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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: microsoft windows on Sat, 03 August 2013, 19:24:20

Title: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: microsoft windows on Sat, 03 August 2013, 19:24:20
What's your favorite key-switch? My favorites are rubber domes and the IBM buckling spring.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Sat, 03 August 2013, 19:53:28
Cherry MX Clears! Also rubber-domes... err, I mean Topre capacitive ;)
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: The_Beast on Sat, 03 August 2013, 19:55:24
Capacitive buckling springs (ie model F) and 55g clears
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 03 August 2013, 20:08:07
Don't really have a favourite - I am slightly less enamoured of MX blues than I thought I would be, but also like some sort of old NEC switch, MX reds and blacks, BS and Topre (all used for different purposes).
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: tehsprayer on Sat, 03 August 2013, 20:14:02
only tried blues blacks and browns, I like blues but browns noise is nice.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Techno Trousers on Sat, 03 August 2013, 20:27:52
I only like tactile switches. My favorites are currently, in this order: capacitive buckling spring, membrane buckling spring, white Alps, MX green, MX blue.

I'll be getting the ultimate switch tester soon, so I can try out more Cherry switches.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Jalberstone on Sat, 03 August 2013, 20:30:25
Clears and greens are my favorites!
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: PointyFox on Sat, 03 August 2013, 20:53:04
My favorites are scissor switches, (good) rubber domes, and mx black and red.

Other switches I've tried: buckling spring, foam-foil, MX green/blue/brown.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: jonathanyu on Sat, 03 August 2013, 22:10:22
my favorite is mx red, i don't like tactile much
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: jabar on Sat, 03 August 2013, 22:12:02
Topre 45g and Cherry MX Clears
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sat, 03 August 2013, 22:13:31
Greens, Whites, Capacitive Buckling Springs, 65g Blues. Clicky switches or die kids
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: smknjoe on Sat, 03 August 2013, 22:14:17
BS and MX Blues. Topre RDs would be nicer if they were heavier. Those new MX green boards sound like they might be right up my alley.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: TimIsABat on Sat, 03 August 2013, 22:39:32
62g ergoclears.

I haven't tried BS or Topre yet, but I really really want to.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Rule16 on Sat, 03 August 2013, 23:06:26
Greens, Whites, Capacitive Buckling Springs, 65g Blues. Clicky switches or die kids
I love the feeling of clicky switches but they fail hard for games :(
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: KangarooZombies on Sun, 04 August 2013, 03:25:16
62g ergoclears.

I haven't tried BS or Topre yet, but I really really want to.

Try a 55g Topre.

That sounds like it would be right up your alley.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: YongJK on Sun, 04 August 2013, 04:20:42
55g vintage black <3
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: MOZ on Sun, 04 August 2013, 05:43:18
80g Cherry MX Blues.

But I want to try heavier springs.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: TimIsABat on Sun, 04 August 2013, 09:15:16
62g ergoclears.

I haven't tried BS or Topre yet, but I really really want to.

Try a 55g Topre.

That sounds like it would be right up your alley.

I really want to! I just need the money for a Realforce...
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: TimIsABat on Sun, 04 August 2013, 09:16:31
80g Cherry MX Blues.

But I want to try heavier springs.

You could create a great pick-up line with that finger strength  :))
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: MOZ on Sun, 04 August 2013, 11:07:58
80g Cherry MX Blues.

But I want to try heavier springs.

You could create a great pick-up line with that finger strength  :))

Hahahahhaha
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: daerid on Sun, 04 August 2013, 11:23:34
45g case mounted topre > 55g plate mounted topre > 45g plate mounted topre > 65g Plate mounted Ergo Clear > plate browns > plate reds > plate blues
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: berrymxblue on Sun, 04 August 2013, 16:31:49
I thought stock clears springs are 65g?
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Vintage on Sun, 04 August 2013, 16:35:13
45g case mounted topre > 55g plate mounted topre > 45g plate mounted topre > 65g Plate mounted Ergo Clear > plate browns > plate reds > plate blues
yeah i thought ergo clears had to be less than 65g.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: TimIsABat on Sun, 04 August 2013, 16:35:37
45g case mounted topre > 55g plate mounted topre > 45g plate mounted topre > 65g Plate mounted Ergo Clear > plate browns > plate reds > plate blues

Trying to get my hands on a Realforce with 55g.

Which boards come with case mounted 45g?
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: BrokenGame on Sun, 04 August 2013, 18:07:10
45g case mounted topre > 55g plate mounted topre > 45g plate mounted topre > 65g Plate mounted Ergo Clear > plate browns > plate reds > plate blues

Trying to get my hands on a Realforce with 55g.

