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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Eszett on Tue, 23 June 2015, 03:11:58

Title: Switches as stabs?
Post by: Eszett on Tue, 23 June 2015, 03:11:58

Would it be possible to use switches without springs as alternatives for stabs? I have the spacebar in mind ... The reason for this is: maybe this will giver better typing feel. More solid than, without rattling?

Title: Re: Switches as stabs?
Post by: suicidal_orange on Tue, 23 June 2015, 03:20:54

I've only done this with a 2x key over two switches and it is very solid, but the point of stabs is that when you press one end the other end is pushed down too.  If you pressed over the end switch it would not be connected to the other end so it wouldn't press straight dow.  I also think you'd need springs in them else they might rattle, but all thumbs are strong enough to take 3x light springs so shouldn't be a problem.

The best thing to do is make a "plate" out of some thick card or cardboard and see what happens :)

I also think you'd need springs in the end switches else they might rattle, but thumbs are strong enough to press 3x light springs so that shouldn't be a problem.

Title: Re: Switches as stabs?
Post by: JaccoW on Tue, 23 June 2015, 04:05:34

There are some older vintage boards that used this method. Don't ask me which though, someone else might be able to answer that one.

Title: Re: Switches as stabs?
Post by: Eszett on Tue, 23 June 2015, 04:18:11

Hi suicidal_orange!

Quote

but the point of stabs is that when you press one end the other end is pushed down too.  If you pressed over the end switch it would not be connected to the other end so it wouldn't press straight dow.

I understand. But you say, it gives a solid feel anyways? Sounds appetizing, I have to try it out!

Quote

I also think you'd need springs in the end switches else they might rattle, but thumbs are strong enough to press 3x light springs so that shouldn't be a problem.

Alright, three light springs, like 3x50g.

Title: Re: Switches as stabs?
Post by: sethk_ on Tue, 23 June 2015, 04:27:54

My old Big Ass Enter keyboard used a very light spring to stabilize one end of it, but I have since lost it on my carpet and can't find it.

Title: Re: Switches as stabs?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Tue, 23 June 2015, 09:03:47

I once modified a matrix board to fit a 6u spacebar exactly in that way using 2 'dummy' switch with the spring removed. It sort of worked... but if you didn't hit it center it would often pop off the opposite end, so it was fairly crap too.