Looking for alternatives for my current cherry mx clear switches.

[AlexanderJeurissen]

I originally started out with a WASD V1 keyboard with cherry mx blue switches. I've been using that board for around 2 years before I couldn't help but jump the Ergodox hype train.

Now I've been using a ergodox classic, with cherry mx clear switches for a year or so and I've come to the conclusion that I'm not really a big fan of my switch choise :S

I'm a programmer by trade and can type relatively fast (reach 100+ wpm on a regular basis).

What I like about the cherry mx clear switches: the tactile feel, the pronounced bump

What i dislike: I get quite tired on my mx clear switches, at first I thought I had to break them in but they still feel very heavy and stiff to me, even though they are tiring I still feel myself bottoming out the switches now and then so that might add to the problem.

The reason I didn't go with the cherry mx blues was because of the noise, I work in a office environment where blue and green switches are simply too loud. I've once tried typing on a cherry mx brown board but I like the tactile pronounced bump of the clears better.

So I'm currently considering desoldering all cherry mx clear switches from my ergodox and replacing them with an alternative switch (yet to be determined)

I was wondering what switches you guy would advise me keeping the preferences and challenges I described above in mind.

Some solutions I think might suite my needs:
1. R2 Purple Zealio Switches (Tactile) 62 gr
2. Replacing the mx clear springs with mx blue springs (ergoclears)

But I'd love to hear your opinions and advise on my situation.

[iLLucionist]

I can understand what you are saying. As you point out, you bottom out all the time. In that light, clears can feel really heavy indeed.

For me, I've trained myself not to bottom out on my kul with clears. Of course, I still occasionally bottom out but not as much as I did. Also, I really got used to the stiffness of the clears up to the point where my filco with browns feels really mushy and soft to me now.

Anywayz,

Zealios may be a great option. I would prefer it over ergo clears because sometimes ergo clears "hang" on the upstroke due to the spring not being stiff enough sometimes to push the stem back up.

[bocahgundul]

get zealios and be happy

[iLLucionist]

Btw once I get soldering equipment I wanna try the zealios purple myself.

[AlexanderJeurissen]

I can understand what you are saying. As you point out, you bottom out all the time. In that light, clears can feel really heavy indeed.

For me, I've trained myself not to bottom out on my kul with clears. Of course, I still occasionally bottom out but not as much as I did. Also, I really got used to the stiffness of the clears up to the point where my filco with browns feels really mushy and soft to me now.

Anywayz,

Zealios may be a great option. I would prefer it over ergo clears because sometimes ergo clears "hang" on the upstroke due to the spring not being stiff enough sometimes to push the stem back up.

Thanks for your response I appreciate it,
On the topic of bottoming out: I've always bottomed out on my mx blue board not sure if that is because the spring was not heavy enough. I've tried to train myself to not bottom out on my mx clear ergodox but i lose too much speed when doing so. On high speeds (100+ wpm) I can't maintain not bottoming out.Even on lower speeds I occasionally bottom out and not bottoming out requires a lot of my attention something I simple don't have room for whilst programming.

get zealios and be happy

Do you currently use zealios switches ? how do they compare to the clears when it comes to bottoming out ? and resistance / tactility. I've read the theory but would love to hear from first hand experience.

[iLLucionist]

I can understand what you are saying. As you point out, you bottom out all the time. In that light, clears can feel really heavy indeed.

For me, I've trained myself not to bottom out on my kul with clears. Of course, I still occasionally bottom out but not as much as I did. Also, I really got used to the stiffness of the clears up to the point where my filco with browns feels really mushy and soft to me now.

Anywayz,

Zealios may be a great option. I would prefer it over ergo clears because sometimes ergo clears "hang" on the upstroke due to the spring not being stiff enough sometimes to push the stem back up.

Thanks for your response I appreciate it,
On the topic of bottoming out: I've always bottomed out on my mx blue board not sure if that is because the spring was not heavy enough. I've tried to train myself to not bottom out on my mx clear ergodox but i lose too much speed when doing so. On high speeds (100+ wpm) I can't maintain not bottoming out.Even on lower speeds I occasionally bottom out and not bottoming out requires a lot of my attention something I simple don't have room for whilst programming.

I understand. I LITERALLY went onto 10fastfingers and trained myself in a week, 1-1.5h every day, until I stopped bottoming out. But I can imagine it may not work, especially not on higher wpms.

[AlexanderJeurissen]

I can understand what you are saying. As you point out, you bottom out all the time. In that light, clears can feel really heavy indeed.

For me, I've trained myself not to bottom out on my kul with clears. Of course, I still occasionally bottom out but not as much as I did. Also, I really got used to the stiffness of the clears up to the point where my filco with browns feels really mushy and soft to me now.

