VesperSAINT, I love reading about your enthusiasm for ergo-Clears! Even though I didn't like them on my Filco, I want to give them a try again on my LZ-GH, just in case I will appreciate them more in a very dampened heavy case. Never say never is a rule I try to stick with.
Just got a HHKB. Now I feel like putting PBT keycaps on my Filco..
Thick Cherry-profile PBT keycaps are my favorite by far, for almost every switch.
Thankies ~ Yeah... I had my crazy ergo-clear phase where I went all out and did much research and experimenting with clear switches with a whole bunch of different combination of springs, lube, and no lube. After using the kbd 62g springs, krytox mix for stem, victorinox oil, my Filco hasn't changed to anything else. I have yet to try 55g and 65g, but I think 55g would be the only thing that my cause me to opening up my Filco again. 65g would be too stiff for a typing board imo, and the stiffer you go, the less tactility, and ergo clear is all about smooth tactility! I also think ergo clears only get better with more use and wear because it only gets smoother, but maybe i'm crazy.
And, I also agree with you that thick cherry-profile PBT keycaps are the best. The only other thing that comes close is GMK & original Cherry thick doubleshot keycaps.
55g ergo clears are awesome for a typing board. But I have a feeling that worn clear stems (meaning old one that's been in use for more than a while) really makes a difference for this. The brand new clear stems I'm using in another board doesn't feel quite as nice as those I harvested from a old cherry board - and I actually have 1-2 switches sticking with the new stems, even lubed.
One thing I'd say for 62g ergo clears though - it is really much quieter to use as it's easier not to bottom out on those. I'm pretty much dead silent on 62g while I thock away on 55g. But I saw your typing video on the other thread (very nice filco there by the way), and saw you bottom out anyway, so that doesn't really matter.
Thanks for the compliment on the Filco
I put a lot of heart into it
Yeah, I've heard that 55g ergo clear is more tactile than 62g, which I think would make it an even better typing keyboard, but I guess I'll see because I think my current 62g is pretty much the perfect balance between tactility and weight. I can also float type but I personally find it more satisfying when bottoming out lightly
) And yes, used clear stems are much smoother than brand new stems (as mentioned in previous post), which may be harder for some to believe, but it's kind of like the controversial vintage black phenomena. My clear switches were older and used when I got them, and they are magical compared to newer stems. I'd say that new clear stems would require at least black springs and lube to get them working consistently without sticking. I may buy a batch of new clear switches in the future and put them in my QFR which has a stainless steel custom plate (Filco has an aluminum custom plate), and compare it to my Filco in terms of difference in sound and feel.
I also agree with you that ergo clears are a very quiet switch, even when bottoming out, especially with Victorinox oil. Unfortunately, my video makes them out to be louder than they really are because the volume/sound is enhanced by my camera mic, which is very sensitive.
My new 45g Topre Realforce 87u (courtesy of the BunnyLake raffle, kindly donated by goobus). It's my first topre board and I'm already itching to try out the 55g version. It really never ends does it )
You really should try them out when you get the chance! I originally wanted to start my Topre experience with 55g but they have been out of stock for a long time, so I got a Leopold 660C. After that, I thought I was never going to need another Topre board because the 660C felt so good, but when I came across an opportunity for a 55g, I grabbed it, and I've never looked back ~ Yes, 45g Topre feels amazing, but 55g feels better, but that's just my opinion
)