K70 Changing the cherry switches

[Mr.Harper]

Hey guys,
I really like the k70 but the big problem is, that the version with the brown cherry switches, which I prefer, is out of stock in basically every store in germany. Also the LED issue with silver and gunmetal version seems to affect nearly every keyboard.

So I came up with the idea to buy the black version with red LED and switches and change the cherry keys browns, maybe even the LEDs.

My questions are the following:
1) Does any of the german members know a shop in germany, where I can buy brown cherry switches? I found these http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=706, but its an american shop an they want 23 bucks for shipment.

Also are these the right ones and is it possible to install the LEDs in them? I know they are soldered to the PCB, but they need to run through the switches itself, like seen as here: http://content.hwigroup.net/images/products/xl/185886-5.jpg

2) If I want to change the LEDs which kind do I need?

3) Is it possible to change the Cherry keys without any soldering?

Sorry for my bad english and thanks for your help!

[Sifo]

1. Not sure, Cherry's made in Germany so :\ there should be somewhere.

All cherry switches have the slots to insert LEDs. If you buy them used sometimes there may be diodes inside.

2. Flat 2x3x4mm LEDs are good.

3. Not on the K70 (you need a custom plate)

[BlueBär]

1. Conrad sells Blacks and Whites, but no Browns. You can harvest some of Cherry keyboards from Ebay, I can help you find one. If you buy them from a country that is not within the EU you will also have to pay custom fees if the value is above 22€ btw. Oh and customs can increase shipping times by up to two months (personal experience) if you have to pay, if it's below 22€ you're fine.
2. See Sifos answer. You can get them for cheap from China via Ebay.
3. See Sifos answer. I can help you with soldering as well.

Edit: Totally forgot, you can also buy them from 7bit on Deskthority, he is German. Price is higher than from mechanicalkeyboards.com but still acceptable.

Also welcome to Geekhack!

[tricheboars]

i buy switches from mouser online. they are way cheaper than mechanicalkeyboards but i am not sure about shipping.

[Mr.Harper]

Thank you guys for the help!

Are there other options regarding the LEDs then the 2x3x4mm? Cant find a german shop which sells them.

Mouser-Online dont sell the browns. At least I couldnt find them there.

Danke BlueBär für das Angebot! Ich hab dir ne PM geschrieben

[BlueBär]

Are there other options regarding the LEDs then the 2x3x4mm? Cant find a german shop which sells them.

Boop - shipping might take a bit longer but I mean look at the prices, 100 LEDs for less than 4€...

[berserkfan]

Hr. Harper

LEDs can be bought from China for a very low price. Yeah, about 4 Euros/100. Some sellers offer mixed packs, so you can even buy different colors in the same 100.

Go check ebay Germany; Cherry keyboards are listed all the time and some are cheaper than toilet paper except they will only ship to Germany so nobody else is bidding. 

[Mr.Harper]

Thanks berserkfan! =)

Bluebär told me to look out for Cherry G80 with browns. Do you know other models that I should look out for? =)

[Yslen]

7bit on Deskthority is probably the man to see about buying Cherry switches. I think he's in Germany too.