Which boards come with case mounted 45g?

The HHKB
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: noisyturtle on Sun, 04 August 2013, 18:09:17
Lubed ergo-clears, because they feel as good as topre, but **** topre.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: TimIsABat on Sun, 04 August 2013, 19:07:48
45g case mounted topre > 55g plate mounted topre > 45g plate mounted topre > 65g Plate mounted Ergo Clear > plate browns > plate reds > plate blues

Trying to get my hands on a Realforce with 55g.

Which boards come with case mounted 45g?

The HHKB

That price though x.x

Lubed ergo-clears, because they feel as good as topre, but **** topre.

I am thinking about doing this after my board gets fixed. I would love topre if that price wasn't ****.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: BrokenGame on Sun, 04 August 2013, 19:25:05
That price though x.x

Yea, my bank account is about to kill me because of that one. However, it is REALLY worth every cent you pay for.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 04 August 2013, 19:34:11
They do turn up on Classifieds from time to time, and also on eBay, sometimes for around $200 (mine was $180 + postage).
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: mapple on Mon, 05 August 2013, 04:41:32
bs from ibm model m, and cherry blues, greens are ok also but something doesn't feel right after 2 months of using...
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: ksm123 on Mon, 05 August 2013, 05:16:37
Today my favorite key switch is 62g MX Clear.

But:
- I've never used any Topre based Keyboard.
- The last time I've used BS keyboard 15 years ago.
- I do not suppose I will use any of them in foreseeable future, as far as I know neither Topre nor Unicomp is planning to build matrix keyboard with thumb clusters.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: insilica on Mon, 05 August 2013, 05:22:03
Topre variable upto 45g :D

45g MX browns

Itching to try clears which may pave the way to 55g Topre.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: dadgh on Mon, 05 August 2013, 07:40:57
Lubed 62g clears. I might like 65g or 67g more, but I haven't tried those yet.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: shrapneL on Mon, 05 August 2013, 07:58:35
As of now, my favorite switches are mx black, but I've only tried 2 different types the other being blues. I'll be getting some reds in the next couple of days to try out!
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: esoomenona on Mon, 05 August 2013, 08:12:22
Greens, Whites, Capacitive Buckling Springs, 65g Blues. Clicky switches or die kids

None of those are Alps...
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: oTurtlez on Mon, 05 August 2013, 08:13:22
I thought stock clears springs are 65g?

45g case mounted topre > 55g plate mounted topre > 45g plate mounted topre > 65g Plate mounted Ergo Clear > plate browns > plate reds > plate blues
yeah i thought ergo clears had to be less than 65g.

They're well over 100g bottom out force. When we talk spring weight we're talking about bottom out force as Korean springs are usually used. a 65g spring may only take 45g to actuate and 65g to bottom out, while a stock clear spring is 65g to actuate and ~100g to bottom out. Any lighter spring in a clear is technically an ergo-clear.

I'd say; 45g Plate Topre & Silenced Variable (Silenced 45g would be omg) > 62g MX Whites > Variable Topre.

I gotta try me some clears.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Quardah on Mon, 05 August 2013, 08:45:04
What's your favorite key-switch? My favorites are rubber domes and the IBM buckling spring.

Sir, before anything i have to say you have the best signature ever.

Get internet explorer 6.

Still, my favorite switch type is Brown. Mostly because i work with them everyday, i have to say trying them is adopting them. I tried Blue Black and Red, didn't like Blue, didn't like Red, currently has a Black keyboard but i feel like Black is only worth it when it comes to gaming.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 05 August 2013, 09:31:08
I love stock mx clears.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Moosecraft on Mon, 05 August 2013, 11:22:47
55g clears and 55g blacks.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: HendyZone on Mon, 05 August 2013, 11:42:15
BS and MX Red  :p
still my favourite
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: snoopy on Mon, 05 August 2013, 12:00:28
BS in combination with flossmod
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: AKIMbO on Mon, 05 August 2013, 12:45:25
Silenced 55g plate mounted topres
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: MOZ on Mon, 05 August 2013, 12:46:12
Greens, Whites, Capacitive Buckling Springs, 65g Blues. Clicky switches or die kids

Clicky4Life!
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 05 August 2013, 12:51:15
Hehe, also forgot to mention Alps switches: Matias Clicky and Monterrey Blues ^__^
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: SeriouSSpotS on Mon, 05 August 2013, 12:57:26
At the moment I like blacks, looking to go for a clicky switch or maybe clears for my next board.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: MOZ on Mon, 05 August 2013, 13:21:14
Do you see my favourite key switch?
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: alaricljs on Mon, 05 August 2013, 13:22:40
Matias quiet's w/ XM green springs... LOL
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: TimIsABat on Mon, 05 August 2013, 15:59:17
At the moment I like blacks, looking to go for a clicky switch or maybe clears for my next board.

