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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: jcoffin1981 on Sat, 24 April 2021, 01:32:31

Title: Modifying springs
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Sat, 24 April 2021, 01:32:31
I love the Kaihl Box Burnt Orange, but they are just too heavy and fatiguing.  The travel distance of these is less than the standard Cherry-  3.6mm vs 4.0mm.   Will this very miniscule amount make a difference in spring selection when replacing?
Title: Re: Modifying springs
Post by: Pylon on Sat, 24 April 2021, 01:37:00
Box switches do not fit normal Cherry-style springs.
Title: Re: Modifying springs
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Sat, 24 April 2021, 03:44:40
Box switches do not fit normal Cherry-style springs.

Do I need Kaihl branded springs, or are there acceptable aftermarket/generic available?
Title: Re: Modifying springs
Post by: Leslieann on Sat, 24 April 2021, 08:25:43
Do I need Kaihl branded springs, or are there acceptable aftermarket/generic available?
Sprit has Box compatible springs.
Title: Re: Modifying springs
Post by: Leopard223 on Sat, 24 April 2021, 08:26:53
Box switches do not fit normal Cherry-style springs.

Do I need Kaihl branded springs, or are there acceptable aftermarket/generic available?
I think sprit sells Kailh BOX compatible springs
Title: Re: Modifying springs
Post by: Faceman76 on Sat, 24 April 2021, 09:14:23
G Heavy in Canada has a large selection available.  Don't go too light though as the switch may not reset. 

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Modifying springs
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Sat, 24 April 2021, 11:12:42
G Heavy in Canada has a large selection available.  Don't go too light though as the switch may not reset. 

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

So if I use Box Brown weight it will not reset?
Title: Re: Modifying springs
Post by: Faceman76 on Sat, 24 April 2021, 11:19:44


G Heavy in Canada has a large selection available.  Don't go too light though as the switch may not reset. 

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

So if I use Box Brown weight it will not reset?

You'll have to do your own research as to the minimum weight as I went the opposite direction.  It should be safe to assume a slightly lighter spring, one that is used by another box switch, should be a safe bet. 

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Modifying springs
Post by: Leopard223 on Sat, 24 April 2021, 11:51:21
So if I use Box Brown weight it will not reset?
IIRC Pale blue has the 0.25 clickbar which can go pretty low, you can definitly go as low as BOX white, probably more than that.
Title: Re: Modifying springs
Post by: Leslieann on Sat, 24 April 2021, 16:45:54
Don't go too light though as the switch may not reset. 
So if I use Box Brown weight it will not reset?
Dropping 5-10g is usually safe for most switches especially if you add lube (clickbars are usually well lubed), but there is no universal rule because it has to do with how tactile they are, and in the case of Box switches you also have the clickbar.

Basically unless someone already has tried your preferred springs (or lighter) you will have to just try it and see.
Title: Re: Modifying springs
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Sat, 24 April 2021, 21:24:42
Don't go too light though as the switch may not reset. 
So if I use Box Brown weight it will not reset?
Dropping 5-10g is usually safe for most switches especially if you add lube (clickbars are usually well lubed), but there is no universal rule because it has to do with how tactile they are, and in the case of Box switches you also have the clickbar.

Basically unless someone already has tried your preferred springs (or lighter) you will have to just try it and see.
I have some experimenting to do.  Thanks for the input guys. :thumb: