geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: WuMyster on Thu, 07 August 2014, 10:13:52

Title: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: WuMyster on Thu, 07 August 2014, 10:13:52
I've been using my Ducky Shine 3 YOTS with Reds since it's come out, and absolutely adore Reds. So easy to type on.

I've always wanted to try Blues and a TKL board, so picked up a Ducky TKL with Blues.

Right now, the experience is a bit rough. The bump is making me not press the key all the way down, since I'm used to the force used with Reds.

Should I stick with both switches and I'll get used to using both eventually? Or should I pick up a Red TKL board?
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: blackbox on Thu, 07 August 2014, 10:23:06
Just stick with it and get used to it. Nothing wrong about not botoming out.
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: WuMyster on Thu, 07 August 2014, 10:48:41
Once I get used to the blues, would the Reds then feel weird to me? That's all I care about at the moment. Having to adjust each time when using the different switches.
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: FrostyToast on Thu, 07 August 2014, 10:50:53
There is no problem with "not bottoming out", it's technically better.
However if you're not actuating the switch, then there is a bit of an issue.
This however will be resolved with practice and getting used to. Once you do get used to the blues, you may fall in love with them  :thumb:
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: WuMyster on Thu, 07 August 2014, 11:07:51
Well I love my reds so much, don't think anything can take my love for them away.
It's been a few hours and I am unfortunately having to bottom out since I am simply too used to reds. Blues are so much harder to press down for me. I'll stick with it, I have 14 days to make up my mind anyway if i just want to pick up another Red board.
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: dorkvader on Thu, 07 August 2014, 11:37:59
In my experience, once you get used to both keyboards, you'll be able to pick the other one back up pretty quick, depending on how long you've been away.
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: Defect on Thu, 07 August 2014, 12:47:19
I've found that going from MX blue to any other MX is pretty easy, but I have been having a difficult time with blues after using other MX switches.

Blues require full release to reset the click.  The key should still be able to actuate with partial upstroke release, but the lack of click with this method is very unappealing to me.

If you full release every upstroke then nothing I've said here will matter :)
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: WuMyster on Thu, 07 August 2014, 13:17:50
Yeah that's exactly whats hard. Going from Blues to Reds is apiece of cake. Reds to blues is a different story. Sometimes I dont put enough pressure in for the key to activate, and i find i dont release the key fully.
I'll see if i enjoy it after a day or two. If not, i'll probably get a TKL red.
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: Defect on Thu, 07 August 2014, 13:39:44
If you like clicky switches but are not satisfied with the mechanism in MX Blues (two piece plastic slider that slaps into itself), I strongly recommend you check out Alps (SKCM White are cheap and easy to find in old boards) or Buckling Spring boards.

Matias also makes a pretty nice click switch.  I don't like it as much as new/good SKCM White Alps, but I wouldn't be upset if I had to fall on Matias.  Their boards are a little expensive though (IMO).
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: Crazyhendrix on Thu, 07 August 2014, 16:54:52
I switch between a green and brown on two computers. I had trouble adjusting initially, after a week, it takes less than a minute to get comfortable when switching keyboards.
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: davkol on Thu, 07 August 2014, 18:48:02
I used both MX Red and stock MX Clear for several months. I didn't really bottom out on either. I only had to build some muscles after being used to reds a bit too much. Then I used scissor switches and MX Brown with a buzzer emulating click for another few months. I think this experience has helped me learn to type comfortably on nearly any switch (ranging from reds to buckling springs) without just smashing keys. It's completely changed my perspective on blacks and some Alps/clones as well.
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: Novus on Thu, 07 August 2014, 18:57:27
Once you go red you never go back.
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: katushkin on Thu, 07 August 2014, 19:01:19
Once you go red you never go back.

Red is the only common MX switch I don't like at all =/
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: WuMyster on Fri, 08 August 2014, 04:40:53
Unfortunately, it's going back and being replaced with another TKL with reds. Looks like I won't be switching from Reds ever.
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: Grim Fandango on Fri, 08 August 2014, 04:48:09
I kind of understand the problem. Once you really get used to some of the lighter switches, and when you like how they feel, it can be hard to get accustomed to the heavier/stiffer switches again.

I experienced the same thing going from a 45g to a 70g actuation keyboard. At times I would hit a key with the intention of typing that letter, but nothing would happen. My "tap" on the letter would literally be too light for it to register.

However, I often find that if you stick with it, you get more used to it, and it will not be as big of an issue. If you really like the lightness of the reds, but want to try other switches (or want something with a little bit of tactile feedback) then browns or topre 45g would have been a better choice than blues.

Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: davkol on Fri, 08 August 2014, 05:11:25
Weak muscles!
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 08 August 2014, 06:33:11
Welcome to Geekhack, WuMyster!

I regularly switch between MX green, MX blue, MX black, 45g Topre and buckling spring (and on rare occasions MS red).

No problems at all!

In fact having a few keyboards with a different feel makes each one seem fresh and invigorating when I swap them around.
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: margo baggins on Fri, 08 August 2014, 07:42:43
Once you go red you never go back.

Red is the only common MX switch I don't like at all =/

My first mech had red switches - shortly after getting my next mech I dropped the red and have never had them back since! I don't have any red boards, and I have 10+ mx boards. I don't like reds, but then I like tactile grey a lot so go figure.
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: Crazyhendrix on Fri, 08 August 2014, 09:24:30
My first mech had red switches - shortly after getting my next mech I dropped the red and have never had them back since! I don't have any red boards, and I have 10+ mx boards. I don't like reds, but then I like tactile grey a lot so go figure.
:eek: That's a lot of mech to have!
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: Defect on Fri, 08 August 2014, 09:30:52
Unfortunately, it's going back and being replaced with another TKL with reds. Looks like I won't be switching from Reds ever.

Spring swaps and aftermarket spring swaps are fun to explore.  So is lubing your reds.
Title: Re: Using More than One Cherry MX Switch
Post by: WuMyster on Mon, 11 August 2014, 08:08:33
Small update, got it replaced and am now typing on a TKL with reds. Adore this board. ADORE reds.