KTOD - Switch Comparisons

[CPTBadAss]

I've been talking to some users through PMs about Alps switches. I'd like to write down and share my experiences with them soon but I thought it might be a fun discussion to have here. Do you always compare switches to MX? Do you have a baseline?

How do you test and quantify switches you've never tried before?

I think it's hard to say that an MX Black is like a complicated linear Green Alps is like a Honeywell Hall Effect switch. Sure they're all linear switches but they're different to me. Same thing with a comparison of complicated Blue Alps to MX Blues to Buckling Springs.

But I do still use MX as a baseline if I have to.

[Defect]

I look at

Actuation/Release point
Key stability/wobble
Travel distance
Bottom out feel
Weight (stock, excluding spring mods)
Type of click or tactile bump (crisp vs rounded,  smooth or grainy)
Sound

Think of more later

[Sifo]

I just 1a2a3a6e6e6e634513426e634543a4a5a6e6e6345

and if it feels nice after doing so for an hour or so then it's good

[CPTBadAss]

Is that the official DT-35 testing method?

[Firebolt1914]

In my opinion, you can't quantify some things. There are lots of variables that influence what you think about things that have to do with 'feel'.

[CPTBadAss]

So how did you pick a keyboard? And how do you pick the second keyboard after that?

[Defect]

So how did you pick a keyboard? And how do you pick the second keyboard after that?

For physical testing I have 2 Data911s I bought for 25 shipped each.  Testing an offline keyboard is way different from having real time live feedback on screen, especially noticible with clear springs as they are heavy to bottom out but surprisingly easy to actuate and cushiony.  I do this for testing MX stem/spring combos.

Also I change maybe monthly the F-Rows on my Shine II that I bring to work.  So I can spam keys when no one's looking and figure out what I want for my next board.

Testing alps is something we've talked about and something I want to get into.  I plan on using this same method.  Buy a bunch of switches and swap and solder.

[Firebolt1914]

So how did you pick a keyboard? And how do you pick the second keyboard after that?

I guess what I do is find something that sounds like I would like it, and just buy it. If I don't really like it, i'll sell it or trade it.

[Moosecraft]

Buy them and test them out.