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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Riley on Sun, 08 January 2012, 12:24:55

Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: Riley on Sun, 08 January 2012, 12:24:55
I've had 3 keyboards so far, Filco 10 keyless with blues, 1988 IBM Model M, and my one I'm currently typing on, KBC Poker with blacks. I sold the Filco though. :p
I've liked all of these types of switches so far, but I would like to try out different kinds, I figured the easiest way would be to put another type of switch on my KBC Poker. I'm looking for 1 red, brown, a clear. If anyone knows where I could get these in the US and if I can even swap them on KBC Poker, that would be appreciated.
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: Human on Sun, 08 January 2012, 12:41:11
Quote from: Riley;486049
I've had 3 keyboards so far, Filco 10 keyless with blues, 1988 IBM Model M, and my one I'm currently typing on, KBC Poker with blacks. I sold the Filco though. :p
I've liked all of these types of switches so far, but I would like to try out different kinds, I figured the easiest way would be to put another type of switch on my KBC Poker. I'm looking for 1 red, brown, a clear. If anyone knows where I could get these in the US and if I can even swap them on KBC Poker, that would be appreciated.

For POKER(PCB mounted), swapping switch mean you find a thing, poke out the top case of the keyswitches and then swap the stem or spring, then put the cap on. If you are hardworking, you can also desolder the switch off and swap the whole switch.

Though, do note that the PCB mounted cherry switch is not completely the same with those plate mounted board. PCB mounted had and require the extra 2 plastic pin for proper/firmer grip onto the board. If you are only swapping the stem off, it will be perfectly fine.
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: keyboardlover on Sun, 08 January 2012, 12:50:41
Yes. Click my sig for details.
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: Riley on Sun, 08 January 2012, 21:53:03
All the websites that I went to didn't really help, they just give you model numbers. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHAT COLOR EACH MODEL NUMBER IS? Even if you try to Google that model number, that doesn't help, it just gives you several different colors  all at the same time.
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: o2dazone on Sun, 08 January 2012, 22:21:47
http://www.mouser.com/Mobile/Electromechanical/Switches/Keylock-Switches/_/N-5g2u?N-5g2u&Keyword=cherry+mx&FS=Tru. Here's some. I believe the descriptions should let you which ones they are. Although the wiki here on the forum should give you exact model numbers. This is the most expensive way of getting switches. Most people just but beat up or defective "donor boards" and harvest switched from there.
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: o2dazone on Sun, 08 January 2012, 22:23:08
Here's the model numbers http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Cherry+Corporation+Switch+Wiki
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Sun, 08 January 2012, 22:24:33
TBH, you could do that, but it seems more expensive (or at the very least far too close to that considering the time you'd have to use doing it) than just buying other boards with those types.

I can see doing that if you're trying to create something that doesn't exist, like ergo clears, but just switching between standard things seems odd to me.
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: pitashen on Sun, 08 January 2012, 23:06:55
Quote from: False_Dmitry_II;486398
TBH, you could do that, but it seems more expensive (or at the very least far too close to that considering the time you'd have to use doing it) than just buying other boards with those types.

I can see doing that if you're trying to create something that doesn't exist, like ergo clears, but just switching between standard things seems odd to me.

+1

Not quite worth it. If you check the unit price they are at digikey, you should realized that replacing the whole set of switches on your keyboard will cost just about as much as getting another board. Not to mention the labor time you will be putting into.
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: squarebox on Sun, 08 January 2012, 23:46:36
[video=youtube;bLBXxzmuA_Q]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLBXxzmuA_Q[/video]

- #2 KE
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: TheProfosist on Mon, 09 January 2012, 05:51:34
Just buy from wasd and if u ever want a board converted let me know.
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: Riley on Mon, 09 January 2012, 22:22:54
I'm not looking to convert a board, atleast not yet. :p
I'm just looking for one of every switch to try out.
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Tue, 10 January 2012, 00:17:25
Well you really only need stems and spring not whole switch. It's really easy to pop them and swap, like in the video squarebox posted. One clear stem and one brown stem and spring. Red is same as black stem and brown spring, and black and clear use same spring I think. If I had any extra from my modding I would let you have them, but I only have some linear greys left over.
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: TheProfosist on Tue, 10 January 2012, 01:48:16
I understand that but it may just be easier to pick up the whole switch depending
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Tue, 10 January 2012, 01:50:58
Actually clear uses one that seems much stronger than even black.
Title: How to buy individual switches? Also can you put different switches on a kbc poker?
Post by: REVENGE on Tue, 10 January 2012, 03:08:33
Currently running Ghetto Reds in the alpha section of my Poker, Blues in the rest.