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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: donnghia on Tue, 02 July 2019, 11:33:07

Title: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: donnghia on Tue, 02 July 2019, 11:33:07
the question is in the subjects...

so if only one to choose, what will it be and WHY?
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: zslane on Tue, 02 July 2019, 11:47:04
At the moment I would pick 45g Topre switches. They are currently my favorite. I love the way they feel and sound. 'Nuff said.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Sintpinty on Tue, 02 July 2019, 15:36:41
🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

I’d think Cherry MX, Kahil or Gateron Blue.

But alps are rare and have a lower lifetime so i’d think I would be without a keyboard.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Acereconkeys on Tue, 02 July 2019, 15:37:29
Easy, ergo clears.

Late tactility, not too extreme, feel great.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Sintpinty on Tue, 02 July 2019, 15:38:19
Easy, ergo clears.

Late tactility, not too extreme, feel great.

Maybe I will be able to use Zealios someday, but not right now.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: appaboy on Tue, 02 July 2019, 15:39:04
the question is in the subjects...

so if only one to choose, what will it be and WHY?

stock weight vintage blacks
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Acereconkeys on Tue, 02 July 2019, 15:39:24
Easy, ergo clears.

Late tactility, not too extreme, feel great.

Maybe I will be able to use Zealios someday, but not right now.

Honestly, I'd have said zealios if they weren't so expensive and him discontinuining v1 (the superior switch in my opinion)

I also prefer the thockier sound of cherry housings.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Sintpinty on Tue, 02 July 2019, 15:44:06
Easy, ergo clears.

Late tactility, not too extreme, feel great.

Maybe I will be able to use Zealios someday, but not right now.

Honestly, I'd have said zealios if they weren't so expensive and him discontinuining v1 (the superior switch in my opinion)

I also prefer the thockier sound of cherry housings.

Aight
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: asianfork on Tue, 02 July 2019, 16:18:35
Tealios at the moment because I like using linears as my main and it doesn't have much resistance when leaving your finger pressed on it. Also very smooth stock.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: ArchDill on Tue, 02 July 2019, 16:23:33
Not sure that I could pick only one MX. Other than that. 55g Silenced (RF Purple Sliders) and lubed topre.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: nelamvr6 on Tue, 02 July 2019, 16:23:45
Capacitive buckling springs.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: tp4tissue on Tue, 02 July 2019, 16:42:14
Cherry MX Blue.

Gets the job done. just tactile enough, lightweight and durable.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Merranza on Tue, 02 July 2019, 18:18:28
Gaterons clear :)
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: rondg on Tue, 02 July 2019, 18:45:45
T1s since Holy Pandas and clones, Zelios v2 are too expensive
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: _haru on Tue, 02 July 2019, 19:42:56
Retooled MX White, maybe with a lighter spring.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: appaboy on Tue, 02 July 2019, 19:44:24
T1s since Holy Pandas and clones, Zelios v2 are too expensive

if its the last switch youll ever use, is price really a problem?
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: appaboy on Tue, 02 July 2019, 19:45:09
Easy, ergo clears.

Late tactility, not too extreme, feel great.

Maybe I will be able to use Zealios someday, but not right now.

Honestly, I'd have said zealios if they weren't so expensive and him discontinuining v1 (the superior switch in my opinion)

I also prefer the thockier sound of cherry housings.

a man of culture, v1 was a lot better than v2 imo
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Riverman on Wed, 03 July 2019, 12:19:16
Topre 45g for me!
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Acereconkeys on Wed, 03 July 2019, 12:42:52

a man of culture, v1 was a lot better than v2 imo

Really hope he brings the design back someday. I think these like early in the key travel, heavily tactile keyswtiches are a lot of just hype. Once people type on em longterm they get really obnoxious.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: deepalicious on Wed, 03 July 2019, 16:57:14
Holy Pandas, easy choice.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: EMC Labs on Wed, 03 July 2019, 18:43:03
Blacks fasho!
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: GlennL42 on Thu, 04 July 2019, 00:27:52
Is modification/repair allowed? If so Topre will be the easy pick for me since I will be allowed to just swapped out the dome for other weighting or BKE in case I got bored of the original dome

If not, then Capacitive Buckling spring will be my choice since CBuS is very durable and fantastic to type, just that I'm not sure how much others will suffer from me typing exclusive on what is essentially the instrument of doom for them :p
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Sup on Thu, 04 July 2019, 04:37:32
50 gram TX spring in a Cherry vintage/retooled linear  :)
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: _PixelNinja on Thu, 04 July 2019, 05:25:51
Lubed with love 62g Ergo Clears.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Sintpinty on Thu, 04 July 2019, 06:37:17
I take this thread too literally..