Anywayz,

Zealios may be a great option. I would prefer it over ergo clears because sometimes ergo clears "hang" on the upstroke due to the spring not being stiff enough sometimes to push the stem back up.

Thanks for your response I appreciate it,
On the topic of bottoming out: I've always bottomed out on my mx blue board not sure if that is because the spring was not heavy enough. I've tried to train myself to not bottom out on my mx clear ergodox but i lose too much speed when doing so. On high speeds (100+ wpm) I can't maintain not bottoming out.Even on lower speeds I occasionally bottom out and not bottoming out requires a lot of my attention something I simple don't have room for whilst programming.

I understand. I LITERALLY went onto 10fastfingers and trained myself in a week, 1-1.5h every day, until I stopped bottoming out. But I can imagine it may not work, especially not on higher wpms.

I'm active on 10fastfingers as well on a daily basis, My focus whilst being there is speed however not not bottoming out. to clarify I don't bottom out all the time but I do so on a regular basis. and the higher the speed the more i bottom out.

[iLLucionist]

I'm active on 10fastfingers as well on a daily basis, My focus whilst being there is speed however not not bottoming out. to clarify I don't bottom out all the time but I do so on a regular basis. and the higher the speed the more i bottom out.

I think I would still try zealios first. Perhaps you could also mod your kb with rubber rings to make bottoming out softer.

[appleonama]

I originally started out with a WASD V1 keyboard with cherry mx blue switches. I've been using that board for around 2 years before I couldn't help but jump the Ergodox hype train.

Now I've been using a ergodox classic, with cherry mx clear switches for a year or so and I've come to the conclusion that I'm not really a big fan of my switch choise :S

I'm a programmer by trade and can type relatively fast (reach 100+ wpm on a regular basis).

What I like about the cherry mx clear switches: the tactile feel, the pronounced bump

What i dislike: I get quite tired on my mx clear switches, at first I thought I had to break them in but they still feel very heavy and stiff to me, even though they are tiring I still feel myself bottoming out the switches now and then so that might add to the problem.

The reason I didn't go with the cherry mx blues was because of the noise, I work in a office environment where blue and green switches are simply too loud. I've once tried typing on a cherry mx brown board but I like the tactile pronounced bump of the clears better.

So I'm currently considering desoldering all cherry mx clear switches from my ergodox and replacing them with an alternative switch (yet to be determined)

I was wondering what switches you guy would advise me keeping the preferences and challenges I described above in mind.

Some solutions I think might suite my needs:
1. R2 Purple Zealio Switches (Tactile) 62 gr
2. Replacing the mx clear springs with mx blue springs (ergoclears)

But I'd love to hear your opinions and advise on my situation.

I recommend you replace the spring inside the mx clear switches which would make your switch into an "Ergo Clear".
The most common weight to replace the spring is with 62g springs. Although switching the springs is a lot more work you can take advantage of the switch opening process by lubing the contacts and sliders of the switch for a smoother typing experience. Springs can be bought from either mechanicalkeyboards.com or originative.com for about 7-16 USD.

Another alternative could be zealio switches with 62g spring. However my experience with the 62g version of this switch was not a positive one so I would not recommend them. They aren't as tactile as an mx clear switch and they felt very mushy, not to mentioned the premium cost of about .8-1 USD per switch.

[iLLucionist]

I originally started out with a WASD V1 keyboard with cherry mx blue switches. I've been using that board for around 2 years before I couldn't help but jump the Ergodox hype train.

Now I've been using a ergodox classic, with cherry mx clear switches for a year or so and I've come to the conclusion that I'm not really a big fan of my switch choise :S

I'm a programmer by trade and can type relatively fast (reach 100+ wpm on a regular basis).

What I like about the cherry mx clear switches: the tactile feel, the pronounced bump

What i dislike: I get quite tired on my mx clear switches, at first I thought I had to break them in but they still feel very heavy and stiff to me, even though they are tiring I still feel myself bottoming out the switches now and then so that might add to the problem.

The reason I didn't go with the cherry mx blues was because of the noise, I work in a office environment where blue and green switches are simply too loud. I've once tried typing on a cherry mx brown board but I like the tactile pronounced bump of the clears better.

So I'm currently considering desoldering all cherry mx clear switches from my ergodox and replacing them with an alternative switch (yet to be determined)

I was wondering what switches you guy would advise me keeping the preferences and challenges I described above in mind.

Some solutions I think might suite my needs:
1. R2 Purple Zealio Switches (Tactile) 62 gr
2. Replacing the mx clear springs with mx blue springs (ergoclears)

But I'd love to hear your opinions and advise on my situation.

