Something in-between MX Brown & MX Clears?

[Micdeez]

All,

I've really grown into the enthusiast KB world, owning about 4 mechs since about 4 months ago.
Searching for really, the right switch.

I've tried the Ducky Legend in MX red, Ducky TKL in MX brown, Pok3r in MX clear and Leopold FC750 with MX browns.

I love the ease of use in MX reds, although a little too "easy" to press. I found the browns are quite good too, but essentially I find myself making lots of typos in both.
The MX clears in the Pok3r are great, as I make less typos (and the PBT caps are sweet), but I seem to tire out a little after some intense typing and gaming sessions (FPS mainly).

So what am I asking? Is there a switch lighter than the MX clears, and heavier than the browns? I bottom out on browns of course, less so on the clears most certainly.
I have heard of the ergo clear mod, but frankly having to de-solder and solder is a frightening thought on an expensive board...

Cheers

[nubbinator]

Topre and Orange Alps could be to your liking.

[redbanshee]

Im pretty sure any zealio switch is in that range.

[Micdeez]

Topre and Orange Alps could be to your liking.

Thanks, I will have a look around

Im pretty sure any zealio switch is in that range.

Not familiar with Zealio switches, but thanks I will look around also.

I think I like the TKL size factor the best.

[kenmai9]

Topre and Orange Alps could be to your liking.

+1 on da topre.

[xondat]

This is a question I meant to ask months ago. I still have lots of zealio to try out )

[Micdeez]

This is a question I meant to ask months ago. I still have lots of zealio to try out )

How is the feels!?

[xondat]

This is a question I meant to ask months ago. I still have lots of zealio to try out )

How is the feels!?

Well I have all weights on hand, and when I reach into the bags they're spiky.

I'll try the various weights soon  )

[ideus]

All,

I've really grown into the enthusiast KB world, owning about 4 mechs since about 4 months ago.
Searching for really, the right switch.

I've tried the Ducky Legend in MX red, Ducky TKL in MX brown, Pok3r in MX clear and Leopold FC750 with MX browns.

I love the ease of use in MX reds, although a little too "easy" to press. I found the browns are quite good too, but essentially I find myself making lots of typos in both.
The MX clears in the Pok3r are great, as I make less typos (and the PBT caps are sweet), but I seem to tire out a little after some intense typing and gaming sessions (FPS mainly).

So what am I asking? Is there a switch lighter than the MX clears, and heavier than the browns? I bottom out on browns of course, less so on the clears most certainly.
I have heard of the ergo clear mod, but frankly having to de-solder and solder is a frightening thought on an expensive board...

Cheers

Welcome to the Ergo Clear's Club. What you need are Ergo Clears, the bump in the Zealios are too small and the plastic too soft to compare with Clears, they feel closer to browns than to clears, your choice, I have used blacks, reds, browns, clears, ergo clears and zealios, I'd take ergo clears any time.

[Micdeez]

All,

I've really grown into the enthusiast KB world, owning about 4 mechs since about 4 months ago.
Searching for really, the right switch.

I've tried the Ducky Legend in MX red, Ducky TKL in MX brown, Pok3r in MX clear and Leopold FC750 with MX browns.

I love the ease of use in MX reds, although a little too "easy" to press. I found the browns are quite good too, but essentially I find myself making lots of typos in both.
The MX clears in the Pok3r are great, as I make less typos (and the PBT caps are sweet), but I seem to tire out a little after some intense typing and gaming sessions (FPS mainly).

So what am I asking? Is there a switch lighter than the MX clears, and heavier than the browns? I bottom out on browns of course, less so on the clears most certainly.
I have heard of the ergo clear mod, but frankly having to de-solder and solder is a frightening thought on an expensive board...

Cheers

Welcome to the Ergo Clear's Club. What you need are Ergo Clears, the bump in the Zealios are too small and the plastic too soft to compare with Clears, they feel closer to browns than to clears, your choice, I have used blacks, reds, browns, clears, ergo clears and zealios, I'd take ergo clears any time.

Thank you.

Are there any boards that won't require de-soldering? Like PCB boards? Or are most boards plate mounted?
Out of all of my boards, I like the Leopold FC750 the most, its built like a tank and looks really minimalistic

[kenmai9]

All,

I've really grown into the enthusiast KB world, owning about 4 mechs since about 4 months ago.
Searching for really, the right switch.

I've tried the Ducky Legend in MX red, Ducky TKL in MX brown, Pok3r in MX clear and Leopold FC750 with MX browns.

I love the ease of use in MX reds, although a little too "easy" to press. I found the browns are quite good too, but essentially I find myself making lots of typos in both.
The MX clears in the Pok3r are great, as I make less typos (and the PBT caps are sweet), but I seem to tire out a little after some intense typing and gaming sessions (FPS mainly).

So what am I asking? Is there a switch lighter than the MX clears, and heavier than the browns? I bottom out on browns of course, less so on the clears most certainly.
I have heard of the ergo clear mod, but frankly having to de-solder and solder is a frightening thought on an expensive board...

Cheers

Welcome to the Ergo Clear's Club. What you need are Ergo Clears, the bump in the Zealios are too small and the plastic too soft to compare with Clears, they feel closer to browns than to clears, your choice, I have used blacks, reds, browns, clears, ergo clears and zealios, I'd take ergo clears any time.

Thank you.

Are there any boards that won't require de-soldering? Like PCB boards? Or are most boards plate mounted?
Out of all of my boards, I like the Leopold FC750 the most, its built like a tank and looks really minimalistic

poker x. which is what i currently use.

[ideus]

All,

I've really grown into the enthusiast KB world, owning about 4 mechs since about 4 months ago.
Searching for really, the right switch.

I've tried the Ducky Legend in MX red, Ducky TKL in MX brown, Pok3r in MX clear and Leopold FC750 with MX browns.

I love the ease of use in MX reds, although a little too "easy" to press. I found the browns are quite good too, but essentially I find myself making lots of typos in both.
The MX clears in the Pok3r are great, as I make less typos (and the PBT caps are sweet), but I seem to tire out a little after some intense typing and gaming sessions (FPS mainly).

So what am I asking? Is there a switch lighter than the MX clears, and heavier than the browns? I bottom out on browns of course, less so on the clears most certainly.
I have heard of the ergo clear mod, but frankly having to de-solder and solder is a frightening thought on an expensive board...

Cheers

Welcome to the Ergo Clear's Club. What you need are Ergo Clears, the bump in the Zealios are too small and the plastic too soft to compare with Clears, they feel closer to browns than to clears, your choice, I have used blacks, reds, browns, clears, ergo clears and zealios, I'd take ergo clears any time.

Thank you.

Are there any boards that won't require de-soldering? Like PCB boards? Or are most boards plate mounted?
Out of all of my boards, I like the Leopold FC750 the most, its built like a tank and looks really minimalistic

There are some PCB mounted keyboards; but, sooner, or later, you will have to build your own board, when you do that you may choose either to mount your switches directly on the PCB, or find a plate with cut outs to allow tops removal, I think, this last option is the best route, because you will be able to remod the switches at any time, just the bottoms will be fixed, just be sure to use dip sockets for LEDs in case you use them.

[Micdeez]

All,

I've really grown into the enthusiast KB world, owning about 4 mechs since about 4 months ago.
Searching for really, the right switch.

I've tried the Ducky Legend in MX red, Ducky TKL in MX brown, