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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: smoke070 on Thu, 08 September 2016, 16:41:00

Title: New keyboard... deciding on switch
Post by: smoke070 on Thu, 08 September 2016, 16:41:00

Hello community.. first post in a while but getting a new keyboard :)

I am thinking about getting either a Cherry MX Red, Clear, or Brown. Needs to be full size, around $100, don't care about backlighting. I do a lot of typing for work, and I like playing typing games occasionally, so I am typically working at about 120+ wpm. I want a keyboard that has very low resistance so I can type very fast at all times but also be comfortable in the long term.

It looks like Cherry MX Red is very fast, but should I be looking to have an actuation point? Clear might be better then, but are harder to find than Browns.

Title: Re: New keyboard... deciding on switch
Post by: klennkellon on Thu, 08 September 2016, 16:53:29

All MX switches actuate around the same, except for Cherry MX Speed which actuate higher up.

If you need full sized I would get a Dell AT-101w. They use SKCM Black Alps which are like MX Browns except they are more tactile and actuate higher up. Plus the keyboard is built like a tank.

Title: Re: New keyboard... deciding on switch
Post by: jaffers on Thu, 08 September 2016, 16:55:32

Clears are good

Title: Re: New keyboard... deciding on switch
Post by: smoke070 on Thu, 08 September 2016, 17:02:13

Quote from: klennkellon on Thu, 08 September 2016, 16:53:29

All MX switches actuate around the same, except for Cherry MX Speed which actuate higher up.

If you need full sized I would get a Dell AT-101w. They use SKCM Black Alps which are like MX Browns except they are more tactile and actuate higher up. Plus the keyboard is built like a tank.

Would prefer something new and currently being produced even though I do appreciate the old stuff.

Title: Re: New keyboard... deciding on switch
Post by: Geroximo on Thu, 08 September 2016, 19:03:20

I hate to say it, but nobody here can tell you which switch you will like the most. It's trial and error for everyone.

Title: Re: New keyboard... deciding on switch
Post by: Axiomatik on Thu, 08 September 2016, 23:05:58

MX has those new Silver switches, that are supposedly very fast.

(http://media.bestofmicro.com/E/N/575951/gallery/CHERRY_MX_RAPIDFIRE_w_300.png)

Title: Re: New keyboard... deciding on switch
Post by: Birdsht on Fri, 09 September 2016, 00:12:53

You might want to try a switch tester. 

This tester will let you try 7 different Gateron switches.  You will at least know exactly what you are dealing with.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/272330151731?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I have a friend that just got the mx speed switches on a corsair board and I would not suggest them for typing.  From what I can gather I would not use them at all.

A few resources covering switch types:
https://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_MX
https://deskthority.net/wiki/Category:Gateron_switches
http://imgur.com/a/MjDTX
http://imgur.com/a/9jqPi