CM Quick Fire Rapid TKL - salvage/mod

[cyd3r]

Hey guys, I've been using mechanical keyboards for almost 5 years now and I haven't ever attempted to modify/repair or upgrade mechanical keyboards. However, I'd like to take my first attempt getting my hands dirty. I have 'CM Quick Fire Rapid TKL' (87 keys) lying under my bed.

This is a plate mounted PCB, I'm considering desoldering to replace the switches and possibly replace the plate. But I don't have the knowledge whether these plates/cases/frames are standard or not. If I decide to replace them with something else what's the best approach? Can the PCB-Plate mounted boards be separated? I haven't tried desoldering yet, but if I do will I be able to remove the plate completely (considering that It'll be easier to find something to mount the PCB on)

This keyboard is using 'Cherry MX brown' if I decide to replace the switch to something like 'Gateron' will there be a problem? (compliance or fitting issues?)

What I want to do is build a keyboard with 'silent' being first priority without sacrificing the tactility and feeling (eg: like just putting o-ring does silence the bottoming out but it totally changes the feedback)

This is a basic list of the things I want to do:
- Replace case/frame/plate & keycaps to something that's built of a material that can absorb the noise the most.
- Replace switches to something like 'Gateron Clears - 35g Linear' (or preferably something that's compelling towards being silent. Not entirely sure if heavier spring are quieter?)
- Lubricate the switches/springs (don't know what type of lubrication brand / mixture I need)

That's about it.

Update #1: Added images here http://imgur.com/a/dttvV

[cyd3r]

bump

[tp4tissue]

Gaterons are not silent..

If silent is an absolute priority, you need to get a topre silent-edition keyboard..


The gaterons will fit. but the WORK to swap all of the switches, and buy them, exceeds the cost of just buying a gateron keyboard.

[cyd3r]

I see, what's the reason of why gaterons are not silent? It's a full linear, non-clicky switch that I was looking for.

You sure keyboards with Topre switch is a cheaper solution?

Topre Realforce 87U - AU $259
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional2 (topre) - AU $250~
Leopold FC660C - AU $229
CoolerMaster NovaTouch TKL  -  AU $199

Shipping not included. (not total cost)

I can get Gateron KS-3 Clear Linear switch $50 for 100 of them. Then again I wouldn't know how much the lubricants will cost me and the extra stuff I need eg: Soldering wire, brushes, bottom case, top frame  and anything else not mentioned here... If I get the Topre switch on its own will I be able to mount them on the PCB/plate of my current keyboard that I'm trying to pull apart? (as mentioned earlier the keyboard I'm trying to mod has cherry mx browns)

Also, if I wanted to buy a new silent keyboard I would have informed you, instead I'd like to work on with what I already have. If I buy a new keyboard then that'll make 2 mechanical keyboards lying under my bed. If cost is the case then I might not attempt to replace the plate/case/frame which then I can just replace the switch and lubricate the spring/rail sliders etc. I'd like some advice by someone who is experienced with replacing keyboard casings to something different so I can confirm if actually changing the case/frame or the plate actually effects the high/low frequencies produced during bottoming out or upstroke.

Edit: I understand that Topre uses electrostatic capacitive design with rubber dome. So I assume this is some sort of hybrid I'm worried that this is going feel tottally different from gateron/cherry switch, I don't believe I've ever typed on a Topre switch before.

[cyd3r]

Just committed to this drop: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/gateron-switches

Purchased the "Clears - 35g Linear" & "Yellows - 50g Linear".

[SpAmRaY]

So if you are going to go through all this trouble what parts are you going to keep from the CM Quick Fire Rapid?

[cyd3r]

About that, What I wanted to do is keep just the PCB circuit board and attempt work around with that but I don't know what the cost of that would be since I would need to purchase other equipment. Also don't know if It's possible to separate the plate completely from the PCB. Since I've purchased two separate switches I may use one on the 'CM QuickFire Rapid TKL' (without replacing anything else) and have a full DIY keyboard using the other switch. I'll ​see which way the ​wind ​blows when the time comes.

[cyd3r]

Could anyone give me a guide on lubing switches? What type/brand lube do I need, I see people mixing lubricants, for which parts are they used for?

[suicidal_orange]

Lube guide