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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: harishankar on Sun, 11 May 2014, 11:22:56

Title: Adjusting between heavier and lighter switches
Post by: harishankar on Sun, 11 May 2014, 11:22:56
Do you tend to bottom out on the lighter switches when you type for a while using a heavier switch? I find that after I began using the IBM Model M keyboard, I am finding it slightly more of an effort to type light on the TVS-e keyboard which is Cherry MX Blue. I find the blues extremely light after using the buckling spring.

So is it possible not to bottom out when using a lighter switch? Is it a matter of practice to adjust quickly to different keyboards or do you prefer to stick to one single keyboard?
Title: Re: Adjusting between heavier and lighter switches
Post by: juguerre on Sun, 11 May 2014, 11:45:05
Just like you I find very difficult to change between 2 different keyboards. Topre variable and clears in my case.  I try to not bottom out on clears (easy) but is very hard to not bottom out with topre switches and find my self trying...  I need some hours to get the touch again..
Title: Re: Adjusting between heavier and lighter switches
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 11 May 2014, 17:14:06
I bottom out on ALL switches, and it feels soo good ;D
Title: Re: Adjusting between heavier and lighter switches
Post by: LouisHjelmslev on Sun, 11 May 2014, 17:35:06
I bottom out on ALL switches, and it feels soo good ;D

Totally! Bottoming-out is so underrated. Seriously, I especially like bottoming out on my Filco browns. Like someone else said on GH, feels like you're typing on bamboo!
Title: Re: Adjusting between heavier and lighter switches
Post by: Defect on Sun, 11 May 2014, 17:54:30
Used to LOVE lighter switches.

But since I have so many different boards that I rotate frequently it's been harder to use light switches.

When I do light switches exclusively for a month I never bottom out (typing). 

If I go from heavy to light my accuracy goes to hell and I find myself ordering black springs.  Trying to get some 70 korean or slightly heavier to have a better rotation schedule.
Title: Re: Adjusting between heavier and lighter switches
Post by: minho on Sun, 11 May 2014, 18:59:09
When I do light switches exclusively for a month I never bottom out (typing). 

Is this out of habit, or do you actively try to make yourself not bottom out?
Title: Re: Adjusting between heavier and lighter switches
Post by: Defect on Sun, 11 May 2014, 22:20:28
When I do light switches exclusively for a month I never bottom out (typing). 

Is this out of habit, or do you actively try to make yourself not bottom out?

I get used to the weight.  It is also a lot of practice, but not like I'm trying purposefully.  The most efficient way to type is with as little travel as possible, so I get used to it as I go.

It's not entirely true that I never bottom out when typing, though.  I still do, occasionally, I know know how to slow down/stop as I approach the bottom of the stroke so it isn't as harsh.

But when I go from 55g topre or buckling spring to my 62g lubed blacks or my ergo clears I bottom out nearly 100% of the time and it makes it hard for me to advocate 62g springs lol.  They're great, but if you switch often with heavier weights they kinda suck :(  Same can be said about most things.  Like how 55g topre sucks if I use my 62g for too long lol.
Title: Re: Adjusting between heavier and lighter switches
Post by: Beca on Sun, 11 May 2014, 22:22:45
why is bottoming out such a big deal??
Title: Re: Adjusting between heavier and lighter switches
Post by: minho on Sun, 11 May 2014, 22:29:14
why is bottoming out such a big deal??

That's why I was asking. I guess it strikes me odd to intentionally try not to bottom out - unless you are going for around 150+ wpm or something, bottoming out doesn't really do too much, and (IMO), feels much better.
Title: Re: Adjusting between heavier and lighter switches
Post by: Defect on Sun, 11 May 2014, 22:34:10
why is bottoming out such a big deal??

That's why I was asking. I guess it strikes me odd to intentionally try not to bottom out - unless you are going for around 150+ wpm or something, bottoming out doesn't really do too much, and (IMO), feels much better.

I don't ever see it as a problem--it's just something that I adjust to and stop myself from doing automatically (if I spend long enough with a board).  Never had discomfort bottoming out on any MX switches. 

Oddly enough, I found my 55g Topre's bottom out to be a little harsh--and it's hard to not bottom out on a Topre.