Best Stabilizers on the Market Right Now?

[filcomanfilthy]

Hello all, i've been absent from keyboards for a while and have seen that there are tons of diff. stabs available rn. Any reccomendations?

[WholesomeDucky]

Disclaimer: I am not a stab expert, just someone with some anecdotal experience

I am a big fan of the clear screw-in Durock stabs. I also just built a board with GMK screw-ins for the first time. I've heard people say they are not that amazing but honestly after clipping and lubing I'm very satisfied with them. I think Zeal stabs are going to be my next ones, after I use the pink everglides I ordered, as I hear absolutely glowing reviews of them regularly (which, I would damn well hope so, given how pricey they are).


As long as you are going to take the time to lube carefully and properly, I don't think you can really go wrong with Durock, GMK, or especially Zeal if you don't care about the money.

[HungerMechanic]

The Durock stabs have been reported to have problems with inserts or wires popping out when used with thick PBT keycaps, especially on stabilized keys.

This is because PBT is more prone to warping, and thik warped PBT can put too much pressure on the stabilizer wires and inserts. This leads to deformation, and eventually being displaced from the keyboard.

This problem is said to affect the run of Durock/Everglide/C3 stabilizers. At least the C3 V1. The C3 stabilizers were not as smooth as the Durock, but they were a little less prone to popping out. But now there has been an updated version of the C3, and they are said to be less likely to give problems in that regard.

So from a reliability standpoint, I would want to go with the very latest C3 stabilizers. I would only use Durock if I knew I were using in-spec ABS keycaps on stabilized switches.

The early C3 stabilizers probably felt close to the pre-retooled GMK stabilizers, which were okay. The Durock were smoother. But both had issues with warped PBT keycaps. The tolerances on Durock and early C3 stabs were simply too tight.

It is likely that the latest ZealPC stabilizers are smooth and also more reliable than Durock/C3. I would probably go with those for the simple reason that you can't cheap out on the stabilizers. The cost isn't so high if you GB them. Zeal parts have a reputation for being expensive, but stabilizers are one area where you can't cut costs.

[treeleaf64]

The Durock stabs have been reported to have problems with inserts or wires popping out when used with thick PBT keycaps, especially on stabilized keys.

This is because PBT is more prone to warping, and thik warped PBT can put too much pressure on the stabilizer wires and inserts. This leads to deformation, and eventually being displaced from the keyboard.

This problem is said to affect the run of Durock/Everglide/C3 stabilizers. At least the C3 V1. The C3 stabilizers were not as smooth as the Durock, but they were a little less prone to popping out. But now there has been an updated version of the C3, and they are said to be less likely to give problems in that regard.

So from a reliability standpoint, I would want to go with the very latest C3 stabilizers. I would only use Durock if I knew I were using in-spec ABS keycaps on stabilized switches.

The early C3 stabilizers probably felt close to the pre-retooled GMK stabilizers, which were okay. The Durock were smoother. But both had issues with warped PBT keycaps. The tolerances on Durock and early C3 stabs were simply too tight.

It is likely that the latest ZealPC stabilizers are smooth and also more reliable than Durock/C3. I would probably go with those for the simple reason that you can't cheap out on the stabilizers. The cost isn't so high if you GB them. Zeal parts have a reputation for being expensive, but stabilizers are one area where you can't cut costs.

Yes, the stabilizers have popped out for me when I put the keycaps on.
I will consider Zeal stabs. Thanks

[HungerMechanic]

I'll be using some in a build around September. Maybe you'll be able to ask me about my experience then.

Regrettably for OP, both Cherry and GMK stabilizers are said to be not as good as they used to be. That's why people increasingly turned towards these alternatives (in addition to cost and smoothness reasons).

[Maledicted]

I don't even like Cherry-style stabilizers. I like Costars. I'm a heretic. 

[HungerMechanic]

Costars are actually pretty good on the Niz boards.

[Maledicted]

Costars are actually pretty good on the Niz boards.

I just have them on a Das Pro 4, and one of those Rosewill Filco relatives. The Das has box navies in it, so I'm obviously not too concerned with anything other than how they feel.

[jamster]

I don't even like Cherry-style stabilizers. I like Costars. I'm a heretic. 

Same here.

[Maledicted]

I don't even like Cherry-style stabilizers. I like Costars. I'm a heretic. 

Same here.

[hellla]

I've been using Durock screw-ins and haven't had any problems whatsoever. If you're looking for something speedy, the 'ZugGear' stabs on Amazon are Durock stabs. Ordered a set and they even came in a Durock box.

[filcomanfilthy]

Thanks for the feedback !