Author Topic: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?  (Read 6318 times)

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Offline lilky

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Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« on: Sun, 08 December 2013, 18:06:51 »
Hey guys,

I've been planning on doing an ergo clear mod and now that the semester's about to end, I'm finally gonna have time to do it. I've been trying to decide on what springs to use, though. I've heard from some that 62g Korean springs are the minimum that can return the stem to its home position...is this true? I prefer extremely light but tactile keys, so I want to get the lightest possible springs.

Also, is it possible to mod blues to have the lightest springs possible? Would the 2 piece stem complicate things? Also, what IS the lightest spring out there? I know there are some crazy custom ones from Korea. Any idea how to get my hands on those?

Offline tp4tissue

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #1 on: Sun, 08 December 2013, 18:20:47 »
On very "new" switches(more friction) you need a heavier spring..

But once you break it in.. I've had no trouble using an even lighter spring... 50g

But I'd caution against using lighter springs.. it makes the switch kinda "no fun"..

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #2 on: Sun, 08 December 2013, 18:30:48 »
I like 55g myself.  They are actually very close to the "true" ergo-clear, which uses springs from blues/browns/reds

Offline 1pq

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #3 on: Sun, 08 December 2013, 19:37:12 »
Don't the springs get lighter gradually over time? I don't have any ergo-clears, but that's what I've heard, and I'm wondering if others here have experienced the same.
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Offline Fullcream

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #4 on: Sun, 08 December 2013, 19:50:30 »
I'm about to do ergo clear mod as well. Just going to be using (new) stock brown springs and some lubricant. Should be fine I hope.

Offline Oobly

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #5 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 09:42:24 »
If you are going to lube them as well, you can use slightly lighter than 62g springs, but I would recommend the 62g ones. They match the feel of the switch perfectly for me. Of course, this is a personal thing.
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Offline Sifo

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #6 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 09:45:30 »
Haata has 22g (I think) blacks.

I always suggest anywhere between 62g silver to 65g silver for clear mods. 62g gold is "perfect" ^_^
I love Elzy

Offline tp4tissue

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #7 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 10:59:50 »
Haata has 22g (I think) blacks.

I always suggest anywhere between 62g silver to 65g silver for clear mods. 62g gold is "perfect" ^_^



I'm surprised you like gold so much.. since it's generally considered crass among asians..

I'm not judging, this is just seems unusual to me.

Offline frvrngn

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #8 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 11:35:32 »
I have blue springs in my Ergos and I think they are darn near perfect!  I wasnt really a fan of any MX switch until I tried these and they are by far my favorite.  Mine are not lubed either, I keep thinking I need to try that some time but I dont have any complaints as it is right now so why mess with them!
Currently using: Cherry G80-1800 Ergo Clears, HHKB Pro 2, RF 87U Silent

Offline Sifo

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #9 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 11:37:41 »
Haata has 22g (I think) blacks.

I always suggest anywhere between 62g silver to 65g silver for clear mods. 62g gold is "perfect" ^_^

Show Image


I'm surprised you like gold so much.. since it's generally considered crass among asians..

I'm not judging, this is just seems unusual to me.

I don't actually like gold. It's all just a gimmick
I love Elzy

Offline tp4tissue

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #10 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 20:40:14 »
Haata has 22g (I think) blacks.

I always suggest anywhere between 62g silver to 65g silver for clear mods. 62g gold is "perfect" ^_^

Show Image


I'm surprised you like gold so much.. since it's generally considered crass among asians..

I'm not judging, this is just seems unusual to me.

I don't actually like gold. It's all just a gimmick


Offline nubbinator

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #11 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 23:03:22 »
Everyone has a different idea of what's best.  In my experience, anything 62g and lower can hang on the return, even when lubed.  Since springs become softer over time, this can become a bigger problem.  When I've used 65g springs, I had no problem getting a nice snappy return each time.  67g springs, IMO, are the perfect spring for clears, but they're too heavy for some people.

In short, there's no such thing as a perfect spring.  You really just have to try different ones and see which one works best for you.

Offline dorkvader

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #12 on: Tue, 10 December 2013, 00:39:46 »
Haata has 22g (I think) blacks.

I always suggest anywhere between 62g silver to 65g silver for clear mods. 62g gold is "perfect" ^_^

Yeah, the BAT infogrip came with custom springs that are very light. I got to tryit too and we both noticed right off that they were much lighter than normal cherry blacks.

@OP: I prefer 62g clears. I had an issue with a lighter spring sticking a little in the "backspace" key. You can go with heavier springs (or stock) on the stabilized keys, especially if they are cherry stabilizers and that'll help, but I've found 62g works well everywhere and is light enough to feel nice to type on.