Gotta find someway to replace it if you wear out the switch.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Venaros on Thu, 04 July 2019, 08:57:42
Lubed Holy Pandas. Just love the sound and feel, no other tactile switch comes close IMO. Only downside is the price, but I think it's worth it.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: chyros on Thu, 04 July 2019, 09:09:03
Oh jeez, this is impossible xD . If you say yes to any one of them, you'd be saying no to so many things one shouldn't ever live without! xD
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: audiosl4ve on Thu, 04 July 2019, 09:18:13
Oh jeez, this is impossible xD . If you say yes to any one of them, you'd be saying no to so many things one shouldn't ever live without! xD

So if i said YES! to my wife to be my only one that should be impossible?  :-[
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Sintpinty on Thu, 04 July 2019, 19:28:22
Oh jeez, this is impossible xD . If you say yes to any one of them, you'd be saying no to so many things one shouldn't ever live without! xD

One should own one mechanical keyboard in their lifetime certainly.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Kevadu on Fri, 05 July 2019, 01:26:39
If I had to pick one switch I guess I would go with SMK 2nd gen clickies with an MX mount.  Because they still feel fantastic but unlike a lot of other older switches you can actually get keycaps for them...
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: rich1051414 on Fri, 05 July 2019, 05:11:50
Kailh Box Jades. As long as they aren't first batch that stretch keycaps and get stuck when you stabilize them. The new ones don't suffer these problems.

Why? Supply. White alps are becoming increasingly more rare while jades will become increasingly more common before they will become more rare. That and I think they have a similar feel to alps, but with a more stable stem and more compatible keycap mount.

2nd place would probably be SMK 2nd gen MX mount. They really do feel fantastic.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: chyros on Fri, 05 July 2019, 06:15:12
Oh jeez, this is impossible xD . If you say yes to any one of them, you'd be saying no to so many things one shouldn't ever live without! xD

So if i said YES! to my wife to be my only one that should be impossible?  :-[
Don't ask me man, I'm the son of a divorce lawyer xD .
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: mr.squishy on Fri, 05 July 2019, 06:30:30
A switch I've  dubbed the "Holy COPre"

It's a Zelio stem in a Bsun/panda housing with a 35g Gat clear spring, with a dome from the Data911's splash guard. The Mohel/foreskin/Cop dome mod results in the single most tactile switch I've ever felt, mixed with the Zelio stem for that extra tactile bump and the smooth housing of the bsun/panda. (housing isn't super important here, I haven't tried my "spring" stem combo with every housing yet, so I might find a better one later down the road)
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Sintpinty on Fri, 05 July 2019, 07:49:42
Cherry MX Blue.

Gets the job done. just tactile enough, lightweight and durable.


Hecc yes. Cherry mx blues are some of my favourite typing switch, however due to their heavy weight I can understand why not many like them for gaming.

Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: phinix on Fri, 05 July 2019, 10:16:38
Topre 55g
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: noisyturtle on Fri, 05 July 2019, 16:00:16
I need to try out all these new switch types.

I've been stuck on lubed Pandas for a while now, they are basically perfect for me. They could be like maybe just a couple g's heavier, but otherwise perfect.

I'd still like to see a linear clicky switch made.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Sup on Sun, 07 July 2019, 09:06:13
Cherry MX Blue.

Gets the job done. just tactile enough, lightweight and durable.


Hecc yes. Cherry mx blues are some of my favourite typing switch, however due to their heavy weight I can understand why not many like them for gaming.

because you cant tap them fast as lets say a mx red switch totally not made for competitive gaming. I tried blues and its definitively just for casual gaming.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: thearctican on Sun, 07 July 2019, 13:08:34
I need to try out all these new switch types.

I've been stuck on lubed Pandas for a while now, they are basically perfect for me. They could be like maybe just a couple g's heavier, but otherwise perfect.

I'd still like to see a linear clicky switch made.
Box whites are pretty damn linear.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: phinix on Wed, 10 July 2019, 02:56:23
I need to try out all these new switch types.

I've been stuck on lubed Pandas for a while now, they are basically perfect for me. They could be like maybe just a couple g's heavier, but otherwise perfect.

I'd still like to see a linear clicky switch made.

