Linears. What Have You Done To Me?

[TheNamesTy45]

I first got into mechanical keyboards because I needed that addictive clicking sound from my Cherry MX greens on a Ducky Mini.

Then I needed something quieter for work. Got a MK Disco with KBT browns. Hmmm, I like these, and that clicking is getting on my last nerve.

Months go by using browns, wanted something more tactile. Got myself some Zealios and I do still love using them.

However, due to pain in my hands from 24 years of abusing them through sports and general living in them, I gave Gateron Reds a try about a week after installing my Zealios. Didn't like them as much as the Zealios at first, but now after using them for a bit, they feel good. Good enough that I'm not touching my Zealios board, and I set a personal typing speed record of 123 WPM. Only thing I'd change is a heavier weight which could be addressed by Gateron blacks or a spring swap.

From needing the clickiness to needing a tactile bump to now just craving a buttery smooth switch that makes my fingers feel comfortable, I think I've become a huge fan of linear switches - the switch type I thought was pointless when getting into mechanical keyboards. What the heck? Now this totally throws into question what I'll be putting in my Zeal60 board later this year... Dangit.

Anyone else out their have a similar experience? Why'd you start using linear switches. What is your "ultimate" linear switch?

[ArchDill]

62g thick lubed Gateron Black. THE BEST switch experience that I have had!

[TheNamesTy45]

62g thick lubed Gateron Black. THE BEST switch experience that I have had!

That is the number one on my to try list, and the one that I'm the most excited about. Very jealous! Saw a video of some person typing on a GON NerD TKL with 62G Gateron Blacks, and it was glorious. Absolutely glorious.

If you've got pictures of your board with and without the keycaps on, I'd love to see it!

[MandrewDavis]

Haha, I JUST wrote this up on my experience with Gateron and Vintage MX Black. Right now, I have a range of 63.5-68g gold springs ordered to see what I like best.

So far my favorite linear experience has been SKCL green alps. The weighting as a result of the spring and switchplate is unmatched by any MX based linear I have tried so far but I am still hoping!

[ArchDill]

Here is a pic with the caps on. I do not really have any with them off. I just got an HHKB and I feel like I am cheating on it haha I like Topre but I LOVE lubed Gateron Blacks.

[ArchDill]

I have also never hear a more quiet board than lubed Gateron Blacks. FOrgot to mention. I also use O-rings. I like the decreased travel distance and the extra silence.

[pixelpusher]

I have Cherry Red, Pink (silent), Blue, and Brown, Matias Click, and Gateron Black.... and now I have 3 Gateron Black.  They are heavenly, aren't they?

I do wish you could get the same feel with a switch that wasn't as wobbly.  I guess that's what the Pandas are about, but I didn't try them.

[ArchDill]

I have Cherry Red, Pink (silent), Blue, and Brown, Matias Click, and Gateron Black.... and now I have 3 Gateron Black.  They are heavenly, aren't they?

I do wish you could get the same feel with a switch that wasn't as wobbly.  I guess that's what the Pandas are about, but I didn't try them.

I REALLY want to try some Pandas.

[TheNamesTy45]

Here is a pic with the caps on. I do not really have any with them off. I just got an HHKB and I feel like I am cheating on it haha I like Topre but I LOVE lubed Gateron Blacks.

(Attachment Link)

What a beauty. Love that board! Well, it looks like I'm placing an order of black Gateron switches tonight...

[captsis]

If you are having hand pain... ever considered an "ergonomic" keyboard? like an ergodox?

[TheNamesTy45]

If you are having hand pain... ever considered an "ergonomic" keyboard? like an ergodox?

My pain is primarily all in the joints of my fingers. Either the middle knuckle or the knuckle closest to the hand on each finger. From old fractures and breaks that act up sometimes. Not so much to do with hand positioning, they just flare up every now and then (could even be on days I don't go near a computer or keyboard).

[ArchDill]

Here is a pic with the caps on. I do not really have any with them off. I just got an HHKB and I feel like I am cheating on it haha I like Topre but I LOVE lubed Gateron Blacks.

(Attachment Link)

What a beauty. Love that board! Well, it looks like I'm placing an order of black Gateron switches tonight...

Thanks! You won't regret it. What board do you use? IF you can do switch top removal then I would get some springs to try out. The stock black springs have a really strong bottom out force.

[TheNamesTy45]

I'm currently using a Ducky One TKL RGb with Gateron Reds in it (plate mounted so I can't spring swap on this one without desoldering again), but the black switches will be for a build I'm doing later this year with a Zeal60 PCB and Sentraq carbon fiber plate. Definitely looking at getting the 62G springs. MechanicalKeyboards.com has the springs I want, but they're out of stock...

To hold me over, I did a quick swap of just one of my extra 67G Zealios' spring and an extra Gateron Red's spring. Seems like a step in the right direction.

[OfTheWild]

62g thick lubed Gateron Black. THE BEST switch experience that I have had!

This is exactly what i'm doing for my work ducky keyboard that has regular cherry blacks in it. Just waiting on my massdrop delivery. I was going to put my new Pandas in it but I think i'm going to save those for my Mira.

[ArchDill]

I'm currently using a Ducky One TKL RGb with Gateron Reds in it (plate mounted so I can't spring swap on this one without desoldering again), but the black switches will be for a build I'm doing later this year with a Zeal60 PCB and Sentraq carbon fiber plate. Definitely looking at getting the 62G springs. MechanicalKeyboards.com has the springs I want, but they're out of stock...

To hold me over, I did a quick swap of just one of my extra 67G Zealios' spring and an extra Gateron Red's spring. Seems like a step in the right direction.

I ordered thesehttps://www.originativeco.com/products/springs?variant=6946105477.

I tried gold spring and they felt "soft" to me. I prefer the spring back of the silver.

[TheNamesTy45]

It's like you saw what was on my screen, ArchDill... Was about to place an order for the 62G springs here because they have them in stock!

Excited for you Wild! Which Ducky do you have? Hope it doesn't have the through hole LEDs. Those are a PAIN to desolder.

[OfTheWild]

It's like you saw what was on my screen, ArchDill... Was about to place an order for the 62G springs here because they have them in stock!

Excited for you Wild! Which Ducky do you have? Hope it doesn't have the through hole LEDs. Those are a PAIN to desolder.

No its an older Pro model, the DK9008 G2 (check my sig). It doesnt have all the fancy LED stuff and its built like a tank. Perfect for 60 hours a week of typing except for the spring rates of the stock switches. I had bought some 67g silver switches from massdrop last year with the thoughts that I would desolder, lube, spring, resolder the board.. but i never did. Now-a-days i'm thinking if I desolder that board, i'm putting something nice that I actually want to type on in there. I starting thinking i'd put some of my vintage blacks or those pandas in there but lets get real... it was a $15 board i repaired and its not in a locked office at work 

[chryos1029]

First keyboard is MX Red, thought I got the wrong choice and freakin' hate them.

Second keyboard is MX Brown, thought they were the best switches in the world.

Third keyboard is Buckling Spring, too exhausting for my fingers although the sound and feeling are great.

Forth keyboard is HHKB, dammmmm and they feels so great and so smoooooooooooooooth.

Fifth keyboard is a MX Blue board, I thought I will like them, but in fact, I hate them no matter how long I've used them.

Sixth keyboard which is the one I'm typing on right now is a Gateron Yellow and occasionally went back to my first keyboard which I hate so much at first, I'd say linear is probably my end game <3

[chyros]

I didn't like ANY linear switches until I tried green Alps. Now I love linear switches.

[pr0ximity]

vintage blacks 4 lyfe yo

Putting them in my M-65, have them in my Mini. Gat Blacks in my Filco, SKCL in my Zenith, Hall Effect in my Burroughs. Linears are nice

[OfTheWild]

First keyboard is MX Red, thought I got the wrong choice and freakin' hate them.

Second keyboard is MX Brown, thought they were the best switches in the world.

Third keyboard is Buckling Spring, too exhausting for my fingers although the sound and feeling are great.

Forth keyboard is HHKB, dammmmm and they feels so great and so smoooooooooooooooth.

Fifth keyboard is a MX Blue board, I thought I will like them, but in fact, I hate them no matter how long I've used them.

Sixth keyboard which is the one I'm typing on right now is a Gateron Yellow and occasionally went back to my first keyboard which I hate so much at first, I'd say linear is probably my end game <3

Funny, thats almost exactly the progression i went too... Reds, Browns, Buckling, HHKB Topre, Blues... then I started to go down the rabbit hole; Zealios, Tuned Clears, Salmon Alps, Gatistoles, Vintage blacks, Pandas, Cream dampened alps, Jailhouse blues,... 

[TheNamesTy45]

First keyboard is MX Red, thought I got the wrong choice and freakin' hate them.

Second keyboard is MX Brown, thought they were the best switches in the world.

Third keyboard is Buckling Spring, too exhausting for my fingers although the sound and feeling are great.

Forth keyboard is HHKB, dammmmm and they feels so great and so smoooooooooooooooth.

Fifth keyboard is a MX Blue board, I thought I will like them, but in fact, I hate them no matter how long I've used them.

Sixth keyboard which is the one I'm typing on right now is a Gateron Yellow and occasionally went back to my first keyboard which I hate so much at first, I'd say linear is probably my end game <3

Another day of typing on linears. Last night purchased 100 gateron Blacks and 62g springs for them when they arrive. My descent into madness continues, and I'd have to say I'm with you... Linear is starting to look like my end game.

[OfTheWild]

First keyboard is MX Red, thought I got the wrong choice and freakin' hate them.

Second keyboard is MX Brown, thought they were the best switches in the world.

Third keyboard is Buckling Spring, too exhausting for my fingers although the sound and feeling are great.

Forth keyboard is HHKB, dammmmm and they feels so great and so smoooooooooooooooth.

Fifth keyboard is a MX Blue board, I thought I will like them, but in fact, I hate them no matter how long I've used them.

Sixth keyboard which is the one I'm typing on right now is a Gateron Yellow and occasionally went back to my first keyboard which I hate so much at first, I'd say linear is probably my end game <3

Another day of typing on linears. Last night purchased 100 gateron Blacks and 62g springs for them when they arrive. My descent into madness continues, and I'd have to say I'm with you... Linear is starting to look like my end game.

Medium weight lubed linear is definitely one of my favorites. I cant tell if its what I want to live with for all my boards, but its definitely what i'm using for 80% of my typing work. I'm too much of a sucker to not jump on new switch types and try them out to ever go end game with them though. I will admit, i bought extra plates and pcb's for my Mira and LZ orders just so i can have one tuned linear Korean style setup... and then one for screwing around with other switches. Holtites are a game changer for me.

[happylacquer]

I went linear mx for a little while trying to copy the feel of buckling springs more. Buckling springs are better though. At least to my hands, no MX even linear ones are as good as buckles to me.

[ArchDill]

I went linear mx for a little while trying to copy the feel of buckling springs more. Buckling springs are better though. At least to my hands, no MX even linear ones are as good as buckles to me.

Speaking of Buckling Springs... I just discovered that you can get am HHKB Kishaver 

[Sneaky Potato]

Liners are the ****. I pretty much swore off MX once I found Topre, because I just couldn't find an MX switch that compared when it came to tactile feels. Then I tried lubed Gat blacks with 65g springs, and I finally found a love for MX again.

[klennkellon]

You might like that 35g Dental-Banded Topre Clone that's out. They are technically tactile being rubber domes, but the 35g rubber + the dental bands makes it just barely tactile and super smooth.