I recommend you replace the spring inside the mx clear switches which would make your switch into an "Ergo Clear".
The most common weight to replace the spring is with 62g springs. Although switching the springs is a lot more work you can take advantage of the switch opening process by lubing the contacts and sliders of the switch for a smoother typing experience. Springs can be bought from either mechanicalkeyboards.com or originative.com for about 7-16 USD.

Another alternative could be zealio switches with 62g spring. However my experience with the 62g version of this switch was not a positive one so I would not recommend them. They aren't as tactile as an mx clear switch and they felt very mushy, not to mentioned the premium cost of about .8-1 USD per switch.

So you would say the "real clears" are way crispier? Is their no tactile bump on the zealios? I thought the purples were reaaallly good (I don't have them... yet).

[AlexanderJeurissen]

I originally started out with a WASD V1 keyboard with cherry mx blue switches. I've been using that board for around 2 years before I couldn't help but jump the Ergodox hype train.

Now I've been using a ergodox classic, with cherry mx clear switches for a year or so and I've come to the conclusion that I'm not really a big fan of my switch choise :S

I'm a programmer by trade and can type relatively fast (reach 100+ wpm on a regular basis).

What I like about the cherry mx clear switches: the tactile feel, the pronounced bump

What i dislike: I get quite tired on my mx clear switches, at first I thought I had to break them in but they still feel very heavy and stiff to me, even though they are tiring I still feel myself bottoming out the switches now and then so that might add to the problem.

The reason I didn't go with the cherry mx blues was because of the noise, I work in a office environment where blue and green switches are simply too loud. I've once tried typing on a cherry mx brown board but I like the tactile pronounced bump of the clears better.

So I'm currently considering desoldering all cherry mx clear switches from my ergodox and replacing them with an alternative switch (yet to be determined)

I was wondering what switches you guy would advise me keeping the preferences and challenges I described above in mind.

Some solutions I think might suite my needs:
1. R2 Purple Zealio Switches (Tactile) 62 gr
2. Replacing the mx clear springs with mx blue springs (ergoclears)

But I'd love to hear your opinions and advise on my situation.

I recommend you replace the spring inside the mx clear switches which would make your switch into an "Ergo Clear".
The most common weight to replace the spring is with 62g springs. Although switching the springs is a lot more work you can take advantage of the switch opening process by lubing the contacts and sliders of the switch for a smoother typing experience. Springs can be bought from either mechanicalkeyboards.com or originative.com for about 7-16 USD.

Another alternative could be zealio switches with 62g spring. However my experience with the 62g version of this switch was not a positive one so I would not recommend them. They aren't as tactile as an mx clear switch and they felt very mushy, not to mentioned the premium cost of about .8-1 USD per switch.

Times like these make me hate I'm in europe... I looked at mechanicalkeyboards.com and yes I found the gold plated 62gr mx switches for 19 usd.
link: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1350

shipping cost: 30+ dollar to the Netherlands that is just retarded.. for a bag of springs..

Speaking about the lube, would a lubricant like this one do ?
http://www.tme.eu/en/details/sgb-200d/lubricants/electrolube/
I can get my hands on this locally quite easily so if that works I can save some on shipping costs there.

[iLLucionist]

Times like these make me hate I'm in europe... I looked at mechanicalkeyboards.com and yes I found the gold plated 62gr mx switches for 19 usd.
link: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1350

shipping cost: 30+ dollar to the Netherlands that is just retarded.. for a bag of springs..

I've always wondered why international shipping has to be so expensive.

[AlexanderJeurissen]

I've found an alternative seller of cherry mx compatible springs but they are not gold plated.

link: http://www.ukkeycaps.co.uk/product/custom-springs-for-cherry-mx-switches-various-pack-sizes-available

What is the difference between goldplated springs and non goldplated ones besides from the color ? if non goldplated ones will do fine then I'll stick with the seller I listed above because it can easily save me 20 euro.

[phoenix1234]

I've found an alternative seller of cherry mx compatible springs but they are not gold plated.

link: http://www.ukkeycaps.co.uk/product/custom-springs-for-cherry-mx-switches-various-pack-sizes-available

What is the difference between goldplated springs and non goldplated ones besides from the color ? if non goldplated ones will do fine then I'll stick with the seller I listed above because it can easily save me 20 euro.

Technically, they are the same, the gold-plated one in fact added more friction and made it a bit stiffer than the stainless steel one.
IMO, I prefer the stainless steel when I need functional spring and the gold-plated one when I want to show off the beauty of the keyboard and switches.

