[GB] R2 PURPLE ZEALIO SWITCHES (Complete)

[jebbra]

Cool, I'm fine with whatever it is, just need something to release the hype lol.

Anyone mind to explain the difference between Thick Lube and Spring Lube? I read somewhere Thick Lube can be used for spring too, if yes why even bother make another one just for the spring? Not to mention it almost or the same price as Thick one while it is only 1/4 in the volume.
(Truth is I think about purchasing Spring Lube from Techkeys along with some stickers so need some light here).

[DanD3n]

Hi Zeal (and hello Geekhack, my first post here),
Will there be any other GB (R3) this year? And if yes, do you have any estimation as when it will be? I never tried* a clear switch before and thus i can't decide if i would like them or not, or the weight to choose. I was thinking buying a switch tester and later decide on what to order.

*i've only had experience with browns, blues, white, linear grey, blacks, reds and some black alps.
-brown's bump i can barely feel and it's undefined. Don't like it because this reason.
-blues and whites have a clear bump that i like, but they are too noisy.
-i like the weight feel of the blacks, but they are at the top of the force i can feel comfortable pressing. Greys are too hard to press, reds are too light.

-black alps are interesting, they have the bump right at the top and it's pretty pleasant. What i don't like is after you press it, there's almost no resistance and i bottom out every time. But i really, really like that bump, more than cherry's. Is it similar with the zealio?

ps: i know the force rating of zealios is for bottoming out, not for actuation point. What i have a hard time understanding is the feel of the bump. People say it's "crisp" and more defined than on browns, but this doesn't help me much, unfortunately.

later edit: if i pre-order 70 switches now, will i receive them until 8th of April at the most (US address)?

[Zeal]

Cool, I'm fine with whatever it is, just need something to release the hype lol.

Anyone mind to explain the difference between Thick Lube and Spring Lube? I read somewhere Thick Lube can be used for spring too, if yes why even bother make another one just for the spring? Not to mention it almost or the same price as Thick one while it is only 1/4 in the volume.
(Truth is I think about purchasing Spring Lube from Techkeys along with some stickers so need some light here).

Spring lube has always been thicker than thick lube. I've been working with Geekhackers to make a "middle ground" thick lube that can be used for stems and spring, reducing the need to buy both lubes.

Hi Zeal (and hello Geekhack, my first post here),
Will there be any other GB (R3) this year? And if yes, do you have any estimation as when it will be? I never tried* a clear switch before and thus i can't decide if i would like them or not, or the weight to choose. I was thinking buying a switch tester and later decide on what to order.

*i've only had experience with browns, blues, white, linear grey, blacks, reds and some black alps.
-brown's bump i can barely feel and it's undefined. Don't like it because this reason.
-blues and whites have a clear bump that i like, but they are too noisy.
-i like the weight feel of the blacks, but they are at the top of the force i can feel comfortable pressing. Greys are too hard to press, reds are too light.

-black alps are interesting, they have the bump right at the top and it's pretty pleasant. What i don't like is after you press it, there's almost no resistance and i bottom out every time. But i really, really like that bump, more than cherry's. Is it similar with the zealio?

ps: i know the force rating of zealios is for bottoming out, not for actuation point. What i have a hard time understanding is the feel of the bump. People say it's "crisp" and more defined than on browns, but this doesn't help me much, unfortunately.

later edit: if i pre-order 70 switches now, will i receive them until 8th of April at the most (US address)?

There might be a R3 GB this year, probably around summer time. Will have to see as I have a few other projects planned for the summer too.

Zealios are modeled after the MX Clear bump, while being much smoother. The springs are also lighter than MX Clear stock springs, which many people like. We call this the "ergo clear" mod. Except the springs are all factory assembled inside already, with minimal modding required, if any.

It's really hard to describe how a bump can be more tactile, you'll just have to imagine it or take my word for it. )

If you pre-order 70 switches now, delivery on or before April 8 should be possible. Please leave a note inside your order if you're traveling out and I'll do my best to accommodate your needs.

[DanD3n]

It's really hard to describe how a bump can be more tactile, you'll just have to imagine it or take my word for it. )

I was hoping for a comparison with the level of tactility of Blues/Whites/Black Alps switches, as these i've tested and have what i would consider a pronounced tactile bump. 

[Zeal]

It's really hard to describe how a bump can be more tactile, you'll just have to imagine it or take my word for it. )

I was hoping for a comparison with the level of tactility of Blues/Whites/Black Alps switches, as these i've tested and have what i would consider a pronounced tactile bump. 