Offline MKULTRA

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #13 on: Tue, 10 December 2013, 01:30:55 »
I used 65g lubed on mine.  They're definitely nice.  A little mushy.  I like blues better :P

Offline 1pq

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #14 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 21:03:24 »
I used 65g lubed on mine.  They're definitely nice.  A little mushy.  I like blues better :P

Wow...that's not something you hear usually lol.
Not a fan of blues personally. I mean, they were a great starter switch, but I enjoy topre much more and I'm looking forward to modding my filco with 62g clears.
main kbs:  87UB (55g)  Custom Filco TKL (62g clears)

WTS JD40, Custom Ergoclear Filco

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Offline terran5992

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #15 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 21:05:22 »
I advies 62g and above if not the switch might be too heavy to actaute

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Offline 1pq

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #16 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 21:16:48 »
I advies 62g and above if not the switch might be too heavy to actaute

I think this only applies to new/unlubed switches. From what I've heard, a used set of clears lubed generously are fine with 55g springs.
main kbs:  87UB (55g)  Custom Filco TKL (62g clears)

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Offline Neo.X

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #17 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 21:17:57 »
ye, I like my 62g clear, but I am wondering how much difference between using stock red/blue/brown spring, since they are easier to find.
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Offline Beca

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #18 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 21:18:12 »
how long does it take for the lube to wear off?

Offline riotonthebay

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #19 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 21:23:48 »
I'm using 67g springs and really like them. As nubbinator said (I got the idea from him), a bit heavier than usual, but definitely not so heavy that I get tired typing on them and I still get the preciseness of a heavier spring.

how long does it take for the lube to wear off?

Depends on the lube, I suppose. Most people here use a Krytox mix, which will last a long time (in the range of years).

Offline terran5992

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #20 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 21:25:33 »
ye, I like my 62g clear, but I am wondering how much difference between using stock red/blue/brown spring, since they are easier to find.

Red springs are about 45g


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Offline yjfknt

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #21 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 21:32:42 »
Can people actually feel the difference between 62 and 65?

Offline Beca

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #22 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 22:02:43 »
I'm using 67g springs and really like them. As nubbinator said (I got the idea from him), a bit heavier than usual, but definitely not so heavy that I get tired typing on them and I still get the preciseness of a heavier spring.

how long does it take for the lube to wear off?

Depends on the lube, I suppose. Most people here use a Krytox mix, which will last a long time (in the range of years).
That's reasonable! I know it depends on daily use too, but that doesn't seem too bad.

Offline tp4tissue

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #23 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 22:17:19 »
Can people actually feel the difference between 62 and 65?

I couldn't... I could feel the diff between 62 and 67 though..

Offline tp4tissue

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #24 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 22:19:32 »
ye, I like my 62g clear, but I am wondering how much difference between using stock red/blue/brown spring, since they are easier to find.

Red springs are about 45g



that's the half way point.. it's rated 60 

Offline jorgenslee

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #25 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 22:26:17 »
If I'm gonna use a 65g, do I need to lube it?

Offline Neo.X

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #26 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 22:53:11 »
ye, I like my 62g clear, but I am wondering how much difference between using stock red/blue/brown spring, since they are easier to find.

Red springs are about 45g



that's the half way point.. it's rated 60

So the stock red/blue/brown spring is close to Korean 62g?
All those keyboards will be lost in time....

Offline riotonthebay

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #27 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 22:54:37 »
If I'm gonna use a 65g, do I need to lube it?

You don't need to, but there will be a noticeable difference if you lube them. (I'd say noticeably better in almost every way, but reading through the lubrication guide, it seems like there are a few people who disagree.)

Offline jorgenslee

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #28 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 23:06:23 »
If I'm gonna use a 65g, do I need to lube it?

You don't need to, but there will be a noticeable difference if you lube them. (I'd say noticeably better in almost every way, but reading through the lubrication guide, it seems like there are a few people who disagree.)

Thanks for answering my question and pointing me out on that thread.

Offline 1pq

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #29 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 23:13:02 »
If I'm gonna use a 65g, do I need to lube it?

You don't need to, but there will be a noticeable difference if you lube them. (I'd say noticeably better in almost every way, but reading through the lubrication guide, it seems like there are a few people who disagree.)

Thanks for answering my question and pointing me out on that thread.

Yeah if you're going to take the time to mod a board to ergo clears, you might as well lube it.
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Offline tp4tissue

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Re: Ergo Clear Mod - What springs to use?
« Reply #30 on: Tue, 24 December 2013, 23:23:39 »
If I'm gonna use a 65g, do I need to lube it?

You don't need to, but there will be a noticeable difference if you lube them. (I'd say noticeably better in almost every way, but reading through the lubrication guide, it seems like there are a few people who disagree.)

Thanks for answering my question and pointing me out on that thread.

Yeah if you're going to take the time to mod a board to ergo clears, you might as well lube it.

not completely true..

After break in, they're plenty smooth.

and it will take less time for it to break in Without the lube..


Ontop of that I think the surface areas in side the stem are too small to effectively lube for the "long term"..

They may feel good for a small while,, but I don't see how the lube will grip, there's just no place to put a large dab' for reapplication.