Cherry MX Clear stems for Ergo-Clear mod

[Typhaeon]

So, as you can see, I seem to have the opposite problem of another fellow in this same forum:

I'm planning on getting a PCB-mounted MX Brown small form factor board (ala Race/Poker/Pure) sometime in the next few weeks, which I aim to mod into an Ergo-Clear board.  However, I completely lack soldering experience to cannibalize one of the POS plate-mounted Cherry boards for Clears, and I really would rather not spend $150+ on a keyboard I intend to strip for parts in any case.  I can't find any less expensive options in the US beyond the used market, which I'm hesitant to get too far into.

Since I may actually end up going with a numpadless 87-key model instead of the smaller ones, I'm looking for approximately that number of MX Clear stems.

Previous prices I've seen have included $0.15/stem from one poster, but I'm willing to consider any and all offers.

[DanGWanG]

Took me like 2 hours my first try...

Then another hour to mod my Poker  (Which I broke, and had to fix by soldering and desoldering switches from the board I harvested from.  If you include that time, it took over a day!)

[mmmty]

Yeah, don't forget about labor cost :sad: I'll see how many I have.

[lightsout714]

Took me about 45 minutes to do my poker. But I already has the clear stems. Once you get the hang of opening the switch its very easy. I used a small flathead screwdriver.

[ekw808]

The race should be the same correct?? as in you don't have to desolder the switches and they can pop out with a flathead??

[lightsout714]

No, you need to desolder the led before you open up the switch.

[lightsout714]

true, but that all depends on what he's transplanting the stems into (it doesn't appear that he's concluded what he wants to buy).  as for the donor board, you just need the stems, get at them any way possible!

i also use a flathead screwdriver, and i managed to tear down a full size POS board  (with double function row) in just under 1 hour on my first go around.

He was asking about the race. And I answered. Not sure what you mean.

[Typhaeon]

I think he was talking about my indecision, not Calvin's.

Thanks for all the advice so far.  Of course I'm not going to exclude any offers based on one price some guy with spares had posted a couple months ago, and I know it's a pain in the ass to pull all those switches out of a board.  Guess I could just get a used board, but I'm concerned about the metal part that slides against the plastic stems potentially degrading the tactile feel of some keys through simple friction.  I also don't really care about LEDs, so I'll be going without that particular luxury and saving myself some desoldering.

[hashbaz]

Biniaris usually has a stockpile of stems and springs for sale.

[lightsout714]

i missed that you were replying to a race specific question, but thought you were talking about the original post and the intended donor board.

Now it makes sense.

[omuerte]

I spent an hour earlier playing with a PCB mounted clear board - try using browns under the ring and pinky fingers on the letter rows, as well as browns for the modifiers your pinkies hit. Ergo clears are great, lighter weighted browns under the ring/pinkies just make it even better.

[Typhaeon]

Interesting idea, making it feel like a Topre board.  God, now I'm thinking about a Tacto-Black, Ergo-Clear and Brown mod.  As if this weren't hard enough.

Oh well, still just lookin' for clear stems.

[Marclgw]

Let me know if you are keen in any Cherry switches =D