It's more tactile than clicky switches for sure. The legs on clicky switches look pretty similar to MX Brown legs. Can't comment on Alps as I don't have any to compare.

[chroness]

Just ordered some plate mount for my first custom build! Can't wait

[iaeen]

Hey Zeal. Is there any chance you would be putting together some sample packs to sell in between rounds? Sounds like there is some demand for that in this thread. I picked up a bunch of 65 grams for a couple builds I have planned, but I would be interested in trying some other weights as well.

[jebbra]

Spring lube has always been thicker than thick lube. I've been working with Geekhackers to make a "middle ground" thick lube that can be used for stems and spring, reducing the need to buy both lubes.

I assume this middle ground lube is the one that open for PO now on your site?

[spanyam]

Any harm in just using the GH V3 Thick Lube on the springs too?

[Zeal]

Hey Zeal. Is there any chance you would be putting together some sample packs to sell in between rounds? Sounds like there is some demand for that in this thread. I picked up a bunch of 65 grams for a couple builds I have planned, but I would be interested in trying some other weights as well.

Sample packs are available on my site. https://zealpc.net/collections/accessories/products/zealio-switch-sampler-pack

Spring lube has always been thicker than thick lube. I've been working with Geekhackers to make a "middle ground" thick lube that can be used for stems and spring, reducing the need to buy both lubes.

I assume this middle ground lube is the one that open for PO now on your site?

Correct.

Any harm in just using the GH V3 Thick Lube on the springs too?

No harm. It will work fine as well.

[jebbra]

Cool! Sayonara techkeys lube 

The increased price must be due the volume increase as now it needs to supply both the stem and spring. If yes, I think you should update the info on the web, many people will be saved by this lube!

Now if only you have red stickers on the web..

[Zeal]

Cool! Sayonara techkeys lube 

The increased price must be due the volume increase as now it needs to supply both the stem and spring. If yes, I think you should update the info on the web, many people will be saved by this lube!

Now if only you have red stickers on the web..

The supplier actually increased their bulk price, and a new formulation had to be made, hence the price increase. :/ Volume should still be the same 1.8mm vial.

As for stickers, I actually don't recommend them at all. There's not enough gap in between the Zealios to fit them, and trying to add stickers is just adding unnecessary pressure. For any other switch, stickers just collect dust and aren't worth the time.

[jebbra]

The supplier actually increased their bulk price, and a new formulation had to be made, hence the price increase. :/ Volume should still be the same 1.8mm vial.

As for stickers, I actually don't recommend them at all. There's not enough gap in between the Zealios to fit them, and trying to add stickers is just adding unnecessary pressure. For any other switch, stickers just collect dust and aren't worth the time.

Awww I hope 1 I won't mess up enough when lubing so 1 vial will enough for Infinity 60% stems and springs 

I will take your advice, only want the looks with stickers actually but if it collect dust and Zealios already tight enough I agree they give no profit at all.

Seems like I have no questions left, thank you!
Where's the waiting room?

[Atredl]

Cool! Sayonara techkeys lube 

The increased price must be due the volume increase as now it needs to supply both the stem and spring. If yes, I think you should update the info on the web, many people will be saved by this lube!

Now if only you have red stickers on the web..

The supplier actually increased their bulk price, and a new formulation had to be made, hence the price increase. :/ Volume should still be the same 1.8mm vial.

As for stickers, I actually don't recommend them at all. There's not enough gap in between the Zealios to fit them, and trying to add stickers is just adding unnecessary pressure. For any other switch, stickers just collect dust and aren't worth the time.

I hadn't realized that there was less wiggle room in the Zealios. Just pulled out a few of the spares I have and compared it to some clears. I've never applied stickers to cure the wobble though, I just really like the way they look under clear switch tops. It's a small thing but I really like how it looks. 

[Bromono]

Hey Zeal. I orderd awhile back some switches. can I add more to that order? I orderd enough fora 60% but I have decided to go towards an 1800 build.

[Chewypost]

I find myself checking everyday to see an update if he's started shipping. Can't wait for these

[Zeal]

Hey Zeal. I orderd awhile back some switches. can I add more to that order? I orderd enough fora 60% but I have decided to go towards an 1800 build.

Please pm me your order # so I can arrange for you to place a new updated order.

[JaccoW]

Just ordered some switches.