[need]

Which one is better guys, 62g or 67g for vintage blacks?

[OfTheWild]

Which one is better guys, 62g or 67g for vintage blacks?

I'll be honest, I can hardly tell the difference between 62 and 67. Both will feel much easier to type on than stock vintage springs, and WAY better than stock new springs. I went 65g gold on all mine... from my brains interpretation, that would match up fairly well with a 62g silver spring. I think the Korean contingent likes to go even lighter... maybe a 55g or 60g.

[happylacquer]

Liners are the ****. I pretty much swore off MX once I found Topre, because I just couldn't find an MX switch that compared when it came to tactile feels. Then I tried lubed Gat blacks with 65g springs, and I finally found a love for MX again.

I will keep this in mind if i ever go cherry again. After HHKB and various BS, I wouldn't not want to have either a BS or Topre board on hand. I have two cherry boards and one with gate blues.... they're all going for sale soon. Not even Alps is that interesting to me if I can use BS.

If I keep my Advantage around I will probably replace the switches with greens.

[snarfarlarkus]

Can anyone recommend me the best lube to use on linear switches? In particular gateron yellows?

[loud_asian]

Can anyone recommend me the best lube to use on linear switches? In particular gateron yellows?

I like to use techkeys thin lube mixture for yellows

[evilpacket]

top notch NIB vintage MX Blacks in a 356 mini. keygasm at its finest

[JDragon]

I first got into mechanical keyboards because I needed that addictive clicking sound from my Cherry MX greens on a Ducky Mini.

Then I needed something quieter for work. Got a MK Disco with KBT browns. Hmmm, I like these, and that clicking is getting on my last nerve.

Months go by using browns, wanted something more tactile. Got myself some Zealios and I do still love using them.

However, due to pain in my hands from 24 years of abusing them through sports and general living in them, I gave Gateron Reds a try about a week after installing my Zealios. Didn't like them as much as the Zealios at first, but now after using them for a bit, they feel good. Good enough that I'm not touching my Zealios board, and I set a personal typing speed record of 123 WPM. Only thing I'd change is a heavier weight which could be addressed by Gateron blacks or a spring swap.

From needing the clickiness to needing a tactile bump to now just craving a buttery smooth switch that makes my fingers feel comfortable, I think I've become a huge fan of linear switches - the switch type I thought was pointless when getting into mechanical keyboards. What the heck? Now this totally throws into question what I'll be putting in my Zeal60 board later this year... Dangit.

Anyone else out their have a similar experience? Why'd you start using linear switches. What is your "ultimate" linear switch?

This was pretty much my experience. K70 w/ Cherry MX Reds -> Razer Blackwidow with "Razer Green" -> Max Blackbird with MX Blues -> B.87 with MX Blues -> B.mini with Zealios -> VE.A with Zealiostotles -> Various Kustoms with linears

Currently using a LZ Iron with Cherry MX Silent Stems, 67g Zealios springs, Zealios housings, and techkeys thin lube. Types like a dream and is super quiet.

I think I want to try 62g and 55g though. Maybe I'll go do a spring swap.

[TheNamesTy45]

I first got into mechanical keyboards because I needed that addictive clicking sound from my Cherry MX greens on a Ducky Mini.

Then I needed something quieter for work. Got a MK Disco with KBT browns. Hmmm, I like these, and that clicking is getting on my last nerve.

Months go by using browns, wanted something more tactile. Got myself some Zealios and I do still love using them.

However, due to pain in my hands from 24 years of abusing them through sports and general living in them, I gave Gateron Reds a try about a week after installing my Zealios. Didn't like them as much as the Zealios at first, but now after using them for a bit, they feel good. Good enough that I'm not touching my Zealios board, and I set a personal typing speed record of 123 WPM. Only thing I'd change is a heavier weight which could be addressed by Gateron blacks or a spring swap.

