thanks!

[J888www]

.......once everything is settled you will not have any extra noise nor squeaky parts

When you are happy with the final result of the product, I would like to place an order for 1-Set.

TYVM.

[bifi85]

I think i will buy 1 set, but i am looking for the result before.

Can i switch the spring on a steelseries 6Gv2 without desoldering the switches?

[RiGS]

Desoldering the switches is not a big deal.

[bifi85]

And when i resolder the switches, they are close as before? Take i any bad consequence about desoldering?

[Findecanor]

There are more opportunities to screw up with a soldering iron than without one ...

[sixty]

Please note that this is currently on hold. I do not know when the springs will be ready for actual production. Once the time comes I will PM everyone on the list to confirm their order again. Price may go up or down a bit depending on how many people actually still will buy at that point of time.

Again, I apologize for this chaotic mass order. Thanks for your patience.

[J888www]

Fine

[roads]

An idea would be to take an Xray of the key when pressed at your local dentist. So you can see if the spring works correctly inside and maybe find out where the noise comes from. Those pictures would be cool.

[HaaTa]

What ever happened to that dentist we had around here for a while...

[roads]

Is the spring squeaking outside the switch also or only when its in the switch?

[sixty]

outside too. its a material error and the spring guys confirmed this pretty much. basically it sounds just like those springs you would find in a ballpen.

[roads]

So right now they are waiting to get new material to bend them again and you are waiting for the new prototypes? Any ETA from their side?

[sixty]

They just started production again this week. They had been out of business since Christmas till now. I'll update the thread with a new ETA as soon as I hear anything. And yep, waiting for a new sample to see if it meets my standards now.

[roads]

K thanks for the heads up. Can you please update the order list, I am so afraid to be left out. For me "Squeeky" was great coincidence...

[Moogle Stiltzkin]

Sixty place me down for 1 set of springs + 1 tool to open the switch.

I just recently ordered a cherry mx black g80-1295 HAU.

If i don't like the blacks, i want to ghetto red mod it with your springs.


It seems like an easily reversible process, and something even i could do assuming the method will be something like this video.

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:12790


But you mentioned 2 pronged, so i am guessing easier than that ?

[roads]

Any news?

[sixty]

No news yet from their part. I am currently very busy with other keyboard related projects, so I am slacking a bit too. I'll be nudging them sometime this week if I don't hear from them until then.

[Moogle Stiltzkin]

No problem. Take your time.

I'm also still waiting on my keyboard to arrive.

[roads]

Just sending out my weekly probe, any answer from them?

[roads]

Still nothing? would be so cool to get these..

[roads]

Any news sixty? Is this great idea of yours dead?

[db_Iodine]

Any news sixty? Is this great idea of yours dead?

You can find sixty mostly on deskthority these days. I think this group buy is basically dead, but you could always ask sixty.

[turbocharged]

Only problem now is that red switches are becoming more available, so the GB seems less useful now.

[RiGS]

Like I have posted multiple times if the design goal was a slightly stiffer Red Cherry I'd be interested.  But a supposedly "smoother" blue/brown cherry seemed a bit nebulous.

I agree on that. 65g springs would be just about perfect.

[himynameisbunny]

This spring still has a use - I believe it would be right at home in a variable weighted Ergo Clear mod.

I'll PM Sixty and see if I can do anything with the information he's nabbed.

Sent from my Vega using Tapatalk

[himynameisbunny]

I think the design goal should be a spring lighter than a Blue/Brown/Red spring.  A "smoother" spring seems a bit touchy feely for me.

Agreed, but how light would you want to go? Lots of people complain about ;;;;;;;;;;;;;; and aaaaaaaaaaa with the 35g switches in their topres.

Having said that, I think that everybody would go mental over some 35g (if put in browns or reds) springs. Would make blues and ergo clear lites 40g each which would be interesting.

[eyesnine]

I'm definitely interested. Post back here when you get the details.

I did a quick google and there appears to be a number of different sources online. It may be easier to send samples of MX brown springs to some of these companies and get estimates for cloning the spring, rather than designing a new one.

Also, I think that it's likely that someone already has a large stock of springs of suitable specifications already. The springs seem to be a standard size - it's just a matter of finding the right supplier.

[eyesnine]

If the spring is to be lighter, I don't think it should be lighter by much. It is possible to cut down MX brown springs to make them lighter. The problem is that an expensive keyboard needs to be sacrificed to do this.