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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Keytrun on Thu, 16 January 2014, 12:46:03

Title: Modding Switches? Clears? Ergo Clears?
Post by: Keytrun on Thu, 16 January 2014, 12:46:03
I really love my brown switches. I love how easy to type on they are, but I wish I wouldn't miss so many keys. I don't know if its just a practice thing, but I feel like I frequently hit a wrong key and it registers. I liked blues, but they were a little too stiff for my taste. Is there something between blue and brown? Or a way to have it so that the key doesn't actuate under such little pressure? What are the potential mods for switches? I know of stickers, but I have no clue what they do. I've also been told of clears, which are apparently stiffer browns. What are ergo clears? How much stiffer? What about replacing springs to make them just a tad stiffer? Why do people constantly talk of gold springs? Kittens?
Title: Re: Modding Switches? Clears? Ergo Clears?
Post by: Photoelectric on Thu, 16 January 2014, 12:51:27
Confused, you find Browns too light but Blues too stiff?  They use the same spring inside and are in the lightest Cherry switch category.  Yet you say that the actuation for Blues is too light afterwards, and actually want stiffer switches?  You can try modding Blues with 55g springs, I suppose, if you want lighter Blues, but still, I don't understand your question (and there are a lot of questions in that short post).  Ergo-Clears will be overall tougher on hands vs. Browns, due to the much more significant bump.
Title: Re: Modding Switches? Clears? Ergo Clears?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 16 January 2014, 12:59:38
clears are so much more than stiffer browns.
Title: Re: Modding Switches? Clears? Ergo Clears?
Post by: Keytrun on Thu, 16 January 2014, 13:05:50
Sorry if I was unclear. I want something that's right between browns and blues. Or maybe just a way to make it so that I don't accidentally hit the wrong key. Do you all have those issues with reds / browns too?
Title: Re: Modding Switches? Clears? Ergo Clears?
Post by: Photoelectric on Thu, 16 January 2014, 13:08:40
I think you should try Blues with 55g springs from Originative, if I understand you correctly.  Swap a couple of test switches and see how you like them.  It will make actuation on Blues lighter though--I don't know if it will make it light enough for you to accidentally actuate them: according to your first post, you already find Blues too easy to actuate.  But they do have a pretty defined snap/click with some resistance, so maybe they'll be just right overall.
Title: Re: Modding Switches? Clears? Ergo Clears?
Post by: Linkbane on Thu, 16 January 2014, 13:35:10
Sorry if I was unclear. I want something that's right between browns and blues. Or maybe just a way to make it so that I don't accidentally hit the wrong key. Do you all have those issues with reds / browns too?

As said, it doesn't really exist. The difference between Brown and Blue peak activation force is very little, and the press before the tactility on both keys is the exact same. If you're missing keystrokes because of it requiring too little force (very delicate typing?), Blues are the solution. Lighter Blues apparently have very little click, so they might not be worth your time.
Title: Re: Modding Switches? Clears? Ergo Clears?
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 16 January 2014, 14:45:28
Changing the stem/spring would not magically improve your skill..

But..... it could be a fun activity for some people..

There is no in-between brown and blue since they use the same spring, and are approximately around ~50g of force @ the actuation point.



The only way Blue would feel stiffer than brown is if the browns were broken in and the Blues were not..

The auditory click-cue might cause the user to perceive a Greater tactile response..