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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: wlhlm on Fri, 30 January 2015, 17:19:27

Title: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: wlhlm on Fri, 30 January 2015, 17:19:27
I only recently entered the world of mechanical keyboards (happily typing on a Poker II with Ergo Clears right now) and now I'm thinking about building my own keyboard from the ground up. I'm planning on using Cherry MX switches for that, but I'm having trouble finding them at German dealers. Sure, I could get them from mechanicalkeyboards.com (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=43), maxkeyboards.com (http://www.maxkeyboard.com/products/parts-and-accesssories/key-switch.html), or wasdkeyboards.com (http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keyboard-parts.html), but these are all located in the US and I'd have to pay a lot for shipping.

Do you know a place where I can order Cherry MX switches in Germany? It feels weird to me that I'd have to get them from American retailers when they're even manufactured here. It doesn't seem like you can get them directly from Cherry (at least not directly from their website - or could I maybe call them and order switches?), I went through their list (http://cherry.de/cid/sources_of_supply_reseller.htm) of resellers, but couldn't find one that sells individual switches (except Conrad (http://www.conrad.de/ce/de/Search.html?search=cherry+mx&filterCategoryPathROOT=Bauelemente), but they don't have Reds).

I'm specifically interested in MX Reds.
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: JaccoW on Fri, 30 January 2015, 17:52:12
I would suggest looking for cheaper vintage boards on German e-Bay, sourcing some light springs and mod them that way. Most have worn-in Blacks which are even nicer to type on. :)
It does require you to desolder them of course but you would have to learn that anyway since you plan on building one. ;)

EDIT: I mean, this (http://www.ebay.de/itm/Cherry-MX3000M-G80-3000-LPMDE-Mechanische-Tastatur-PS-2-MX-Black-Switches-QWERTZ-/321637116396?pt=DE_Computing_Tastaturen_Keypads&hash=item4ae310e9ec) is not bad (€35) for a full board of switches. The keycaps are lasered but other than that, quite alright.
Just go and check Deskthority.net (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_G80-3000) for info on these boards.
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: snoopy on Fri, 30 January 2015, 17:55:17
go to deskthority.net and look for the user 7bit... ;)
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: exitfire401 on Fri, 30 January 2015, 18:00:00
Quote from: snoopy on Fri, 30 January 2015, 17:55:17
go to deskthority.net and look for the user 7bit... ;)

And then wait 2 years for anything you order.
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: JaccoW on Fri, 30 January 2015, 18:03:11
Lol.

Also, there is this nasty looking thing (http://www.ebay.de/itm/Cherry-Tastatur-G80-3000-HAD-DIN-PS2-/171652143860?pt=DE_Computing_Tastaturen_Keypads&hash=item27f743daf4). XD
As far as I can tell, MX Black switches and German Cherry doubleshots.
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: wlhlm on Fri, 30 January 2015, 18:06:06
Quote from: JaccoW on Fri, 30 January 2015, 17:52:12
I would suggest looking for cheaper vintage boards on German e-Bay, sourcing some light springs and mod them that way. Most have worn-in Blacks which are even nicer to type on. :)
It does require you to desolder them of course but you would have to learn that anyway since you plan on building one. ;)

EDIT: I mean, this (http://www.ebay.de/itm/Cherry-MX3000M-G80-3000-LPMDE-Mechanische-Tastatur-PS-2-MX-Black-Switches-QWERTZ-/321637116396?pt=DE_Computing_Tastaturen_Keypads&hash=item4ae310e9ec) is not bad (€35) for a full board of switches. The keycaps are lasered but other than that, quite alright.
Just go and check Deskthority.net (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_G80-3000) for info on these boards.

Wow, nice find! I looked for switches on ebay, but never thought of dismantling old keyboards. Thanks!
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: JaccoW on Fri, 30 January 2015, 18:14:58
Quote from: wlhlm on Fri, 30 January 2015, 18:06:06
Quote from: JaccoW on Fri, 30 January 2015, 17:52:12
I would suggest looking for cheaper vintage boards on German e-Bay, sourcing some light springs and mod them that way. Most have worn-in Blacks which are even nicer to type on. :)
It does require you to desolder them of course but you would have to learn that anyway since you plan on building one. ;)

EDIT: I mean, this (http://www.ebay.de/itm/Cherry-MX3000M-G80-3000-LPMDE-Mechanische-Tastatur-PS-2-MX-Black-Switches-QWERTZ-/321637116396?pt=DE_Computing_Tastaturen_Keypads&hash=item4ae310e9ec) is not bad (�35) for a full board of switches. The keycaps are lasered but other than that, quite alright.
Just go and check Deskthority.net (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_G80-3000) for info on these boards.
Wow, nice find! I looked for switches on ebay, but never thought of dismantling old keyboards. Thanks!
You're welcome. ;)
You can probably do better on the first one, he seems to be open to offers.

