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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: tauburn on Thu, 09 November 2017, 23:50:50

Title: Lightest switches possible
Post by: tauburn on Thu, 09 November 2017, 23:50:50
I currently am using a keyboard with gateron yellow switches that i installed Korean 55g springs which to my knowledge are the lightest springs available. I still feel like it could be lighter. Overall this is the best setup i have had so far, but the way i like to type is with a very light touch. i still find myself not actuating on some presses now and then. i want it to feel like there is basically no resistance from the keys at all. is there anything lighter?
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: FreeCopy on Fri, 10 November 2017, 01:07:27
Gateron clears are rated 35g actuation. You can also order springs rated at 35g.

Gateron clear switches plate or pcb mount (https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=309)

35g Stainless steel springs (https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1183)
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: chyros on Fri, 10 November 2017, 02:33:47
Aside from microswitches, which you can get in 10 gf or less, the lightest KEYBOARD switches I know are Fujitsu magnetic reed. Those things put up almost no resistance whatsoever.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: subcat on Fri, 10 November 2017, 02:35:26
A 25g Topre variant exists
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: ygor on Fri, 10 November 2017, 02:47:28
I used 35g Cherry Silver Speeds for a minute. Still use 35g for CS:GO keys. Is very najs.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: chyros on Fri, 10 November 2017, 05:13:52
Quote from: subcat on Fri, 10 November 2017, 02:35:26
A 25g Topre variant exists
If you remove the domes, they become <5 gf switches xD .
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: Waateva on Fri, 10 November 2017, 10:43:47
Quote from: ygor on Fri, 10 November 2017, 02:47:28
I used 35g Cherry Silver Speeds for a minute. Still use 35g for CS:GO keys. Is very najs.

Serious gamer here, watch out for this guy!
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Fri, 10 November 2017, 12:52:20
Quote from: Waateva on Fri, 10 November 2017, 10:43:47
Quote from: ygor on Fri, 10 November 2017, 02:47:28
I used 35g Cherry Silver Speeds for a minute. Still use 35g for CS:GO keys. Is very najs.

Serious gamer here, watch out for this guy!

He 360 no scoped this thread
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: ygor on Fri, 10 November 2017, 14:32:51
it's all tru af

don't @ me
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: Waateva on Fri, 10 November 2017, 16:03:40
Quote from: ygor on Fri, 10 November 2017, 14:32:51
it's all tru af

don't @ me

Don't tell me what to do, you're not my dad.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: ygor on Fri, 10 November 2017, 16:06:09
Quote from: Waateva on Fri, 10 November 2017, 16:03:40
Quote from: ygor on Fri, 10 November 2017, 14:32:51
it's all tru af

don't @ me

Don't tell me what to do, you're not my dad.

i think you better have a talk with yer mother
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: klennkellon on Fri, 10 November 2017, 17:42:35
Long time ago here I saw a thread where someone modified a rubber dome or scissor switch board to be extremely low force. If anyone could find it that would be great.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 10 November 2017, 17:58:10
Touch screen !!
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: _haru on Fri, 10 November 2017, 19:00:38
In terms of conventional switches, either 35g Topre clones or MX Speed Silvers (or another low actuation distance switch, like Kailh Speeds) with 35g springs would probably be your best bet.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: Leslieann on Fri, 10 November 2017, 19:37:19
Based on my experiments, for MX switches these are the lowest limits you can reasonably go.
This is for RELIABLE, non-mushy operation without spending time fiddling to get them to work.

25-30g linear
30-35 tactile
40-45g click/tactile

Yes, if they are worn in they can go a little lower, but passing these numbers leads to inconsistency. Using really good lube can lower them 3-5g and still work reliably. Keep in mind, lighter springs will feel slightly more mushy, and lube, which can make lower rates work, can also make them feel mushy but can also become more crisp as they work in.

The JB's on the Almost-A-Filco are vintage Cherry blues with clipped and lubed springs and switches (I lube the spring pads), they rate about 40g (using nickles) and are very crisp, however, getting them there consistently was a challenge and some lesser used keys (such as scroll lock) are still not crisp as they rarely get used. By comparison, my stock Outemu blues in the Magicforce using 60g are SUPER crisp, super snappy and totally consistent across the board.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: ander on Mon, 13 November 2017, 04:48:36
Wouldn't the lightest switches be no switches?


