Author Topic: Linear Switches (Read 5134 times)

Magewind · « **on:** Fri, 20 May 2011, 00:20:11 »

Hi all,

I'm new to GH and was wondering if anyone knew any keyboards that use soft linear switches aside from the cherry reds. I really like the feeling of soft and smooth keys but I can't really justify putting down 50+ for a keyboard. I work part-time as a cashier and I find that the keys on many of the cash registers feel like they are linear and are very soft at the same time. Surely there are companies that use the same keys on regular keyboards.

noodles256 · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 20 May 2011, 00:24:37 »

wlcm 2 gh!

If you find a board less than $50, let me know.

False_Dmitry_II · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 20 May 2011, 01:10:42 »

I would bet that cashiers are just using keyboards that have been worn hard for 20 years. That's what's making them all so light and possibly even linear.

Magewind · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 20 May 2011, 01:19:46 »

I've definitely considered the possibility that they may be worn but even the newer looking ones feel the same way.

Any idea what kind of switches the registers would use?

False_Dmitry_II · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 20 May 2011, 02:11:04 »

Well, I'm typing on a PoS cherry board with clears right now. The card reader just sends out numbers and whatnot, so it works on anything. But that's not important.

Point is, it would be impossible to guess. You'd have to look at the back of the keyboard to see fcc id, model number, anything else identifiable, and then also pop off a keycap and simply look for yourself. Tell us what you find.

Zet · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 20 May 2011, 11:52:24 »

Welcome to GeekHack!

if I find something like you mention, I'll let you know, but 50$ is pretty tight for what you are asking...

Larry Dallas · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 20 May 2011, 13:32:49 »

I always called it the Mac Davis Ghetto Mod. [video=youtube;vQ5EEdEehm8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5EEdEehm8[/video]

Magewind · « **Reply #7 on:** Sun, 22 May 2011, 15:21:26 »

I've come to the conclusion that I won't be able to get anything but a rubber dome for $50 or less and no rubber dome is gonna feel like Cherry Reds. So cherry reds it is. I would like a full-sized keyboard. I've looked in the worldwide shopping links wiki for the US and there are only 3 options available for the reds. Any other recommendations I should know about without having to order through a 3rd party (ebay is ok)? I've also heard of the Leopold FC200R with reds but not sure where to find those.

noodles256 · « **Reply #8 on:** Sun, 22 May 2011, 15:22:48 »

kbc poker red off ebay might be the easiest to find.

Magewind · « **Reply #9 on:** Sun, 22 May 2011, 15:27:19 »

You guys sure respond fast. I didn't even have time to edit my post. I was going to say that I'd prefer a full sized keyboard if possible. I have heard really good reviews on the filcos but I'm wondering if there's anything else available in the US. Thanks!

lzf929 · « **Reply #10 on:** Sun, 22 May 2011, 23:25:43 »

u could get a used cherry g80-11900 for that price

Sansui350A · « **Reply #11 on:** Mon, 23 May 2011, 01:16:25 »

Compaq MX-11800 built by Cherry (o'course), used for servers, so it's a 16" with a trackball, and the 10-key shoved up a bit.. but it might fit the bill.. I've bought 2 of 'em, just got the first, and I LOVE it. Again, I know you said Cherry Reds, not browns, only difference with a Brown is that it has a bit of a "bump" in the keyswitch about 1/3 or 1/2 down or so.

$36.75 with free shipping all over the US

http://cgi.ebay.com/Compaq-MX-11800-PS-2-Server-Keyboard-Trackball-Mouse-/360366358613?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e7824055#ht_1547wt_988

Hope this helps ya mates.. xD

(If I'm wrong, or just plain fulla ****, I'm a bit new to anything other than my Model M's and herder Alps copies.)

False_Dmitry_II · « **Reply #12 on:** Mon, 23 May 2011, 01:37:58 »

No, I'd think that that's correct enough.

I'm using clears at the moment, and beside the fact that it uses heavier springs, I can barely notice the bump. Browns are supposed to be much less of a tactile bump than these, especially if they have alot of wear, so I have no problems thinking you could call them close.

daerid · « **Reply #13 on:** Mon, 23 May 2011, 10:02:30 »

A fullsize with Cherry Reds? Best bet would be to order it off of The Keyboard Co. It ain't cheap, but I haven't found any fullsize red board that is.

Normally I'd say get it off of Amazon, but the last batch of reds just sold out last week, and I have no idea when Amazon's gonna get more.

Zet · « **Reply #14 on:** Mon, 23 May 2011, 11:17:42 »

I think with patience and time, your best choice is to look for one in PCHome...

Magewind · « **Reply #15 on:** Tue, 24 May 2011, 03:04:38 »

Thanks for all the suggestions. Although the Compaq with Browns for such a cheap price is tempting, the used condition and the layout throw me off a bit. I think I'll wait to see if amazon restocks. In the mean time, does anyone know of any rubber domes that are soft but at the same time not mushy? Not sure if something like that exists but maybe I can try it out while I'm saving for the filco.

ch_123 · « **Reply #16 on:** Tue, 24 May 2011, 06:25:03 »

I'd give another vote to the Cherry Browns, they're very similar indeed.

if you could find an old Complicated Green Alps board, they are similar to the Cherry Red. Not easy to find though.

Sansui350A · « **Reply #17 on:** Tue, 24 May 2011, 16:20:00 »

Eh, to each their own, I just don't get the whole "it's used, me no likey" bit... Mine is in great shape, and I'm sure I can expect the same from the other MX-11800 on the way.. (not trying to hijack the thread, just raising a bit of a question).. best of luck finding what you want, but I will say this much, this Compaq board seems to be about the cheapest way to get Cherry Browns right now, even though it's used.. Also, I totally get how weird it is to have the tenkey jutted up like it is, but it DOES work.. takes a bit of getting used to, that much is true. I'll keep me eyes out for a Cherry Red, k? xD

Magewind · « **Reply #18 on:** Thu, 02 June 2011, 22:38:14 »

Thanks for the recommendation! I just got the Rosewill in the mail today.

Not bad quality for a cheap keyboard. I got it off Amazon for $12 with free shipping. The keys are very easy to press and are very shallow. Not very good to type on imo but it feels very good for gaming (I play SC2).

litster · « **Reply #19 on:** Thu, 02 June 2011, 23:05:27 »

Quote from: ripster;350873

Assuming you'll be doing some gaming I recommend the Rosewill RK800g for like $15 at Newegg. Think of it like buying a $15 Topre WASD set and getting the keyboard for free.

Ripster, are you saying Rosewill RK800g's caps fit on topre switches?

litster · « **Reply #20 on:** Thu, 02 June 2011, 23:48:42 »

I see. You had my hope high!

Zet · « **Reply #21 on:** Thu, 02 June 2011, 23:51:05 »

Quote from: ripster;355054

No. Just comparing the value of a rubber dome gaming keyboard versus a $275 rubber dome Topre.

You can get the Rosewill for the price of a Topre WASD set.

that's actually really sick eh?

btw that rosewill model comes with which switches?

Magewind · « **Reply #22 on:** Fri, 03 June 2011, 00:22:14 »

It comes with those fancy rubber ones =D

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Author Topic: Linear Switches (Read 5134 times)