Linear clicky? How would that work? I thought that if it clicks, it need to have a bump.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Kevadu on Wed, 10 July 2019, 03:26:59
I mean there are sone vintage keyboards with linear switches and a speaker that will beep at you every time a switch actuates.  That's probably as close as you're ever going to get to linear clickies but oddly enough it's not a popular feature these days...
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Snowdog993 on Wed, 10 July 2019, 09:31:26
Need you ask?
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: rxc92 on Wed, 10 July 2019, 17:50:19
That would be tragic! I've never had the chance to try out all the new MX-style switches (Boxes, Zealios, etc.) so it would be a shame if I couldn't ever. However, out of all the switches that I have tried, I personally like the silenced 45g Topre the most. While I enjoy switching back to MX Clears, they can be a bit tiring after using them for a whole day, and loud as well.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Legonut on Sat, 13 July 2019, 01:17:36
I recently tried to move away from Zealios to Box Royal, Hako Royal, and Outemu Ice V2.2, and I came back to Zealio V2 with no plans of ever leaving them.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: natAT on Sat, 13 July 2019, 10:34:21
Probably a linear or tactile hall effect switch (Probably an Ace Pad Tech board or similar). There's obviously other absolutely brilliant switches. But I'm irrational and admit to a soft spot for designs which are interesting and elegant (which hall effect sensing is - especially it's robustness), even if there's not a vast amount gained in the actual user experience.
 
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Altis on Sat, 13 July 2019, 18:22:05
45g Topre.

Very comfortable, even for extended periods. Pleasant feeling and sounding -- doesn't disturb anyone or sound irritating. Can easily game on it as well. They're basically the Lexus of keyboards: not the most exciting, but you could happily use it for any setting all day every day with joy.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: chyros on Sun, 14 July 2019, 04:31:37
Even if I choose blue Alps, I'd be saying no to CBS, beamsprings, SKCL, Fujitsus, optoelectrics, Hall effect.... There's no switch in existence that I could pick that would justify not choosing ALL of that other stuff xD .
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: varszegimarcell on Sun, 14 July 2019, 07:45:14
If I must choose 1 switch till the end of my life, it would be one kind of the hall effect switches, becasue it would work flawlessly till the end of my life for sure. :D
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Sintpinty on Mon, 15 July 2019, 07:34:31
If I must choose 1 switch till the end of my life, it would be one kind of the hall effect switches, becasue it would work flawlessly till the end of my life for sure. :D

Good analogy
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Touch_It on Mon, 15 July 2019, 11:52:19
IBM Model F.  Admittedly I'm using Salmon alps as a daily driver, and they are awesome, and are easier to use in the workplace.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: rxc92 on Tue, 16 July 2019, 01:38:40
IBM Model F.  Admittedly I'm using Salmon alps as a daily driver, and they are awesome, and are easier to use in the workplace.
   
Lucky to have one! One of my old friends showed me his XT, and I can quite safely say I've never seen or heard any board quite as pure as it in sound. The layout and sound would probably bother me too much for long-term use, though.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: SlipperyPeteED on Fri, 19 July 2019, 01:11:15
Gateron Inks with Gateron Clear Stems
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: actualglacier on Fri, 19 July 2019, 06:35:06
Some form of 62g lubed and switch filmed browns.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: killyou on Fri, 19 July 2019, 12:04:06
Kailh BOX Pinks with White/Jade spring.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: tipo33 on Fri, 19 July 2019, 14:23:06
I was a die hard buckling spring guy for a while, started traveling, and could only justify the HHKB.  Been Topre only a while now.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: rajendra82 on Sat, 20 July 2019, 19:44:53
Kailh BOX Pinks with White/Jade spring.
Isn't that pretty much Kailh BOX Noble Yellow? Probably much easier to just get that.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: brainandforce on Sun, 21 July 2019, 22:35:08
If it had to be a highly practical option, most likely I'd pick v2 Zilents or some Outemu silent SKY tactile variant.

If noise was not an issue, IBM membrane buckling spring.

If PCB/part availability was not an issue and I could custom manufacture everything I needed to create my own layout, IBM beamsprings, no contest.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: SrDozer on Mon, 22 July 2019, 02:44:56
Outemu purple or red, they are great for typing and gaming, at least in my taste.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Surefoot on Mon, 22 July 2019, 05:02:59
Gateron Ink
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: jacethesaltsculptor on Mon, 30 December 2019, 16:59:52
Buckling springs, would be my pick. They just do what I need them to do.

I'm fairly conservative with my picks though, I've used them on both ends of my life quite a bit, so I have a hard time imagining not having them.

But if they didn't exist: Probably the clickiest Cherry or Gateron I could get my hands on, either a green, blue, or clear.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Surefoot on Tue, 31 December 2019, 04:38:10
But if they didn't exist: Probably the clickiest Cherry or Gateron I could get my hands on, either a green, blue, or clear.
That would be a Kailh Box Navy then...  Gateron Ink Blue are surprisingly up there too.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: mode on Tue, 31 December 2019, 06:21:22
Easy, SKCM Orange. Assuming an endless lifetime supply of NOS switches.

