Poll: Help me mod my Filco!

[FKSSR]

(There is no actual poll, because I don't get that option when creating a new thread.  So, you'll just have to post responses...)

Hello all!

I have a Filco Zero that I bought about 2.5 years ago.  I basically got to the point where I am no longer digging the XM (fake White ALPS) switches.  Therefore, I bought a CM Storm Quickfire with Cherry MX Blue switches.  The Blues are smoother and quieter (noise matters since I used the keyboard at work).

In any case, instead of selling the Zero (since it's so old and not going to be worth a lot, especially with worn key caps), I decided to change the switches on the Filco to either Cherry MX Blue or Clear switches and buy new key caps for those switches.  (I'll sell the XM switches once I remove them from the keyboard, if anyone is interested.)

I purchased 87 Blue and 87 Clear switches through the Phantom Group-Buy, so I will be prepared for either scenario.  (Not sure what I'll do with the other switches, but I may sell them...we'll see...)

So, my first poll question is:
Should I install the Blue
OR
Clear switches?

My second poll question is:
If I install the Clear switches, should I also install Soft-Landing Pads to make it a super quiet typing keyboard?

My third question is:
Should I do a gray/black key cap motif like seen here
OR
white "ninja" key cap motif like seen here (with "ninja" Red escape key)?

Feel free to leave any other thoughts or input, as well!

The results won't necessarily dictate what I do, but it may sway me towards one option.  Also, the key caps could completely change if I see something else I like more.

Thanks!!

[alaricljs]

Well, going on gut instinct and the first image in this thread, you're not gonna fit Cherry switches on an Alps board.

[FKSSR]

Hmmm....  That would not be good for my plans...

I just assumed the they would would be replaceable so that Filco could manufacture the same parts on all of their keyboards minus the switches and key caps...

Hopefully someone else on here (like Ripster) knows for sure.  Otherwise, I guess I'll figure it out when I get my Blue and Clear MX switches...

[alaricljs]

I'm sure manufacturers would love for all keyswitch types to have a standardized PCB foot print, but it didn't happen that way.

[FKSSR]

Here are some screen shots of the XM switch:

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 39357[/ATTACH] [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 39358[/ATTACH] [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 39359[/ATTACH] [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 39360[/ATTACH]

The leads are basically parallel to one another.

So, yeah, looking at some MX switches, it looks like it's not going to work...

Oh man, now I have 87 Blue Switches and 87 Clear switches coming and nothing to do with them...  Hmmm....

[hazeluff]

Here are some screen shots of the XM switch:

(Attachment Link) 39357[/ATTACH] (Attachment Link) 39358[/ATTACH] (Attachment Link) 39359[/ATTACH] (Attachment Link) 39360[/ATTACH]

The leads are basically parallel to one another.

So, yeah, looking at some MX switches, it looks like it's not going to work...

Oh man, now I have 87 Blue Switches and 87 Clear switches coming and nothing to do with them...  Hmmm....

Buy a phantom. DO IT FAST!

[IvanIvanovich]

There are LOTS of cheap alps keyboards on ebay to get nicer switches, and doubleshots that often come with the older boards. For example there are usually Apple 'AEK' keyboards for a few dollars.

[demik]

where did you last leave it?

[FKSSR]

I thought about trying to build a Phantom, but I'm honestly not too interested in that much work.  Replacing 87 switches was going to be a big deal for me.

I think I'm just going to see if there's any interest here for my Zero board for pretty cheap.  I have a few other things to sell anyway.  Then, maybe I can buy another board.  We'll see.