Ergoclears are unicorns...Buckling Springs are supposedly unicorns with mechanical armor.

Can't wait to get mine XD.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: daerid on Thu, 08 August 2013, 21:46:15
45g case mounted topre > 55g plate mounted topre > 45g plate mounted topre > 65g Plate mounted Ergo Clear > plate browns > plate reds > plate blues
yeah i thought ergo clears had to be less than 65g.

The 65g springs I put in my clears are noticeably lighter than stock clears. I'll call 'em Ergo of I want to, damnit. :-D
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: nubbinator on Thu, 08 August 2013, 23:20:08
Finally tried Topre and it's not for me. 67g Clears, Blacks, and Ghost Reds/Blacks are the switch for me.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Photoelectric on Thu, 08 August 2013, 23:32:10
Jailhouse Blues (45g compressed spring) > stock MX Clear > vintage MX Black > MX Brown > MX Blue.  That's my current order of preference.  Hate reds and didn't like ergo Clears.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Glod on Fri, 09 August 2013, 00:37:58
Ill go ahead and write an overly done post; TLDR - favorite switches in bold

I benefit of a keyboard collection is i get to pick a tactile, a tactile clicky, or linear keyboard based on my mood and yes i truly alternate keyboards.

Rankings of switches i actually used:

Clicky Rank
1. Buckling Spring (There is nothing else like it, yet none of my primary boards will ever be BS)
2. White with 62g Korean Springs
3. Blue with 45g Korean Springs (bubble wrap!!!!)
4. Blue
5. White
7. Ghetto Green

Tactile Rank
1. Brown
2. Topre 45g - HHKB
3. Lubed Jailhouse Blue
??. Lubed Brown - Haven't tried a whole keyboard with them yet but they feel great.

Linear Rank
1. Lubed Red
2. Black
3. Dark Grey
4. Red
??. Lubed Dark Grey with different springs - Havent tried a whole keyboard with them yet

Notable Switches I have not tried yet
- Clears
- Ergo Clears
- Greens
- Topre 55g or Plate Topre 45g
- Lubed: Blacks, Clears, Ergo Clears
- Anything ALPS

Ergo-Clears coming soon, clears still with Prof however i may just get enough for one keyboard somewhere else due to Prof not sending out anything (scam?). i have a feeling that lubed ergo-clears will move to the top when i finally get them in a keyboard. I don't feel i have a legit collection not having clears or ergo clears.






^ - the joy of insomnia + 2 hard ciders + 2 AM
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: czarek on Fri, 09 August 2013, 04:37:50
Hard to say... I like the feel and sound of the capacitive Buckling Spring best although I don't like the layouts of Model F keyboards and plate reverb bothers me. My second favourite is the Unicomp BS which has less reverb and still feels great. Problem with all BS keyboards is slight inconsistency of the feel and sound.
Then come the Topre, which I adore although again inconsistency, easy wear and freaking ABS space bars bother me a lot, and the more I use Cherry the less I like Topre.
And indeed the happy medium is my current daily driver which is Filco with MX Blues and PBT caps. It is very different than BS but definitely sound + feel combination is awesome (it would be bad without either sound or feel, BS is good with only sound or only feel, if you know what I mean). Switches seem to be very reliable and consistent and custom PBT caps feel best of all I ever had. It is also the best looking keyboard I have (metallic blue case).
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Quardah on Fri, 09 August 2013, 08:23:34
Quote from: czarek

Current Keyboards:
HHKB Pro 2, Unicomp Spacesaver M, Unicomp Endurapro, IBM Model M (1390120), IBM Model M (1391401), Cherry G81-3000 (MY Switch), Cherry G80-3000 (MX Blue), CM Storm QFR (MX Red), Filco AI Fullsize (MX blue), Dell AT101W (Black Alps), Amiga 2000 (White Linear NMB Space Invaders), Amiga 500 (Vintage Yellow Linear NMB Space Invaders), 3x Alcatel Lucent (Clicky Black Acer)


Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit bro.

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn.........

You just gave me a good reason to plan a trip to polsky-land.