It's what I did for my MX-Clears.
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 31 January 2015, 01:27:03
Cherry has a reseller page on their web site:

http://www.cherry.de/cid/sources_of_supply_reseller.htm?

Scroll down for German resellers.
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: wlhlm on Sat, 31 January 2015, 04:18:30
Quote from: rowdy on Sat, 31 January 2015, 01:27:03
Cherry has a reseller page on their web site:

http://www.cherry.de/cid/sources_of_supply_reseller.htm?

Scroll down for German resellers.

I looked at most of them, but I couldn't find one that sells individual switches (except for Conrad, but they don't have MX Red).
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: wlhlm on Sat, 31 January 2015, 04:29:00
Quote from: snoopy on Fri, 30 January 2015, 17:55:17
go to deskthority.net and look for the user 7bit... ;)

Thank you for the tip! I found the thread (http://deskthority.net/group-buys-f50/cherry-mx-taking-pre-orders-t2760.html) @ Deskthority.
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: wlhlm on Sat, 31 January 2015, 04:37:36
Quote from: exitfire401 on Fri, 30 January 2015, 18:00:00
Quote from: snoopy on Fri, 30 January 2015, 17:55:17
go to deskthority.net and look for the user 7bit... ;)

And then wait 2 years for anything you order.

Are you sure? When looking at the thread (http://deskthority.net/group-buys-f50/cherry-mx-taking-pre-orders-t2760.html) it seems like 7bit's constantly shipping out new orders.
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sat, 31 January 2015, 06:46:48
Quote from: wlhlm on Sat, 31 January 2015, 04:37:36
Quote from: exitfire401 on Fri, 30 January 2015, 18:00:00
Quote from: snoopy on Fri, 30 January 2015, 17:55:17
go to deskthority.net and look for the user 7bit... ;)

And then wait 2 years for anything you order.

Are you sure? When looking at the thread (http://deskthority.net/group-buys-f50/cherry-mx-taking-pre-orders-t2760.html) it seems like 7bit's constantly shipping out new orders.
The switch orders go out regularly as long as they are in stock. It's his key cap group buys that drag on and on.
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: Fnzzy on Sat, 31 January 2015, 07:04:55
Ordered them from 7bit on deskthority, got them within two weeks I believe.

EDIT: Also go to thrift stores. Got a 1000HAD for 2€, means 105 black switches and cherry double shots :)
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: wlhlm on Sat, 07 February 2015, 11:18:01
Just a little update:

Nover sent me a link to Amazon for 2 Cherry G80-1851LUCDE-0 with MX Blacks for 9€ incl. shipping. That's 0.04€ per switch! The keyboards just arrived and I tried them out, but Blacks are a bit too stiff for me, so I'll be modding the switches with Sprit's springs, which adds some cost, but it's still way cheaper than buying Reds directly.

(http://i.imgur.com/8zT9m7h.jpg)
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: Evo_Spec on Sat, 07 February 2015, 20:50:43
Nice score!
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 08 February 2015, 03:53:19
Silly GH won't let me quote that post :(

Anyway, there's a lot more work in desoldering two entire keyboards (or just one), and swapping springs, than just buying the MX reds in the first place.  Plus the cost of the springs.  Unless you particularly enjoy that kind of repetitive work, or need the desoldering practice, finding MX reds might still work out easier ;)
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: wlhlm on Sun, 08 February 2015, 03:53:40
Quote from: Evo_Spec on Sat, 07 February 2015, 20:50:43
Nice score!

Thank you!
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: wlhlm on Sun, 08 February 2015, 04:28:16
Quote from: rowdy on Sun, 08 February 2015, 03:53:19
Anyway, there's a lot more work in desoldering two entire keyboards (or just one), and swapping springs, than just buying the MX reds in the first place.  Plus the cost of the springs.  Unless you particularly enjoy that kind of repetitive work, or need the desoldering practice, finding MX reds might still work out easier ;)

You're right, but as a student I have a bit more time then money... Also, the switches are PCB mounted, so I guess this makes it a bit easier.