For your questions, I think you already had the answer:
1. R2 Purple Zealio Switches (Tactile) 62 gr
2. Replacing the mx clear springs with mx blue springs (ergoclears)

So why don't you try both and see which one you love?

[AlexanderJeurissen]

I've found an alternative seller of cherry mx compatible springs but they are not gold plated.

link: http://www.ukkeycaps.co.uk/product/custom-springs-for-cherry-mx-switches-various-pack-sizes-available

What is the difference between goldplated springs and non goldplated ones besides from the color ? if non goldplated ones will do fine then I'll stick with the seller I listed above because it can easily save me 20 euro.

Technically, they are the same, the gold-plated one in fact added more friction and made it a bit stiffer than the stainless steel one.
IMO, I prefer the stainless steel when I need functional spring and the gold-plated one when I want to show off the beauty of the keyboard and switches.

For your questions, I think you already had the answer:
1. R2 Purple Zealio Switches (Tactile) 62 gr
2. Replacing the mx clear springs with mx blue springs (ergoclears)

So why don't you try both and see which one you love?

Because trying both is quite expensive ? that's why I was looking for an informed decision the fact that the 62gr zealios switches are sold out and because someone mentioned they were overhyped / priced I'll probably make the jump and mod the switches myself.

I just ordered 120x cherry mx 62gr stainless steel springs for a grand total of 25 euro :d that a lot less then if I would've ordered it in the US so that's a nice plus.

The only question remaining is what lube to use, I found the following lube (http://www.tme.eu/en/details/sgb-200d/lubricants/electrolube/) which I can source locally so if that lube will suffice then I'm complete (I don't plan on stickering the switches because I've read that the added value of stickering is minimal).

[phoenix1234]

The only question remaining is what lube to use, I found the following lube (http://www.tme.eu/en/details/sgb-200d/lubricants/electrolube/) which I can source locally so if that lube will suffice then I'm complete (I don't plan on stickering the switches because I've read that the added value of stickering is minimal).

I just checked the specs. The viscosity is too high, it is just like Krytox 106.
As a results, the switch might be quite heavy.
Plus, the Water Content (%) 0.6 so I'm not so sure it is good for the switch.
Perhaps, you should try the professional lube in this thread instead:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34332.0

[iLLucionist]

I've found an alternative seller of cherry mx compatible springs but they are not gold plated.

link: http://www.ukkeycaps.co.uk/product/custom-springs-for-cherry-mx-switches-various-pack-sizes-available

What is the difference between goldplated springs and non goldplated ones besides from the color ? if non goldplated ones will do fine then I'll stick with the seller I listed above because it can easily save me 20 euro.

Technically, they are the same, the gold-plated one in fact added more friction and made it a bit stiffer than the stainless steel one.
IMO, I prefer the stainless steel when I need functional spring and the gold-plated one when I want to show off the beauty of the keyboard and switches.

For your questions, I think you already had the answer:
1. R2 Purple Zealio Switches (Tactile) 62 gr
2. Replacing the mx clear springs with mx blue springs (ergoclears)

So why don't you try both and see which one you love?

Because trying both is quite expensive ? that's why I was looking for an informed decision the fact that the 62gr zealios switches are sold out and because someone mentioned they were overhyped / priced I'll probably make the jump and mod the switches myself.

I just ordered 120x cherry mx 62gr stainless steel springs for a grand total of 25 euro :d that a lot less then if I would've ordered it in the US so that's a nice plus.

The only question remaining is what lube to use, I found the following lube (http://www.tme.eu/en/details/sgb-200d/lubricants/electrolube/) which I can source locally so if that lube will suffice then I'm complete (I don't plan on stickering the switches because I've read that the added value of stickering is minimal).

I hope you'll like it! You gonna get into (de)soldering soon (you need to desolder to replace the springs right?)

[AlexanderJeurissen]

I've found an alternative seller of cherry mx compatible springs but they are not gold plated.

link: http://www.ukkeycaps.co.uk/product/custom-springs-for-cherry-mx-switches-various-pack-sizes-available

What is the difference between goldplated springs and non goldplated ones besides from the color ? if non goldplated ones will do fine then I'll stick with the seller I listed above because it can easily save me 20 euro.

Technically, they are the same, the gold-plated one in fact added more friction and made it a bit stiffer than the stainless steel one.
IMO, I prefer the stainless steel when I need functional spring and the gold-plated one when I want to show off the beauty of the keyboard and switches.

For your questions, I think you already had the answer:
1. R2 Purple Zealio Switches (Tactile) 62 gr
2. Replacing the mx clear springs with mx blue springs (ergoclears)

So why don't you try both and see which one you love?

