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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: SirClickAlot on Sun, 24 October 2010, 09:23:19

Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Sun, 24 October 2010, 09:23:19
Here (http://www.mrinterface.com/content/sinklist-stb-switch-try-board) is a link to the website text.

Finally,

Very crudely made, but hey : last time I soldered electronics is 30 years ago.....

Keys used :
Cherry Brown
Cherry Red
Cherry Black
Cherry Clear
Cherry Blue
Cherry ML
Alps clicky
Alps dampened
Alps black

Am taking sinklist membership for this item as from today : mail me your address and if you behaved well enough on this board you'll be put on the STB ( switch try board ) sinklist.

Other requirements :
At least 10 posts on this board. So get over your limelight fear and start posting! :-)

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Swede on Sun, 24 October 2010, 09:38:35
Just what i need!
Altough, since i just check this forum for my next keyboard, and never post, I wonder if i still count as one of those wellbehaved members of this forum?
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Sun, 24 October 2010, 09:41:56
Quote from: Swede;237923
Just what i need!
Altough, since i just check this forum for my next keyboard, and never post, I wonder if i still count as one of those wellbehaved members of this forum?


Well, the truth is , I can only use #posts on this board as any kind of measurement for trustworthiness.... Was thinking for this sinklist you need to have at least 10 posts before you can participate.
So, Swede, you only need 1 more *grin*

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Sun, 24 October 2010, 09:50:06
Quote from: ripster;237926
Hey, that looks great!

You might want to be a bit more precise which ALPS those are, Complicated or Simplified, Fukkas or XMs, etc...   Let me know if you need any help identifying them.

Alps clicky ( from matias tactile pro ) color : grey
Alps dampened ( from SGI AT101 9500900 ) color white
Alps non clicky from Dell AT101 color : black

Probably all complicated alps then???? ( Ripster, can you confirm? )

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Sun, 24 October 2010, 10:10:54
Put me down, would you?

I can't promise an address until I know when you're going to ship it though.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Swede on Sun, 24 October 2010, 14:55:11
Not very fond of posting just to get a post, but then again, I'm very interested in trying out some switches without having to buy an entire keyboard!
Mind you, i'm still below the age of 20, so money is not easy to find, or get!
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Voixdelion on Sun, 24 October 2010, 19:38:34
Totally awesome!! What a great idea!  Wish it had been there about 6 months ago...

And this is the PR/marketing major in me thinking this:  Maybe organizing a promotional day with a local retailer once a season for mech board enthusiasts to come try out boards - maybe get some sponsors or something.... Or have a thread where people can volunteer a board that they don't use for a GH "library" - put down a paypal deposit and pay for shipping for the opportunity to  Try before you BUY... Better yet - get the VENDORS to DONATE ONE to this purpose ! For the cost of one board they could generate quite a return for sales I would think... And the site has probably gained enough rep to merit the risk.  Hmmmm... Gotta chew on that a little more.

Sorry - just thinking out loud for a minute there... but back to the point: That's totally awesome!

And don't worry, Swede - as far as postcounts go, around here it seems to snowball rather quickly.  A bit like catching a virus with an accompanying fever...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Rajagra on Sun, 24 October 2010, 19:46:39
Quote from: Voixdelion;238178
And don't worry, Swede - as far as postcounts go, around here it seems to snowball rather quickly.  A bit like catching a virus with an accompanying fever...


I got the fever. And there's only one cure!

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4919746677_b662f3d94f.jpg)

Myth confirmed!
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Mon, 25 October 2010, 03:23:26
Quote from: ripster;238180
Matias Tactile Pro - Grey?  Hmm... not sure - on the MTP 2 and 3 they are Fukkas.  Does it look like this?
Show Image
(http://www7.ocn.ne.jp/~hisao/image/8851_31.jpg)


Yeps, that's it... It has a mark number 5 and a mark number 1 ( I think, could also be J )

Complicated alps then? Or Fukkas?
I need to know this for the accompanying buddysheet.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Mon, 25 October 2010, 05:16:27
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: kill will on Mon, 25 October 2010, 05:20:44
am i first on the list ?
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Mon, 25 October 2010, 05:26:42
Quote from: kill will;238291
am i first on the list ?
Well , actually muchadoaboutnothing is (http://www.mrinterface.com/content/sinklist-stb-switch-try-board).... :-)
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Mon, 25 October 2010, 06:23:35
Uuh that looks intresting... And decent variety...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Mon, 25 October 2010, 12:45:09
Sorry I ninja'd you, kill will... :P
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Tue, 26 October 2010, 08:09:07
Quote from: muchadoaboutnothing;238483
Sorry I ninja'd you, kill will... :P


Actually thinking about starting the trip in Europe ( seeing you guys in the states already have some Topre action going on.... )

So, that would mean someone in Europe will be first for the STB.

Also : the list doesn't grow as fast as the Topre Keychain list. I thought it would explode... I see 2 reasons for this :
1. People don't know.
2. People know but don't see added value since they already bought their perfect keyboard.. So I am simply too late with this sinklist item... ;-)

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: woody on Tue, 26 October 2010, 10:09:52
Quote from: SirClickAlot;238838
2. People know but don't see added value since they already bought their perfect keyboard.. So I am simply too late with this sinklist item... ;-)

Yeah, kinda. :-) But wait a bit, I'm sure more people will enroll.

Personally, since I got the Filco blues I am satisfied. Should've done that ages ago, but found GH too recently. I had Unicomp and Cherry on the radar since few years, but wasn't in the adventurous mood before.

On the other hand, due to this forum I had some real interest in the Topre. But there are reasons not to pursue this:
 - their price is unfound. It's not about the money, it's about their positioning
 - so they try to setup an "exclusive" (-phile) niche market ... screw that
 - their keyboards are hard to buy
 - so they try to setup an "exclusive" (-phile) niche market ... screw that
 - the tenkeyless is nowhere to be found?
 - the HHKB I cannot understand

I thought for a bit about the Topre keychain, but the major flaw is that a single key cannot represent the overall feel. Unless I can type with both hands, it doesn't bring me much information.

This all is just MHO, but please don't take it as negative. I appreciate and applause what you did with the keychain and the switchboard. It just doesn't work for me, that's all I'm trying to say. :-) Oh, and Topre ... your 1337 stuff is dead for me. (Unless I am terribly misguided)

Keep the good work, guys.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Tue, 26 October 2010, 17:47:53
Should I join or shouldn't I join? Tough question...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: HaaTa on Tue, 26 October 2010, 17:54:12
Of course you should!

Me? I don't really need to join. I'll be buying (already have) boards with them anyways :P
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Tue, 26 October 2010, 18:24:47
Quote from: HaaTa;239128
Of course you should!

Me? I don't really need to join. I'll be buying (already have) boards with them anyways :P


Posted my adress, I hope my occasionaly trollish manners won't hurt too much ;D

Hmm, have to see if I can get my hands on Model M now...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: instantkamera on Tue, 26 October 2010, 18:28:45
good job. Not in need myself (I like to buy stuff I have never used, it's more exciting :D), but this could be the start of something special ...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Tue, 26 October 2010, 18:30:32
Quote from: instantkamera;239146
good job. Not in need myself (I like to buy stuff I have never used, it's more exciting :D), but this could be the start of something special ...