I have a bag of a few hundred oranges (and a hundred salmons) precisely because it's my favourite switch and I want to keep using it for as long as I can.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: jacethesaltsculptor on Tue, 31 December 2019, 09:32:01
But if they didn't exist: Probably the clickiest Cherry or Gateron I could get my hands on, either a green, blue, or clear.
That would be a Kailh Box Navy then...  Gateron Ink Blue are surprisingly up there too.
I can't believe I forgot the Kailh Box Navy and Jade! I got two on a new keytester I bought recently, they feel so good.

I've never tried a Gateron Ink Blue though, I'll shortly start a quest to find one and type on it.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: VimLover on Wed, 01 January 2020, 00:25:07
I should say 45g Topre because I'm probably going to be buried with my HHKB collection, but the Navy NovelKeys x Kailh BOX Thick Clicks are some of the best clickers I've every laid my fingers on. I'm pretty violent with my key presses, and that 60g click just feels right.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: mizer357 on Sat, 04 January 2020, 07:55:31
I'd have to say lubed Holy Pandas if I had to choose one. They satisfy on a lot of levels. Honorable mentions to lubed Creams for linears and Box Navies for clickies -- they are both endgame switches in their respective classes for me.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: mkkeyboardvigilante on Sat, 04 January 2020, 15:09:37
If I really had to, Topre, but it would also depend on what kind of plate we're talking here. I sort of do prefer the plastic now on the HHKB vs the metal plates on Realforce boards if I'm being honest here. Sometimes, stock Topre feels better on other boards too to me.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: TerryMathews on Sun, 05 January 2020, 13:05:06
Easy, ergo clears.

Late tactility, not too extreme, feel great.

Maybe I will be able to use Zealios someday, but not right now.

Honestly, I'd have said zealios if they weren't so expensive and him discontinuining v1 (the superior switch in my opinion)

I also prefer the thockier sound of cherry housings.

KBDFans Aliaz 70g feels close to 65g v1 Zealios to me.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: snozberries on Mon, 06 January 2020, 09:20:54
Topre would be my first choice. I do love typing on Healios though.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Sintpinty on Tue, 07 January 2020, 12:08:42
Topre would be my first choice. I do love typing on Healios though.

If I really had to, Topre, but it would also depend on what kind of plate we're talking here. I sort of do prefer the plastic now on the HHKB vs the metal plates on Realforce boards if I'm being honest here. Sometimes, stock Topre feels better on other boards too to me.

Why do people like topre so much?
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Maledicted on Tue, 07 January 2020, 15:31:46
Why do people like topre so much?

I've never tried them, wouldn't know. I doubt I'll ever see a topre board in person.

For me, if we're talking a post apocalyptic scenario where you must use what you have, without repair/replacement, either Box Navy/Jade with their IP56 protection and very high switch life, or capacitive buckling spring.

If we're talking about a scenario where you have an unlimited supply of replacement parts, just all of the exact same type, then blue alps.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: TheNamesTy45 on Tue, 07 January 2020, 22:41:48
Retooled blacks from a smooth batch. Unmodified. The end.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: rxc92 on Wed, 08 January 2020, 00:54:46
Why do people like topre so much?

I've never tried them, wouldn't know. I doubt I'll ever see a topre board in person.

For me, if we're talking a post apocalyptic scenario where you must use what you have, without repair/replacement, either Box Navy/Jade with their IP56 protection and very high switch life, or capacitive buckling spring.

If we're talking about a scenario where you have an unlimited supply of replacement parts, just all of the exact same type, then blue alps.

Talking about reliability, huh? Well, you can’t beat Hall effect switches; with a lifetime of over a billion keystrokes, at normal use they’d last for centuries.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: bananasplit_00 on Wed, 08 January 2020, 02:10:19
Very hard to pick but probably 62g Zilent V2s. Gateron Silent Browns and BTC Dome with sliders are high on my list though. Love my Gateron Silent Browns im typing on right now but the 62g Zilent V2s crush them in tactility. Way way too expensive for me to spend on now but if it was the only thing i could ever use i wouldnt mind spending the extra money
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: nathanchere on Wed, 08 January 2020, 04:14:58
If it's a clacky tactile board, Durock's T1s with Gateron Yellow springs are endgame-worthy. If I'm going linear, stock Healios (or Sakurios in my case) are all I can ask for.
Meme switches are fun for a while as a 'hobby' but I haven't tried anything which noticeably outshines either of the above IMO.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Maledicted on Wed, 08 January 2020, 09:29:03
Why do people like topre so much?

I've never tried them, wouldn't know. I doubt I'll ever see a topre board in person.

For me, if we're talking a post apocalyptic scenario where you must use what you have, without repair/replacement, either Box Navy/Jade with their IP56 protection and very high switch life, or capacitive buckling spring.

If we're talking about a scenario where you have an unlimited supply of replacement parts, just all of the exact same type, then blue alps.

Talking about reliability, huh? Well, you can’t beat Hall effect switches; with a lifetime of over a billion keystrokes, at normal use they’d last for centuries.

Yeah, that's true, but I have never used a hall effect keyboard. Are there any vintage ones that don't have some sort of arcane layout? The F AT is right on the edge of usable for me, although I suppose if it is the very last board you'll ever be able to use, that might just take some time to get accustomed to.

Another big factor was feel. I actually greatly enjoy typing on Kailh box switches and capacitive buckling spring.

The silo beam springs aren't out yet, or that would be on the table, assuming that the engineering is good.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Sintpinty on Wed, 08 January 2020, 12:01:50
Why do people like topre so much?

I've never tried them, wouldn't know. I doubt I'll ever see a topre board in person.

For me, if we're talking a post apocalyptic scenario where you must use what you have, without repair/replacement, either Box Navy/Jade with their IP56 protection and very high switch life, or capacitive buckling spring.

If we're talking about a scenario where you have an unlimited supply of replacement parts, just all of the exact same type, then blue alps.

ok...
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Maledicted on Wed, 08 January 2020, 13:12:23
Why do people like topre so much?

I've never tried them, wouldn't know. I doubt I'll ever see a topre board in person.

For me, if we're talking a post apocalyptic scenario where you must use what you have, without repair/replacement, either Box Navy/Jade with their IP56 protection and very high switch life, or capacitive buckling spring.

If we're talking about a scenario where you have an unlimited supply of replacement parts, just all of the exact same type, then blue alps.

ok...

My post was partly a response, and partly my own choices for for one switch for the rest of my life. I believe Chyros has some good Youtube videos on Topre switches, among many other things. Feel is still subjective though, so you would have to hunt one down and see for yourself.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: VP on Wed, 08 January 2020, 17:35:34
Cherry MX Blue.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Ilostmytoeinvietnam on Wed, 08 January 2020, 21:11:40
skcm blue, definitely. I know that there are people that basically have an orgasm whenever they hear that color and that string of letters, (nothing like topre, topre stans are on a whole other ****ing level) granted, linears are my favorite switch type. nk cream, skcc cream, and skcl green are all amazing, its just sometimes I get bored of your conventional linear. I also do not like the tactility that tactile switches produce, so I would have to say a clicky switch. the best on the market right now, meaning mx mount + Matias, would be navy thick clicks, and pink thick clicks. but nothing beats good ol' blue style alps. not that kailh box thick clicks can't have a good sound, but the conditions have to be just right. dense wood case, abs sa keycaps, aluminum switch plate. that makes this very good sounding switch basically heaven sound wise. but I think that nothing comes even close to beating skcm blue as far as sound goes, and the tactility is perfect. I know that some people would go with amber alps, and that is a contender. it has literally the sharpest tactile bump out of any switch I have seen or tried. but I don't really know as far as comparing it to blue alps. they can't all be winners, and I think I would miss my linears. its a hard choice.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: daerid on Thu, 09 January 2020, 00:36:06
I'm probably outing myself as basic-as-f##k, but I'm gonna go with Kailh Box Whites for the moment. I have them on everything.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Maledicted on Thu, 09 January 2020, 02:35:34
I'm probably outing myself as basic-as-f##k, but I'm gonna go with Kailh Box Whites for the moment. I have them on everything.

I don't think there's anything wrong with going with box whites. Not enough tactility for me, but they're really smooth and light.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Sintpinty on Thu, 09 January 2020, 06:58:47
I'm probably outing myself as basic-as-f##k, but I'm gonna go with Kailh Box Whites for the moment. I have them on everything.

I don't think there's anything wrong with going with box whites. Not enough tactility for me, but they're really smooth and light.

Smooth and light ? 👀👀👀
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Maledicted on Thu, 09 January 2020, 07:12:11
I'm probably outing myself as basic-as-f##k, but I'm gonna go with Kailh Box Whites for the moment. I have them on everything.

I don't think there's anything wrong with going with box whites. Not enough tactility for me, but they're really smooth and light.

