Author Topic: First iteration switch try board ready. (Read 32724 times)

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #50 on:** Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:24:27 »

Quote from: CodeChef;242504

I already signed up, but to be fair, there was no indication if the list was full or what.

There is a misunderstanding here : the list will grow dynamically even when the item is sent out. So you can ALWAYS jump in.

Based on this discussion I will make it more clear that the sinklists never get full.

Regards.

CodeChef · « **Reply #51 on:** Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:32:02 »

Quote from: SirClickAlot;242511

There is a misunderstanding here : the list will grow dynamically even when the item is sent out. So you can ALWAYS jump in.

Based on this discussion I will make it more clear that the sinklists never get full.

Regards.

Oooohhhhhh alright. I understand now, thanks.

Senor_Cartmenez · « **Reply #52 on:** Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:41:32 »

You still owe me 5$ CodeChef

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #53 on:** Mon, 08 November 2010, 05:06:42 »

Today I sent out the STB to Zefrer.

I found out that shipping it to somewhere in Europe costs 2,30 Euros. To the rest of the world just 2,85 Euros. Great!
I am also pondering the creation of a shipping list for the different sinklist items so people can be less worried about the shipping costs.

Regards.

zefrer · « **Reply #54 on:** Sun, 14 November 2010, 16:54:07 »

Got this in the mail the other day!

My thoughts? The cherry brown key feels very different than the ones on my own keyboard, can barely feel the bump on the STB it seems.

As for preferences, going with the key legends:

Cherry clear - Feels heavy, heavier than I'd like.
Cherry red - love it. Very light, I think a full keyboard that is this light would be awesome.
Grey clicky alps. Matias Tactile Pro 1 - I like the motion and the sound but it feels like there is friction when you press the key which I don't like and also the key is very wobbly compared to a cherry switch.
Cherry blue - Love the sound, not so much the feel. To me it feels like friction when the sound is activated, not a pleasant feeling. Sound wise I love it and a keyboard of them would sound very nice I'm sure but not sold on the feel.
Cherry brown - Almost as light as a red with some tactility. The tactile bump is somehow less pronounced on the STB than on my keyboard IMO.
White complicated dampened alps - Like the motion, don't like the dampening that much. Would prefer if it were clicky.
Cherry black - not as heavy as I thought. Would be nice to have a gaming keyboard of them.
Cherry ml - not much to say. It's a short throw switch, can't imagine typing on such a keyboard.
Black complicated non clicky alps - Really like the feel, I think if this were clicky like the Matias Tactile Pro 1 switches I would love it.

All in all I'm surprised at the blue cherry - I don't like it as much as I had hoped.

I really like the alps switches, would love to try some blue montereys now. My next keyboard will probably be some kind of clicky alps.

Thanks a lot Sir for the chance to try out these switches, was very helpful.

Will be posting this along in the next day or so.

microsoft windows · « **Reply #55 on:** Sun, 14 November 2010, 16:57:01 »

I wonder if it would be possible to "sample" a Model M switch that way. It definitely would be harder since they're membrane-based.

Swede · « **Reply #56 on:** Tue, 23 November 2010, 13:29:35 »

Just got the board, and was suprised that I got it so early! Also for not getting an Email....
And I some bad news, the nr.3 key, Grey Alps. Was nearly bent off, it got a nice hit during shipping :/
Packaging was good, just bad luck I guess.
I just bent it back but the solderpoints will have some fatigue, meaning it is weakened.

I'm going to have my investigation and all that going on during the week, will ship it on Monday the 29th.

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #57 on:** Tue, 23 November 2010, 13:38:03 »

Quote from: Swede;251340

Just got the board, and was suprised that I got it so early! Also for not getting an Email....
And I some bad news, the nr.3 key, Grey Alps. Was nearly bent off, it got a nice hit during shipping :/
Packaging was good, just bad luck I guess.
I just bent it back but the solderpoints will have some fatigue, meaning it is weakened.

I'm going to have my investigation and all that going on during the week, will ship it on Monday the 29th.

Alright, good to see it made it in one piece.

Hopefully the nr 3 key will stay put. If it breaks I might have to reroute the STB to me again in order to do some fixing... :-(

If you find a way to package it better you are welcome to do so -> it was bubblewrapped in order to get less weight for the total package.

Next one in line is Ekaros. Will check him with a PM if he can receive.

Anyways : have fun with it and tell us how you like each switch together with some nice scenic photographs... :-)

Regards.