Yeah, now to find way to get buckling-spring on it too ;D
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: instantkamera on Tue, 26 October 2010, 18:39:40
Quote from: Ekaros;239149
Yeah, now to find way to get buckling-spring on it too ;D


lol


but then MW would sign up for the borrow and SirClickAlot would never see the thing ever again.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Tue, 26 October 2010, 18:45:53
Quote from: instantkamera;239152
lol


but then MW would sign up for the borrow and SirClickAlot would never see the thing ever again.


Quote from: SirClickAlot;237920

Am taking sinklist membership for this item as from today : mail me your address and if you behaved well enough on this board you'll be put on the STB ( switch try board ) sinklist.


I'm not sure if we had issue here?
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: instantkamera on Tue, 26 October 2010, 19:05:06
I dunno. He WAS banned and now look...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: HaaTa on Tue, 26 October 2010, 19:37:12
Not to give people ideas, but a beamspring switch would be pretty trival to put on. Unfortunately fragile though...(as I encountered...).

Buckling spring? Just get a model F barrel (I have lots :P) a spring, hammer, key, mount'em done :D
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: RickyJ on Tue, 26 October 2010, 20:58:12
Sounds like this is something I need to be part of! :D
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Tue, 26 October 2010, 21:52:10
Quote from: SirClickAlot;238838
Actually thinking about starting the trip in Europe ( seeing you guys in the states already have some Topre action going on.... )


Sounds perfectly sensible to me!
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Moogle Stiltzkin on Wed, 27 October 2010, 00:29:31
hard to get a feel for it with single keys but its better than nothing.

At the end of the trip probably can auction it off :D
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Wed, 27 October 2010, 01:43:45
Quote from: Moogle Stiltzkin;239242

At the end of the trip probably can auction it off :D


Nope..

IF it ever comes back ( maybe the list keeps on growing and growing ) I will rehabilitate the keyboards that were so deeply wounded by the STB ( Re-solder the switches back... )

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Wed, 27 October 2010, 01:44:55
Quote from: RickyJ;239185
Sounds like this is something I need to be part of! :D


Do you want on? Just PM me your address.... There is NO timelimit for this sinklist, it just keeps growing dynamically....
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Wed, 27 October 2010, 01:50:05
Quote from: HaaTa;239172
Not to give people ideas, but a beamspring switch would be pretty trival to put on. Unfortunately fragile though...(as I encountered...).

Buckling spring? Just get a model F barrel (I have lots :P) a spring, hammer, key, mount'em done :D


Hey, that is actually a good idea!
Didn't know model F keyboards had de-tachable keyswitches. The Model M's just don't have switches to de-solder.
Anybody got a model F key to spare I can stick on this switchboard?

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: squarebox on Wed, 27 October 2010, 03:27:53
Hi SirClickAlot,

Are there any Asian countries on the sinklist yet?
I would love to join the sinklist but I'm living in Singapore which i think is too far away to be economical if I'm the only one...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Wed, 27 October 2010, 05:30:47
Quote from: squarebox;239272
Hi SirClickAlot,

Are there any Asian countries on the sinklist yet?
I would love to join the sinklist but I'm living in Singapore which i think is too far away to be economical if I'm the only one...
Hi there,

This sinklist item is very light, so the shipping costs will be minimal.

PM me your address and you are on the sinklist.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Fri, 29 October 2010, 03:10:31
10th sinklist member onboard.( Welcome exhuma.twn )

Next week I will ship the STB.
EDIT : I will ship the item at the 8th of november.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Fri, 29 October 2010, 04:00:23
Heya,

I think this idea is great and would be a great help. If I had a shop selling peripherals including mech boards I think your STB would be a MUST HAVE to help the customers find their personal favorite switch.

I am particularly interested in the cherry reds and clears but honestly I never typed on ALPS so that might be a revelation too.

I enrolled for the sinklist today (a bit late I know ;) ).
Will you let everyone know if you shuffle the sinklist to make a euro trip first or will go in order of enrolling? Would be nice to know if I can expect it soonish or rather later in the future so I won't be on vacation or anything :D
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Fri, 29 October 2010, 04:35:14
Quote from: Senor_Cartmenez;240083
I enrolled for the sinklist today (a bit late I know ;) ).
Will you let everyone know if you shuffle the sinklist to make a euro trip first or will go in order of enrolling? Would be nice to know if I can expect it soonish or rather later in the future so I won't be on vacation or anything :D
Did you enroll? I did not receive your address via PM ? :-0

EDIT : Oh, I see , you went via the feedback form on www.mrinterface.com. Anyways, I've added you to the list.

The STB will make a euro trip first.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Fri, 29 October 2010, 07:50:01
kewl :)
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: HaaTa on Fri, 29 October 2010, 08:15:39
Quote from: SirClickAlot;239258
Hey, that is actually a good idea!
Didn't know model F keyboards had de-tachable keyswitches. The Model M's just don't have switches to de-solder.
Anybody got a model F key to spare I can stick on this switchboard?

Regards.


Mounting may be interesting though, as to do it properly, you'll need a metal housing around the barrel. As there is nothing to really solder..
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Fri, 29 October 2010, 09:29:49
Quote from: HaaTa;240129
Mounting may be interesting though, as to do it properly, you'll need a metal housing around the barrel. As there is nothing to really solder..

I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.... ;-)

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: NamelessPFG on Sat, 30 October 2010, 22:30:53
I want to sign up, but there's an oversight on the Switch Try Board from what I can tell.

My experience with switches that have a good tactile click to them is that they don't always electrically respond along with the click. White XMs and whatever switches are used in Neo-Geo CD pads for the digital nub are just two examples.

What I would've liked to see would be an LED or something that lights up whenever a switch is actuated, such that I could compare the electrical response to the physical feel.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: woody on Sun, 31 October 2010, 07:36:21
Makes sense.
________
roll a joint (http://howtorollajoint.net/)
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Sun, 31 October 2010, 09:46:55
Quote from: NamelessPFG;240646
I want to sign up, but there's an oversight on the Switch Try Board from what I can tell.

My experience with switches that have a good tactile click to them is that they don't always electrically respond along with the click. White XMs and whatever switches are used in Neo-Geo CD pads for the digital nub are just two examples.

What I would've liked to see would be an LED or something that lights up whenever a switch is actuated, such that I could compare the electrical response to the physical feel.


Valid points...

Can make something like that the next iteration of the Switch Try Board ( So, version 2 .... )

Regards.
Title: How do I get on the list?
Post by: brianmeidell on Sun, 31 October 2010, 11:25:53
I apologize if this has already been explained - I did look for an answer before posting the question, both here and on mrinterface.com.

Regards,
Brian
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Sun, 31 October 2010, 11:34:05
Quote from: brianmeidell;240749
I apologize if this has already been explained - I did look for an answer before posting the question, both here and on mrinterface.com.

Regards,
Brian


Hi there,

If you want to get on the list PM me your address and you'll be scheduled.
I'll make it clearer what people need to do to sign on.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Sun, 31 October 2010, 11:37:18
Quote from: SirClickAlot;240755
Hi there,

If you want to get on the list PM me your address and you'll be scheduled.
I'll make it clearer what people need to do to sign on.

Regards.


Also, you could add link to list itself or post of preliminary list in first post. Only way I get there is one two letter word on one post here... ;D
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Sun, 31 October 2010, 12:49:38
Quote from: Ekaros;240756
Also, you could add link to list itself or post of preliminary list in first post. Only way I get there is one two letter word on one post here... ;D


Should have cleaned it all up a bit. Thanx for the advice.

The links are now also cross referenced ( from my site to GH and the other way around )
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: isp on Wed, 03 November 2010, 08:37:54
Great idea!  Would love to give it a try.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: CodeChef on Wed, 03 November 2010, 09:18:13
Is this all done? Can I still sign up? This is EXACTLY what I need right now.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Wed, 03 November 2010, 10:48:34
Quote from: CodeChef;242066
Is this all done? Can I still sign up? This is EXACTLY what I need right now.


You have to give me 5$, I can get u on the list m'kay?

just go back one page, it says "send me a pm and I put u on the list".
Clear cut instruction :D
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: CodeChef on Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:13:04
Quote from: Senor_Cartmenez;242112
You have to give me 5$, I can get u on the list m'kay?

just go back one page, it says "send me a pm and I put u on the list".
Clear cut instruction :D


I already signed up, but to be fair, there was no indication if the list was full or what.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:24:27
Quote from: CodeChef;242504
I already signed up, but to be fair, there was no indication if the list was full or what.


There is a misunderstanding here : the list will grow dynamically even when the item is sent out. So you can ALWAYS jump in.

Based on this discussion I will make it more clear that the sinklists never get full.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: CodeChef on Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:32:02
Quote from: SirClickAlot;242511
There is a misunderstanding here : the list will grow dynamically even when the item is sent out. So you can ALWAYS jump in.

Based on this discussion I will make it more clear that the sinklists never get full.

Regards.


Oooohhhhhh alright. I understand now, thanks.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:41:32
You still owe me 5$ CodeChef
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Mon, 08 November 2010, 05:06:42
Today I sent out the STB (http://www.mrinterface.com/content/sinklist-stb-switch-try-board) to Zefrer.

I found out that shipping it to somewhere in Europe costs 2,30 Euros. To the rest of the world just 2,85 Euros. Great!
I am also pondering the creation of a shipping list for the different sinklist items so people can be less worried about the shipping costs.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: zefrer on Sun, 14 November 2010, 16:54:07
Got this in the mail the other day!

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b104/zefrer/stb_2.png)

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b104/zefrer/stb.png)

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b104/zefrer/stb_back.png)

My thoughts? The cherry brown key feels very different than the ones on my own keyboard, can barely feel the bump on the STB it seems.

As for preferences, going with the key legends:




All in all I'm surprised at the blue cherry - I don't like it as much as I had hoped.

I really like the alps switches, would love to try some blue montereys now. My next keyboard will probably be some kind of clicky alps.

Thanks a lot Sir for the chance to try out these switches, was very helpful.

Will be posting this along in the next day or so.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: microsoft windows on Sun, 14 November 2010, 16:57:01
I wonder if it would be possible to "sample" a Model M switch that way. It definitely would be harder since they're membrane-based.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Swede on Tue, 23 November 2010, 13:29:35
Just got the board, and was suprised that I got it so early! Also for not getting an Email....
And I some bad news, the nr.3 key, Grey Alps. Was nearly bent off, it got a nice hit during shipping :/
Packaging was good, just bad luck I guess.
I just bent it back but the solderpoints will have some fatigue, meaning it is weakened.

I'm going to have my investigation and all that going on during the week, will ship it on Monday the 29th.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Tue, 23 November 2010, 13:38:03
Quote from: Swede;251340
Just got the board, and was suprised that I got it so early! Also for not getting an Email....
And I some bad news, the nr.3 key, Grey Alps. Was nearly bent off, it got a nice hit during shipping :/
Packaging was good, just bad luck I guess.
I just bent it back but the solderpoints will have some fatigue, meaning it is weakened.

I'm going to have my investigation and all that going on during the week, will ship it on Monday the 29th.
Alright, good to see it made it in one piece.

Hopefully the nr 3 key will stay put. If it breaks I might have to reroute the STB to me again in order to do some fixing... :-(

If you find a way to package it better you are welcome to do so -> it was bubblewrapped in order to get less weight for the total package.

Next one in line is Ekaros. Will check him with a PM if he can receive.

Anyways : have fun with it and tell us how you like each switch together with some nice scenic photographs... :-)

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Swede on Tue, 23 November 2010, 13:57:08
Maybe i can glue the Alps switches? Altough it will be permanent...
But it can maybe solve the bending "issue" on the alps, the Cherry switches are soldered top and bottom while the Alps are soldered only in the top.

If I do it, it will be with epoxy of some sort, so it will be rocksolid. But SirClickAlot, you have the final word on this, if you say no or maybe, I won't do it.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Tue, 23 November 2010, 14:03:00
Quote from: Swede;251374
Maybe i can glue the Alps switches? Altough it will be permanent...
But it can maybe solve the bending "issue" on the alps, the Cherry switches are soldered top and bottom while the Alps are soldered only in the top.

If I do it, it will be with epoxy of some sort, so it will be rocksolid. But SirClickAlot, you have the final word on this, if you say no or maybe, I won't do it.


Alright, do your trick so it will be rock-solid. You have my permission :-)

Thanx for thinking with me on this, really appreciated....

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Swede on Tue, 23 November 2010, 14:27:11
Alright! Will do it as soon as I can. Hopefully the local hardware store have some nice stuff. :)
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Tue, 23 November 2010, 16:49:38
Quote from: SirClickAlot;251348
Alright, good to see it made it in one piece.

Hopefully the nr 3 key will stay put. If it breaks I might have to reroute the STB to me again in order to do some fixing... :-(

If you find a way to package it better you are welcome to do so -> it was bubblewrapped in order to get less weight for the total package.

Next one in line is Ekaros. Will check him with a PM if he can receive.

Anyways : have fun with it and tell us how you like each switch together with some nice scenic photographs... :-)

Regards.


Have to see in what shape I get it... Still suprised I'm so soon on list...

Makes next board tad easier, even if I don't have real options now...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Swede on Tue, 23 November 2010, 17:00:05
Took a good look at the Alps switches, and notices that nr.3 and nr.9 was mounted futher up than nr.6.
Nr.9 can be bent easily, like nr.3 was. Nr.6 is almost mounted flush with the PCB, while 3 and 9 is about 0.5-1 millimetre over the pcb. Nr.6 is hard to bend, but can still be bend if someone is pressing with some force.

Looks like the problem can be solved with 3min of soldering or so...
But I has zero experience in soldering, and don't own a soldering iron, so I can't do this myself.

To have the same stability as the Cherry, we still need to resort to glue.

Also, Nr.3 and 9 will have an angle similar to this when glued------> |\
The top part will be about 0.5-1mm up from the PCB, the bottom will be flush.

Wondering what to do now :/
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Swede on Tue, 23 November 2010, 17:02:21
Quote from: Ekaros;251488
Have to see in what shape I get it... Still suprised I'm so soon on list...

Makes next board tad easier, even if I don't have real options now...


Hopefully you will get it in better shape than I got it in... Was kinda shocked to tell the truth, How the hell did the switch get bent?
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: CodeChef on Tue, 23 November 2010, 20:33:29
If it survives and hasn't been fixed by the time I get to it I'll fix any soldering problems, that's sort of my specialty...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Wed, 24 November 2010, 08:28:03
Hmmzz,

I know what to do -> detour the STB to me, I'll fix it and send it off again.

Just one of those lessons learned. :-)

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Swede on Wed, 24 November 2010, 09:28:00
if I send it back to you to fix it, let me come with an advise.
Solder off all switches, and glue them to place. Then solder the backside.
This would make it far more resiliant to damage and bending won't be a problem.

Only reason it would get to damaged to use is if the PCB cracks or the switches themselves get damaged.

And judging by the sinklist atm, this thing will get some miles under its feet and get it's fair deal of abuse.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: sixty on Wed, 24 November 2010, 09:36:59
This all makes a lot of sense, since ALPS switches are supposed to be plate mounted, without that they lack the stability. Completely removing their pins and epoxy glueing them to the PCB is likely your best bet and would be the closest you can get to the real plate mounted feel I guess.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: CodeChef on Thu, 25 November 2010, 00:25:37
Or just make sure the solder legs are pulled down completely so that the switch is sitting flat on the board before soldering?
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Thu, 25 November 2010, 00:56:52
Actually, I will do both : soldering and glueing, but this time I will be less sloppy.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Swede on Mon, 29 November 2010, 10:51:05
Hello!

After a short time of high fever, I was finally able to ship back the STB. (still really weak)
The post office was really greedy, charged 30kr (~3euro) for the package only -.-

Anyways, you guys want my review right? here ya' go!


1. The Cherry Clear
Heavy ”rubber band” feeling over it, not my style, but would be nice to have as a Spacebar maybe, or have it on Tab and Caps. Don’t know. I do really like the “tactileness”.

2. The Cherry Red
I like this one a lot! But want some Tactile feel. Having this slightly depressed feels good, and wont tire me out I think. Next buy if I find one in Swedish layout.

3. Grey Alps
Feels like my Clicky Black Alps board for some reason but heavier and a bit wobbly, for obvious reasons. Very pronounced bump in the top.


4. Cherry Blue
Feel Happier and Younger (lol) than my Black alps.
The click is finer, and it feels more fresh…
Would have wanted it a bit softer like the brown, Tactile feel is better than the brown.
Next buy if I don’t find a Red with Swe layout.

5. Cherry Brown
Feels similar than the Red, but the Red is better, similar to the Clear in tactileness.
Don’t know yet :/
After some more touching and feeling I’m thinking it’s a good switch, good for gaming and for writing. As everyone says xD.

6. White Complicated Dampened Alps
Feels like an old man.
A bump in the top and nothing else… Reminds me of Rubber domes? The hell?
Pressing hard and fast is like a Rubber dome (but better), but slowly its like a Cherry Black but with a bump in the beginning.

7. Cherry Black
Don’t like this switch, too heavy.
Feels like my Model M with no tactile feel. And has a longer stroke.
Bleh

8. Cherry ML
Have been interested in this switch for a long time. (want one of those G84s)
Feels better than a Scissor switch, but a little on the heavy side for me.
Fills me with doubt, liking it and hating it.

9. Black Complicated Nonclicky Alps
A bit mushy, but good… feels like a tactile bit of foam
Better than my Model M.

Hope that you get the SBT in a short time SirClickAlot! Was practicly crawling to the post office xD
Of to bed again!
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Mon, 29 November 2010, 13:01:02
Excellent write-up!

Get well soon.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: HaaTa on Mon, 29 November 2010, 15:19:30
Quote from: Swede;253827
Hello!
2. The Cherry Red
Next buy if I find one in Swedish layout.


Good luck with that...

Probably easier to try and find a Japanese one and get different keycaps...though that's not so easy anymore either.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Wed, 01 December 2010, 04:33:54
Today I received the STB and made my repairs, the problem switches ( Alps ) are now glued and soldered.

Next one on the list Ekaros....

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Wed, 01 December 2010, 05:27:07
As long as it comes here before I make trip to parents for christmas and new years eve, I'm happy.

Red in SW/FI? Info me too if something comes up...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: sixty on Wed, 01 December 2010, 05:51:09
Quote from: HaaTa;253969
Good luck with that...

Probably easier to try and find a Japanese one and get different keycaps...though that's not so easy anymore either.

Yeah, like HaaTa said.. thats not gonna happen.

Reds originally were a very limited switch made exclusively for a Japanese brand named Scythe in 2008. They released the G80-3000 with both US ANSI and Japanese JIS layout. A few more Asian retailers were able to order a few OEM boards from Cherry with red switches during that period. They made three more variants in US ANSI, ANSI with Korean Hangul and ANSI with Chinese lettering.

Nowadays the red switch is no longer available and all of the boards are all out of production. If you want one you should buy one while stock lasts.

There have been a few more boards (iOne, Ducky) that used red switches, or partially red switches. These were actually soldered out of the G80s and then soldered into the other boards. As of now its impossible to order red switches from Cherry.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Wed, 01 December 2010, 05:51:11
And the package is off into the direction of Ekaros.

Let me know when it arrives.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Swede on Wed, 01 December 2010, 10:21:41
Quote from: sixty;254814
Yeah, like HaaTa said.. thats not gonna happen.

Reds originally were a very limited switch made exclusively for a Japanese brand named Scythe in 2008. They released the G80-3000 with both US ANSI and Japanese JIS layout. A few more Asian retailers were able to order a few OEM boards from Cherry with red switches during that period. They made three more variants in US ANSI, ANSI with Korean Hangul and ANSI with Chinese lettering.

Nowadays the red switch is no longer available and all of the boards are all out of production. If you want one you should buy one while stock lasts.

There have been a few more boards (iOne, Ducky) that used red switches, or partially red switches. These were actually soldered out of the G80s and then soldered into the other boards. As of now its impossible to order red switches from Cherry.

That if was a big one to begin with, I know that the chance of getting the Red in Swe layout is close to zero. If not completely impossible if I don't salvage a G-80 for switches and solder myself.
But I never knew it was THAT rare! Maybe I need go hunt some Red cherry boards :/
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Wed, 01 December 2010, 14:09:33
Quote from: Swede;254916
That if was a big one to begin with, I know that the chance of getting the Red in Swe layout is close to zero. If not completely impossible if I don't salvage a G-80 for switches and solder myself.
But I never knew it was THAT rare! Maybe I need go hunt some Red cherry boards :/

I would be happy even with G80 on proper layout...

What's minium order from cherry for "special" layout? And can I get multiple switch options...
And I were to get one this would be one:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/KB_Finnish_Multilingual.svg/500px-KB_Finnish_Multilingual.svg.png)

Just for sake of it, wholy unsupported, but atleast it got everything there...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Swede on Wed, 01 December 2010, 15:07:52
Quote from: Ekaros;255066
I would be happy even with G80 on proper layout...

What's minium order from cherry for "special" layout? And can I get multiple switch options...
And I were to get one this would be one:
Show Image
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/KB_Finnish_Multilingual.svg/500px-KB_Finnish_Multilingual.svg.png)


Just for sake of it, wholy unsupported, but atleast it got everything there...


For private persons to order a special layout would be extremely expensive, and adding that the red seems to be out of production, I would suffice to say that it will be very hard.
If we get a company to try and order a batch (~10 000-20 000) would be a bit easier, IF they get Cherry to make some new Red Switches.

But if cherry believes it will be a market for the reds, they will probably make more. But I find that hard to believe, even if we ad some Random gaming peripheral companies to the mix.
And they won't order something that is not in production. Profit rules them too much.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Wed, 15 December 2010, 13:55:59
It has been two weeks now since I sent the package off to Ekaros and it still hasn't arrived yet.... *sigh*

The STN also took about 3 weeks to arrive. Unbelievable why this takes soooo long. Hope this one is not lost for eternity.

Lessons learned , always , always send these items with a track and trace code even if it fits in a bubble filled envelope.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Wed, 15 December 2010, 14:59:48
Quote from: SirClickAlot;263584
It has been two weeks now since I sent the package off to Ekaros and it still hasn't arrived yet.... *sigh*

The STN also took about 3 weeks to arrive. Unbelievable why this takes soooo long. Hope this one is not lost for eternity.

Lessons learned , always , always send these items with a track and trace code even if it fits in a bubble filled envelope.

Regards.


Yeah, I'm also bit perplexed, on other hand I don't remember if I have gotten any mail this week, not that I get too much... There might have been some issues with international post, but they should have been done by now... Hope it get's here before 22nd, or it might be stuck a long while...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: leotnnz on Wed, 15 December 2010, 15:04:20
looks great. and just what i need:) pm my address.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: sixty on Thu, 16 December 2010, 04:59:56
Quote from: search24ma;263879
Please PM me the same.


Please go to hell. If your advertised SEO was actually as good as you claim maybe you would not have to spam random forums with nonsense.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Fri, 17 December 2010, 07:41:11
Okay it has arrived, hmm those blues feel bit wrong, do they sound different on real keyboard?
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Fri, 17 December 2010, 07:51:45
Quote from: Ekaros;264535
Okay it has arrived, hmm those blues feel bit wrong, do they sound different on real keyboard?


Excellent news! Finally it arrived, it was almost getting close to 3 weeks to ship it from The Netherlands to Finland...

I've got no idea why the cherry blue feels wrong to you. Ofcourse the ' feel ' of a keyswitch also depends on how it is mounted....

Enjoy the experience and I'll mail you the details of the next in - line.
Could you also post a nice photo with the STB and your local scenery? :-)


Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Sat, 18 December 2010, 03:20:47
Have to take some picuture, but damm you ;D... Now I realy want MX clears ISO-layout...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Sat, 18 December 2010, 03:48:56
Quote from: Ekaros;265076
Have to take some picuture, but damm you ;D... Now I realy want MX clears ISO-layout...

Yes, that's the whole point of the STB ;-)

Glad you found one you like.... :-)

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: exhuma.twn on Wed, 22 December 2010, 09:24:08
The STB should arrive shortly for me. In this case, Luxembourg. If anyone from the sinklist (or family members, friends, ...) wants some collectibles of this country (Post stamps, euro-coins,...) drop me pm an I'll put it into the mail with the STB.

Obviously it should be something small to avoid unnecessarily huge shipping costs for me or anyone on the list after me.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Thu, 23 December 2010, 06:19:26
Got it in mail finaly, sorry it took an while, but was bit busy with school and such.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: exhuma.twn on Thu, 23 December 2010, 09:15:39
no worries. the coming days will most likely be even more stressful...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: exhuma.twn on Fri, 31 December 2010, 09:51:40
Okay. The STB finally arrived. I had no chance yet to take a closer look, and I won't be home today either. I'll look into that tomorrow... In any case, happy new year everyone here :) Even though if it's still a bit too early ;)
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Fri, 31 December 2010, 18:48:50
Ah, good time this time considering the weird happening on 24-26th...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Tue, 04 January 2011, 10:26:23
(http://koti.mbnet.fi/ekaros/Joulu/STBGEAR.png)

STB with my junkish gear... Got some others too, but maybe later...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Sun, 09 January 2011, 05:27:39
Somehow the current owner exhuma.twn doesn't repond to my mails? What's up with that? I have the same problems with the Topre Keychain....

This sinklist idea can only work if all participants follow the rules...

:-(
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: sixty on Sun, 09 January 2011, 05:51:23
That is frustrating to hear. I hope the current owner responds and resolves the issue.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: iMav on Sun, 09 January 2011, 07:42:09
Quote from: SirClickAlot;275617
Somehow the current owner exhuma.twn doesn't repond to my mails? What's up with that? I have the same problems with the Topre Keychain....

Sent am email to him on your behalf.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Nadger on Thu, 13 January 2011, 10:38:22
Yeah, the downside to having only a 10 post requirement.  Maybe you should require that they remain active in the community until theirs arrives, or else they are skipped over.

Like for example after exhuma, cartmendez is up, he is fairly active if thats who i think it is, then we have "BrianMeidell" who has 2 posts, and has not posted since nov 24th.

Anyone like that should be removed imo.
Title: Downsides...
Post by: SirClickAlot on Thu, 13 January 2011, 11:19:56
Quote from: Nadger;277918
Yeah, the downside to having only a 10 post requirement.  Maybe you should require that they remain active in the community until theirs arrives, or else they are skipped over.

Like for example after exhuma, cartmendez is up, he is fairly active if thats who i think it is, then we have "BrianMeidell" who has 2 posts, and has not posted since nov 24th.

Anyone like that should be removed imo.

You could be right regarding the trustworthiness of people participating. I'll review my initial requirements. This is also something I learn from and I adapt my strategy accordingly.
Creating a switch try board revision 2 is easy enough and it would only cost time since I already trashed the keyboards for it.

I might even make a Switch Try Sack -> a little bag with all the switches in, that way you could still try the switches and I would not have to solder them to a piece of PCB. What do you guys think? If a lot of interest is there I'll just forget about this first revision of the STB and continue with the STS....

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Thu, 13 January 2011, 16:02:41
Sad that I couldn't offer tracking for this one. Such an nice concept, still have to find that one board with switches I want...

But on other hand we do have name and adress... Get someone to locate phone number of this person and give an call?
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: duq on Thu, 13 January 2011, 16:35:17
What a bummer that it isn't being distributed :(. This is quite a great idea... props for starting something really great! But, blaaaaah to someone not following the rules and ruining something so great...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: nocturn4l3030 on Fri, 14 January 2011, 00:45:51
this sucks...

it would've taken a while but i was lookin fwd to receiving this
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Fri, 14 January 2011, 11:15:17
STOP PRESS STOP PRESS

I finally contacted exhuma.twn -> it turned out he was on holiday and the mails that were sent to him never reached him due to a crashed mail server. ( The GH forum doesn't detect bounced mails apparently )

If all is well, it will be sent this coming friday or monday. Next on the list : senor_carmenez.....

Regards
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Fri, 14 January 2011, 13:51:06
Quote from: SirClickAlot;278537
STOP PRESS STOP PRESS

I finally contacted exhuma.twn -> it turned out he was on holiday and the mails that were sent to him never reached him due to a crashed mail server. ( The GH forum doesn't detect bounced mails apparently )

If all is well, it will be sent this coming friday or monday. Next on the list : senor_carmenez.....

Regards

Who can we blame now? :(

On serious note, good to here it's on it way soon...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: gilgam on Thu, 27 January 2011, 15:33:38
can i am on the list ?
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Fri, 28 January 2011, 04:40:40
Quote from: Ekaros;278624
Who can we blame now? :(

On serious note, good to here it's on it way soon...


me :D

I received it on monday or tuesday, forgot. I checked it out real quick, nice one SirClickAlot :D
I will post a pic and write my 2 cents probably tomorrow, contact SirClickAlot for the next address and send it on its way on saturday or monday.

Sorry if I kept it too long, work is a ***** right nah :(
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Fri, 28 January 2011, 08:11:14
Quote from: gilgam;285925
can i am on the list ?

Please read the start of this thread :-)
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Fri, 28 January 2011, 09:14:36
Am also seriously contemplating to send the STB to the US since there are less problems with posting it around than in Europe.
Europe has some serious postal delivery problems which I expect aren't there in the US.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Fri, 28 January 2011, 12:22:23
Today I cut the knot :
I will have the STB sent over to the US. The rest of the list from Europe will have to wait... Sorry about this guys, but this is still a prototype of open-sink and I trust the mail delivery in the US a whole lot more than the European ones going from country to country. As an example :  A package from sixty sent end of last year from Germany to me in The Netherlands is completely lost -> this doesn't instill trust in the european delivery quality....

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Nadger on Thu, 03 February 2011, 22:21:45
Sweet, looks like i will get a chance much sooner than i thought.  The USPS small flat rate box would be ideal for this thing.  Big enough to fit the STB with plenty of room for packing material to be sure it arrives there safe.  $5.00 ships anywhere domestically using priority mail, which from my experience normally takes 2 days of shipping time.  Now, the next trick is getting people to not procrastinate sending it out =X
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: sixty on Fri, 04 February 2011, 00:35:52
Should have a GPS signal in the board... just in case!
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Oqsy on Fri, 04 February 2011, 01:31:33
Just a quick thumbs up on a great idea ;)
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Bern on Fri, 04 February 2011, 12:21:22
Just got my hands on some Cherry MX Blacks.  Need some other switches to compare it to.  Do I just PM SirClickAlot with my address to get on the list?  Thanks.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Tue, 08 February 2011, 10:49:09
sup pardy ppl :)

I hoarded the STB for the last couple o' weeks, apologies for that. It's on the way to the US now (great, why did I have to be the one to pay more? :D ).

I got a few minutes so I wanna post my pic and drop my 2 cents:

(http://i.imgur.com/F1Dek.jpg)

First off: This thing is golden. Yes you only get 1 key per switch and yes, that's hardly perfect for making a decision on what switch type is best for you. But it's damn near close and certainly closer than any other option out there, specially in europe!
So again: Thumbs up to SirClickAlot for this genius gadget.

I already own a board with MX Clears and Blues so nothing new for me there. To be totally honest, I asked to be included on this sinklist solely for the purpose of trying out the Browns and Reds :) had the blacks before and don't really care for the ALPS.

To sum up my experience:
I didn't care much for the ALPS after trying them out, either. Certainly not as bad as u hear some places and actually feel pretty similar to some of the MX switches (grey clicky ALPS I believe it was felt similar to the blues). So if I saw an ALPS board I was interested in, I wouldn't shy away from it after trying them on the STB. But I wouldn't go looking for them either.

Which leads us to the browns:
I honestly don't understand why those are so popular! I was always under the impression that they feel pretty much like the blues and are just not clicky. The STB helped me greatly in this regard as I now think the browns are entirely over-rated. From all the switches they felt the closest to rubber domes (aside from the ML of course) and the most "unspectacular". I certainly found a new appreciation for my Blues.

The next remarkable switch were the Reds, THE main reason I wanted the STB :)
If I ever find a cool board with reds I will buy it. I think reds really are the holy grail. I do like the blacks and their resistance but I do think it is nicer to have a smooth and light key stroke and linears are very interesting to me. Trying out the reds was really what made the STB an awesome thing for me.

On a sidenote, I also decided to buy a Deck after all, now that I found those EurKey drivers and since I had the STB I could easily compare MX Blacks and Clears (which are the options from Deck), which was nice as well.

Only thing I was missing was a Topre switch. Jam that sucker on the STB and u would have a thoroughly awesome Gadget that should be on display in any major electronics store :)

Thanks again SirClickAlot and have fun @ the next recipient
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: woody on Tue, 08 February 2011, 10:59:11
Quote from: Senor_Cartmenez;291767
... the browns are entirely over-rated. From all the switches they felt the closest to rubber domes (aside from the ML of course) and the most "unspectacular"

Neither MX brown nor ML have anything similar to rubber domes.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: manfaux on Tue, 08 February 2011, 11:07:31
Quote from: woody;291774
Neither MX brown nor ML have anything similar to rubber domes.


out of all the switches I've tried, I've gotta say my realforce feels closest to a rubber dome, lol.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Tue, 08 February 2011, 12:40:57
Quote from: Senor_Cartmenez;291767
sup pardy ppl :)

I hoarded the STB for the last couple o' weeks, apologies for that. It's on the way to the US now (great, why did I have to be the one to pay more? :D ).


Excellent writeup Senor_cartmenez -> a good impression of the STB(!)

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: woody on Tue, 08 February 2011, 16:59:42
Quote from: manfaux;291782
out of all the switches I've tried, I've gotta say my realforce feels closest to a rubber dome, lol.

I was gonna say that about the HHKB, but I didn't want the cult police on my trails.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Wed, 09 February 2011, 04:53:26
Well I didn't have the topre switches to compare.

I also didn't (or didn't mean to) say that Browns or MLs have something in common with Rubber Domes. My point was that out of all the switches they felt the closest to a rubber dome.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: DaemonRaccoon on Sun, 13 February 2011, 11:45:57
I'm curious how the other switches feel, all I have tried as far as mechanical boards go is a broken Model M and the Cherry Blues that I'm typing on now.
Also curious how a Topre switch feels, but it's basically a glorified rubber dome with a spring in it right? Might have to join both sinklists.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Sat, 19 February 2011, 06:45:34
FINALLY it arrived at the US.

Now this little testing device can move around a lot quicker. On average the posting of it inside Europe takes at least a week from person to person, sometimes even longer than that!

For anyone receiving it : DON"T remove the key caps. Kill Will pointed out that some  keys are getting loose. You can see what each key is by looking at the little enclosed laminated card.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Nadger on Sat, 19 March 2011, 23:00:47
Any update on where this thing is?  Kill Will still have it?
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: vhaarr on Sun, 20 March 2011, 04:39:56
Oh man, I wish I'd seen this thread earlier :D Can I still sign up for it?
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Sun, 20 March 2011, 14:01:26
Quote from: Nadger;314605
Any update on where this thing is?  Kill Will still have it?


Yes, Kill Will still has it.

Hope he will send it on soon....
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Ekaros on Sun, 20 March 2011, 14:35:44
Thanks, I can blame you for an other keyboard...

Hope it haven't gotten lost...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Shuki on Sun, 20 March 2011, 16:21:59
Would have been nice to try this, but I guess being in Europe kind of rules that out for the near future. Too bad they don't sell something like this, would save people a lot of money in the long run (maybe that's why they don't sell something like this!).
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: RiGS on Sun, 20 March 2011, 16:28:09
Quote from: Shuki;314912
Would have been nice to try this, but I guess being in Europe kind of rules that out for the near future. Too bad they don't sell something like this, would save people a lot of money in the long run (maybe that's why they don't sell something like this!).


You should subscribe to the Switch try keyboard.
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=12405&page=2 (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=12405&page=2)
It is in the EU currently, and the shipping is about 10€.
This way you can try a full size keyboard with all of the Cherry switches in them.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Tue, 22 March 2011, 07:06:42
Quote from: vhaarr;314674
Oh man, I wish I'd seen this thread earlier :D Can I still sign up for it?

Yes, you can....

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Tue, 22 March 2011, 13:31:12
*sigh*

Somehow I get the feeling I need to create a new version of the STB since the sinklist chain is broken :-(

I might as well make 2 extra -> one for the US and one for Europe...
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Shuki on Tue, 22 March 2011, 13:40:19
Quote from: ripster;315948
Kill Will?  Hmmmm.......


Was thinking the same thing.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 22 March 2011, 15:05:52
Sounds like he had a bad day.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 22 March 2011, 15:38:24
Yeah, I remember him.  I wonder what his deal was. I don't remember him being volatile like that.  Whatever it was screwed up his mastery of English.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Shuki on Tue, 22 March 2011, 15:54:06
Yeah Ripster, why are YOU so defensive!?
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Shuki on Tue, 22 March 2011, 16:13:01
So did that sociopath actually make it onto the mailing list?

Best case scenario is he reports back with an extremely negative review on all the keyswitches.

Worst case he posts a video of himself destroying the switch try board.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Nadger on Wed, 23 March 2011, 21:46:57
Sucks, sorry mr interface, all it takes is 1 bad apple to ruin it for everyone.

Really appreciate the time and effort you have put into these sinklists though.

Id actually prefer he post a video of himself destroying it vs it just vanishing.  At least a video would honor the memory of the first stb ;p
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Fri, 25 March 2011, 12:03:45
Work on the second and third STB has started. I pulled 6 keys from each of the harvester keyboards. Coming week I want to find time to solder them to a piece of PCB.
So for those on the STB sinklist : Keep the faith! :-)

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Thu, 07 April 2011, 03:35:50
STOP PRESS STOP PRESS.

The original STB popped up again! :-)

Celery notified me that he received it. Nadger is next on the list.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: celery on Mon, 11 April 2011, 15:58:44
I did finally get this last week. Doesn't seem to be any worse for the wear for all that drama. Some of the keycaps have been curiously reoriented though.

I was mainly interested in the Alps switches. I have a few boards, but they're in some need of cleaning/lubrication. The Alps switches are nice--can't say if they're exactly better or worse than the Cherries, but off-center presses are still frictiony. The Cherry clear was nice; I don't mind seeing it become the next Cherry red.

Should send it out later this week.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: RiGS on Mon, 11 April 2011, 16:52:14
Quote
The Alps switches are nice--can't say if they're exactly better or worse than the Cherries, but off-center presses are still frictiony.


I have the same problem with the Cherries.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: canon.tk on Mon, 11 April 2011, 16:53:15
Quote from: RiGS;328770
I have the same problem with the Cherries.

I only seem to have that problem with red switches.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: RiGS on Mon, 11 April 2011, 17:10:41
We definitely need a MO on RO-59.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: RiGS on Mon, 11 April 2011, 17:13:44
Quote from: canon.tk;328772
I only seem to have that problem with red switches.


Do you feel it with your black Filco? The difference is extremely noticeable compared to my Realforce.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: canon.tk on Mon, 11 April 2011, 22:02:33
Quote from: RiGS;328782
Do you feel it with your black Filco? The difference is extremely noticeable compared to my Realforce.


I don't remember ever feeling that with the black switches.  It was one thing that really stood out about using reds.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Nadger on Fri, 22 April 2011, 20:12:56
I have received the STB.  I will take a photo with it and post my full thoughts on each of the key switches soon.

The two things that stand out to me the most after a quick try are:

1.  Grey Clicky Alps surprised me, they feel better than i thought they would
2. Clears feel much stiffer than I had imagined, it actually feels stiffer than the black on the STB.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Nadger on Mon, 25 April 2011, 18:00:41
1 Cherry Clear: Stiffer than i had imagined.  Too stiff, the tactile feedback is a bit more pronounced than a brown.  I thought i would like this one the best.
2 Cherry Red: Feels almost exactly like my noppo brown but without the tactile bump.  I like it actually.
3 Grey Clicky Alps: Extremely tactile, i actually like this switch.  Its click is much lower pitched than the blues.  Not very stiff but feels stiffer than browns/reds.
4 Cherry Blue: Feels great, but the click i cant stand.  Wish i could have a non clicky blue with the same tactility/feeling.  Or at least make the pitch of the click lower.
5 Cherry Brown: I already have a board with these in it and i gotta say my Noppoo feels MUCH better than the brown on the STB.  The brown on the stb feels more like a red, i dont notice the tactile bump hardly at all.  My noppoo browns are much more tactile.
6 White Complicated Dampened: Feels good, a little sloppy but i thought this is how a cherry clear would feel.  Good tactility, quiet, medium force.
7 Cherry Black: Feels less stiff than the cherry clear oddly enough, has a smooth feeling, no tactile other than bottoming out but glides super smooth. Still a little too stiff for comfort for me though.
8 Cherry ML: Has a nice feel for a compact switch.  I think I like this better than scissor switch on my laptop.  Feels almost like the grey clicky alps but shorter travel time and no click.
9 Black complicated nonclicky: Feels good, like a slightly stiffer brown, but has a louder bottom out sound. Very similar to grey, with a little less resistance and a lower pitch sound.

