Author Topic: Switch stickers vs. Switch films??  (Read 3929 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline deepalicious

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
Switch stickers vs. Switch films??
« on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 21:39:26 »
Title says it all. Switch stickers seem to be more expensive but I can't find really find a difference. If anyone knows the difference, or which ones are better, I'd love to hear it!

Offline funderburker

  • * Exquisite Elder
  • Posts: 1396
  • Location: Latvia, Riga
Re: Switch stickers vs. Switch films??
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 30 July 2019, 02:29:10 »
Title says it all. Switch stickers seem to be more expensive but I can't find really find a difference. If anyone knows the difference, or which ones are better, I'd love to hear it!

Mmm, dunno about the pricing as I didn't check before writing this but well, the main difference is their application. And maybe colour options? Stickers "stick" so they can be a bit more tricky to apply on the switch housing and I think they're also a bit more flexible so that also makes it a bit harder to apply.
Films in terms are more robust, don't bend as much when you try to apply them and don't stick so if there's some misalignment issues then you can easily try again.

I personally have only tried switch films and it was a quick and painless experience so if you really looking for which type to get - go with films.

Also keep in mind that not all switch housings really need them, usually it's just Cherry housings that get a bit more wobbly when you open them up. It adds a tiny bit of change to the switch and in the end it's more of a style thing and not absolutely necessary.
Keyboard design by Skepur

My boards: TMO50 FE:06 | LAGOM Groda-T | TMOv2 R1 prototype | Onyx FRL TKL prototype | Stege TKL prototype | Ellipse prototype | Cyberstar

Offline OfTheWild

  • * Esteemed Elder
  • Posts: 1308
  • Location: Cary, NC
  • Make things. Have fun.
    • Studios of the Wild
Re: Switch stickers vs. Switch films??
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 07 August 2019, 22:18:13 »
I believe more specifically there are traditional vinyl sticker gaskets, and then there are the clear plastic switch gaskets(films?). Both serve the same function which is to prevent the slight movement between the top and bottom housing. Newer switches from Gateron (zeal v2, inks, etc) dont have this issue anymore as they have tighter tolerances. The main advantage to the clear switch film is when you're using a clear switch to allow rgb underglow to come up through the switches. The vinyl is cheaper and slightly more difficult to put on but it comes in any number of colors which can be another aesthetic choice. edit: looks like you can get the films in most colors now too

I have used both extensively and I still use both depending on the switch bottom being transparent or not.
« Last Edit: Wed, 07 August 2019, 22:28:19 by OfTheWild »
-Dana