[DanD3n]

Me 2.   

Zeal, i've wrote you a note about this when i've placed my order, i hope it's possible to ship and receive the package before 6-7th of april, thank you for understanding.

[spwath]

So when should we expect switches to arrive?

[cmd]

So when should we expect switches to arrive?

This is from this site, "Orders will "soft close" on March 1, 2016 23:59:59 PST.  After this time, the order will be placed with the manufacturer. Pre-order pricing will remain until the product is fully received. Production time + shipping will take roughly 2 weeks. Reshipping bulk order from Zeal PC to you will take roughly 3 weeks. Orders are shipped based on a first-come-first-serve basis. "

[Zeal]

Switches are done manufacturing, currently being packed and should be shipped very soon. DHL Express'ing the shipment will only take 2 business days. Once the switches arrive, they'll be sorted and shipped out asap.

[LeandreN]

Thanks for the updates!

I am hyped to try some 78g.

[spwath]

Switches are done manufacturing, currently being packed and should be shipped very soon. DHL Express'ing the shipment will only take 2 business days. Once the switches arrive, they'll be sorted and shipped out asap.

Great!
But I dont get my keycaps until may so....

But I will final have my split keyboard now!

[Zanduby]

Zeal, will you have extras to buy? I ordered enough to build a numpad but want to make a 60% and need 31 more switches. Let me know. Thanks.

[Fullcream]

Thanks Zeal! So excited to try 65g.

[Zeal]

Zeal, will you have extras to buy? I ordered enough to build a numpad but want to make a 60% and need 31 more switches. Let me know. Thanks.

Yes, extra switches were ordered. If you wanted to order, PM me your order # and we'll work things out.

[bmilcs]

I can't decide what spring to order. Zeal, I'm currently using ergo-ish clears with 78g for the first time. While gaming, I can feel my wrists and fingers getting smashed from bottoming out. Typing with these is really, really nice but gaming not so much. I am considering modding my work keyboard, Pok3r, with maybe Zealios and stock clear springs.

[Zeal]

I can't decide what spring to order. Zeal, I'm currently using ergo-ish clears with 78g for the first time. While gaming, I can feel my wrists and fingers getting smashed from bottoming out. Typing with these is really, really nice but gaming not so much. I am considering modding my work keyboard, Pok3r, with maybe Zealios and stock clear springs.

You'd be the first person to swap out the "aftermarket" springs pre-installed in the switches

It sounds like you'd enjoy 65g or 67g. Not as heavy as 78g. 65g for a more drawn out bump, 67g for a similar bump that's "snappier" like 78gs.

[AgentZen]

I placed an order for 95 of the 67g switches on March 12th. I checked my bank/paypal and looks like nothing has been charged yet. Will it charge when it ships or... did I do something wrong?

[Xiro7]

Hey Zeal, I purchased 100 switches a couple weeks ago, another 80 or so last week and am looking at ordering another 100. Is there a way to combine all of these into 1 order? I don't want to pay for shipping 3x on a single order.

[pichu23]

Switches are done manufacturing, currently being packed and should be shipped very soon. DHL Express'ing the shipment will only take 2 business days. Once the switches arrive, they'll be sorted and shipped out asap.

Whoaa, whatt. That's super quick!
I don't even have a pcb for it yet. 
Hehe, excited though!

[FoC_Tow]

Switches are done manufacturing, currently being packed and should be shipped very soon. DHL Express'ing the shipment will only take 2 business days. Once the switches arrive, they'll be sorted and shipped out asap.

Awesome! Have a couple of builds waiting and was gonna do one the next day's using Gaterons.
Now I'm very tempted to wait for dem Zealios tho... >_>

[Lost2Frostbite]

Does anyone have leftover tactile switches? I need 9 to 13 to complete a build :/ I just did not see the point of joining the buy for this little.

[Atredl]

Does anyone have leftover tactile switches? I need 9 to 13 to complete a build :/ I just did not see the point of joining the buy for this little.

Zeal has then in stock. Just buy 20 (10x2) to make it easy for him. Shipping won't be too different from him or whoever else sends them too you.

[asl]

Edit: Nvm. Zeal I'll pm you.

[MoarCoffeePlzzz]

I placed an order for 95 of the 67g switches on March 12th. I checked my bank/paypal and looks like nothing has been charged yet. Will it charge when it ships or... did I do something wrong?

Mine came out immediately when I joined the group buy.

