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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: mrduul on Sat, 17 June 2017, 18:08:07

Title: Switch Feel - Used Keyboards VS. New Keyboards
Post by: mrduul on Sat, 17 June 2017, 18:08:07

So one thing I have experienced with some IBM SSK Buckling spring keyboards is some that have been used for 1000's of hours generally feel great to type on.

But brand new IBM SSK Membrane buckling spring out of box are very tough and mushy until you get a few months in with it.

Is this experience the same for you?

Is this the same for all other switches?

Title: Re: Switch Feel - Used Keyboards VS. New Keyboards
Post by: Altis on Sun, 18 June 2017, 16:54:28

Yes some keyboards really do feel nicer after some use. It's like a pair of shoes... the parts need to settle in and get comfrotable. :cool:

Another thing I've noticed is that with some of the cheaper membrane keyboards (such as the Dells), they can actually nice and quiet+smooth when brand new, but within a few days become clunky and mushy.

Title: Re: Switch Feel - Used Keyboards VS. New Keyboards
Post by: SBJ on Sun, 18 June 2017, 22:52:50

I generally prefer my keyboards have some wear on them, the switches at least.
Then again there is something about getting a brand new board. Mmmmmm.

Title: Re: Switch Feel - Used Keyboards VS. New Keyboards
Post by: mrduul on Mon, 19 June 2017, 22:25:56

Ok, glad it's not just me.  :p

Title: Re: Switch Feel - Used Keyboards VS. New Keyboards
Post by: chyros on Tue, 20 June 2017, 01:22:34

Depends on the switch type. MX switches can do with some breaking in, as do buckling springs. Alps really not.

Title: Re: Switch Feel - Used Keyboards VS. New Keyboards
Post by: Altis on Tue, 20 June 2017, 20:53:07

Quote from: chyros on Tue, 20 June 2017, 01:22:34

Depends on the switch type. MX switches can do with some breaking in, as do buckling springs. Alps really not.

Cherry switches need to be broken in until they're nearly at the switch limit, or around 20 years.   :-X

Although apparently the newer Cherry MX switches have been updated and are smoother, at least for Black and possibly Brown stems.

I'm hoping this is the case as I find the sound of MX is much nicer than Gaterons.