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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: cyd3r on Mon, 04 April 2016, 07:30:53
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Hey guys, I've been using mechanical keyboards for almost 5 years now and I haven't ever attempted to modify/repair or upgrade mechanical keyboards. However, I'd like to take my first attempt getting my hands dirty. I have 'CM Quick Fire Rapid TKL' (87 keys) lying under my bed.
This is a plate mounted PCB, I'm considering desoldering to replace the switches and possibly replace the plate. But I don't have the knowledge whether these plates/cases/frames are standard or not. If I decide to replace them with something else what's the best approach? Can the PCB-Plate mounted boards be separated? I haven't tried desoldering yet, but if I do will I be able to remove the plate completely (considering that It'll be easier to find something to mount the PCB on)
This keyboard is using 'Cherry MX brown' if I decide to replace the switch to something like 'Gateron' will there be a problem? (compliance or fitting issues?)
What I want to do is build a keyboard with 'silent' being first priority without sacrificing the tactility and feeling (eg: like just putting o-ring does silence the bottoming out but it totally changes the feedback)
This is a basic list of the things I want to do:
- Replace case/frame/plate & keycaps to something that's built of a material that can absorb the noise the most.
- Replace switches to something like 'Gateron Clears - 35g Linear' (or preferably something that's compelling towards being silent. Not entirely sure if heavier spring are quieter?)
- Lubricate the switches/springs (don't know what type of lubrication brand / mixture I need)
That's about it.
Update #1: Added images here http://imgur.com/a/dttvV (http://imgur.com/a/dttvV)
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bump
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Gaterons are not silent..
If silent is an absolute priority, you need to get a topre silent-edition keyboard..
The gaterons will fit. but the WORK to swap all of the switches, and buy them, exceeds the cost of just buying a gateron keyboard.
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I see, what's the reason of why gaterons are not silent? It's a full linear, non-clicky switch that I was looking for.
You sure keyboards with Topre switch is a cheaper solution?
Topre Realforce 87U - AU $259
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional2 (topre) - AU $250~
Leopold FC660C - AU $229
CoolerMaster NovaTouch TKL - AU $199
Shipping not included. (not total cost)
I can get Gateron KS-3 Clear Linear switch $50 for 100 of them. Then again I wouldn't know how much the lubricants will cost me and the extra stuff I need eg: Soldering wire, brushes, bottom case, top frame and anything else not mentioned here... If I get the Topre switch on its own will I be able to mount them on the PCB/plate of my current keyboard that I'm trying to pull apart? (as mentioned earlier the keyboard I'm trying to mod has cherry mx browns)
Also, if I wanted to buy a new silent keyboard I would have informed you, instead I'd like to work on with what I already have. If I buy a new keyboard then that'll make 2 mechanical keyboards lying under my bed. If cost is the case then I might not attempt to replace the plate/case/frame which then I can just replace the switch and lubricate the spring/rail sliders etc. I'd like some advice by someone who is experienced with replacing keyboard casings to something different so I can confirm if actually changing the case/frame or the plate actually effects the high/low frequencies produced during bottoming out or upstroke.
Edit: I understand that Topre uses electrostatic capacitive design with rubber dome. So I assume this is some sort of hybrid I'm worried that this is going feel tottally different from gateron/cherry switch, I don't believe I've ever typed on a Topre switch before.
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Just committed to this drop: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/gateron-switches (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/gateron-switches)
Purchased the "Clears - 35g Linear" & "Yellows - 50g Linear".
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So if you are going to go through all this trouble what parts are you going to keep from the CM Quick Fire Rapid?
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About that, What I wanted to do is keep just the PCB circuit board and attempt work around with that but I don't know what the cost of that would be since I would need to purchase other equipment. Also don't know if It's possible to separate the plate completely from the PCB. Since I've purchased two separate switches I may use one on the 'CM QuickFire Rapid TKL' (without replacing anything else) and have a full DIY keyboard using the other switch. I'll see which way the wind blows when the time comes.
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Could anyone give me a guide on lubing switches? What type/brand lube do I need, I see people mixing lubricants, for which parts are they used for?
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Lube guide (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34332.0[/url) :thumb: