MX Browns aren't all the same?

[garyd9]

Are there different batches of Cherry MX Brown switches that feel differently?  I have two brown switch keyboards:  one from WASD Keyboards that was recently delivered and a QFR with browns (newer one without the excessive branding.)  I've verified that they do, in fact, have brown switches installed (as far as can be seen by popping off key caps.)   However, the two keyboards FEEL very different. 

The QFR switches feel smooth with a very slight "bump" when pressed.  In some cases, it's actually difficult to feel the bump.  The keyboard is purely "stock" out of the box.

The WASD switches have a more pronounced "bump" and almost feel... like they need to be lubed or something.  It's almost as-if the WASD switches are rubbing against something... It's kind the feeling of rubbing two not-quite smooth surfaces together... a kind of gritty friction.  This keyboard is using caps from WASD originally installed on it.

The thing is... ALL the WASD keyboards keys feel the same way (and it's not the keycaps - those aren't rubbing on anything.)  With the QFR, ALL the keys feel smoother.  So, each keyboard is completely consistent with itself.  It really does feel like the two keyboards are using completely different switches....

...and that leads me to ask.... are there different Cherry MX Brown revisions that feel differently?

Thank you and take care
Gary

[CPTBadAss]

Switches will feel different per keyboard. The blues on my Leopold don't feel the same as my Filco.  It's also about the entire build. And that's odd that you say that the WASD switches need lube. According to The_Beast, WASD lubes switches on all keyboards they sell.

[missalaire]

The browns on my Filco Majestouch 2 definitely feel different from the ones on my Ducky G2 Pro. I like the way they feel on the Ducky more than my Filco.

[The_Beast]

Switches will feel different per keyboard. The blues on my Leopold don't feel the same as my Filco.  It's also about the entire build. And that's odd that you say that the WASD switches need lube. According to The_Beast, WASD lubes switches on all keyboards they sell.

Nope, WASD uses Superlube on the stabilizers to reduce scratchiness (not in the switches). I've had a few Rosewills where the Costar stabilizer isn't lubed at all and were loud.

Different keyboards feel differently even with the same stem. Material used in manufacture, plastic used in the caps even the color of the cap (different dyes have different densities)

[CPTBadAss]

Switches will feel different per keyboard. The blues on my Leopold don't feel the same as my Filco.  It's also about the entire build. And that's odd that you say that the WASD switches need lube. According to The_Beast, WASD lubes switches on all keyboards they sell.

Nope, WASD uses Superlube on the stabilizers to reduce scratchiness (not in the switches). I've had a few Rosewills where the Costar stabilizer isn't lubed at all and were loud.

Oops, sorry to misquote you!

[garyd9]

I hate to say this, but I like the feel of the cheaper QFR keyboard.

Is there a way to put a drop of lube in the WASD switches or something to smooth them out, or is it just the way it is?  (The WASD switches aren't bad - it's just that the QFR switches feel like there's less friction.)

Thanks
Gary

[CPTBadAss]

I hate to say this, but I like the feel of the cheaper QFR keyboard.

Is there a way to put a drop of lube in the WASD switches or something to smooth them out, or is it just the way it is?  (The WASD switches aren't bad - it's just that the QFR switches feel like there's less friction.)

Thanks
Gary

Don't be embarassed about what you like, it's all good. You're the one that's using it in the end. And check this guide out if you want some Lubing Info.

[garyd9]

Well, I've found one difference:  The stems on the caps on the QFR are shorter than the stems on the WASD caps (OEM profile caps, I think.)  I wonder if that would result in the difference I'm feeling.  I know that our hands can misinterpret how things "feel" easily enough.

I'll have to switch some caps around tomorrow.

Take care
Gary

[CPTBadAss]

Well, I've found one difference:  The stems on the caps on the QFR are shorter than the stems on the WASD caps (OEM profile caps, I think.)  I wonder if that would result in the difference I'm feeling.  I know that our hands can misinterpret how things "feel" easily enough.

I'll have to switch some caps around tomorrow.

Take care
Gary

It could, depending on how tall the caps are. OEM can change depending on the OEM, I think.

[lazerpointer]

I much prefer the browns in my HPE 87 to the browns in my CM Storm Trigger.

-seems like a lighter actuation force
-the tactile bump in the Trigger seems like it "catches" much harder, forcing each key stroke to bottom out pretty hard.

Both are plate mounted boards, I believe.

[rknize]

MX browns tend to feel scratchy when new.  They smooth out a bit after a week or so of use.

I have done some rudimentary lubing without taking switches apart.  Much of the scratchy sensation comes from the stem sliding through the plastic housing guides.  It increases with side load, which increases as the leaf spring pushes the stem sideways at the peak tactile point.  You can lube these guides using a fountain pen dipped in whatever oil you want to use.  With the stem pressed all the way in, touch the tip of the pen to each side of the inside of the switch.  The oil will run into the guide and smooth things out.

Lubed browns are actually pretty decent to type on.  The tactile bump becomes a bit more noticeable.

[garyd9]

You can lube these guides using a fountain pen dipped in whatever oil you want to use.  With the stem pressed all the way in, touch the tip of the pen to each side of the inside of the switch.  The oil will run into the guide and smooth things out.

The sounds like an interesting idea... I'll have to try it when I find something suitable for applying the lube.  (There's no way in the world that I'd put anything other than a good ink in ANY of my fountain pens (most which cost more than my keyboards.))

Again, I'm really very impressed with how this "cheap" QFR feels.  I hope CM doesn't decide to ride the name and cheapen the quality over time (as has happened with so many other companies.)

Take care
Gary

[squarebox]

I strongly believe the grittiness is due to the keycap rubbing against switch shell. That's the main reason why I love cherry brand keyboards more than others.
POM(Cherry) are just awesomely slippery/smooth.

[davkol]

Also different batches feel different.