Clicky Acer switches… I like them too. More than genuine clicky Alps SKCM switches, actually. In particular, the peak resistance isn't nearly is big.In that case, you might like Monterey Blues or Type OA2 Alps clones.
They are okay keyboards, but they have many flaws, mostly with the shift keys, as you have to hit the key dead center or else the key sticks.Weird. I never noticed that, and now I've just taken one of my Fujitsu KB4700s out of the closet to test it… Nope, Shift keys are quite well stabilized (same kind of mechanism as actual Model M, i.e., an extra stem) and only the very long right Shift slightly binds, when pressed on the left *edge*; spacebar isn't particularly very heavy or anything either, it's certainly a much smaller difference than with Cherry G80 keyboards that have a stiffer switch there.
because the space bar is incredibly heavy and very difficult to force down rapidly.
I have video reviews on both:
Acer switch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1eKR2SdKdo&index=2&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1eKR2SdKdo&index=2&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB)
Fujitsu Peerless:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBbaOXe4-Sk&index=12&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBbaOXe4-Sk&index=12&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB)
Acer switches are super clicky and very tactile. The clicky sound would've sounded better if it had been in a thick metal case instead of a thin plastic one, but it's much better than Cherries. Their tactility is more like a wall than a bump; all the force comes in all at once so it's almost like an on/off switch rather than a typical keyboard switch. I've yet to find a switch that feels anything like it.
And then Fujitsu Peerless, the clicky switch whose greatest virtue is that they're not clicky. These are incrediawful. Not because of the switch per se, but because of the stabilisers. It's simply impossible to use them. The normal keys feel like inferior buckling springs and are not so bad, but all stabilised keys are so bad that they just ruin the whole keyboard single-handedly.
It's possible, but stabiliser issues with Peerless keys is a very commonly reported issue so at least I'm not the only one experiencing it xD . The 1u keys are fine, even somewhat interesting to type on, but other designs just work so much better IMO.I have video reviews on both:
Acer switch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1eKR2SdKdo&index=2&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1eKR2SdKdo&index=2&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB)
Fujitsu Peerless:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBbaOXe4-Sk&index=12&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBbaOXe4-Sk&index=12&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB)
Acer switches are super clicky and very tactile. The clicky sound would've sounded better if it had been in a thick metal case instead of a thin plastic one, but it's much better than Cherries. Their tactility is more like a wall than a bump; all the force comes in all at once so it's almost like an on/off switch rather than a typical keyboard switch. I've yet to find a switch that feels anything like it.
And then Fujitsu Peerless, the clicky switch whose greatest virtue is that they're not clicky. These are incrediawful. Not because of the switch per se, but because of the stabilisers. It's simply impossible to use them. The normal keys feel like inferior buckling springs and are not so bad, but all stabilised keys are so bad that they just ruin the whole keyboard single-handedly.
I really like your videos Chryos.
Do you think that you just got a bad example of the Fujitsu Peerless where they cut corners with the large keys? Ill probably pass on the Fujitsu Peerless.
On another note, I have the exact Acer Accufeel keyboard that you have there, but in ANSI 6311-TW coming, new in box. There is an older version with a larger case of this nearly same model number.Yeah, most Acer keyboards came in several designs; the one I have for the model is the ugliest IMO (and I think the lightest). Very interesting switch, I think it's underrated, but I prefer Alps. Dust can gather in the switches quite easily, but the beauty is that the switches are case-mounted so they're extremely easy to clean out and even replace - no need for soldering.
Weird. I never noticed that, and now I've just taken one of my Fujitsu KB4700s out of the closet to test it… Nope, Shift keys are quite well stabilized (same kind of mechanism as actual Model M, i.e., an extra stem) and only the very long right Shift slightly binds, when pressed on the left *edge*; spacebar isn't particularly very heavy or anything either, it's certainly a much smaller difference than with Cherry G80 keyboards that have a stiffer switch there.
Weird. I never noticed that, and now I've just taken one of my Fujitsu KB4700s out of the closet to test it… Nope, Shift keys are quite well stabilized (same kind of mechanism as actual Model M, i.e., an extra stem) and only the very long right Shift slightly binds, when pressed on the left *edge*; spacebar isn't particularly very heavy or anything either, it's certainly a much smaller difference than with Cherry G80 keyboards that have a stiffer switch there.
I wonder if trying some new shift keys would solve my problem then. As far back as I could remember, the shift keys were always sticky. I simply learned to hit it dead center, and still do on any keyboard. (Old habits are hard to break lol)
I have the FKB4700-601.
But I agree with Chryos, that Acer 6311-TW (6312-TW) build quality leaves something to be desired.Yeah, they're not particularly tough. One advantage these boards have though is their simplicity. If there's dust in it, just unscrew the back plate and clean it out. If a switch goes bad, you can easily clip one out and put a replacement in, no need for soldering. As such, in the end it's more reliable than a board of its weight would suggest.
Good news!
I came up with a mod. I found a cheap mechanical pencil that can be picked up at any dollar tree in packs of eight, and they contain a spring which is slightly stiffer but of the same dimensions as the springs used in this keyboard. I decided to use the spring in the space bar, and it drastically improved my typing experience!
Basically, the stiffer spring allowed the switch to actuate much sooner, requiring much less effort to operate the space bar.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/gajdXbt.jpg)
Original spring is on the left. New one on the right.
The Accufeel switch is very nice. But I agree with Chryos, that Acer 6311-TW (6312-TW) build quality leaves something to be desired. It does have a metal backplate though. I didnt care for the feel of the keys themselves either.
I've only tried one Acer board, so I don't know if they are susceptible to condition in terms of feel like Alps are or not. Mine I like and it is consistent across the board.I've had three 6312s, they were my first mechs actually. They tend to be quite consistent indeed and are nowhere near as susceptible to condition as Alps switches because they are so easy to clean out or replace if necessary; an advantage of the admittedly simple construction of the board. So while they're not sturdy boards, they're fairly reliable.