Cherry G80-3000, buying advice?

[iconoclaST520]

Is it just me, or does it seem that the only G80-3000s I can find with blue switches, come in black?

I was told that the second letter after G80-3000 is representative of what type of switches are used, and that the letter for blue switches would be S

like Cherry G80-3000LSCRC-2

But like here: (I'm guessing the G81 is a mistype)
http://www.totalbarcode.com/part-number/G80-3000LSCRC-2.html

The white one is designated "P", which, I think is the black linear switch.

Are there no white ones out there with the blue switches?

Also, on a side note, how would Cherry blues feel compared this 1987 Model M I'm so used to?

[iconoclaST520]

Is it possible to change the MX switches out for different ones?

[huha]

Oh yes, it is!
If the switches aren't plate-mounted, it's also somewhat doable (changing plate-mounted switches involves desoldering all switches beforehand and soldering them back in afterwards) if you've got time for an hour or two.

Basically, the switch housing is identical for all switches, you'll just need to change the spring and plunger. One nice modification would be changing springs to harder ones (I swapped my blue MX springs for black MX springs), which makes the key feel a bit nicer for Model-M accustomed people. The switches are radically different, though. I actually like the Model M more (much more!), but having a G80-3000 around isn't a bad idea either. You'll probably use both, and a nice little keyboard rotation really helps to constantly rediscover the joys of several different keyboards.

-huha

[iconoclaST520]

Okay, here's a bit of a different question...

In the FTSC boards, I'm aware that pulling the spring and plunger out to swap isn't possible, but what about the desoldering method?

[huha]

FTSC don't use dedicated switches, it's just a mechanics module atop a membrane. They're cheaper to produce, but there's only one actuation characteristic (linear) and there are few real fans of said MY (FTSC) switches.

So, well: You can't desolder them, since they aren't soldered. You can't swap anything, as there's nothing to swap there.

-huha

[Rajagra]

http://www.cherry.de/english/products/all_products_business_G80-3000.htm

P=Linear ("Black")
Q=Tactile ("Brown")
S=Tactile clicky ("Blue")
And for some other keyboards:
U=Alternate (" ? ")

[keyb_gr]

Funny, they have "housing colour" but then write "light gray"...

Never noticed because I usually look at these pages in German.

"U" seems to be "same as P, but USB only rather than PS/2 only". Also listed in nomenclature.