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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: typo on Sun, 06 February 2011, 23:37:57

Title: cherry,alps only "true" mechanical switches?
Post by: typo on Sun, 06 February 2011, 23:37:57

i am sure this has been discussed ten milion times. just for the record.

yes, topre and model m have mechanical means of actuation, but:

i mean a switch that has a mechanical electrical contact in the true sense of the term. ie, it does not press a plunger, spring or other device against a menbrane on a pcb or film. nor capacitive afaik.

are there currently any in production besides cherry and alps?
hint: fukka is alps but you know that already.

discuss.

Title: cherry,alps only "true" mechanical switches?
Post by: jaynoon on Sun, 06 February 2011, 23:49:24

Check the key switch wiki. Pretty sure my Futabas would qualify, but honestly, who cares what the details are, as long as it feels good & lasts long I'm happy.

Title: cherry,alps only "true" mechanical switches?
Post by: HaaTa on Mon, 07 February 2011, 00:04:06

NMB Hi-Tek switches also probably qualify.

NEC Blue Sliders could probably be categorized under ALPS as well, though it activates quite a bit differently.
Along with SMK Monterey switches.

Title: cherry,alps only "true" mechanical switches?
Post by: quadibloc on Mon, 07 February 2011, 00:13:04

I suppose one could claim that even though a Model M isn't "mechanical" in the sense of having a membrane component just like many rubber domes... a Model F is not disqualified in that fashion.

Title: cherry,alps only "true" mechanical switches?
Post by: msiegel on Mon, 07 February 2011, 00:19:35

so this definition of "mechanical" requires... a conductive metal switch?

there was an earlier definition that required a lever, instead.

it's weird what falls into and outside of each different definition :)

Title: cherry,alps only "true" mechanical switches?
Post by: typo on Mon, 07 February 2011, 02:48:21

correct me if i am wrong, ripster. it seems like you are not a topre fan?

Title: cherry,alps only "true" mechanical switches?
Post by: manfaux on Mon, 07 February 2011, 02:55:24

I hate Torpes, they are so overpriced!

Title: cherry,alps only "true" mechanical switches?
Post by: ch_123 on Mon, 07 February 2011, 03:22:16

Only one type of mechanical keyboard. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRsLCF4KNzg)

Title: cherry,alps only "true" mechanical switches?
Post by: quadibloc on Mon, 07 February 2011, 10:32:16

Quote from: ripster;291238

I just like picking on the most expensive keyboard (next to the ergos and real exotics) because Topre is just resting on their laurels and never doing anything new.

Although the Customizer is a very competitively priced keyboard, it seems that Unicomp should be quaking in its boots about now.

Title: cherry,alps only "true" mechanical switches?
Post by: quadibloc on Mon, 07 February 2011, 17:11:59

Quote from: ripster;291068

But that would be like me mentioning scissor switches are pretty mechanical.

Hey, I have two macally keyboards that use scissor switches to provide a mechanical keyboard quality tactile feel at a reasonable cost.