D:
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Neo.X on Fri, 09 August 2013, 09:23:52
55g black, 62g clear, 45g and 55g topre.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: PadawanGeek on Fri, 09 August 2013, 09:59:32
For me, no real fave....but push comes to shove:
55G Topre (on my 103UB-55G)
45G Topre (on my HHKB Pro2)
Black (Ducky DK9087G2 Pro, Filco MJ Ninja, Keycool 84 LED)
Green (Storm trigger)

I prefer heavier switches with Cherry siwtches.....Blues, Brown, Red simply doesn't really appeal to me now, though I can deal with them.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Turkishrambo on Fri, 09 August 2013, 10:06:02
gaming - linear black / 55g + gray spacebar

typing - 45g topre
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: czarek on Fri, 09 August 2013, 11:14:59
Quote from: czarek

Current Keyboards:
HHKB Pro 2, Unicomp Spacesaver M, Unicomp Endurapro, IBM Model M (1390120), IBM Model M (1391401), Cherry G81-3000 (MY Switch), Cherry G80-3000 (MX Blue), CM Storm QFR (MX Red), Filco AI Fullsize (MX blue), Dell AT101W (Black Alps), Amiga 2000 (White Linear NMB Space Invaders), Amiga 500 (Vintage Yellow Linear NMB Space Invaders), 3x Alcatel Lucent (Clicky Black Acer)


Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit bro.

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn.........

You just gave me a good reason to plan a trip to polsky-land.

D:

Haha you must be new here, the longer you're here the more keyboards you get, my little collection is nothing compared to some other members of this forum.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Tarzan on Fri, 09 August 2013, 14:37:44
Ill go ahead and write an overly done post; TLDR - favorite switches in bold

I benefit of a keyboard collection is i get to pick a tactile, a tactile clicky, or linear keyboard based on my mood and yes i truly alternate keyboards.

Rankings of switches i actually used:

Clicky Rank
1. Buckling Spring (There is nothing else like it, yet none of my primary boards will ever be BS)
2. White with 62g Korean Springs
3. Blue with 45g Korean Springs (bubble wrap!!!!)
4. Blue
5. White
7. Ghetto Green

Tactile Rank
1. Brown
2. Topre 45g - HHKB
3. Lubed Jailhouse Blue
??. Lubed Brown - Haven't tried a whole keyboard with them yet but they feel great.

Linear Rank
1. Lubed Red
2. Black
3. Dark Grey
4. Red
??. Lubed Dark Grey with different springs - Havent tried a whole keyboard with them yet

Notable Switches I have not tried yet
- Clears
- Ergo Clears
- Greens
- Topre 55g or Plate Topre 45g
- Lubed: Blacks, Clears, Ergo Clears
- Anything ALPS

Ergo-Clears coming soon, clears still with Prof however i may just get enough for one keyboard somewhere else due to Prof not sending out anything (scam?). i have a feeling that lubed ergo-clears will move to the top when i finally get them in a keyboard. I don't feel i have a legit collection not having clears or ergo clears.






^ - the joy of insomnia + 2 hard ciders + 2 AM

We should do a Mid-Atlantic keyboard meet.  I've seen three or four others with VA in their profile blocks.

I was thinking I could ship you some keyboards to try out some of the the switches on your "To Be Tried" list, but that seems silly since we live in the same state.   :)) 
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Melvang on Fri, 09 August 2013, 14:40:08
Well I thought I really like ergo clears until I ran my hands across some vintage blacks.  Ummmm yeeeaaahhhh about that.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: acantha on Fri, 09 August 2013, 15:16:08
i really thought i had an opinion until i read this thread. i like blues and browns? i've not yet gotten to mess around with clears (yet) or vintage blacks or korean springs.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: knotra on Fri, 09 August 2013, 16:45:27
I kind of go through phases of a favorite switch. At first my favorite was the cherry mx blues. Then I really liked cherry mx browns. and now Im back at cherry mx blues. I guess i prefer tactile switches over the linear ones.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Findecanor on Fri, 09 August 2013, 20:40:26
MX Clear. I think I would like them even better lubed.
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: Kiraaaa on Sat, 10 August 2013, 16:21:30
Rubber domes ftw! But if I had to choose mechanical it would be Browns
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: TimIsABat on Sat, 10 August 2013, 16:43:05
Rubber domes ftw! But if I had to choose mechanical it would be Browns

you must have rubber domes made by angels
Title: Re: Favorite Key Switch?
Post by: davkol on Sun, 11 August 2013, 05:02:12
Well, that's a tricky question (somehow reminds of the troll polls era, though). I rotate scissor switches and MX Red (when my fingers feel sore, especially due to bottoming out on worn RDs), but I wouldn't say any of these is truly my favorite switch. I believe Topre or ergo clears could be high on the list... However, it doesn't matter at the end of the day. I could live with some higher-quality rubber domes and wouldn't complain. It's just a matter of adjustment, and from the ergonomic point of view, it's layout what makes the difference.

My favorite switch would be either a low-force silent buckling spring, or lubed low-force MX Clear (hard to bottom out, unlike ergo clears). Unfortunately, neither exists.