Because trying both is quite expensive ? that's why I was looking for an informed decision the fact that the 62gr zealios switches are sold out and because someone mentioned they were overhyped / priced I'll probably make the jump and mod the switches myself.

I just ordered 120x cherry mx 62gr stainless steel springs for a grand total of 25 euro :d that a lot less then if I would've ordered it in the US so that's a nice plus.

The only question remaining is what lube to use, I found the following lube (http://www.tme.eu/en/details/sgb-200d/lubricants/electrolube/) which I can source locally so if that lube will suffice then I'm complete (I don't plan on stickering the switches because I've read that the added value of stickering is minimal).

I hope you'll like it! You gonna get into (de)soldering soon (you need to desolder to replace the springs right?)

Not too soon I'm quite busy atm and can't live without my ergodox I'll probably start this project when I have all parts and when I have some spare time (summer break probably)

I'm looking forward to it though the ergodox was my first soldering job and I have zero desoldering experience :d so that's gonna be fun.

[iLLucionist]

Not too soon I'm quite busy atm and can't live without my ergodox I'll probably start this project when I have all parts and when I have some spare time (summer break probably)

I'm looking forward to it though the ergodox was my first soldering job and I have zero desoldering experience :d so that's gonna be fun.

Sounds like a nice project!

[Malenky]

The Zealios are your answer. I think you may find the 62g a bit light from what I've heard though, the switch weighting is the bottoming out force which is different to how Cherry switches are weighted. I have some 67g Zealios and they are substantially lighter than the MX clears in my poker.

[iLLucionist]

The Zealios are your answer. I think you may find the 62g a bit light from what I've heard though, the switch weighting is the bottoming out force which is different to how Cherry switches are weighted. I have some 67g Zealios and they are substantially lighter than the MX clears in my poker.

Any idea why they are lighter than clears?

[bocahgundul]

The Zealios are your answer. I think you may find the 62g a bit light from what I've heard though, the switch weighting is the bottoming out force which is different to how Cherry switches are weighted. I have some 67g Zealios and they are substantially lighter than the MX clears in my poker.

Any idea why they are lighter than clears?

cause clears need 95g to bottom out?

[AlexanderJeurissen]

So if I understand correctly then the 78 grams zealios would still be substantially lighter then clears? How about actuation force does that differ a lot?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fknraiden]

buy a realforce.

[Malenky]

So if I understand correctly then the 78 grams zealios would still be substantially lighter then clears? How about actuation force does that differ a lot?

That's correct. They also feel lighter because the actual sliders are a lot smoother, as seen here:



The bump might be about the same as an MX Clear in terms of character, but it definitely feels easier to actuate, due to how smooth it is. Again, this is from my experience with 67g Zealios.

[iLLucionist]

So if I understand correctly then the 78 grams zealios would still be substantially lighter then clears? How about actuation force does that differ a lot?

That's correct. They also feel lighter because the actual sliders are a lot smoother, as seen here:

Show Image

The bump might be about the same as an MX Clear in terms of character, but it definitely feels easier to actuate, due to how smooth it is. Again, this is from my experience with 67g Zealios.

Those are nice closeups! Zealios look REALLY smooth compared to dat brown.

[iLLucionist]

buy a realforce.

Unless 55g is too heavy perhaps? Perhaps HHKB better?

[ddot]

Times like these make me hate I'm in europe... I looked at mechanicalkeyboards.com and yes I found the gold plated 62gr mx switches for 19 usd.
link: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1350

shipping cost: 30+ dollar to the Netherlands that is just retarded.. for a bag of springs..

Next time you want to order something small like springs from mechanicalkeyboards.com, email support@mechanicalkeyboards.com and ask them for a quote to ship it via USPS First-Class.  Their standard quotes on the website use one of the international couriers and are way overpriced for small things, but they'll do USPS if you ask.

[iLLucionist]

Times like these make me hate I'm in europe... I looked at mechanicalkeyboards.com and yes I found the gold plated 62gr mx switches for 19 usd.
link: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1350

shipping cost: 30+ dollar to the Netherlands that is just retarded.. for a bag of springs..

Next time you want to order something small like springs from mechanicalkeyboards.com, email support@mechanicalkeyboards.com and ask them for a quote to ship it via USPS First-Class.  Their standard quotes on the website use one of the international couriers and are way overpriced for small things, but they'll do USPS if you ask.

Great to know for me as well (Netherlands)! Thanks!

[Zeal]

62g Zealios don't feel like 62g clears because of how smooth the stem is. Most people who came from 62g ergoclears go for 65g or 67g. 62g is for those that like mx brown weight with a bit more tactile bump.
65g for a nice and long tactile bump, 67g for a crisper tactile bump with a bit more cushion at the bottom. 78g tactile bump feels a bit like 65g for the first half, then increases in weight in the latter half.