Swede · « **Reply #58 on:** Tue, 23 November 2010, 13:57:08 »

Maybe i can glue the Alps switches? Altough it will be permanent...
But it can maybe solve the bending "issue" on the alps, the Cherry switches are soldered top and bottom while the Alps are soldered only in the top.

If I do it, it will be with epoxy of some sort, so it will be rocksolid. But SirClickAlot, you have the final word on this, if you say no or maybe, I won't do it.

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #59 on:** Tue, 23 November 2010, 14:03:00 »

Quote from: Swede;251374

Maybe i can glue the Alps switches? Altough it will be permanent...
But it can maybe solve the bending "issue" on the alps, the Cherry switches are soldered top and bottom while the Alps are soldered only in the top.

If I do it, it will be with epoxy of some sort, so it will be rocksolid. But SirClickAlot, you have the final word on this, if you say no or maybe, I won't do it.

Alright, do your trick so it will be rock-solid. You have my permission :-)

Thanx for thinking with me on this, really appreciated....

Regards.

Swede · « **Reply #60 on:** Tue, 23 November 2010, 14:27:11 »

Alright! Will do it as soon as I can. Hopefully the local hardware store have some nice stuff.

Ekaros · « **Reply #61 on:** Tue, 23 November 2010, 16:49:38 »

Quote from: SirClickAlot;251348

Alright, good to see it made it in one piece.

Hopefully the nr 3 key will stay put. If it breaks I might have to reroute the STB to me again in order to do some fixing... :-(

If you find a way to package it better you are welcome to do so -> it was bubblewrapped in order to get less weight for the total package.

Next one in line is Ekaros. Will check him with a PM if he can receive.

Anyways : have fun with it and tell us how you like each switch together with some nice scenic photographs... :-)

Regards.

Have to see in what shape I get it... Still suprised I'm so soon on list...

Makes next board tad easier, even if I don't have real options now...

Swede · « **Reply #62 on:** Tue, 23 November 2010, 17:00:05 »

Took a good look at the Alps switches, and notices that nr.3 and nr.9 was mounted futher up than nr.6.
Nr.9 can be bent easily, like nr.3 was. Nr.6 is almost mounted flush with the PCB, while 3 and 9 is about 0.5-1 millimetre over the pcb. Nr.6 is hard to bend, but can still be bend if someone is pressing with some force.

Looks like the problem can be solved with 3min of soldering or so...
But I has zero experience in soldering, and don't own a soldering iron, so I can't do this myself.

To have the same stability as the Cherry, we still need to resort to glue.

Also, Nr.3 and 9 will have an angle similar to this when glued------> |\
The top part will be about 0.5-1mm up from the PCB, the bottom will be flush.

Wondering what to do now :/

Swede · « **Reply #63 on:** Tue, 23 November 2010, 17:02:21 »

Quote from: Ekaros;251488

Have to see in what shape I get it... Still suprised I'm so soon on list...

Makes next board tad easier, even if I don't have real options now...

Hopefully you will get it in better shape than I got it in... Was kinda shocked to tell the truth, How the hell did the switch get bent?

CodeChef · « **Reply #64 on:** Tue, 23 November 2010, 20:33:29 »

If it survives and hasn't been fixed by the time I get to it I'll fix any soldering problems, that's sort of my specialty...

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #65 on:** Wed, 24 November 2010, 08:28:03 »

Hmmzz,

I know what to do -> detour the STB to me, I'll fix it and send it off again.

Just one of those lessons learned. :-)

Regards.

Swede · « **Reply #66 on:** Wed, 24 November 2010, 09:28:00 »

if I send it back to you to fix it, let me come with an advise.
Solder off all switches, and glue them to place. Then solder the backside.
This would make it far more resiliant to damage and bending won't be a problem.

Only reason it would get to damaged to use is if the PCB cracks or the switches themselves get damaged.

And judging by the sinklist atm, this thing will get some miles under its feet and get it's fair deal of abuse.

sixty · « **Reply #67 on:** Wed, 24 November 2010, 09:36:59 »

This all makes a lot of sense, since ALPS switches are supposed to be plate mounted, without that they lack the stability. Completely removing their pins and epoxy glueing them to the PCB is likely your best bet and would be the closest you can get to the real plate mounted feel I guess.

CodeChef · « **Reply #68 on:** Thu, 25 November 2010, 00:25:37 »

Or just make sure the solder legs are pulled down completely so that the switch is sitting flat on the board before soldering?