[hnaeht]

Switches are done manufacturing, currently being packed and should be shipped very soon. DHL Express'ing the shipment will only take 2 business days. Once the switches arrive, they'll be sorted and shipped out asap.

Zeal,

I face 2 issues with the zelios sw round 1 and wonder that if they can be fixed in round 2.
Currently I'm using zelios 65g tactile.

1. When I put led on sw, I cannot press the keycap bottom out. Because the led is higher than sw top cover.
It's because of gateron sw's top cover. The issue is not happened on Cherry top cover.
Only led 1.8mm fits the keycap. Other types face the same issue.

2. Chattering sw.
It often repeats key and I always have to be careful not to type twice/three times when I use it.
I soldered 61 sw for my 60% keyboard and found that there are 11 sws have this issue 

[Zeal]

Switches are done manufacturing, currently being packed and should be shipped very soon. DHL Express'ing the shipment will only take 2 business days. Once the switches arrive, they'll be sorted and shipped out asap.

Zeal,

I face 2 issues with the zelios sw round 1 and wonder that if they can be fixed in round 2.
Currently I'm using zelios 65g tactile.

1. When I put led on sw, I cannot press the keycap bottom out. Because the led is higher than sw top cover.
It's because of gateron sw's top cover. The issue is not happened on Cherry top cover.
Only led 1.8mm fits the keycap. Other types face the same issue.

2. Chattering sw.
It often repeats key and I always have to be careful not to type twice/three times when I use it.
I soldered 61 sw for my 60% keyboard and found that there are 11 sws have this issue 

1. If you use 3mm or 2x3x4mm LEDs, there will always be clearance issues with Cherry profile keycaps, regardless of Cherry or Gateron switches. This is not a Gateron top or Cherry top issue, but the LEDs used. That's why everyone should eventually move to 1.8mm LEDs.

2. Alterations to the contact leaves have been made to fix this issue for R2. It should be fixed this time around. Users are still advised not to over-heat a pin to prevent deformation of the bottom transparent housings. Plate mounted milky variants won't encounter this issue.

[ctrlX]

Switches are done manufacturing, currently being packed and should be shipped very soon. DHL Express'ing the shipment will only take 2 business days. Once the switches arrive, they'll be sorted and shipped out asap.

Zeal,

I face 2 issues with the zelios sw round 1 and wonder that if they can be fixed in round 2.
Currently I'm using zelios 65g tactile.

1. When I put led on sw, I cannot press the keycap bottom out. Because the led is higher than sw top cover.
It's because of gateron sw's top cover. The issue is not happened on Cherry top cover.
Only led 1.8mm fits the keycap. Other types face the same issue.

2. Chattering sw.
It often repeats key and I always have to be careful not to type twice/three times when I use it.
I soldered 61 sw for my 60% keyboard and found that there are 11 sws have this issue 

1. If you use 3mm or 2x3x4mm LEDs, there will always be clearance issues with Cherry profile keycaps, regardless of Cherry or Gateron switches. This is not a Gateron top or Cherry top issue, but the LEDs used. That's why everyone should eventually move to 1.8mm LEDs.

2. Alterations to the contact leaves have been made to fix this issue for R2. It should be fixed this time around. Users are still advised not to over-heat a pin to prevent deformation of the bottom transparent housings. Plate mounted milky variants won't encounter this issue.

I soldered in my R1 Zealios in my Orion V2 about 2 weeks ago and I am also having chattering issues. 6-7 switches are effected depending on how picky I want to be. One switch is repeatedly registering key presses to the point it is not good for typing. I am uncertain if it classifies as chattering as the problem switches are registering key presses before the tactile bump. Some of the switches are even registering key presses by just moving/wobbling the key from side to side.

Which brings me to my question (maybe this has already been answered)... My switches feel incredibly wobbly, especially with SA caps. The high profile might be a contributing factor but I tested with standard OEM profile caps for a short while and found them wobbly also. Is this something that has been addressed with R2 Zealios? If not, will there be any improvements of this in a possible R3 release?

[Zeal]

I soldered in my R1 Zealios in my Orion V2 about 2 weeks ago and I am also having chattering issues. 6-7 switches are effected depending on how picky I want to be. One switch is repeatedly registering key presses to the point it is not good for typing. I am uncertain if it classifies as chattering as the problem switches are registering key presses before the tactile bump. Some of the switches are even registering key presses by just moving/wobbling the key from side to side.

