Need Advice Tuning Vintage MX Black

[CMYK]

I'm slowly working my way toward my first custom, but I hit a snag swapping springs.  These switches are incredibly smooth, but I think they are too heavy.  I ordered 62G stainless springs from Originative, but I'm finding that these new springs in the cherry housing are sproingy, and creaky. The Cherry Black spring doesn't do this.  I put a Cherry Brown spring taken from a G710+ in the Cherry Black housing, and it is very smooth.  Has anyone else experienced this with after market springs? 

The Cherry Brown spring and the Black stem feel pretty nice, but I think I may want something slightly heavier.  Is there a source for authentic Cherry springs?


The remains of the WYSE board where I harvested the switches from.


This should firmly put these in the vintage Cherry MX range



Left: Originative/SPRiT/Mod 62G spring 
Middle: Cherry MX Brown Spring
Right: Cherry MX Black Spring

Most of the Cherry Black springs are nice, shiny, and in great condition.  A few have discolored like the one in the bottom right corner.  I'm surprised considering that these are nearing 30 years old.

[OfTheWild]

I dip the compressed ends of the spring in krytox gpl100 oil and havent had  any problems with creaky springs from the aftermarket steel ones. I know a lot of people swear by the "gold" aftermarket springs.

[skcheng]

Get gold springs!!   Worth the effort/cost.   

[CMYK]

I dip the compressed ends of the spring in krytox gpl100 oil and havent had  any problems with creaky springs from the aftermarket steel ones. I know a lot of people swear by the "gold" aftermarket springs.

I plan on lubing my switches, but if I read correctly the effect of lubed switches fades over time.  My keyboard doesn't support switch top opening, and I would hate it if the noise came back.

Get gold springs!!   Worth the effort/cost.   

I didn't go for the gold springs because of a disclaimer stated that they might reduce the life of a switch.  I think I'll try them out.  If they don't work out, I may just use the Cherry brown spring.

[Phenix]

why are gold springs better?
(beside the look)

[skcheng]

why are gold springs better?
(beside the look)

The ones I have appear to really consistent and it's nice knowing the spring weight vs stock springs which seem to vary a bit.

[skcheng]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/photoelectric_effect/sets/72157640085624726


Switches changed over the years.   Size/shape/construction and plating etc....

[CMYK]

That is an interesting page.  All of my switches look like the one that is labeled "modern housing".  I wonder how that was determined?

[tp4tissue]

How do you know ur getting real gold on the gold springs..

Did anyone test the springs for purity ?? //only on Geekhack

[OfTheWild]

why are gold springs better?
(beside the look)

I would imagine the coating on them provides a bit of protection between the coils much like adding oil would.

I dip the compressed ends of the spring in krytox gpl100 oil and havent had  any problems with creaky springs from the aftermarket steel ones. I know a lot of people swear by the "gold" aftermarket springs.

I plan on lubing my switches, but if I read correctly the effect of lubed switches fades over time.  My keyboard doesn't support switch top opening, and I would hate it if the noise came back.

Get gold springs!!   Worth the effort/cost.   

I didn't go for the gold springs because of a disclaimer stated that they might reduce the life of a switch.  I think I'll try them out.  If they don't work out, I may just use the Cherry brown spring.

As for lube wearing off over time, I suppose that could be true. I dont add very much at all and would much rather have it on there for as long as it will  last. I figure if a year from now its worn and moved out to the non-contact parts of the switch, i will have used the board enough that any roughness would be smoothed out anyway. The other possibility is I probably wont keep a board long enough for it to be a factor.

[CMYK]

I was thinking of what you said, and assembled a few more of the switches and mounted into G710 plate and played with it for 10 minutes.  They smoothed out enormously over that time.  I've played with it a bit, and while 62g feels nice, I think I want a little of the cushion the stock black spring gives.  I've looked for the gold 68g springs, but they are sold out everywhere.

edit. Found a set, but it has to ship from Europe.

[ComandaPanda]

I had the same experience with the stainless steel springs from originative being creaky and sproingy. The gold springs though are perfectly silent, no idea why that is. Even with lube the gold springs are quieter. 

If you want the cushion feel of the stock springs in a lighter touch 65g or 68g is the way to go.

[ArchDill]

I had the same experience with the stainless steel springs from originative being creaky and sproingy. The gold springs though are perfectly silent, no idea why that is. Even with lube the gold springs are quieter. 

If you want the cushion feel of the stock springs in a lighter touch 65g or 68g is the way to go.

I just went form Gold 67g to silver 62g from Originative. I am really digging the 62g a lot more than the gold. I is a much firmer spring back. I felt the gold was a soft spring back.