[MOD]22 Key Switch Tester NumPad with 22 different swithes

[njfn]

I am new to the mechanical keyboard world and this community about one month ago.I've got a Deck Hassium Pro 108 with Cherry MX Blue and a KBTalKing Pro v1.2 Bluetooth with Cherry MX Red. I prefer the feeling of typing with Cherry MX Blue, but I don't like the bounce back of MX Blue. So I am tempted MX White/Green switches in this case, and it makes me tempting to mod my KBTalking Pro to White/Green switches. After research over few nights, it can't really tell what is the difference between green and white.
Switch testers on the market only come with the most common four cherry switches(black,brown,blue and red), some come with 6 or more switches, but those are always unavailable down here in Australia.

Therefore I decided to make my own switch tester. Inspired by this video:

, I am planning to make my own switch tester numeric pad with all different switches for testing the feeling of all different switches.

My plan is to use the same numeric pad as shown in the video to make my own switch tester. The difference with the one in the video is I am going to fit all 22 spaces on the numpad with 22 different switches. First production will be only 2 pcs. (One for myself, one backup unit). I can make some more in the future if there is enough demand.

At this stage, switches I can get for this project are:
1. Cherry MX Black
2. Cherry MX Blue
3. Cherry MX Brown
4. Cherry MX Red
5. Cherry MX Green
6. Cherry MX Clear
7. Cherry MX White
8. Cherry MX Light Gray
9. Cherry MX Dark Gray
10. Cherry MX Blue (early production, desoldered)
11. Cherry MX Dark Blue (early production,desoldered)
12. Cherry MX Dark Brown (early production,desoldered)
13. Cherry MX Yellow (early production,desoldered)
14. Cherry MX Violet (early production, desoldered)
15. Razer Green -- From blackwidow 2014
16. Compatible MX White
17. Compatible MX Black
18. Gateron Black
19. Gateron Brown
20. Gateron Blue
21. Gateron Red
22. Gateron Clear

==== 3 Aug====
Got switches and clear keycaps bought from overseas




====6 Aug====
22 Switch tester completed

[TotalChaos]

If you really want to be scientific about it here is what you do:

Get your own PCB printed.  (or maybe you can somehow use a PCB that is already made).

Solder on ALL the different switch types.  Include Alps switches and Matias switches and Mitsumi switches and Cherry MY switches and etc.

Since there are so many switch types, you should really do a full keyboard.

Do it for Keyboard Science! 

[Defect]

Should get some lubed vs unlubed tests, some MX Clear with spring mod (62g and 65g are popular around here), any some Ghost Blacks (Black stem, clear spring,  recommend wearing them down and then lubing)

I recommend soldering all switches because the feedback onscreen will make a huge impact.  Heavier springs can he fatiguing to bottom out, but often add a very casual and relaxing amount of up force which is great for hovering (aka floating)

[njfn]

If you really want to be scientific about it here is what you do:

Get your own PCB printed.  (or maybe you can somehow use a PCB that is already made).

Solder on ALL the different switch types.  Include Alps switches and Matias switches and Mitsumi switches and Cherry MY switches and etc.

Since there are so many switch types, you should really do a full keyboard.

Do it for Keyboard Science! 

Thanks for your advice. I will do a keyboard after. I'm doing this one is just for practicing my soldering skills and for fun. After this project, I will replace switches of my KBTalking Pro. Then get a kit with PCB and build my own keyboard.

I know there are many switches out there, but I have trouble of getting them. Do you have advice where can I get Alps switches and Matias switches and Mitsumi switches and Cherry MY switches? Thanks!

[njfn]

22 switch tester completed!

[dorkvader]

If you really want to be scientific about it here is what you do:

Get your own PCB printed.  (or maybe you can somehow use a PCB that is already made).

Solder on ALL the different switch types.  Include Alps switches and Matias switches and Mitsumi switches and Cherry MY switches and etc.

Since there are so many switch types, you should really do a full keyboard.

Do it for Keyboard Science! 

I don't think this is reasonable. There are over a hundred known keyboard switches, several that are so rare, only one example is known. How will this progress "keyboard science" ?

22 switch tester completed!

excellent! I do like how you've included the razr "mx- compatibe" switch.

[TotalChaos]

22 switch tester completed!

I love it!

I have 4 switches on my keyboard (Red,Brown,Blue,Black).  Yours is much better!

[njfn]

Thanks guys, the next number-pad switch tester I'm going to make is a 22-switche tester with different grams of springs.

I have ordered sampler spring from the forum GB.

I planned to use Cherry MX Clear for this project, is it a good idea? Any suggestions on switch?

[TotalChaos]

I love clear springs!  And if I would have known there was a group buy I would bought a couple of sets at least.

I wish they made a clear spring that was weaker.

Or a spring that increased resistance in a non-linear way.  That would rock.

A lot of people like clear springs and use them in the linear switches and brown switches.

A Cherry red switch and Cherry black switch are allegedly identical.  They just use different springs.  So you should not need to have a "Red with Clear Spring" and a "Black with Clear Spring".  That can save you 1 spot on your Ultimate Keyboard of Awesomeness. 

[njfn]

I love clear springs!  And if I would have known there was a group buy I would bought a couple of sets at least.

I wish they made a clear spring that was weaker.

Or a spring that increased resistance in a non-linear way.  That would rock.

A lot of people like clear springs and use them in the linear switches and brown switches.

A Cherry red switch and Cherry black switch are allegedly identical.  They just use different springs.  So you should not need to have a "Red with Clear Spring" and a "Black with Clear Spring".  That can save you 1 spot on your Ultimate Keyboard of Awesomeness. 

Not what I mean.

Forum GB is for gold-plated springs, which have 45g-120g
I'll put all these springs into Cherry MX clear switches as tester.