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #69 on:** Thu, 25 November 2010, 00:56:52 »

Actually, I will do both : soldering and glueing, but this time I will be less sloppy.

Regards.

Swede · « **Reply #70 on:** Mon, 29 November 2010, 10:51:05 »

Hello!

After a short time of high fever, I was finally able to ship back the STB. (still really weak)
The post office was really greedy, charged 30kr (~3euro) for the package only -.-

Anyways, you guys want my review right? here ya' go!

1. The Cherry Clear
Heavy ”rubber band” feeling over it, not my style, but would be nice to have as a Spacebar maybe, or have it on Tab and Caps. Don’t know. I do really like the “tactileness”.

2. The Cherry Red
I like this one a lot! But want some Tactile feel. Having this slightly depressed feels good, and wont tire me out I think. Next buy if I find one in Swedish layout.

3. Grey Alps
Feels like my Clicky Black Alps board for some reason but heavier and a bit wobbly, for obvious reasons. Very pronounced bump in the top.

4. Cherry Blue
Feel Happier and Younger (lol) than my Black alps.
The click is finer, and it feels more fresh…
Would have wanted it a bit softer like the brown, Tactile feel is better than the brown.
Next buy if I don’t find a Red with Swe layout.

5. Cherry Brown
Feels similar than the Red, but the Red is better, similar to the Clear in tactileness.
Don’t know yet :/
After some more touching and feeling I’m thinking it’s a good switch, good for gaming and for writing. As everyone says xD.

6. White Complicated Dampened Alps
Feels like an old man.
A bump in the top and nothing else… Reminds me of Rubber domes? The hell?
Pressing hard and fast is like a Rubber dome (but better), but slowly its like a Cherry Black but with a bump in the beginning.

7. Cherry Black
Don’t like this switch, too heavy.
Feels like my Model M with no tactile feel. And has a longer stroke.
Bleh

8. Cherry ML
Have been interested in this switch for a long time. (want one of those G84s)
Feels better than a Scissor switch, but a little on the heavy side for me.
Fills me with doubt, liking it and hating it.

9. Black Complicated Nonclicky Alps
A bit mushy, but good… feels like a tactile bit of foam
Better than my Model M.

Hope that you get the SBT in a short time SirClickAlot! Was practicly crawling to the post office xD
Of to bed again!

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #71 on:** Mon, 29 November 2010, 13:01:02 »

Excellent write-up!

Get well soon.

Regards.

HaaTa · « **Reply #72 on:** Mon, 29 November 2010, 15:19:30 »

Quote from: Swede;253827

Hello!
2. The Cherry Red
Next buy if I find one in Swedish layout.

Good luck with that...

Probably easier to try and find a Japanese one and get different keycaps...though that's not so easy anymore either.

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #73 on:** Wed, 01 December 2010, 04:33:54 »

Today I received the STB and made my repairs, the problem switches ( Alps ) are now glued and soldered.

Next one on the list Ekaros....

Regards.

Ekaros · « **Reply #74 on:** Wed, 01 December 2010, 05:27:07 »

As long as it comes here before I make trip to parents for christmas and new years eve, I'm happy.

Red in SW/FI? Info me too if something comes up...

sixty · « **Reply #75 on:** Wed, 01 December 2010, 05:51:09 »

Quote from: HaaTa;253969

Good luck with that...

Probably easier to try and find a Japanese one and get different keycaps...though that's not so easy anymore either.

Yeah, like HaaTa said.. thats not gonna happen.

Reds originally were a very limited switch made exclusively for a Japanese brand named Scythe in 2008. They released the G80-3000 with both US ANSI and Japanese JIS layout. A few more Asian retailers were able to order a few OEM boards from Cherry with red switches during that period. They made three more variants in US ANSI, ANSI with Korean Hangul and ANSI with Chinese lettering.

Nowadays the red switch is no longer available and all of the boards are all out of production. If you want one you should buy one while stock lasts.

There have been a few more boards (iOne, Ducky) that used red switches, or partially red switches. These were actually soldered out of the G80s and then soldered into the other boards. As of now its impossible to order red switches from Cherry.

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #76 on:** Wed, 01 December 2010, 05:51:11 »

And the package is off into the direction of Ekaros.

Let me know when it arrives.

Regards.

Swede · « **Reply #77 on:** Wed, 01 December 2010, 10:21:41 »

Quote from: sixty;254814

Yeah, like HaaTa said.. thats not gonna happen.

