Post by: Oblotzky on Fri, 01 December 2017, 09:44:10
I recently received a batch of these films from Kin (Maker of TX boards and other things) in South Korea and I am quite happy about their effectiveness in reducing wobble, especially as a sucker for SA keycaps. They also make for a 'tighter' switch, affecting sound as well.
Here is a short video I made that demonstrates their effect: https://gfycat.com/unlinedsmartleafhopper (bottom row is without films, top row has films added)
Since getting them from South Korea can be quite the hassle, I have decided I'd try my hands at making a group buy for these to help out fellow western enthusiasts to get their hands on them. Initially I wanted to make this GB EU only and be more of a proxy for Kin here so not everyone has to run to the customs office for a few films, but seeing there is only a National and International tariff for shipping, I might as well cover CONUS and Canada etc too. From what I can tell Americans never have to go to the customs office for small stuff like this anyways. But I can only guarantee a customs-free experience for fellow EU people.
Advantages over vinyl stickers: No glue involved, makes for easier reopening and removal if desired. Also installing is much quicker as you don't have to peel them off the sheet and they keep sticking on stuff you don't want them on. Effectiveness is also arguably better, having heard many reports of "no noticeable effect" from people using vinyl stickers, but I have not compared this myself.
Install: Open your switch, place the film onto the bottom piece, close the switch. Usually done when doing other modifications to the switch at the same time such as swapping springs and/or lubing.
(https://i.imgur.com/dcGZsky.png)
- Material: Polycarb
- Compatible with MX switches
- Available colors: Clear, Black, White, Pink, Red
- 4.5€ per 100 films.
- MOQ is 100 sets (total, not per color)
- Shipping (subject to change, my research so far, will go down to the post office to find out for sure): via Deutsche Post (German Post), 3€ for Germany, 6.5€ for anywhere else in the world. Tracked and insured up to 36€.
- Timeline (estimated, you know how these things go): 2 weeks for production, 2 weeks to get to me, then sorting and sending out.
Please reply with your interest for these, and how many packs you'd consider buying. Thanks!
Post by: packman86 on Fri, 01 December 2017, 09:49:34
Post by: HouseofSuffering on Fri, 01 December 2017, 09:57:06
Post by: braidn on Fri, 01 December 2017, 09:57:23
Post by: Kafka on Fri, 01 December 2017, 09:59:36
Post by: TalkingTree on Fri, 01 December 2017, 10:00:08
Post by: SBN on Fri, 01 December 2017, 10:00:40
just asked about these things in the discord today!
Most there told me they didn’t notice any effect but the one in your video looks very promising. Probably the difference between vinyl and polycarb you mentioned.
And with only 3€ shipping I’m definitely in (shipping costs on all these international orders in this hobby are killing me...)!
I can also see me ordering multiple packs, if MOQ is a problem.
Post by: aspenc4 on Fri, 01 December 2017, 10:18:38
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Post by: Rafa_n on Fri, 01 December 2017, 10:21:15
Post by: zekkin on Fri, 01 December 2017, 10:38:07
Post by: xondat on Fri, 01 December 2017, 11:02:52
Post by: nonah on Fri, 01 December 2017, 11:07:15
Post by: typischt on Fri, 01 December 2017, 11:13:00
(Beginner)Question: how is the film or rather the color of it visible when installed? I can‘t make out the films on your video.
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Post by: dysphorical on Fri, 01 December 2017, 11:42:56
Post by: AuDiTH on Fri, 01 December 2017, 11:56:51
Post by: funderburker on Fri, 01 December 2017, 11:58:41
Post by: Puddsy on Fri, 01 December 2017, 12:03:30
Post by: aspenc4 on Fri, 01 December 2017, 12:05:47
I’m inUpon further review, I failed to mention how many of each I’d like -
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2 Black
2 Clear
1 Pink
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Post by: fublamchu on Fri, 01 December 2017, 12:11:10
Post by: OmegaSupreme on Fri, 01 December 2017, 12:12:00
Post by: CornCha0s on Fri, 01 December 2017, 12:21:44
Post by: SJHL on Fri, 01 December 2017, 12:42:28
Post by: hineybush on Fri, 01 December 2017, 13:16:27
Post by: darthzero on Fri, 01 December 2017, 13:37:48
Post by: InvidiousIgnoramus on Fri, 01 December 2017, 13:50:27
Post by: kmba on Fri, 01 December 2017, 14:05:16
Post by: Puddsy on Fri, 01 December 2017, 14:09:13
Post by: crcstig on Fri, 01 December 2017, 14:23:56
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Post by: Atredl on Fri, 01 December 2017, 15:33:31
Post by: senter on Fri, 01 December 2017, 15:51:09
Post by: Kavik on Fri, 01 December 2017, 16:27:05
Post by: wholypantalones on Fri, 01 December 2017, 17:24:40
Post by: dubious on Fri, 01 December 2017, 18:34:32
Post by: LightningXI on Fri, 01 December 2017, 18:35:17
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Post by: quochung1989 on Fri, 01 December 2017, 19:30:41
Post by: MandrewDavis on Fri, 01 December 2017, 19:33:13
Post by: vtachkov on Fri, 01 December 2017, 19:36:50
Post by: Captain Shwah on Fri, 01 December 2017, 19:56:49
Post by: King4477 on Fri, 01 December 2017, 20:04:21
Post by: cocobrais on Fri, 01 December 2017, 21:22:27
In my experience, this film is best choice for tuning of switch.
