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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: macguy80 on Thu, 26 November 2015, 22:55:50

Title: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: macguy80 on Thu, 26 November 2015, 22:55:50

Hi,

I currently have mx clears, which I love, but I can only type on it for short stints — I'm a heavy-handed typist, and can't seem to get the hang of typing without bottoming out. I need a lighter mx switch, but the high-pitched click of blues drives me nuts.

I have an mx switch tester. If I  press the mx brown slowly, I can feel its tactile bump, but if I press it with any speed, as I would while typing, it feels identical to mx red. Is this just a false impression due to it being a tester and not a full board, or is it an accurate assessment of mx browns? Few shops in my area stock mechanical boards, and those that do don't bother to put out a display model, yet will not let you briefly open a box to try it for 20 seconds.

If I possessed physical dexterity I'd explore modding to ergo clears.

Thanks!

Title: Re: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: cryptokey on Thu, 26 November 2015, 23:04:09

I'm on browns right now and you can definitely feel the tactile bump - though not as much as the clears.

Title: Re: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: macguy80 on Thu, 26 November 2015, 23:07:04

Good to know. I was worried they'd be just like reds, since they are weighted the same. Thanks!

Title: Re: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: chyros on Fri, 27 November 2015, 01:26:32

The tactility in Cherry switches is very weak because it is generated in a rather primitive way. It sounds to me like you'd need to find some Monterey switches ;) .

Title: Re: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: macguy80 on Fri, 27 November 2015, 01:32:19

Quote from: chyros on Fri, 27 November 2015, 01:26:32

It sounds to me like you'd need to find some Monterey switches ;) .

Thanks for the suggestion! :) I must admit, they never crossed my mind! Those are found only in vintage boards, correct? I would need a modern layout, either 104 or 87 TKL. 101 would limit usability on a Mac, even with adapters.

Title: Re: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: chyros on Fri, 27 November 2015, 02:12:11

Quote from: macguy80 on Fri, 27 November 2015, 01:32:19

Quote from: chyros on Fri, 27 November 2015, 01:26:32

It sounds to me like you'd need to find some Monterey switches ;) .

Thanks for the suggestion! :) I must admit, they never crossed my mind! Those are found only in vintage boards, correct? I would need a modern layout, either 104 or 87 TKL. 101 would limit usability on a Mac, even with adapters.

The Oracle has spoken; you need a Chicony KB-5981. Check out my video review of mine:

Title: Re: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: macguy80 on Fri, 27 November 2015, 03:05:53

Thank you! That looks and sounds awesome! I'll keep my eyes out for one!

Title: Re: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: mikes41720 on Fri, 27 November 2015, 03:16:43

If you're looking for something more current and are looking for boards where you can feel tactility, try Matias Alps boards. The clicky and quiet switches are very tactile, I've heard.

Title: Re: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 27 November 2015, 03:21:03

Many say that browns feel like gritty reds.

Anyway, what's wrong with bottoming out all the time?

Title: Re: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: macguy80 on Fri, 27 November 2015, 03:21:45

Actually, I have also been considering the Matias Tactile Pro 4 with the clicky switches. Do you know how they compare with the blue Montereys, Thomas? I only have the Matias Quiet Click switches, which are dampened in sound as well as feel, though they are still quite tactile and enjoyable. I'm just looking for more sound :)

Title: Re: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: macguy80 on Fri, 27 November 2015, 03:24:23

Quote from: rowdy on Fri, 27 November 2015, 03:21:03

Anyway, what's wrong with bottoming out all the time?

There's absolutely nothing wrong with bottoming out all the time. I quite enjoy it. But on a board with stock Clears, that can get tiring quickly. :)

Title: Re: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 27 November 2015, 03:27:05

Quote from: macguy80 on Fri, 27 November 2015, 03:24:23

Quote from: rowdy on Fri, 27 November 2015, 03:21:03

Anyway, what's wrong with bottoming out all the time?

There's absolutely nothing wrong with bottoming out all the time. I quite enjoy it. But on a board with stock Clears, that can get tiring quickly. :)

Actually clears is about the only switch I don't bottom out on all the time.

Not through want of trying, I just seem to be able to actually type on them without bottoming out every keystroke.  Like I am on this SSK!

Title: Re: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: macguy80 on Fri, 27 November 2015, 03:42:13

That's a feat I can't do on my Unicomp Model M! :)

Title: Re: Typing on mx browns: indistinguishable from mx reds?
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 27 November 2015, 04:11:48

I bottom out everything!  Except the occasional MX clear.