Smooth and light ? 👀👀👀

Yes, box whites are the lightest of the clicky box switches (unless I've missed something recently). All of the box switches are quite smooth, certainly much more smooth than Cherry MX. The tactility is more crisp as well. Box whites may be even less tactile than Cherry MX Blue though. They're light enough, with such a small bump, that I would consider them as an alternative for my Cherry MX Red board for gaming.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Hayte on Sat, 11 January 2020, 10:45:26
MX Browns.

Mildly and consistently unsatisfying, now and forever, till death us do part. Kind of like a stable marriage.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Maledicted on Sat, 11 January 2020, 23:09:45
MX Browns.

Mildly and consistently unsatisfying, now and forever, till death us do part. Kind of like a stable marriage.

Glutton for punishment, or your reasoning is that the feel can only improve with use and/or simply become more tactile if debri gets into the switch?
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Hayte on Sun, 12 January 2020, 15:47:55
They are cheap, abundant, interchangeable commodity switches and that's the point. MX Browns don't have to rock my world because the question is not "whats your favourite switch?" They are far away from my favourite switch but if I can only use one switch for the rest of my life? I can rationalise how to make an MX Brown board go that distance. I will probably never need to dumpster dive for donor boards or get ripped off in the used market.

I rather like the minimal tactility on a workhorse keyboard - they don't rattle my joints during typing marathons.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Disciplexeon on Sun, 12 January 2020, 16:46:35
Novelkeys creams, or Gateron red inks.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: NoahG on Sun, 12 January 2020, 18:12:21
Easy, vintage mx blacks lubed with THICC lube!  :thumb:
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Sintpinty on Mon, 13 January 2020, 06:49:08
I'm probably outing myself as basic-as-f##k, but I'm gonna go with Kailh Box Whites for the moment. I have them on everything.

I don't think there's anything wrong with going with box whites. Not enough tactility for me, but they're really smooth and light.

Smooth and light ? 👀👀👀

Yes, box whites are the lightest of the clicky box switches (unless I've missed something recently). All of the box switches are quite smooth, certainly much more smooth than Cherry MX. The tactility is more crisp as well. Box whites may be even less tactile than Cherry MX Blue though. They're light enough, with such a small bump, that I would consider them as an alternative for my Cherry MX Red board for gaming.

Hmmm.. i should consider them 🧐
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Maledicted on Mon, 13 January 2020, 08:10:06
Hmmm.. i should consider them 🧐

If you're sure that you want Box Whites, there are actually already retail boards available with them on Amazon for around $40. Most else in the family is a custom affair. What specifically are you looking for though? Box Whites, to me, seem less tactile than Cherry MX Blue. They are very smooth though, and what tactility there is is crisp, unlike Cherry MX.

I would consider them for a hybrid setup, a keyboard I would mostly use for gaming, but wouldn't mind typing on extensively either. I could see them being better than Cherry MX Red in that role myself, but some might still mind the tiny click and tactile bump in games. Otherwise, I'm all for Box thick clicks.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: eternalmetal on Mon, 13 January 2020, 08:23:51
Topre would be my first choice. I do love typing on Healios though.

If I really had to, Topre, but it would also depend on what kind of plate we're talking here. I sort of do prefer the plastic now on the HHKB vs the metal plates on Realforce boards if I'm being honest here. Sometimes, stock Topre feels better on other boards too to me.

Why do people like topre so much?

For me, I have several reasons.  One, is that they feel really stable (very little key wobble).  Two, the feel of typing on a quality rubber dome that gives out at just the right point has a feeling of rightness to it.  It isnt just a linear mush press, it has a nice and supple tactile feel that has been described as typing on boobs or clouds or whatever analogy of nice rubbery goodness you can think of.  I think people with mechanical keyboards can sometimes dismiss rubber domes entirely, because the technology has very thoroughly ruined mass production keyboards, but rubber domes arent inherently bad.  Another thing I like about it is that it is not too loud, so if you are typing where others might be bothered, it isn't loud enough to piss them off (they arent silent like regular rubber domes, but they are definitely unobtrusive).  To me, Topre represents what the rubber dome era originally had in mind when it meant to maintain good tactile feel while getting rid of switch noise.  But they aren't silent, and have a nice muffled keyboard click that is just the right amount of loudness.  Overall just a joy to type on. 

As for the original question, id probably pick 55g Topre. If I were always isolated and didn't need to worry about noise, id pick buckling springs.  I have yet to type on a switch that I like more, but they are a little obnoxious.  If I didn't grow up in the Model M era, id probably find them loud and annoying, but something about the sound just makes me think "yes, this is what a keyboard is". 
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Maledicted on Mon, 13 January 2020, 09:19:10
For me, I have several reasons.  One, is that they feel really stable (very little key wobble).  Two, the feel of typing on a quality rubber dome that gives out at just the right point has a feeling of rightness to it.  It isnt just a linear mush press, it has a nice and supple tactile feel that has been described as typing on boobs or clouds or whatever analogy of nice rubbery goodness you can think of.  I think people with mechanical keyboards can sometimes dismiss rubber domes entirely, because the technology has very thoroughly ruined mass production keyboards, but rubber domes arent inherently bad.  Another thing I like about it is that it is not too loud, so if you are typing where others might be bothered, it isn't loud enough to piss them off (they arent silent like regular rubber domes, but they are definitely unobtrusive).  To me, Topre represents what the rubber dome era originally had in mind when it meant to maintain good tactile feel while getting rid of switch noise.  But they aren't silent, and have a nice muffled keyboard click that is just the right amount of loudness.  Overall just a joy to type on. 

As for the original question, id probably pick 55g Topre. If I were always isolated and didn't need to worry about noise, id pick buckling springs.  I have yet to type on a switch that I like more, but they are a little obnoxious.  If I didn't grow up in the Model M era, id probably find them loud and annoying, but something about the sound just makes me think "yes, this is what a keyboard is".

I'll have to find a meetup and try a Topre board some day. It seems to me that typing is no fun if it doesn't set off car alarms, but my mind is open.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: eternalmetal on Mon, 13 January 2020, 10:03:54
For me, I have several reasons.  One, is that they feel really stable (very little key wobble).  Two, the feel of typing on a quality rubber dome that gives out at just the right point has a feeling of rightness to it.  It isnt just a linear mush press, it has a nice and supple tactile feel that has been described as typing on boobs or clouds or whatever analogy of nice rubbery goodness you can think of.  I think people with mechanical keyboards can sometimes dismiss rubber domes entirely, because the technology has very thoroughly ruined mass production keyboards, but rubber domes arent inherently bad.  Another thing I like about it is that it is not too loud, so if you are typing where others might be bothered, it isn't loud enough to piss them off (they arent silent like regular rubber domes, but they are definitely unobtrusive).  To me, Topre represents what the rubber dome era originally had in mind when it meant to maintain good tactile feel while getting rid of switch noise.  But they aren't silent, and have a nice muffled keyboard click that is just the right amount of loudness.  Overall just a joy to type on. 

As for the original question, id probably pick 55g Topre. If I were always isolated and didn't need to worry about noise, id pick buckling springs.  I have yet to type on a switch that I like more, but they are a little obnoxious.  If I didn't grow up in the Model M era, id probably find them loud and annoying, but something about the sound just makes me think "yes, this is what a keyboard is".

I'll have to find a meetup and try a Topre board some day. It seems to me that typing is no fun if it doesn't set off car alarms, but my mind is open.

It is definitely a more subdued kind of typing compared to clicky switches, but it is also the type of board you would rather use at 2 AM.  Even compared with my new Model F it will still be in constant rotation.  I have no doubts that my Realforce will never leave my desk.  Imo any keyboard enthusiast needs to try Topre.  It's the Cadillac of keyboards without a doubt.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Maledicted on Mon, 13 January 2020, 10:32:02
I use Box Navies/Jades at 2 am though.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: treeleaf64 on Mon, 13 January 2020, 10:42:51
Why do people like topre so much?

I've never tried them, wouldn't know. I doubt I'll ever see a topre board in person.

For me, if we're talking a post apocalyptic scenario where you must use what you have, without repair/replacement, either Box Navy/Jade with their IP56 protection and very high switch life, or capacitive buckling spring.

If we're talking about a scenario where you have an unlimited supply of replacement parts, just all of the exact same type, then blue alps.

Talking about reliability, huh? Well, you can’t beat Hall effect switches; with a lifetime of over a billion keystrokes, at normal use they’d last for centuries.

Yeah, that's true, but I have never used a hall effect keyboard. Are there any vintage ones that don't have some sort of arcane layout? The F AT is right on the edge of usable for me, although I suppose if it is the very last board you'll ever be able to use, that might just take some time to get accustomed to.

Another big factor was feel. I actually greatly enjoy typing on Kailh box switches and capacitive buckling spring.

The silo beam springs aren't out yet, or that would be on the table, assuming that the engineering is good.