Which brings me to my question (maybe this has already been answered)... My switches feel incredibly wobbly, especially with SA caps. The high profile might be a contributing factor but I tested with standard OEM profile caps for a short while and found them wobbly also. Is this something that has been addressed with R2 Zealios? If not, will there be any improvements of this in a possible R3 release?

The wobble on higher profile caps has been mentioned before, and I am aware of this issue. R2 was adjusting the metal leaf to reduce/eliminate the chance of chatter. I'm still in the process of trying to push for a slight mould alteration to address the wobble concern for R3.

[Zeal]

March 22 update:

First half of shipment has been picked up by DHL. ETA of switches and delivery on Wednesday & Thursday.

[ctrlX]

I soldered in my R1 Zealios in my Orion V2 about 2 weeks ago and I am also having chattering issues. 6-7 switches are effected depending on how picky I want to be. One switch is repeatedly registering key presses to the point it is not good for typing. I am uncertain if it classifies as chattering as the problem switches are registering key presses before the tactile bump. Some of the switches are even registering key presses by just moving/wobbling the key from side to side.

Which brings me to my question (maybe this has already been answered)... My switches feel incredibly wobbly, especially with SA caps. The high profile might be a contributing factor but I tested with standard OEM profile caps for a short while and found them wobbly also. Is this something that has been addressed with R2 Zealios? If not, will there be any improvements of this in a possible R3 release?

The wobble on higher profile caps has been mentioned before, and I am aware of this issue. R2 was adjusting the metal leaf to reduce/eliminate the chance of chatter. I'm still in the process of trying to push for a slight mould alteration to address the wobble concern for R3.

Awsome! Keep up the good work!

[Xiro7]

I'm so pumped to get these switches. I have 3 kits sitting on my desk at home waiting for these to arrive.

[steelcity]

Will the R3 switches all have Milky bottoms to address the melting issue?  Or can the plastic used in the clear bottoms be adjusted any to raise the melting point and to reduce/eliminate the chances of heat induced chattering?

Has there been any testing done on the R2 clear bottom switches to determine if the leaf changes have eliminated the chattering issue without causing any new issues?  I'm not an expert in switch design, but I would hate to install these and find out that there is no chattering, but now the switches get stuck or something because of the changes.  Just curious how much testing of the new R2 design took place before these get shipped.  My apologies if this was discussed in a different thread.

[Zeal]

Will the R3 switches all have Milky bottoms to address the melting issue?  Or can the plastic used in the clear bottoms be adjusted any to raise the melting point and to reduce/eliminate the chances of heat induced chattering?

Has there been any testing done on the R2 clear bottom switches to determine if the leaf changes have eliminated the chattering issue without causing any new issues?  I'm not an expert in switch design, but I would hate to install these and find out that there is no chattering, but now the switches get stuck or something because of the changes.  Just curious how much testing of the new R2 design took place before these get shipped.  My apologies if this was discussed in a different thread.

There are no plans to remove the transparent bottoms. After all, the whole point of the switch concept was to make a transparent housing. Milky bottoms may be offered again for R3, but it's mostly intended as a "fail-proof" beginner soldering switch and/or for mass production use.

As mentioned before, there's nothing you can do with upping the melting point of transparent plastics. Anything transparent/clear (heatshrink, plastic, etc) will always have a lower melting point due to the "purity" of the material.

R2 Zealios have already been used for keyboard builds and have gone through testing. It works as intended and no issues have been reported.

[Happylomo]

Zeal, I just moved to a new address. Should I email you? or pm you here for the new one?

[Zeal]

Zeal, I just moved to a new address. Should I email you? or pm you here for the new one?

Please email me with your new address and I'll have it updated.

[rand77]

Hey Zeal,  are Zealios pin compatible with Cherry RGB switches?    I was exploring the possibility of replacing the switches on a standard Corsair RGB keyboard with Zealios.   

I think it would be a great project to desolder the existing switches from the keyboard, and replace them with Zealios!

[Zeal]

Hey Zeal,  are Zealios pin compatible with Cherry RGB switches?    I was exploring the possibility of replacing the switches on a standard Corsair RGB keyboard with Zealios.   

I think it would be a great project to desolder the existing switches from the keyboard, and replace them with Zealios!

There are small SMD LEDs under the Corsair RGB PCBs. Zealios won't "properly" sit on them, but there have been people who have swapped in Zealios into Corsair RGB boards without issue.