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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: vinyldoodles on Fri, 17 April 2020, 08:58:53

Title: Are switch films worth it?
Post by: vinyldoodles on Fri, 17 April 2020, 08:58:53

Hi all,

I occasionally see people mention switch films and with two custom builds planned over the coming months with Tealios V2s and NKxKailh Creams respectively, I was wondering if I should be going further down the rabbit hole and sourcing some films too!

Can switch films be added to all cherry style switches? Are films required for the ultimate "thock" experience?

Please help!

Title: Re: Are switch films worth it?
Post by: LightningXI on Fri, 17 April 2020, 09:08:59

So switch films are useful due to their effectiveness in reducing wobble between the top and bottom housings. They also make for a 'tighter' switch, affecting sound as well.

Here is a short video that Oblotzky made a while back that demonstrates their effect: https://gfycat.com/unlinedsmartleafhopper (bottom row is without films, top row has films added)

They are particularly useful for Cherry MX-made switches, so Cherry MX Blacks, Browns, Clears, etc...

People often recommend them for some other switches.

However, ZealPC Tealios, NK x Kailh Creams, and most Gateron/Kailh made switches tend to already have a pretty tightly-fitting top and bottom housing fitment, so I personally would not bother applying films on these.

Title: Re: Are switch films worth it?
Post by: Nonnegaard on Fri, 17 April 2020, 13:18:48

The reason people apply films on those switches is that it improves the sound. On some, it's barely noticeable, but on some switches, it can make a huge difference. Take a listen for yourself. Here are two examples.

and

Title: Re: Are switch films worth it?
Post by: abstractkb on Tue, 28 April 2020, 16:03:36

I put films on my silent switches when I lube them and I find that the combination makes silent switches a little quieter than stock.

Title: Re: Are switch films worth it?
Post by: kekstee on Tue, 28 April 2020, 17:29:10

Can't judge all the switches out there, but I do like the stabilizing effect they have on Cherry MX. Wouldn't build a board without them.

Title: Re: Are switch films worth it?
Post by: dabeshu on Wed, 29 April 2020, 13:03:05

Yeah I agree on that. At this point there are just obligatory things that I don't even give second thought to

Title: Re: Are switch films worth it?
Post by: treeleaf64 on Wed, 29 April 2020, 17:02:48

I am gonna get some for my vint blacks. They are good on most switches, very good on Durock switches. Improves the sound a lot.