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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: klennkellon on Sat, 06 August 2016, 23:49:57

Title: Best and worst sounding switches/keyboards
Post by: klennkellon on Sat, 06 August 2016, 23:49:57: Post what switches have the best sound, they don't have to be strictly clicky either!

Sound example is recommended but not required!

Best:

SKCM Blue ALPS:

Worst:

Most rubber domes
Title: Re: Best and worst sounding switches
Post by: emdude on Sat, 06 August 2016, 23:56:27: I've noted this in the Alps Appreciation thread, but the acoustics of Alps switches seem to be pretty dependent on the boards their in. SKCM Blues sound great in larger boards, not so much in smaller ones.

That said, I am quite in love with the sound tactile/non-clicky Alps make when they bottom out. Beam spring switches sound wonderful, almost like rain drops.

Worst-sounding switch is, by far, Cherry MX Blue, the sound of plastic hitting plastic is not pleasant at all. Do not like switches that are overly pingy either.
Title: Re: Best and worst sounding switches
Post by: klennkellon on Sat, 06 August 2016, 23:58:50: I agree MX Blues are annoying, if the pitch of the click was the same but quieter it would be like a baby monterey.

I actually enjoy the sound of non clicky MX switches, they have a very light and delicate sound.
Title: Re: Best and worst sounding switches/keyboards
Post by: itzmeluigi on Sun, 07 August 2016, 00:25:35: Best:

Kingsaver SKCL Green
More

Kingsaver SKCM Blue
More

Kingsaver SKCM Black
More

Kingsaver SKCM Salmon
More

Wang 725 SKCM Green
More

IBM 5576-002 Alps plate spring
More

HHKB
More

Realforce
More

Worst:

IBM Model M
More

Kishsaver
More

Rantopad MXX Gateron Blue
More
Title: Re: Best and worst sounding switches/keyboards
Post by: emdude on Sun, 07 August 2016, 00:43:30: Quote from: itzmeluigi on Sun, 07 August 2016, 00:25:35
-snip-

I understand you are partial to Kingsavers, but why must their switches be mounted in one to sound good? :P

EDIT: I realize now that the topic does include best-sounding keyboards so I suppose your selections are perfectly valid.

EDIT 2: In that case, I also select the IBM Model M as one of the best sounding keyboards, I love the clackiness of membrane buckling springs. I think that the very slight ping present is moderate enough to add some liveliness to the board without being overwhelmingly annoying.
Title: Re: Best and worst sounding switches/keyboards
Post by: klennkellon on Sun, 07 August 2016, 01:44:44: Yes, The Model M sounds lovely. For all of its weaknesses compared to the much better F it is much more elegant looking and sounding. It has a good balance of slightly intimidating looking and sleek.
Title: Re: Best and worst sounding switches/keyboards
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 07 August 2016, 02:31:13: Quote from: itzmeluigi on Sun, 07 August 2016, 00:25:35
Best:

Kingsaver SKCL Green
More

Kingsaver SKCM Blue
More

Kingsaver SKCM Black
More

Kingsaver SKCM Salmon
More

Wang 725 SKCM Green
More

IBM 5576-002 Alps plate spring
More

HHKB
More

Realforce
More

Worst:

IBM Model M
More

Kishsaver
More

Rantopad MXX Gateron Blue
More

I just listened to (nearly) all of those at the same time ;D
Title: Re: Best and worst sounding switches/keyboards
Post by: chyros on Sun, 07 August 2016, 04:37:47: Best; all Alps, including non-SKCL/SKCM, but especially SKCM blue. Honourable mention to the models F and M.

Worst; probably the Amstrads I have. Honourable mention; MX blue.
Title: Re: Best and worst sounding switches/keyboards
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Sun, 07 August 2016, 16:14:36: https://youtu.be/fz5zcRogFfg (https://youtu.be/fz5zcRogFfg)

This combo of things