Reds originally were a very limited switch made exclusively for a Japanese brand named Scythe in 2008. They released the G80-3000 with both US ANSI and Japanese JIS layout. A few more Asian retailers were able to order a few OEM boards from Cherry with red switches during that period. They made three more variants in US ANSI, ANSI with Korean Hangul and ANSI with Chinese lettering.

Nowadays the red switch is no longer available and all of the boards are all out of production. If you want one you should buy one while stock lasts.

There have been a few more boards (iOne, Ducky) that used red switches, or partially red switches. These were actually soldered out of the G80s and then soldered into the other boards. As of now its impossible to order red switches from Cherry.

That if was a big one to begin with, I know that the chance of getting the Red in Swe layout is close to zero. If not completely impossible if I don't salvage a G-80 for switches and solder myself.
But I never knew it was THAT rare! Maybe I need go hunt some Red cherry boards :/

Ekaros · « **Reply #78 on:** Wed, 01 December 2010, 14:09:33 »

Quote from: Swede;254916

That if was a big one to begin with, I know that the chance of getting the Red in Swe layout is close to zero. If not completely impossible if I don't salvage a G-80 for switches and solder myself.
But I never knew it was THAT rare! Maybe I need go hunt some Red cherry boards :/

I would be happy even with G80 on proper layout...

What's minium order from cherry for "special" layout? And can I get multiple switch options...
And I were to get one this would be one:

Just for sake of it, wholy unsupported, but atleast it got everything there...

Swede · « **Reply #79 on:** Wed, 01 December 2010, 15:07:52 »

Quote from: Ekaros;255066

I would be happy even with G80 on proper layout...

What's minium order from cherry for "special" layout? And can I get multiple switch options...
And I were to get one this would be one:
Show Image

Just for sake of it, wholy unsupported, but atleast it got everything there...

For private persons to order a special layout would be extremely expensive, and adding that the red seems to be out of production, I would suffice to say that it will be very hard.
If we get a company to try and order a batch (~10 000-20 000) would be a bit easier, IF they get Cherry to make some new Red Switches.

But if cherry believes it will be a market for the reds, they will probably make more. But I find that hard to believe, even if we ad some Random gaming peripheral companies to the mix.
And they won't order something that is not in production. Profit rules them too much.

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #80 on:** Wed, 15 December 2010, 13:55:59 »

It has been two weeks now since I sent the package off to Ekaros and it still hasn't arrived yet.... *sigh*

The STN also took about 3 weeks to arrive. Unbelievable why this takes soooo long. Hope this one is not lost for eternity.

Lessons learned , always , always send these items with a track and trace code even if it fits in a bubble filled envelope.

Regards.

Ekaros · « **Reply #81 on:** Wed, 15 December 2010, 14:59:48 »

Quote from: SirClickAlot;263584

It has been two weeks now since I sent the package off to Ekaros and it still hasn't arrived yet.... *sigh*

The STN also took about 3 weeks to arrive. Unbelievable why this takes soooo long. Hope this one is not lost for eternity.

Lessons learned , always , always send these items with a track and trace code even if it fits in a bubble filled envelope.

Regards.

Yeah, I'm also bit perplexed, on other hand I don't remember if I have gotten any mail this week, not that I get too much... There might have been some issues with international post, but they should have been done by now... Hope it get's here before 22nd, or it might be stuck a long while...

leotnnz · « **Reply #82 on:** Wed, 15 December 2010, 15:04:20 »

looks great. and just what i need:) pm my address.

sixty · « **Reply #83 on:** Thu, 16 December 2010, 04:59:56 »

Quote from: search24ma;263879

Please PM me the same.

Please go to hell. If your advertised SEO was actually as good as you claim maybe you would not have to spam random forums with nonsense.

Ekaros · « **Reply #84 on:** Fri, 17 December 2010, 07:41:11 »

Okay it has arrived, hmm those blues feel bit wrong, do they sound different on real keyboard?

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #85 on:** Fri, 17 December 2010, 07:51:45 »

Quote from: Ekaros;264535

Okay it has arrived, hmm those blues feel bit wrong, do they sound different on real keyboard?

Excellent news! Finally it arrived, it was almost getting close to 3 weeks to ship it from The Netherlands to Finland...

I've got no idea why the cherry blue feels wrong to you. Ofcourse the ' feel ' of a keyswitch also depends on how it is mounted....

