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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: cryptokey on Mon, 07 December 2015, 12:58:27
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So I recently received some black o-rings from Aliexpress which costed me only $5. They measure 8mm(outside diameter) x 5mm(inside diameter) x 1.5mm(thickness). Having ordered them cheaply from an Aliexpress vendor and having never used o-rings before, my expectations were low. After installing them on Cherry MX Browns on a POK3R, here are my thoughts:
- They noticeably reduce travel distance
- They're slightly squishy upon bottoming out compared to hitting the plate, however firm enough to still feel satisfying in my opinion. I could see some people not liking this feeling though as there is a distinctly satisfying feeling/sound of bottoming out on Cherry MX switches
- They slightly reduce the noise created by the MX Browns by softening the bottoming out sound, but they by no means "silence" them
- They reduce fatigue due to a softer bottoming out and a smaller distance to press the key before bottoming out, provided you adjust and type lighter
In conclusion...
I bought o-rings partially to try them out and partially for ergonomics. Note that I use proper typing form. For my purposes, I feel like I am putting less strain on my fingers while typing and although I was most worried about losing the "clack" sound, I enjoy this softer sound as well. If you are interested in improving ergonomics and don't mind sacrificing the "clack" sound and snappy bottoming-out feeling, then for $5 they're definitely worth it! However, if you have no issues with ergonomics and/or love the sound and feeling of bottoming out on Cherry MX switches, then o-rings may not be for you. At the end of the day, if you can find some for cheap like I did, give them a try and see for yourself!
Here's where I found mine, however there are many other sources for higher-quality ones: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-delivery-with-tracking-number-Black-Color-Bag-of-105pcs-Keycap-O-Ring-Switch-Dampeners-For/1305826637.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-delivery-with-tracking-number-Black-Color-Bag-of-105pcs-Keycap-O-Ring-Switch-Dampeners-For/1305826637.html)
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You know, $5 for o-rings with shipping included is not bad at all. I'm glad you're liking them. I've tried the o-rings that came with the CODE TKL and I was not a fan, though it does seem to have its merits.
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Another budget option:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/141591750545
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O Rings are too mushy for me, I am still waiting for IMSTO's balls to try them and I would love to try some Cherry silencers.
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Would Orings be good for anyone practicing not bottoming out? Seems like if there was a way to consistently reduce the amount you press your keys, this would be the way to do it.
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Would Orings be good for anyone practicing not bottoming out? Seems like if there was a way to consistently reduce the amount you press your keys, this would be the way to do it.
They may have the opposite effect, because the shorter travel and the mushy feeling may move your point of return lower.
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O Rings are too mushy for me, I am still waiting for IMSTO's balls to try them and I would love to try some Cherry silencers.
That would take some explaining ...
Q: What makes your keyboard feel go great?
A: IMSTO's balls!