[iLLucionist]

62g Zealios don't feel like 62g clears because of how smooth the stem is. Most people who came from 62g ergoclears go for 65g or 67g. 62g is for those that like mx brown weight with a bit more tactile bump.
65g for a nice and long tactile bump, 67g for a crisper tactile bump with a bit more cushion at the bottom. 78g tactile bump feels a bit like 65g for the first half, then increases in weight in the latter half.

So what weight zealios purples would I need to mimic the stiffness of stock clears with stock springs?

[AlexanderJeurissen]

Times like these make me hate I'm in europe... I looked at mechanicalkeyboards.com and yes I found the gold plated 62gr mx switches for 19 usd.
link: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1350

shipping cost: 30+ dollar to the Netherlands that is just retarded.. for a bag of springs..

Next time you want to order something small like springs from mechanicalkeyboards.com, email support@mechanicalkeyboards.com and ask them for a quote to ship it via USPS First-Class.  Their standard quotes on the website use one of the international couriers and are way overpriced for small things, but they'll do USPS if you ask.

That's great to hear, I'll definitely consider that in the future!

buy a realforce.

I'm not really interested in full size non-split keyboards atm.

So if I understand correctly then the 78 grams zealios would still be substantially lighter then clears? How about actuation force does that differ a lot?

That's correct. They also feel lighter because the actual sliders are a lot smoother, as seen here:

Show Image

The bump might be about the same as an MX Clear in terms of character, but it definitely feels easier to actuate, due to how smooth it is. Again, this is from my experience with 67g Zealios.

Thanks for the detailed response, Nice closeups indeed  :thumb:

62g Zealios don't feel like 62g clears because of how smooth the stem is. Most people who came from 62g ergoclears go for 65g or 67g. 62g is for those that like mx brown weight with a bit more tactile bump.
65g for a nice and long tactile bump, 67g for a crisper tactile bump with a bit more cushion at the bottom. 78g tactile bump feels a bit like 65g for the first half, then increases in weight in the latter half.

That's interesting, As I explained in my OP, I personally think mx browns are way too light. But think the default MX-clears are a bit on the stiff/heavy side which is really tiring for longer typing sessions (for me at least).

would you advise to go with 78gr or 67 gr in that case ?
Also about the zaelios switches, I saw you mentioning the following in the r2 GB thread:

Are these the SMD-compatible milky bottoms?

No. They will be regular milky white bottoms. Regular plate mounted switches still fit fine without issue on hot-swap-able keyboards.

I currently have a ergodox with SMD diodes (the massdrop GB classic version) Are zealios switches compatible with my board ? I know some switches come with a diode inside of them and that I can use PCB mount switches in a plate-mounted build (by removing the legs) but I just want to make sure before I invest in 75+ switches ;)

[Zeal]

62g Zealios don't feel like 62g clears because of how smooth the stem is. Most people who came from 62g ergoclears go for 65g or 67g. 62g is for those that like mx brown weight with a bit more tactile bump.
65g for a nice and long tactile bump, 67g for a crisper tactile bump with a bit more cushion at the bottom. 78g tactile bump feels a bit like 65g for the first half, then increases in weight in the latter half.

So what weight zealios purples would I need to mimic the stiffness of stock clears with stock springs?

Stock Clear springs inside Zealios would obviously be the closest. Otherwise you can look at sourcing 100g aftermarket springs.

Times like these make me hate I'm in europe... I looked at mechanicalkeyboards.com and yes I found the gold plated 62gr mx switches for 19 usd.
link: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1350

shipping cost: 30+ dollar to the Netherlands that is just retarded.. for a bag of springs..

Next time you want to order something small like springs from mechanicalkeyboards.com, email support@mechanicalkeyboards.com and ask them for a quote to ship it via USPS First-Class.  Their standard quotes on the website use one of the international couriers and are way overpriced for small things, but they'll do USPS if you ask.

That's great to hear, I'll definitely consider that in the future!

buy a realforce.

I'm not really interested in full size non-split keyboards atm.

So if I understand correctly then the 78 grams zealios would still be substantially lighter then clears? How about actuation force does that differ a lot?

That's correct. They also feel lighter because the actual sliders are a lot smoother, as seen here:

Show Image

The bump might be about the same as an MX Clear in terms of character, but it definitely feels easier to actuate, due to how smooth it is. Again, this is from my experience with 67g Zealios.

