First iteration switch try board ready.

[CodeChef]

Got the board today. TBH, it confirmed what I already knew. I don't really like anything but the Browns, although the Blues are decent, just too loud for nothing IMO. So Browns it is for me. Going to send it off to the next recipient tomorrow, for now, here's me with the board

[leotnnz]

the board is a big surprise after i came back home this evening. though i will be stick with my brown switch, grey and black alps really surprise me. i will send it to the next in a couple of days. here is the photo of the board with me:)

[nocturn4l3030]

Sorry no camera atm -.-

Not going to go over the red/blue/brown's because they've been done to death...

Cherry Clears: clears get some undercover love on this board.. but imho, it's a heavy heavy switch and don't really see much practical use for it.  (i've tried it on an actual kb too).

Cherry Blacks: surprisingly feel nice, it's definitely a heavier version of the reds...i don't think blacks get enough love here on geekhack.

ML switch: just feels like a laptop key


The real reason I wanted this was to see what Alps were all about.

Grey Clicky Alps. Matias Tactile Pro 1 : Alot louder than the blues.  I find the blues to be a nice, soothing noise, but these are straight annoying.  i can't see how anyone can like these

Black Complicated Nonclicky Alps: these aren't too bad..the click comes from the key hitting the base of the switch it seems.. not an annoying sound at all... i think it might even be pleasant.  as far as the feel.. it's hard to say.  just pushing on the one button it feels nice, but i have a feeling if i had a full keyboard of it i wouldn't like it

White Complicated Dampened Alps - SG1 AT101 i think these feel by far the best of the alps. it's a dampened sound.. der - sounds nice, and feels pretty nice too.  not sure how to describe the feeling though.. maybe a slightly heavier brown, with the bump right at the top instead of the middle.


great idea from SirClickAlot, which saved me money =)


One Important thing to Note: i really think it's hard to judge how you will like the switch just by playing around with just one.  you really really need a full keyboard.. or at least 10 of the same switch to see how it feels.  even playing with the reds and browns here on the STB, i can't say i would even like it more than the others.  but in person, they're my favorite

[muchadoaboutnothing]

Just got the STB here. I'll post my impressions when I send it out.

[muchadoaboutnothing]

Ugh, forgot to take a pic of me with it :|

Sent out after lengthy delay due to SirClickAlot and I having terrible timing with one another (vacations and what not). Next recipient should have it in a couple days - domestic priority mail is 2 day estimated.

[crazing]

Everything still kosher here?

[Tastybyte]

I've received the Switch Try board. This is my first time touching any of the switches on the board. Thus far my only mechanical experience is Model M buckling springs. Before trying the switches, my reading on Geekhack had led me to believe that the switches to decide between were blue, brown and to a much lesser extent red. My heart said blue, but the potential gaming issues was a concern. Thus I was pretty set on brown, but wanted to actually touch it before deciding.

Here is my appraisal after 2 days with the switch board.

• Alps Gray: I like it. It isn't buckling spring, but it is close enough for my tastes. I wouldn't buy this though. I already have my Model M.
  
  
• Alps Dampened White: I like this. Requires less force to press than the gray, doesn't make the same level of click that the gray does, but still satisfying. I prefer this to the gray. I would consider buying a keyboard with this switch.
  
  
• Alps Black: I like this. How do I describe the differences to the white though? To my inexperienced hands, there is a slight difference in the feel of the black and the white. The white is louder and i want to say more crisp in its depressing. I would consider this purchase as well.
  
  
• Cherry MX Clear: Clear is almost what I expected browns to be. It is almost a switch that I would want to buy, but something is off. I think it needs less resistance. I wish the STB had ergo clears, because I think it would alleviate the problem I have with clears and make them a great switch for me.
  
  
• Cherry ML: This is a nice feeling compact switch. I'd like a laptop manufacturer to use something like this.
  
  
• Cherry MX Black: Certainly stiff. I don't like it for that reason. I could adapt if I had to.
  
  
• Cherry MX Blue: I really like the click sound that they make. The feel of the blue is very pleasing to me. The sound mixed with the feel of the key makes it a wonderful experience. The gaming issue still hangs over my head, though which is why I don't think I'll get this switch, at least at first. A shame.
  
  
• Cherry MX Brown: This switch is different from my expectation. I already said I thought it would be more like a clear. Yesterday I was down on the switch, but today I'm more positive. I like it, but do I like it enough to be a daily driver? The tactility feels weird on rapid presses, like if I'm spamming keys in starcraft, but I'd get use to it. I could see myself owning a brown and getting into it given a little time. That said. . .
  
  
• Cherry MX Red: I like the red more than brown. The light actuation force necessary makes it comfortable and the linear nature is much more pleasant to use than I anticipated. I've never used a linear key and the cherry red has me wondering why. It seems like a great mechanism.
  

Wrap-up thoughts: Alp switches really impressed me. They weren't on my radar. I'm glad I got to try them! I like blues as much as I thought I would and browns less than I thought. Clears are so close to being perfect and surpassing brown, but I don't want to use it as is. Love the red, I hope this holds up when I have an actual keyboard full of red goodness, especially since I write a lot and need the keyboard to be comfortable for long writing sessions. To close out I have to say none of the switches feel bad to me and I could probably use any of them. Of the ones that stand out to me I'd really like to have them all! I have to mind my budget though.

With that said, I'm off to preorder a leopold cherry red TKL. Thank you Mr.Interface for creating the STB sinklist. You have given me an opportunity I sorely needed.

[Iknorite]

Manbeardo confirmed receiving it. He will post soon...
Regards

Where is the STB atm? Hasnt been an update since nov. 2011 if I read it correctly.

[SirClickAlot]

It is last seen at crazing....

But sadly the guy never answered to my emails. :-(

Maybe something happened to him, I don't know, all I know is I gave up on following up on it. I am working on other try lists a.t.m. Soon I'll start them , check here

Problem with this kind of chain is it is as strong as its weakest link.

Regards.

[Iknorite]

It is last seen at crazing....

But sadly the guy never answered to my emails. :-(

Maybe something happened to him, I don't know, all I know is I gave up on following up on it. I am working on other try lists a.t.m. Soon I'll start them , check here

Problem with this kind of chain is it is as strong as its weakest link.

Regards.

Well you do got his adress.. ripster should spy on him. Theres probably a great risk that hes frenetically typing on it in front of an open fire while evily laughing at everyone who has a consience.