Quick calculation:
Cost of the keyboards (incl. shipping): 9€
Switches: 210
Cost per switch: 9/210=0.04€

Cost of 200 Sprit springs (plus shipping $8): 24.70€
Cost per spring: 24.70/200=0.12€

Cost of modded Red switches: 0.04+0.12=0.16€
Total cost for 200 modded Red switches: 0.16*200=32€

Cost of 200 wasdkeyboards.com (http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keyboard-parts/cherry-mx-red-keyswitch-mx1a-l1nn-linear.html) Red switches (plus shipping $24.15): 127.40€
Cost of 200 maxkeyboards.com (http://www.maxkeyboard.com/cherry-mx-red-keyswitch-mx1a-l1nn-soft-linear.html) Red switches (plus shipping $7): 130€
Cost of 200 7bit (http://deskthority.net/group-buys-f50/cherry-mx-taking-pre-orders-t2760.html) Red switches (plus shipping 4€): 134€

Looking at the calculation, I think the price difference is worth my time desoldering the switches.

While writing this, this idea came to me, that  I could buy another used Cherry with Brown switches and use its springs. I'm not sure how the Brown and the Red springs compare to each other.

EDIT: Sorry, the forum messed up the Euro-signs.
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: suicidal_orange on Sun, 08 February 2015, 04:47:24
Brown and Red are both 45cn according to th Deskthority wiki (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_MX) so the springs should be very similar if not identical.

Please can you post or PM me the link to this bargain board?  I wouldn't mind 100 Blacks at that price and could use the desoldering experience :))
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: wlhlm on Sun, 08 February 2015, 04:59:29
Quote from: suicidal_orange on Sun, 08 February 2015, 04:47:24
Please can you post or PM me the link to this bargain board?  I wouldn't mind 100 Blacks at that price and could use the desoldering experience :))

PM sent. Though note, that this is specific to Germany and I don't know if they ship to England. You might have to look for yourself for used boards on eBay or Amazon.

Here in Germany there're all sorts of Cherry keyboards in many organisations (because they're produced in Germany and this is also Cherrys main market), so you can find many cheap used boards from office closures and equipment renewals. I'm not sure how the situation is in England.

EDIT: My keyboards for example are from a pharmacy.
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: suicidal_orange on Sun, 08 February 2015, 05:48:36
Quote from: wlhlm on Sun, 08 February 2015, 04:59:29
Quote from: suicidal_orange on Sun, 08 February 2015, 04:47:24
Please can you post or PM me the link to this bargain board?  I wouldn't mind 100 Blacks at that price and could use the desoldering experience :))

PM sent. Though note, that this is specific to Germany and I don't know if they ship to England. You might have to look for yourself for used boards on eBay or Amazon.

Here in Germany there're all sorts of Cherry keyboards in many organisations (because they're producing there and this is also their main market), so you can find many cheap used boards from office closures and equipment renewals. I'm not sure how the situation is in England.
Thanks :)

Seems they will ship to England - 20€ for express shipping for the first board and 10€ for each additional one, not such a bargain but still not a bad price. 

I will attempt to navigate the rubber dome minefield that is the bargain keyboard market, though I don't think proper keyboards are as popular here.
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: 3K on Mon, 15 June 2015, 14:38:19
I know I'm a little late with answering, but if you haven't already seen this page:
http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_article_numbers
you might want to take a look.

It's helpful if you want to find old boards to scavenge switches from. Just saw 2 boards with clears being sold on ebay, for example.
Title: Re: Sourcing Cherry MX switches in Germany
Post by: wlhlm on Mon, 15 June 2015, 17:52:05
Quote from: 3K on Mon, 15 June 2015, 14:38:19
I know I'm a little late with answering, but if you haven't already seen this page:
http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_article_numbers
you might want to take a look.

It's helpful if you want to find old boards to scavenge switches from. Just saw 2 boards with clears being sold on ebay, for example.
Thanks for the tip. Always appreciated ;)

Fortunately, I was able to source all the switches I wanted/needed in the meantime. The post was partly inspired by frustration due to low availability, while being so close to Cherry here in Germany.