Thanks for the detailed response, Nice closeups indeed  :thumb:

62g Zealios don't feel like 62g clears because of how smooth the stem is. Most people who came from 62g ergoclears go for 65g or 67g. 62g is for those that like mx brown weight with a bit more tactile bump.
65g for a nice and long tactile bump, 67g for a crisper tactile bump with a bit more cushion at the bottom. 78g tactile bump feels a bit like 65g for the first half, then increases in weight in the latter half.

That's interesting, As I explained in my OP, I personally think mx browns are way too light. But think the default MX-clears are a bit on the stiff/heavy side which is really tiring for longer typing sessions (for me at least).

would you advise to go with 78gr or 67 gr in that case ?
Also about the zaelios switches, I saw you mentioning the following in the r2 GB thread:

Are these the SMD-compatible milky bottoms?

No. They will be regular milky white bottoms. Regular plate mounted switches still fit fine without issue on hot-swap-able keyboards.

I currently have a ergodox with SMD diodes (the massdrop GB classic version) Are zealios switches compatible with my board ? I know some switches come with a diode inside of them and that I can use PCB mount switches in a plate-mounted build (by removing the legs) but I just want to make sure before I invest in 75+ switches ;)

67g or 78g might fit your preferences better than the other two weights. Depends on the type of feel and how heavy you're going for.

That comment was referring to SMD LEDs sitting directly under the switch. The ergodox doesn't use such LEDs and therefore any switch variant will work fine.

[iLLucionist]

62g Zealios don't feel like 62g clears because of how smooth the stem is. Most people who came from 62g ergoclears go for 65g or 67g. 62g is for those that like mx brown weight with a bit more tactile bump.
65g for a nice and long tactile bump, 67g for a crisper tactile bump with a bit more cushion at the bottom. 78g tactile bump feels a bit like 65g for the first half, then increases in weight in the latter half.

So what weight zealios purples would I need to mimic the stiffness of stock clears with stock springs?

Stock Clear springs inside Zealios would obviously be the closest. Otherwise you can look at sourcing 100g aftermarket springs.

Cool, thanks!

[AlexanderJeurissen]

62g Zealios don't feel like 62g clears because of how smooth the stem is. Most people who came from 62g ergoclears go for 65g or 67g. 62g is for those that like mx brown weight with a bit more tactile bump.
65g for a nice and long tactile bump, 67g for a crisper tactile bump with a bit more cushion at the bottom. 78g tactile bump feels a bit like 65g for the first half, then increases in weight in the latter half.

So what weight zealios purples would I need to mimic the stiffness of stock clears with stock springs?

Stock Clear springs inside Zealios would obviously be the closest. Otherwise you can look at sourcing 100g aftermarket springs.

Times like these make me hate I'm in europe... I looked at mechanicalkeyboards.com and yes I found the gold plated 62gr mx switches for 19 usd.
link: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1350

shipping cost: 30+ dollar to the Netherlands that is just retarded.. for a bag of springs..

Next time you want to order something small like springs from mechanicalkeyboards.com, email support@mechanicalkeyboards.com and ask them for a quote to ship it via USPS First-Class.  Their standard quotes on the website use one of the international couriers and are way overpriced for small things, but they'll do USPS if you ask.

That's great to hear, I'll definitely consider that in the future!

buy a realforce.

I'm not really interested in full size non-split keyboards atm.

So if I understand correctly then the 78 grams zealios would still be substantially lighter then clears? How about actuation force does that differ a lot?

That's correct. They also feel lighter because the actual sliders are a lot smoother, as seen here:

Show Image

The bump might be about the same as an MX Clear in terms of character, but it definitely feels easier to actuate, due to how smooth it is. Again, this is from my experience with 67g Zealios.

Thanks for the detailed response, Nice closeups indeed  :thumb:

62g Zealios don't feel like 62g clears because of how smooth the stem is. Most people who came from 62g ergoclears go for 65g or 67g. 62g is for those that like mx brown weight with a bit more tactile bump.
65g for a nice and long tactile bump, 67g for a crisper tactile bump with a bit more cushion at the bottom. 78g tactile bump feels a bit like 65g for the first half, then increases in weight in the latter half.

That's interesting, As I explained in my OP, I personally think mx browns are way too light. But think the default MX-clears are a bit on the stiff/heavy side which is really tiring for longer typing sessions (for me at least).

would you advise to go with 78gr or 67 gr in that case ?
Also about the zaelios switches, I saw you mentioning the following in the r2 GB thread:

Are these the SMD-compatible milky bottoms?

No. They will be regular milky white bottoms. Regular plate mounted switches still fit fine without issue on hot-swap-able keyboards.

