Mod Cherry MX actuation force below 45cN?

[jx4]

Hi.

I have recently got a Cherry keyboard with MX Browns (well the spacebar is a Grey). The MX Browns are 45cN actuation force according to this page. From the testing of the keyboard I have done so far, I think I would need even less actuation force.I have never tried MX Red, maybe the linear 45cN switch feels lighter, but I still want to try lower force. Since the MX switch is made from different stems and springs, shouldn't it be possible to mod existing spring or make your own springs to the switch, to alter the actuation force?

[jx4]

Thank you ripster.

How does the various designs of springs in Cherry MX switches affect the actuation force? It is obvious to me that a stiffer/thicker thread for the spring material will make higher actuation force, but does it also matter how many coils (or loops) the spring has, and also the space between these coils (that is if the spring is "stretched out" much or not)?

Any tips on references to how springs work in the aspects described above would also be of interest.

For example, if one would take a spring out of a Cherry MX Switch and mod it (let's say it was possible to do it successfully) by like removing 0,5-1cm of it, and stretch it out if needed, how would it affect the actuation force?

[jx4]

:jaw: Oh.. my... god.

That is so cool!

I will most likely try some of that surgery.

Thanks  Ripster!

[keyb_gr]

Damn, that Tim Tyler is good.

What I'd be interested in is why he needs these super duper low-force switches everywhere. Sure not everything needs to be as heavy as a Model M or even Cherry blacks (let alone clicky ALPS), but he gets like 20 g and still isn't satisfied. WTF? Something must be awfully wrong in the ergonomics department there.