From needing the clickiness to needing a tactile bump to now just craving a buttery smooth switch that makes my fingers feel comfortable, I think I've become a huge fan of linear switches - the switch type I thought was pointless when getting into mechanical keyboards. What the heck? Now this totally throws into question what I'll be putting in my Zeal60 board later this year... Dangit.

Anyone else out their have a similar experience? Why'd you start using linear switches. What is your "ultimate" linear switch?

This was pretty much my experience. K70 w/ Cherry MX Reds -> Razer Blackwidow with "Razer Green" -> Max Blackbird with MX Blues -> B.87 with MX Blues -> B.mini with Zealios -> VE.A with Zealiostotles -> Various Kustoms with linears

Currently using a LZ Iron with Cherry MX Silent Stems, 67g Zealios springs, Zealios housings, and techkeys thin lube. Types like a dream and is super quiet.

I think I want to try 62g and 55g though. Maybe I'll go do a spring swap.

Totally was thinking about doing the same thing with my Zealios housing. May end up stealing the housing from the Zealios switch to plop the 62g springs I ordered in along with the Gateron black stems. I'm going to be doing it just so the LEDs shine through a little better because of totally clear housing as opposed to milky housing. Any particular reason you made the housing swap?

And of course... got any pics of the switches in board? 

[JDragon]

I first got into mechanical keyboards because I needed that addictive clicking sound from my Cherry MX greens on a Ducky Mini.

Then I needed something quieter for work. Got a MK Disco with KBT browns. Hmmm, I like these, and that clicking is getting on my last nerve.

Months go by using browns, wanted something more tactile. Got myself some Zealios and I do still love using them.

However, due to pain in my hands from 24 years of abusing them through sports and general living in them, I gave Gateron Reds a try about a week after installing my Zealios. Didn't like them as much as the Zealios at first, but now after using them for a bit, they feel good. Good enough that I'm not touching my Zealios board, and I set a personal typing speed record of 123 WPM. Only thing I'd change is a heavier weight which could be addressed by Gateron blacks or a spring swap.

From needing the clickiness to needing a tactile bump to now just craving a buttery smooth switch that makes my fingers feel comfortable, I think I've become a huge fan of linear switches - the switch type I thought was pointless when getting into mechanical keyboards. What the heck? Now this totally throws into question what I'll be putting in my Zeal60 board later this year... Dangit.

Anyone else out their have a similar experience? Why'd you start using linear switches. What is your "ultimate" linear switch?

This was pretty much my experience. K70 w/ Cherry MX Reds -> Razer Blackwidow with "Razer Green" -> Max Blackbird with MX Blues -> B.87 with MX Blues -> B.mini with Zealios -> VE.A with Zealiostotles -> Various Kustoms with linears

Currently using a LZ Iron with Cherry MX Silent Stems, 67g Zealios springs, Zealios housings, and techkeys thin lube. Types like a dream and is super quiet.

I think I want to try 62g and 55g though. Maybe I'll go do a spring swap.

Totally was thinking about doing the same thing with my Zealios housing. May end up stealing the housing from the Zealios switch to plop the 62g springs I ordered in along with the Gateron black stems. I'm going to be doing it just so the LEDs shine through a little better because of totally clear housing as opposed to milky housing. Any particular reason you made the housing swap?

And of course... got any pics of the switches in board? 

I did the housing swap because the Zealios housings were the smoothest housings I could find to pair with the MX Silent stems. There's a bit more wobble than the stock switches (because Gateron) but well within tolerance for me and the smoothness definitely makes a difference.

I took some crappy cell phone shots of some of the switches: http://imgur.com/a/yU8kk

[OfTheWild]

Very nice, i've really been digging the orange/amber LED's lately. I'm thinking part of the "smoothness" of the Gaterons is simply because they have a larger tolerance for the switch stem and the cap tops. Did you find that the Cherry stem fit more snugly than the Gateron? Or was it the same?

[JDragon]

Very nice, i've really been digging the orange/amber LED's lately. I'm thinking part of the "smoothness" of the Gaterons is simply because they have a larger tolerance for the switch stem and the cap tops. Did you find that the Cherry stem fit more snugly than the Gateron? Or was it the same?

There's definitely more space and more wobble with the Gateron top, but I like the smoothness more than I care about the wobble. I'm of the opinion that smoothness of Gateron switches is partially due to the wider tolerance.

[ander]

From needing the clickiness to needing a tactile bump to now just craving a buttery smooth switch that makes my fingers feel comfortable, I think I've become a huge fan of linear switches - the switch type I thought was pointless when getting into mechanical keyboards. What the heck?...

Dude, there's nothing wrong with buttery smooth.

"Mechanical" isn't about sound. That can be a fun aspect of it. But it's mostly about precision and consistency—how clean and even a KB feels when it's new, and as you use it one month after another.

As far as switches go, that's all about how a board feels under your hands. Typing patterns are as unique as fingerprints, so it's natural that people are drawn to various switches. But no matter what switch you prefer, good hardware is what makes the difference.

[audax989]

with linears, is it better on a steel or alu plate?

[chyros]

with linears, is it better on a steel or alu plate?

Depends a bit on the switch type, I'd think, but then again, personally I think everything is better with steel than it is with aluminium.

[TheNamesTy45]

I first got into mechanical keyboards because I needed that addictive clicking sound from my Cherry MX greens on a Ducky Mini.

Then I needed something quieter for work. Got a MK Disco with KBT browns. Hmmm, I like these, and that clicking is getting on my last nerve.

Months go by using browns, wanted something more tactile. Got myself some Zealios and I do still love using them.

However, due to pain in my hands from 24 years of abusing them through sports and general living in them, I gave Gateron Reds a try about a week after installing my Zealios. Didn't like them as much as the Zealios at first, but now after using them for a bit, they feel good. Good enough that I'm not touching my Zealios board, and I set a personal typing speed record of 123 WPM. Only thing I'd change is a heavier weight which could be addressed by Gateron blacks or a spring swap.

From needing the clickiness to needing a tactile bump to now just craving a buttery smooth switch that makes my fingers feel comfortable, I think I've become a huge fan of linear switches - the switch type I thought was pointless when getting into mechanical keyboards. What the heck? Now this totally throws into question what I'll be putting in my Zeal60 board later this year... Dangit.

Anyone else out their have a similar experience? Why'd you start using linear switches. What is your "ultimate" linear switch?

This was pretty much my experience. K70 w/ Cherry MX Reds -> Razer Blackwidow with "Razer Green" -> Max Blackbird with MX Blues -> B.87 with MX Blues -> B.mini with Zealios -> VE.A with Zealiostotles -> Various Kustoms with linears

Currently using a LZ Iron with Cherry MX Silent Stems, 67g Zealios springs, Zealios housings, and techkeys thin lube. Types like a dream and is super quiet.

I think I want to try 62g and 55g though. Maybe I'll go do a spring swap.

Totally was thinking about doing the same thing with my Zealios housing. May end up stealing the housing from the Zealios switch to plop the 62g springs I ordered in along with the Gateron black stems. I'm going to be doing it just so the LEDs shine through a little better because of totally clear housing as opposed to milky housing. Any particular reason you made the housing swap?

And of course... got any pics of the switches in board? 

I did the housing swap because the Zealios housings were the smoothest housings I could find to pair with the MX Silent stems. There's a bit more wobble than the stock switches (because Gateron) but well within tolerance for me and the smoothness definitely makes a difference.

I took some crappy cell phone shots of some of the switches: http://imgur.com/a/yU8kk

Thought of this post just recently. I'm doing the same thing with a future build. Just ordered some silent switches and zealios. The Zealios housing will be the new home of the silent switch, and I'll be spring swapping something else in. Plus, I think the purple Zealios stem will look awesome in black housing for a non LED board.

Still enjoying the silents in the Zealios housing?