Overall: I like the feeling of the blue mx, grey clicky and black complicated alps but they are tad too noisy. White dampened and mx brown are my favorites, then cherry reds.  The rest are okay but either too stiff or too loud for me.

And here is a photo with the stb with a local Utah landmark in the background, though you can barely see it, theres a Y on the mountain in the background.  Here all the mountains have letters on them as a tradition schools/cities started.  The Y is for BYU, a mormon university near here.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]17650[/ATTACH]

I will try to make it to the post office before it closes tomorrow
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Nadger on Tue, 26 April 2011, 18:03:11
sent to next in line
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Nadger on Sat, 30 April 2011, 17:20:19
tracking number shows it was delivered on april 29th manbeardo has it now
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Tue, 03 May 2011, 06:21:29
Quote from: Nadger;339685
tracking number shows it was delivered on april 29th manbeardo has it now

Manbeardo confirmed receiving it. He will post soon...
Regards
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Manbeardo on Sat, 21 May 2011, 02:07:33
Impressions: I really like the potential reds have for gaming (blacks are definitely too stiff for my liking), but the blue remains my favorite for day-to-day typing. Also, the laptop key is so much nicer than standard membrane scissor switches! I wish I could get a laptop with those keys!

A number of the keycaps weren't oriented the way the were in the photo, so I took the liberty of rearranging them. In rearranging, the brown switch and a few others had very noticeable play between the switch and the board so I added some solder. Replaced the tape on the back after repairs. It's blue now.

Sent the board to the next recipient.

Me with the board:
(http://i.imgur.com/c7zJ8.jpg)
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 21 May 2011, 16:56:01
Lol, you look really happy! Must be the cherry reds.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: CodeChef on Mon, 13 June 2011, 15:44:50
Got the board today. TBH, it confirmed what I already knew. I don't really like anything but the Browns, although the Blues are decent, just too loud for nothing IMO. So Browns it is for me. Going to send it off to the next recipient tomorrow, for now, here's me with the board :)

(http://i.imgur.com/mLOqX.jpg)
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: leotnnz on Wed, 22 June 2011, 17:10:21
the board is a big surprise after i came back home this evening. though i will be stick with my brown switch, grey and black alps really surprise me. i will send it to the next in a couple of days. here is the photo of the board with me:)

(http://i.imgur.com/VqskW.jpg)
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: nocturn4l3030 on Sun, 03 July 2011, 06:09:56
Sorry no camera atm -.-

Not going to go over the red/blue/brown's because they've been done to death...

Cherry Clears: clears get some undercover love on this board.. but imho, it's a heavy heavy switch and don't really see much practical use for it.  (i've tried it on an actual kb too).

Cherry Blacks: surprisingly feel nice, it's definitely a heavier version of the reds...i don't think blacks get enough love here on geekhack.

ML switch: just feels like a laptop key


The real reason I wanted this was to see what Alps were all about.

Grey Clicky Alps. Matias Tactile Pro 1 : Alot louder than the blues.  I find the blues to be a nice, soothing noise, but these are straight annoying.  i can't see how anyone can like these

Black Complicated Nonclicky Alps: these aren't too bad..the click comes from the key hitting the base of the switch it seems.. not an annoying sound at all... i think it might even be pleasant.  as far as the feel.. it's hard to say.  just pushing on the one button it feels nice, but i have a feeling if i had a full keyboard of it i wouldn't like it

White Complicated Dampened Alps - SG1 AT101 i think these feel by far the best of the alps. it's a dampened sound.. der - sounds nice, and feels pretty nice too.  not sure how to describe the feeling though.. maybe a slightly heavier brown, with the bump right at the top instead of the middle.


great idea from SirClickAlot, which saved me money =)


One Important thing to Note: i really think it's hard to judge how you will like the switch just by playing around with just one.  you really really need a full keyboard.. or at least 10 of the same switch to see how it feels.  even playing with the reds and browns here on the STB, i can't say i would even like it more than the others.  but in person, they're my favorite
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Tue, 26 July 2011, 17:05:44
Just got the STB here. I'll post my impressions when I send it out.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Mon, 15 August 2011, 17:17:52
Ugh, forgot to take a pic of me with it :|

Sent out after lengthy delay due to SirClickAlot and I having terrible timing with one another (vacations and what not). Next recipient should have it in a couple days - domestic priority mail is 2 day estimated.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: crazing on Thu, 22 September 2011, 10:52:56
Everything still kosher here?
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Tastybyte on Thu, 20 October 2011, 11:49:26
I've received the Switch Try board. This is my first time touching any of the switches on the board. Thus far my only mechanical experience is Model M buckling springs. Before trying the switches, my reading on Geekhack had led me to believe that the switches to decide between were blue, brown and to a much lesser extent red. My heart said blue, but the potential gaming issues was a concern. Thus I was pretty set on brown, but wanted to actually touch it before deciding.

Here is my appraisal after 2 days with the switch board.

Wrap-up thoughts: Alp switches really impressed me. They weren't on my radar. I'm glad I got to try them! I like blues as much as I thought I would and browns less than I thought. Clears are so close to being perfect and surpassing brown, but I don't want to use it as is. Love the red, I hope this holds up when I have an actual keyboard full of red goodness, especially since I write a lot and need the keyboard to be comfortable for long writing sessions. To close out I have to say none of the switches feel bad to me and I could probably use any of them. Of the ones that stand out to me I'd really like to have them all! I have to mind my budget though.

With that said, I'm off to preorder a leopold cherry red TKL. Thank you Mr.Interface for creating the STB sinklist. You have given me an opportunity I sorely needed.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Iknorite on Tue, 07 February 2012, 13:33:09
Quote from: SirClickAlot;340885
Manbeardo confirmed receiving it. He will post soon...
Regards
Where is the STB atm? Hasnt been an update since nov. 2011 if I read it correctly.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: SirClickAlot on Tue, 07 February 2012, 14:04:25
It is last seen at crazing....

But sadly the guy never answered to my emails. :-(

Maybe something happened to him, I don't know, all I know is I gave up on following up on it. I am working on other try lists a.t.m. Soon I'll start them , check here (http://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1718&sid=9f6ef2bd1a7c12e9317424f52b9566be)

Problem with this kind of chain is it is as strong as its weakest link.

Regards.
Title: First iteration switch try board ready.
Post by: Iknorite on Tue, 07 February 2012, 15:27:12
Quote from: SirClickAlot;508436
It is last seen at crazing....

But sadly the guy never answered to my emails. :-(

Maybe something happened to him, I don't know, all I know is I gave up on following up on it. I am working on other try lists a.t.m. Soon I'll start them , check here (http://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1718&sid=9f6ef2bd1a7c12e9317424f52b9566be)

Problem with this kind of chain is it is as strong as its weakest link.

Regards.
Well you do got his adress.. ripster should spy on him. Theres probably a great risk that hes frenetically typing on it in front of an open fire while evily laughing at everyone who has a consience.