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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Giorgio on Fri, 02 January 2015, 16:18:02

Title: switches sampler
Post by: Giorgio on Fri, 02 January 2015, 16:18:02
I'm looking for a cherry switch sampler, but they all seem really overpriced, and none of them include the cherry compatibles switches.

This is particularly annoying considering that one of the users of this forum was selling a kit with at least 30 switches for 25 eur....

Can you please suggest me a tester that is not a ripoff?

thanks

http://www.cmstore.eu/cm-storm/keyboards/mechanical-key-switch-tester/

https://www.maxkeyboard.com/cart

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/wasd-sampler-kit.html
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: drewba on Fri, 02 January 2015, 16:37:04
The coolermaster tester can be refunded IF you purchase a coolermaster keyboard. No opinion on the WASD tester except I believe the switches are all loose (no base).

I have the maxkey switch tester which is nice to put the switches in whichever configuration you prefer as you can place each different switch where you like in the base. Some assembly required :p

I wish they were a bit cheaper but I still don't regret buying mine, it's very beneficial to compare all MX  switches side by side.
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: tbc on Fri, 02 January 2015, 16:40:18
switch testers are always going to be expensive.

which cherry compatible ones are you looking for?  massdrop has a tester with gateron, but not kalih.

i would suggest you buy any one and then resell.  except for wasd, they don't have a plate, just the loose switches
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: Giorgio on Fri, 02 January 2015, 17:18:25
I'm not looking for a particular alternative to cherry, I'm just curious to se what the other brands can do.

I see some money earning potential for any member of geekhack who can put together a sampler at a decent price....
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 02 January 2015, 18:18:03
Welcome to Geekhack!

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mechanical-Keyboard-Switch-Tester-Sampler-number-keypad-Cherry-MX-Razer-Gateron-/291337983177?pt=AU_Input_Peripherals&hash=item43d518d4c9

Or make your own - you can get mechanical keypads (I have a 4x4 one) from eBay, and one of each switch you want to test.
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: Liar on Fri, 02 January 2015, 19:47:09
One on MD for 25$ + S

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-switch-tester (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-switch-tester)

Can also choose a Gateron version
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: shut up on Fri, 02 January 2015, 21:13:56
None of them are especially cheap it seems, I've looked out for a cheap one also. It is good to get a feel for keyboard before buying though.
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: MGH on Fri, 02 January 2015, 21:17:45
I'm not looking for a particular alternative to cherry, I'm just curious to se what the other brands can do.

I see some money earning potential for any member of geekhack who can put together a sampler at a decent price....
The Gateron one on massdrop is good for you then
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: Lu_e on Fri, 02 January 2015, 23:13:34
The Varmilo Cherry MX tester is pretty cool. You get all the rare Cherry switches like Greens, Clears, Tactile AND Linear Greys...

Tempted to get one
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: Giorgio on Sat, 03 January 2015, 04:15:05
That tester is nice, I wonder why he didn't include some orings....
Also, maybe that an aluminum plate is not the best way to understand the sound of a switch...
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: tbc on Sat, 03 January 2015, 04:42:58
That tester is nice, I wonder why he didn't include some orings....
Also, maybe that an aluminum plate is not the best way to understand the sound of a switch...

most keyboards have a metal plate.

are you bothered brcause it's aluminum?
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: spiritistz on Sat, 03 January 2015, 04:54:31
As far as I know, there isn't any company still making linear grey switch keyboard are they?
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: Dihedral on Sat, 03 January 2015, 05:06:09
That tester is nice, I wonder why he didn't include some orings....
Also, maybe that an aluminum plate is not the best way to understand the sound of a switch...

WHy not? AFAIK a lot of boards use alu plates.
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: davkol on Sat, 03 January 2015, 07:24:54
As far as I know, there isn't any company still making linear grey switch keyboard are they?
There has never been one AFAIK, except some limited editions, custom orders or whatever. Greys (and greens) are originally *spacebar* switches.

In regards to the OP, I don't see the point. Typing is a different experience from pressing individual switches, especially if you have to hold stabilized modifiers from time to time, and both feel and sound are affected not only by mounting, but keycaps and the user (mood, time, setting/environment) as well. Moreover, different kinds of keys usually require some getting used to. Get a PCB-mounted keyboard and some harvested switches/stems&springs and keycaps instead, and play with that a bit.
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: Liar on Sat, 03 January 2015, 10:06:57
As far as I know, there isn't any company still making linear grey switch keyboard are they?

The Varmillo keyboards on MD are offered with Linear or Tactile Greys
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: 0100010 on Sat, 03 January 2015, 10:48:59
I built my MX tester for $35.

$8 for the plate - http://www.ebay.com/itm/140380863344
$17 for the switches - http://mechanicalkeyboards.com
$10 for caps : http://xkeys.com/accessories/Keycaps.php

(http://s30.postimg.org/nsb9m9gi9/5x4mx.jpg)

(http://s2.postimg.org/47srbciax/IMG_20141205_094935.jpg)
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: Giorgio on Sat, 03 January 2015, 11:48:25
That is a wonderful solution, too bad that the switches are sold in packs of five, of the same type.
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: Giorgio on Sat, 03 January 2015, 14:15:52
Quote

most keyboards have a metal plate.

are you bothered brcause it's aluminum?

Well, now I know one more thing :-) ...
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: 0100010 on Sat, 03 January 2015, 15:51:38
That is a wonderful solution, too bad that the switches are sold in packs of five, of the same type.

Not if you ask.  :thumb:
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: hwood34 on Sat, 03 January 2015, 16:41:58
That is a wonderful solution, too bad that the switches are sold in packs of five, of the same type.
try asking in the free stuff thread, there are plenty of people willing to send a switch or two for the cost of shippjng
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: Giorgio on Sun, 04 January 2015, 05:20:11
Thank you LIAR and LU_E, I purchased the massdrop tester

I liked very much the solution of 0100010 but the delivery cost were killing me, since I live in Italy

I will also purchase some additional switches from aliexpress.com, it seems to be the cheapest place for that kind of purchases, since the cost is about 1$/piece including the delivery.

You are such a wonderful community!  :cool:
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: davkol on Sun, 04 January 2015, 05:22:28
Isn't 7bit cheaper at €0.65 per switch?
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: Giorgio on Sun, 04 January 2015, 09:19:45
What is the address of the 7bit website?
Title: Re: switches sampler
Post by: davkol on Sun, 04 January 2015, 09:25:18
Deskthority Marketplace