I currently have a ergodox with SMD diodes (the massdrop GB classic version) Are zealios switches compatible with my board ? I know some switches come with a diode inside of them and that I can use PCB mount switches in a plate-mounted build (by removing the legs) but I just want to make sure before I invest in 75+ switches ;)

67g or 78g might fit your preferences better than the other two weights. Depends on the type of feel and how heavy you're going for.

That comment was referring to SMD LEDs sitting directly under the switch. The ergodox doesn't use such LEDs and therefore any switch variant will work fine.

Good to know that all variants are compatible with my Ergodox :D I have one more question about the soldering process of the zealios switches. I've noticed you mention that the milky bottom 65 grams are less prone to melting and thus easier to solder for novices.

The Ergodox was my first soldering project and in the first couple of weeks I had to resolder some cold solder joints, So I'm definitely a solder novice and hove no expensive soldering equipment ;-). So how prone to melting are the regular transparant bottom zealios switches compared to regular cherry mx switches ?

[Zeal]

62g Zealios don't feel like 62g clears because of how smooth the stem is. Most people who came from 62g ergoclears go for 65g or 67g. 62g is for those that like mx brown weight with a bit more tactile bump.
65g for a nice and long tactile bump, 67g for a crisper tactile bump with a bit more cushion at the bottom. 78g tactile bump feels a bit like 65g for the first half, then increases in weight in the latter half.

So what weight zealios purples would I need to mimic the stiffness of stock clears with stock springs?

Stock Clear springs inside Zealios would obviously be the closest. Otherwise you can look at sourcing 100g aftermarket springs.

Times like these make me hate I'm in europe... I looked at mechanicalkeyboards.com and yes I found the gold plated 62gr mx switches for 19 usd.
link: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1350

shipping cost: 30+ dollar to the Netherlands that is just retarded.. for a bag of springs..

Next time you want to order something small like springs from mechanicalkeyboards.com, email support@mechanicalkeyboards.com and ask them for a quote to ship it via USPS First-Class.  Their standard quotes on the website use one of the international couriers and are way overpriced for small things, but they'll do USPS if you ask.

That's great to hear, I'll definitely consider that in the future!

buy a realforce.

I'm not really interested in full size non-split keyboards atm.

So if I understand correctly then the 78 grams zealios would still be substantially lighter then clears? How about actuation force does that differ a lot?

That's correct. They also feel lighter because the actual sliders are a lot smoother, as seen here:

Show Image

The bump might be about the same as an MX Clear in terms of character, but it definitely feels easier to actuate, due to how smooth it is. Again, this is from my experience with 67g Zealios.

Thanks for the detailed response, Nice closeups indeed  :thumb:

62g Zealios don't feel like 62g clears because of how smooth the stem is. Most people who came from 62g ergoclears go for 65g or 67g. 62g is for those that like mx brown weight with a bit more tactile bump.
65g for a nice and long tactile bump, 67g for a crisper tactile bump with a bit more cushion at the bottom. 78g tactile bump feels a bit like 65g for the first half, then increases in weight in the latter half.

That's interesting, As I explained in my OP, I personally think mx browns are way too light. But think the default MX-clears are a bit on the stiff/heavy side which is really tiring for longer typing sessions (for me at least).

would you advise to go with 78gr or 67 gr in that case ?
Also about the zaelios switches, I saw you mentioning the following in the r2 GB thread:

Are these the SMD-compatible milky bottoms?

No. They will be regular milky white bottoms. Regular plate mounted switches still fit fine without issue on hot-swap-able keyboards.

I currently have a ergodox with SMD diodes (the massdrop GB classic version) Are zealios switches compatible with my board ? I know some switches come with a diode inside of them and that I can use PCB mount switches in a plate-mounted build (by removing the legs) but I just want to make sure before I invest in 75+ switches ;)

67g or 78g might fit your preferences better than the other two weights. Depends on the type of feel and how heavy you're going for.

That comment was referring to SMD LEDs sitting directly under the switch. The ergodox doesn't use such LEDs and therefore any switch variant will work fine.

Good to know that all variants are compatible with my Ergodox :D I have one more question about the soldering process of the zealios switches. I've noticed you mention that the milky bottom 65 grams are less prone to melting and thus easier to solder for novices.

The Ergodox was my first soldering project and in the first couple of weeks I had to resolder some cold solder joints, So I'm definitely a solder novice and hove no expensive soldering equipment ;-). So how prone to melting are the regular transparant bottom zealios switches compared to regular cherry mx switches ?

Hard to say. I've had customers that had no experience soldering, but didn't melt any bottoms, and others that encountered a few issues. A good temperature controlled iron is definitely highly recommended to reduce the odds of over heating the pins, and proper solder technique is always a huge bonus. As long as you're not heating a pin or putting excess pressure on it for more than 2-3 seconds, you should be fine.