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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: mini66 on Mon, 07 October 2013, 10:46:15

Title: What does linear actually mean?
Post by: mini66 on Mon, 07 October 2013, 10:46:15

A may have asked already but I'm finding it hard to grasp what linear actually means. thanks

Title: Re: What does linear actually mean?
Post by: Photekq on Mon, 07 October 2013, 10:47:00

Linear means there is no bump. It is a smooth press the whole way down.
Tactile switches have a bump when you reach the actuation point.
Clicky switches have a bump & click when you reach the actuation point.

Title: Re: What does linear actually mean?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Mon, 07 October 2013, 10:49:30

You could have just read the Wiki, this info is definitely in there...

http://wiki.geekhack.org/index.php?title=Mechanical_Keyboards#Qualitatively

Title: Re: What does linear actually mean?
Post by: mini66 on Mon, 07 October 2013, 11:11:50

Ok I got it now!! :)

Title: Re: What does linear actually mean?
Post by: Findecanor on Mon, 07 October 2013, 17:01:19

In a force-displacement graph created from measuring the key switch, you will see a straight line. ;)

Title: Re: What does linear actually mean?
Post by: hashbaz on Mon, 07 October 2013, 17:03:32

Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Mon, 07 October 2013, 10:49:30

You could have just read the Wiki, this info is definitely in there...

http://wiki.geekhack.org/index.php?title=Mechanical_Keyboards#Qualitatively

This is also a great candidate for the simple questions (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40501.0) thread.

Title: Re: What does linear actually mean?
Post by: SNF on Mon, 07 October 2013, 17:17:19

linear - red/black

Title: Re: What does linear actually mean?
Post by: dorkvader on Mon, 07 October 2013, 17:49:50

Quote from: SNF on Mon, 07 October 2013, 17:17:19

linear - red/black

and vintage liner clear, gray and that's just for cherry. there's also
hall effect (microswitch)
reed switch (keytronic, alps, etc)
alps (tee mount, greens, blacks, many others)
nmb space invaders
nmb / hitek / stackpole
devlin / cortron / itw magnetic pulse
fujitsu leaf spring
etc.