Question about switches...

[atomicus]

I am fairly new to mech keyboards, so haven't been able to try all the switch types, but I'm trying to narrow down ones that I will actually find usable for lengthy typing sessions. Quietness is definitely a big deal for me, but I have so far found the Cherry MX Red Silents too soft (lots of accidentally pressed keys) and the Silent Blacks a bit heavy. There doesn't seem to be a middle ground silent option, unless anyone can suggest another brand that might be close, Gateron maybe? I have heard the Cherry MX Nature White switches are kind of an in-between of the Blacks and Reds, but obviously they don't have a specific Silenced version... I'm aware I may need to compromise slightly on this, just as long as it isn't loud. That said, I have not seen the Nature White switches available to buy separately, they only seem available on pre-made boards, and I need switches for a custom board. I definitely prefer linear over tactile, and I definitely don't want clicky.

I know you can get switch testers, but I find this rather limiting as I've found I only really get a sense of a switch after using it a few days.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Targa-TV]

I was in your position until I got batches of MX Blacks, Blues and Reds and I started tinkering with them. You can open the switches and swap the springs and stems as you wish. For instance, Blue springs inside sturdy clear housing with lubed linear stem, or whatever else you want, it's fun to try out different combinations. You just need to find your most comfortable weight and swap accordingly.


I would argue, though, that lighter switches can help you type more accurately. I don't know if the accidental keypresses occur to you when you're typing or when you're resting your fingers on the keys. But in the first case, light springs can teach your brain to quickly double check before pressing, since making mistakes mean "ugh now I have to Backspace" and that's frustrating right, screw that, so for the next sentence your brain will be, should be, more careful.

[atomicus]

I was in your position until I got batches of MX Blacks, Blues and Reds and I started tinkering with them. You can open the switches and swap the springs and stems as you wish. For instance, Blue springs inside sturdy clear housing with lubed linear stem, or whatever else you want, it's fun to try out different combinations. You just need to find your most comfortable weight and swap accordingly.

I would argue, though, that lighter switches can help you type more accurately. I don't know if the accidental keypresses occur to you when you're typing or when you're resting your fingers on the keys. But in the first case, light springs can teach your brain to quickly double check before pressing, since making mistakes mean "ugh now I have to Backspace" and that's frustrating right, screw that, so for the next sentence your brain will be, should be, more careful.

I think you're right on the accuracy... I am still using my Silent Reds now and I have got better with them. The Blacks were definitely too heavy for me though, fingers got tired after a while, which is not a problem with the Reds. And they are certainly quiet, save for that slight clang when I bottom out too hard.

[Targa-TV]

I think you're right on the accuracy... I am still using my Silent Reds now and I have got better with them. The Blacks were definitely too heavy for me though, fingers got tired after a while, which is not a problem with the Reds. And they are certainly quiet, save for that slight clang when I bottom out too hard.

You might not notice it if you have been using the Reds for a short time, but give it time and maybe go back to Blacks or any heavier spring and you might notice less mistakes en-route.
It's what happens to me now with the Blacks. Several times my fingers stop just above the actuation point, then my brain catches up and tells me that that was going to be a typo.