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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ottoxf on Tue, 23 March 2021, 04:51:28
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I am building my first custom keyboard at the moment. The only thing that I have purchased are the keycaps attached below. The build that I am going for is mostly white and gold and I have some questions.
1. Switches? I have it down to
Gateron Ink Switches (V2)
NovelKeys Cream Switches
Tealios V2
Rosélio Switches
Gateron Silent Ink
and any feedback would be appreciated
2. Which lube is good for these linear switches?
3. How do I know what PCBs are good quality?
4. Are there any white and gold cases for less than 100 dollars?
5. Are there any white and/or gold cases that are more around 50 dollars than 100?
Thank you for answering any of the questions you can.
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1. I don't use linears but linears are linears other than dampenned or not, once lubed, and sometimes even when not there's very little difference between them.
2. Not all switches benefit from lube. Most will say Krytox 205, personally I like Finish line Flouro Extreme with ptfe, it's a lot cheaper. Frankly, people over obsess over this.
3. Without looking at it you wont but even cheap ones will usually last years. If you are after hot swap this is even less of an issue as odds are the sockets will fail first.
4&5. What size are you after, and are you after a kit or case only?
Choices right now are down to what's in stock (which at the moment is very, very limited) or how long you're willing to wait on a group buy. At those prices you might find a Chinese 60% but that's about it.
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1. All of those are good if not great switches. If you intend to lube them, imo it'll be the same. Out of the box, I've found the inks to be great. I'm currently typing on Sakurios lubed with krytox205g0 and love them. Before lube though, I found them to be scratchier than expected. Personally, I'd have you watch ASMRs of each of those switches and try to make a decision based on the sound because otherwise it'll be too close to call for 90% of people out there.
2. Personal preference for sure. I've enjoyed the Krytox but I will say on clear housings I'd probably go with something a little thicker. Again, it's hard to gauge since it's so subjective but I suppose if everyone clamors for the 205g0, low risk?
3. Ottoxf has this right on the nose. If you're spending a larger amount of money I would hope it would be a good PCB but even the nice ones have defects now and again.
4. you can buy Tofu60 cases for $95-100. You can get a IDOBAO GH60 anodized aluminum case for $43 from Aliexpress but you typically have to wait a couple of months (IDOBAO says delivery May 1 right now)
5. See #4.
Depending on how comfortable you are with a soldering iron, you could pick up a DZ60 for $38, acrylic marble white case for $62, stabilizers for $15, and switches for $25-30 and build top to bottom.