I can't wait to try those out! :)
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: treeleaf64 on Mon, 13 January 2020, 10:53:27
Me too, I feel like the ping sound would be nice at first, and then irritating over a long period of time. It was like that when I used Cherry MX Blue, it was nice at the start, but I CAN'T stand those things anymore! I instantly click off any video that uses click jackets :(

I do love my white Alps though, I love how they sound like raindrops falling into a puddle. After using them for a long time, I don't think they are very heavy anymore. I gradually got used to them by linear modding them, getting used to the weight, and then click modding them back to normal. Now they sound C R U N C H Y.

If I had to use a switch for the rest of my life, it would be Amber Alps in a very thick wooden case, like the one Chyrosan has, in ergo form :)
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Maledicted on Mon, 13 January 2020, 12:28:32
Me too, I feel like the ping sound would be nice at first, and then irritating over a long period of time. It was like that when I used Cherry MX Blue, it was nice at the start, but I CAN'T stand those things anymore! I instantly click off any video that uses click jackets :(

I do love my white Alps though, I love how they sound like raindrops falling into a puddle. After using them for a long time, I don't think they are very heavy anymore. I gradually got used to them by linear modding them, getting used to the weight, and then click modding them back to normal. Now they sound C R U N C H Y.

If I had to use a switch for the rest of my life, it would be Amber Alps in a very thick wooden case, like the one Chyrosan has, in ergo form :)

Ping sound in which switch? You didn't quote anybody, so it is a little ambiguous. I still don't hate (completely) the sound of Cherry MX, but it feels like I'm typing on plastic grocery bags now. I say this as I type on them, since I have no other keyboards with usb hubs in them for this desk.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: treeleaf64 on Mon, 13 January 2020, 16:34:59
Me too, I feel like the ping sound would be nice at first, and then irritating over a long period of time. It was like that when I used Cherry MX Blue, it was nice at the start, but I CAN'T stand those things anymore! I instantly click off any video that uses click jackets :(

I do love my white Alps though, I love how they sound like raindrops falling into a puddle. After using them for a long time, I don't think they are very heavy anymore. I gradually got used to them by linear modding them, getting used to the weight, and then click modding them back to normal. Now they sound C R U N C H Y.

If I had to use a switch for the rest of my life, it would be Amber Alps in a very thick wooden case, like the one Chyrosan has, in ergo form :)

Ping sound in which switch? You didn't quote anybody, so it is a little ambiguous. I still don't hate (completely) the sound of Cherry MX, but it feels like I'm typing on plastic grocery bags now. I say this as I type on them, since I have no other keyboards with usb hubs in them for this desk.

Whoops! I meant to quote someone who was talking about Model Fs. It might have been you, I think. Or maybe someone else.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: snarfarlarkus on Mon, 13 January 2020, 16:49:52
If noise was not a concern then capacitive buckling spring but if it is like it is in reality, then HHKB topre forever!
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Maledicted on Mon, 13 January 2020, 17:52:02
Whoops! I meant to quote someone who was talking about Model Fs. It might have been you, I think. Or maybe someone else.

I love the Model F's ping. It seems that both of my newly-modified keyboards that now have Box Jades or Navies also ping, although at different pitches. I used the F AT for weeks straight at work until I got some blue alps, so naturally those slid into the lineup for a while instead. Cherry MX never bothered me either, at least not audibly, so maybe I just like obnoxious noises.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: jacethesaltsculptor on Mon, 13 January 2020, 18:44:12
The construction really does seem to have a lot to do with the ping as well.

My Bigfoot Pings quite a bit, and it's something to get used to, my F122 even on it's feet will ping a bit, but it's metal backplace seems to annihilate nearly all the ping from smaller keys, but not from the larger keys, such as backspace. (It's really obvious when I listen for it when I'm typing, as I'm typing on it now.)
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Maledicted on Mon, 13 January 2020, 20:18:48
The construction really does seem to have a lot to do with the ping as well.

My Bigfoot Pings quite a bit, and it's something to get used to, my F122 even on it's feet will ping a bit, but it's metal backplace seems to annihilate nearly all the ping from smaller keys, but not from the larger keys, such as backspace. (It's really obvious when I listen for it when I'm typing, as I'm typing on it now.)

I'm sure someone could devise a buckling spring instrument by experimenting with different materials for a plate, at different thicknesses, and different volumes of air within a case, which now kind of reminds me of those musical floppy drives.
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: jacethesaltsculptor on Mon, 13 January 2020, 20:23:34
We could call it the Keypinger,

and we can tune it in F.  :p
Title: Re: choose only one Switch for the rest of your life, what will it be?
Post by: Lovepig78 on Mon, 13 January 2020, 21:59:42
Cherry MX Silent Red.  Good all around switch.  Can be used at home at night without waking up the wife and at the office without pissing off your cubicle mate.