Normally we have to disassemble the switch for tuning (Lub and spring) and it will lead to stretch of top cover latchs.
As a result, switch has not good sound because of gap between top/bottm housing.
Old time, we used the sticker for gap but it was so inconvenient and difficult. also lead long time for tuning.
I have been using Kin's this films during 3 years as total over 20 set and always satisfied.
I hope that many custom users use this and will be satisfied with this in all guys custom KBD. :thumb:
Post by: bminhz on Sat, 02 December 2017, 12:20:29
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Post by: PotatoTM on Sat, 02 December 2017, 17:53:12
Post by: ramnes on Sat, 02 December 2017, 17:58:44
Post by: tanvir175 on Sun, 03 December 2017, 00:15:48
.
Registered to say that I would be interested in about 5 packs. Probably only clears.
Post by: Vadurr on Sun, 03 December 2017, 01:28:50
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 03 December 2017, 01:41:01
get hype
Post by: oluigenuma on Sun, 03 December 2017, 03:22:41
Post by: clickityClackity on Sun, 03 December 2017, 09:46:11
Post by: funderburker on Sun, 03 December 2017, 12:52:13
i have received word that these can probably be done in more colors
get hype
More
(https://media.giphy.com/media/Dym2LTuxGJJSw/giphy.gif)
Post by: PRkeys on Sun, 03 December 2017, 13:17:05
Post by: xondat on Sun, 03 December 2017, 13:21:07
Your vid helped me finally understand how these help. Is it correct that the wobble is only reduced on PCB mounts? I can't seem to move mine on a plate like that
Doesn't matter if plate/PCB, once the tops have been removed, there is still wiggle room.
Post by: feediko on Sun, 03 December 2017, 14:40:38
Post by: n0rvig on Sun, 03 December 2017, 15:13:07
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Post by: gok_nz on Sun, 03 December 2017, 19:13:48
Post by: Kavik on Sun, 03 December 2017, 23:39:34
Your vid helped me finally understand how these help. Is it correct that the wobble is only reduced on PCB mounts? I can't seem to move mine on a plate like that
Doesn't matter if plate/PCB, once the tops have been removed, there is still wiggle room.
Is it only recommended to use these if one has already taken apart the switch for other reasons? I did the same test on my Zealios and MX Blues which are both plate mounted, and the top housings wiggled. (I've never disassembled any of them).
Post by: Puddsy on Mon, 04 December 2017, 01:29:12
Your vid helped me finally understand how these help. Is it correct that the wobble is only reduced on PCB mounts? I can't seem to move mine on a plate like that
Doesn't matter if plate/PCB, once the tops have been removed, there is still wiggle room.
Is it only recommended to use these if one has already taken apart the switch for other reasons? I did the same test on my Zealios and MX Blues which are both plate mounted, and the top housings wiggled. (I've never disassembled any of them).
they're good either way
Post by: xZ3ROx on Mon, 04 December 2017, 05:16:18
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Post by: MeloDet on Mon, 04 December 2017, 10:12:22
Post by: Oblotzky on Mon, 04 December 2017, 13:15:31
I went to the post office today and it appears I was very close with my estimates. The included insurance is up to 25€, every additional 100€ (so for 26-125€) costs another 2€ postage. I'll be declaring all shipments correctly, I don't really see the need to undervalue a shipment that is probably around the 15-25€ mark for most anyways, and only the declared value would be refunded on insurance claims.
I've also talked with Kin and we are looking into offering 3 more colors, he'll let me know how close these can be reproduced as the factory uses dye-sublimation which is known for being hard to work with for saturated colors.