Enjoy the experience and I'll mail you the details of the next in - line.
Could you also post a nice photo with the STB and your local scenery? :-)

Regards.

Ekaros · « **Reply #86 on:** Sat, 18 December 2010, 03:20:47 »

Have to take some picuture, but damm you

... Now I realy want MX clears ISO-layout...

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #87 on:** Sat, 18 December 2010, 03:48:56 »

Quote from: Ekaros;265076

Have to take some picuture, but damm you ... Now I realy want MX clears ISO-layout...

Yes, that's the whole point of the STB ;-)

Glad you found one you like.... :-)

Regards.

exhuma.twn · « **Reply #88 on:** Wed, 22 December 2010, 09:24:08 »

The STB should arrive shortly for me. In this case, Luxembourg. If anyone from the sinklist (or family members, friends, ...) wants some collectibles of this country (Post stamps, euro-coins,...) drop me pm an I'll put it into the mail with the STB.

Obviously it should be something small to avoid unnecessarily huge shipping costs for me or anyone on the list after me.

Ekaros · « **Reply #89 on:** Thu, 23 December 2010, 06:19:26 »

Got it in mail finaly, sorry it took an while, but was bit busy with school and such.

exhuma.twn · « **Reply #90 on:** Thu, 23 December 2010, 09:15:39 »

no worries. the coming days will most likely be even more stressful...

exhuma.twn · « **Reply #91 on:** Fri, 31 December 2010, 09:51:40 »

Okay. The STB finally arrived. I had no chance yet to take a closer look, and I won't be home today either. I'll look into that tomorrow... In any case, happy new year everyone here

Even though if it's still a bit too early

Ekaros · « **Reply #92 on:** Fri, 31 December 2010, 18:48:50 »

Ah, good time this time considering the weird happening on 24-26th...

Ekaros · « **Reply #93 on:** Tue, 04 January 2011, 10:26:23 »

STB with my junkish gear... Got some others too, but maybe later...

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #94 on:** Sun, 09 January 2011, 05:27:39 »

Somehow the current owner exhuma.twn doesn't repond to my mails? What's up with that? I have the same problems with the Topre Keychain....

This sinklist idea can only work if all participants follow the rules...

:-(

sixty · « **Reply #95 on:** Sun, 09 January 2011, 05:51:23 »

That is frustrating to hear. I hope the current owner responds and resolves the issue.

iMav · « **Reply #96 on:** Sun, 09 January 2011, 07:42:09 »

Quote from: SirClickAlot;275617

Somehow the current owner exhuma.twn doesn't repond to my mails? What's up with that? I have the same problems with the Topre Keychain....

Sent am email to him on your behalf.

Nadger · « **Reply #97 on:** Thu, 13 January 2011, 10:38:22 »

Yeah, the downside to having only a 10 post requirement. Maybe you should require that they remain active in the community until theirs arrives, or else they are skipped over.

Like for example after exhuma, cartmendez is up, he is fairly active if thats who i think it is, then we have "BrianMeidell" who has 2 posts, and has not posted since nov 24th.

Anyone like that should be removed imo.

SirClickAlot · « **Reply #98 on:** Thu, 13 January 2011, 11:19:56 »

Quote from: Nadger;277918

Yeah, the downside to having only a 10 post requirement. Maybe you should require that they remain active in the community until theirs arrives, or else they are skipped over.

Like for example after exhuma, cartmendez is up, he is fairly active if thats who i think it is, then we have "BrianMeidell" who has 2 posts, and has not posted since nov 24th.

Anyone like that should be removed imo.

You could be right regarding the trustworthiness of people participating. I'll review my initial requirements. This is also something I learn from and I adapt my strategy accordingly.
Creating a switch try board revision 2 is easy enough and it would only cost time since I already trashed the keyboards for it.

I might even make a Switch Try Sack -> a little bag with all the switches in, that way you could still try the switches and I would not have to solder them to a piece of PCB. What do you guys think? If a lot of interest is there I'll just forget about this first revision of the STB and continue with the STS....

Regards.

Ekaros · « **Reply #99 on:** Thu, 13 January 2011, 16:02:41 »

Sad that I couldn't offer tracking for this one. Such an nice concept, still have to find that one board with switches I want...

But on other hand we do have name and adress... Get someone to locate phone number of this person and give an call?

News:

Author Topic: First iteration switch try board ready. (Read 32724 times)