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51CIYAsaZeL.jpg)


Mini Wireless Projection Virtual Bluetooth Laser Keyboard (https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Projection-Virtual-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B00LFJBP0Y/ref=sr_1_3) (Amazon, $28.50)
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: AMongoose on Mon, 13 November 2017, 05:32:50
Quote from: ander on Mon, 13 November 2017, 04:48:36
Wouldn't the lightest switches be no switches?


Show Image
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51CIYAsaZeL.jpg)



Mini Wireless Projection Virtual Bluetooth Laser Keyboard (https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Projection-Virtual-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B00LFJBP0Y/ref=sr_1_3) (Amazon, $28.50)

That projected on a liquid.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: OfTheWild on Sat, 18 November 2017, 04:22:02
Someone built a stenographers mini ergo split that was at the philly keycon meat... that thing what insane... it might as well been like there was no spring in the switch.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: Findecanor on Sat, 18 November 2017, 04:47:32
Cherry MY with the coiled springs removed (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12324.0) -- only the small leaf springs remaining. 20-25 cN.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: chyros on Sat, 18 November 2017, 05:20:05
Quote from: ander on Mon, 13 November 2017, 04:48:36
Wouldn't the lightest switches be no switches?


Show Image
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51CIYAsaZeL.jpg)



Mini Wireless Projection Virtual Bluetooth Laser Keyboard (https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Projection-Virtual-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B00LFJBP0Y/ref=sr_1_3) (Amazon, $28.50)
Those are technically also the heaviest switches ever made :p .
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: ander on Sun, 19 November 2017, 03:19:52
Quote from: chyros on Sat, 18 November 2017, 05:20:05
Quote from: ander on Mon, 13 November 2017, 04:48:36
Wouldn't the lightest switches be no switches?

Mini Wireless Projection Virtual Bluetooth Laser Keyboard (https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Projection-Virtual-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B00LFJBP0Y/ref=sr_1_3) (Amazon, $28.50)


Those are technically also the heaviest switches ever made :p .

Not if you project them on Jello.


[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: rich1051414 on Sun, 19 November 2017, 08:40:12
Quote from: ander on Sun, 19 November 2017, 03:19:52
Quote from: chyros on Sat, 18 November 2017, 05:20:05
Quote from: ander on Mon, 13 November 2017, 04:48:36
Wouldn't the lightest switches be no switches?

Mini Wireless Projection Virtual Bluetooth Laser Keyboard (https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Projection-Virtual-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B00LFJBP0Y/ref=sr_1_3) (Amazon, $28.50)


Those are technically also the heaviest switches ever made :p .

Not if you project them on Jello.


(Attachment Link)

Hilarious, but a massive improvement.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 19 November 2017, 08:50:50
Or don't even use a computer..

Just go do that outside thing that all the normal people do..

Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: ander on Sun, 19 November 2017, 09:59:51
Quote from: tp4tissue on Sun, 19 November 2017, 08:50:50
Or don't even use a computer... Just go do that outside thing that all the normal people do..

What? Shiver?
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: daskeybo on Sun, 19 November 2017, 10:16:47
Quote from: subcat on Fri, 10 November 2017, 02:35:26
A 25g Topre variant exists

Where?
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: chyros on Sun, 19 November 2017, 10:40:21
Quote from: ander on Sun, 19 November 2017, 03:19:52
Quote from: chyros on Sat, 18 November 2017, 05:20:05
Quote from: ander on Mon, 13 November 2017, 04:48:36
Wouldn't the lightest switches be no switches?

Mini Wireless Projection Virtual Bluetooth Laser Keyboard (https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Projection-Virtual-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B00LFJBP0Y/ref=sr_1_3) (Amazon, $28.50)


Those are technically also the heaviest switches ever made :p .

Not if you project them on Jello.


(Attachment Link)
Believe it or not, I've LITERALLY contemplated it xD .
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 19 November 2017, 17:35:51
Quote from: ander on Sun, 19 November 2017, 09:59:51
Quote from: tp4tissue on Sun, 19 November 2017, 08:50:50
Or don't even use a computer... Just go do that outside thing that all the normal people do..

What? Shiver?

yea, they weird like that..

Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: Doofy on Tue, 21 November 2017, 13:42:03
Lightest I've managed to try is 35g linears and damn, that stuff be light af! I struggled with choices for a while but I've recently settled on Gateron Browns, light enough for my taste and has the feedback I desire without being an obnoxious click. Just remember, lightest possible may seem like a good idea but it can honestly be like typing on feathers, its not always practical. Don't let this discourage you though, if that's what you want then I'd probably suggest Gateron Clears, I hear they are nice this time of year  :cool:
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: ander on Wed, 22 November 2017, 19:00:57
Quote from: tp4tissue on Sun, 19 November 2017, 17:35:51
Quote from: ander on Sun, 19 November 2017, 09:59:51
Quote from: tp4tissue on Sun, 19 November 2017, 08:50:50
Or don't even use a computer... Just go do that outside thing that all the normal people do..

What? Shiver?

yea, they weird like that..

Ah, sorry, that's what people would do outside this time of year here in Canada.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: Macsmasher on Tue, 28 November 2017, 21:40:01
I also prefer light keys. My favorite board is a Realforce 87U variable. Pinkie fingers are 30g and stronger fingers are 45g. If you're a touch typist, you won't notice the variable key weighting and it's still quite tactile given the light keys. Most here prefer the Realforce 55g (which I also have), but it's too stiff for my typing style for extended periods. At times I still use the 55g for coding because I'm not constantly typing. It's fine for short bursts and when using a lot of keyboard shortcuts.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: sennin32 on Thu, 30 November 2017, 06:10:14
Gateron clear 35g!
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: ander on Thu, 30 November 2017, 20:07:59
Quote from: chyros on Sun, 19 November 2017, 10:40:21
Quote from: ander on Sun, 19 November 2017, 03:19:52
Quote from: chyros on Sat, 18 November 2017, 05:20:05
Those are technically also the heaviest switches ever made :p .

Not if you project them on Jello.

Believe it or not, I've LITERALLY contemplated it xD .

I've heard about some of the things you've contemplated, and all I can say is, we're lucky this is a message forum and not a club meeting.  :?D
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: SamirD on Fri, 01 December 2017, 00:22:55
Quote from: chyros on Sun, 19 November 2017, 10:40:21
Quote from: ander on Sun, 19 November 2017, 03:19:52
Quote from: chyros on Sat, 18 November 2017, 05:20:05
Quote from: ander on Mon, 13 November 2017, 04:48:36
Wouldn't the lightest switches be no switches?

Mini Wireless Projection Virtual Bluetooth Laser Keyboard (https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Projection-Virtual-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B00LFJBP0Y/ref=sr_1_3) (Amazon, $28.50)


Those are technically also the heaviest switches ever made :p .

Not if you project them on Jello.


(Attachment Link)
Believe it or not, I've LITERALLY contemplated it xD .
I look forward to the video review!  And try it with orange jello, because orange just tastes better.  :p
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: rich1051414 on Sat, 02 December 2017, 13:02:49
The lightest switch I have tried were Xmit hall effect with the light spring. It felt even lighter than gateron clears since there is basically no slider friction. It was actually unnerving to be honest. Not used to being forced to hold my fingers up as the keys are actuated by the weight of them.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: Giorgio on Sat, 02 December 2017, 13:55:52
I've tried to like switches lighter than reds, the problem is that you'll not be able to rest your fingers on the keyboard without incurring in an accidental press.
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: Duckyreddy on Sat, 02 December 2017, 14:10:20
Quote from: Giorgio on Sat, 02 December 2017, 13:55:52
I've tried to like switches lighter than reds, the problem is that you'll not be able to rest your fingers on the keyboard without incurring in an accidental press.

Yes, and the number of typing errors...
Title: Re: Lightest switches possible
Post by: SamirD on Sat, 02 December 2017, 18:50:34
Quote from: SamirD on Fri, 01 December 2017, 00:22:55
Quote from: chyros on Sun, 19 November 2017, 10:40:21
Quote from: ander on Sun, 19 November 2017, 03:19:52
Quote from: chyros on Sat, 18 November 2017, 05:20:05
Quote from: ander on Mon, 13 November 2017, 04:48:36
Wouldn't the lightest switches be no switches?

Mini Wireless Projection Virtual Bluetooth Laser Keyboard (https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Projection-Virtual-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B00LFJBP0Y/ref=sr_1_3) (Amazon, $28.50)


Those are technically also the heaviest switches ever made :p .

Not if you project them on Jello.


(Attachment Link)
Believe it or not, I've LITERALLY contemplated it xD .
I look forward to the video review!  And try it with orange jello, because orange just tastes better.  :p
I just saw the video review of the projection keyboard and sadly jello was left out although there was water, bacon, cabbage, baguettes, and even dead octopus on wet newspaper.  :))