[Massdrop] NPKC 17 Switch Tester

[rowdy]

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/npkc-switch-tester?mode=guest_open

$19.99

Includes:

• Cherry MX Brown, Clear, Blue, Green, Red, Black and White
• Gateron Blue, Brown, Clear, Yellow, Red, and Black
• Kailh Blue, Brown, Red and Black

Optionally (extra $2) includes transparent 1x blue keycaps and white 2x keycaps.

The plate looks like a numpad, and with a little soldering you could probably turn it into one.

[romevi]

This looks freakin' awesome. Probably a failed numpad and someone decided to sell them as switch testers, but a brilliant move. I bought one and am thinking of buying another.

[ander]

That's the first time I've seen Cherry Whites referred to as "Milk"—is that a regular thing now? True, they're not really white, but there isn't an ideal name for that color, is there? What do they resemble? Pond ice? Cartilage? Old translucent '50s lampshades? Maybe some of you have suggestions.

[rowdy]

That's the first time I've seen Cherry Whites referred to as "Milk"—is that a regular thing now? True, they're not really white, but there isn't an ideal name for that color, is there? What do they resemble? Pond ice? Cartilage? Old translucent '50s lampshades? Maybe some of you have suggestions.

Milk in the specs, but white in the first paragraph of the description.

[ander]

And not to be a wet blanket—but in case any of you haven't read enough of my rants to this effect:

While these switch "testers" are a cute idea, I believe they can actually leave you less informed about which switches work best for you than if you'd never used them. Keyboard switches aren't about how they feel as isolated buttons, but how they actuate as you type on them—using all of your fingers, with your unique typing style. The only way to know which switches you prefer is to try them in a real keyboard, connected to a real computer.

That said, you could get one of these testers and wire it up to make a novelty number pad with keys that all responded differently. If I had to enter figures all day, that might add a bit of welcome stimulation.  :?D

[rowdy]

OTOH if you have no access to full keyboards, this is better than nothing.  That the switches are in a metal plate helps, a little bit.

Plus this one does seem to be numpad-shaped, and may very well lend itself to a creative individual doing their own wiring to make an actual numpad.

Also it can provide one of a number of switches that you can keep as spares should you need to replace a switch in a keyboard in the future, and do not wish to spend time and money purchasing a switch from a retailer, or don't like imposing on the goodwill of fellow GH members.

They also make great display boards for a smallish number of artisan keycaps.

[romevi]

I have the CM switch tester and thought I liked browns, so I got a numpad of them. Turns out I hated browns, so I understand how it's way different than a board of the same switch.

That said, I got one anyway because I too thought it'd be a great way to display artisans.

[Sirakain]

Just to explain the 'milk' cherry mx white, it's because in chinese, the cherry mx white is called 奶轴, which translates to 'milk switch'

[kernel]

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[romevi]

I need to get one. Do you actually get 19 keycaps for 2 dollars or just a few?

Thanks.

Pretty sure you get all the ones in the pic, but they're probably super low quality.

[rowdy]

Just to explain the 'milk' cherry mx white, it's because in chinese, the cherry mx white is called 奶轴, which translates to 'milk switch'

Yes

It's just unusual that in one part of the listing it says "white" and in another part says "milk".  Might get people confused if they don't know it is one and the same.

I need to get one. Do you actually get 19 keycaps for 2 dollars or just a few?

Thanks.

I understand you do, although the 1x keys are transparent blue, and the 2x are white.

[ander]

[sorry, false entry...]

[ander]

OTOH if you have no access to full keyboards, this is better than nothing...

Sorry, dude, but I must disagree. I've known several people who've gotten false impressions from these. Theres' a big difference between how one switch feels with one finger, and how a bunch of them feel with all of your fingers.

In addition to convincing you that you like certain switches, these can convince you that you don't some you actually would. A couple of years ago I tried a Cherry MX Black in a tester, and from that point on I never considered them. Then recently, I was trying some demo boards at a PC shop and kept coming back to one that felt better to me than all the rest. Surprise—it had Blacks. I didn't realize that with a bit more resistance, it's much easier to type in the "sweet" zone between actuation and bottoming out. (Cherry MXs actuate 50% through their travel, so any pressing you do beyond that is wasted time and effort.) All the tester had told me was that Blacks were stiffer than the others.

Anyway, please don't get the idea I'm criticizing you for sharing an interesting deal—that's always a generous thing to do. I just thought I'd throw in my 2¢ about this particular kind of item. Obviously there are lots of opinions.

Plus this one does seem to be numpad-shaped, and may very well lend itself to a creative individual doing their own wiring to make an actual numpad... Also it can provide one of a number of switches that you can keep as spares should you need to replace a switch in a keyboard in the future, and do not wish to spend time and money purchasing a switch from a retailer, or don't like imposing on the goodwill of fellow GH members... They also make great display boards for a smallish number of artisan keycaps.

Indeed, all good reasons to consider one of these even if you don't agree with the "tester" idea! Cheers, A.

[jerue]

I'm watching that discussions page like a hawk to see if it's possible to get that controller included. If it is, very sold. This would be great to have around at the office for those that are brave enough to ask me about keyboards  )