(https://i.imgur.com/5Bl4vO5.png)
I'll now go hunt down a seasoned GB runner on Slack/Discord for how to best setup order collection (a google form probably) and think we can launch this at the end of the week or so.
Edit: finished setting up the google sheet, I'm confident that all information is collected. Waiting for kin to confirm the new colors now.
Post by: Vadurr on Mon, 04 December 2017, 13:34:13
Thanks everyone for the great response to this.
I went to the post office today and it appears I was very close with my estimates. The included insurance is up to 25€, every additional 100€ (so for 26-125€) costs another 2€ postage. I'll be declaring all shipments correctly, I don't really see the need to undervalue a shipment that is probably around the 15-25€ mark for most anyways, and only the declared value would be refunded on insurance claims.
I've also talked with Kin and we are looking into offering 3 more colors, he'll let me know how close these can be reproduced as the factory uses dye-sublimation which is known for being hard to work with for saturated colors.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/5Bl4vO5.png)
I'll now go hunt down a seasoned GB runner on Slack/Discord for how to best setup order collection (a google form probably) and think we can launch this at the end of the week or so.
This is great news! Color me interested for our three new colors :]
Post by: vtachkov on Mon, 04 December 2017, 17:47:25
Post by: typischt on Mon, 04 December 2017, 17:55:47
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Post by: Puddsy on Mon, 04 December 2017, 17:56:53
I know, it is probably obvious with all the color choices, but I still like to ask: Are the colors actually visible when installed on a board and if so, how?
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they are visible, but not when you have keycaps on
Post by: typischt on Mon, 04 December 2017, 18:36:58
Perfect, thanks a lot!I know, it is probably obvious with all the color choices, but I still like to ask: Are the colors actually visible when installed on a board and if so, how?
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they are visible, but not when you have keycaps on
Post by: Kafka on Mon, 04 December 2017, 19:03:26
I know, it is probably obvious with all the color choices, but I still like to ask: Are the colors actually visible when installed on a board and if so, how?
Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk
https://imgur.com/a/sH685
Canoe with white films
Post by: typischt on Mon, 04 December 2017, 19:09:23
Ah yeah, I see. Thanks a bunch!I know, it is probably obvious with all the color choices, but I still like to ask: Are the colors actually visible when installed on a board and if so, how?
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https://imgur.com/a/sH685
Canoe with white films
Is this your Canoe?
Post by: Kafka on Mon, 04 December 2017, 19:11:44
Ah yeah, I see. Thanks a bunch!I know, it is probably obvious with all the color choices, but I still like to ask: Are the colors actually visible when installed on a board and if so, how?
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https://imgur.com/a/sH685
Canoe with white films
Is this your Canoe?
Nope, guy on mechmarket is selling it
Post by: FreeCopy on Mon, 04 December 2017, 19:29:21
If other colors are possible I'd love a light blue.
Post by: kin25 on Mon, 04 December 2017, 20:01:58
I don't want to make you wait for a long time.
so I ordered factory to make new 3 colors.
It will make waiting time shorter after your order.
Post by: funderburker on Tue, 05 December 2017, 00:31:00
thank you~
I don't want to make you wait for a long time.
so I ordered factory to make new 3 colors.
It will make waiting time shorter after your order.
You are amazing. Best vendor ever. :)
Post by: Puddsy on Tue, 05 December 2017, 00:33:22
thank you~
I don't want to make you wait for a long time.
so I ordered factory to make new 3 colors.
It will make waiting time shorter after your order.
golden god
Post by: cocobrais on Tue, 05 December 2017, 01:49:09
thank you~always amazing!!
I don't want to make you wait for a long time.
so I ordered factory to make new 3 colors.
It will make waiting time shorter after your order.
Post by: Oblotzky on Tue, 05 December 2017, 08:40:53
thank you~
I don't want to make you wait for a long time.
so I ordered factory to make new 3 colors.
It will make waiting time shorter after your order.
Great to hear!
I have just posted the GB thread, awaiting approval now. Once approved, this IC can be closed. Thanks!
Edit: Live! https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=92878.0
Post by: tanvir175 on Tue, 05 December 2017, 12:18:10
I know, it is probably obvious with all the color choices, but I still like to ask: Are the colors actually visible when installed on a board and if so, how?
Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk
they are visible, but not when you have keycaps on
I know, it is probably obvious with all the color choices, but I still like to ask: Are the colors actually visible when installed on a board and if so, how?
Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk
If you have a floating key design keyboard and transparent switches, wouldn't they still be visible even with the keycaps on?
I saw a video on TaeKeyboards where he used pink stickers with transparent switches and a floating key design case so you were still able to see them from certain angles even with keycaps on.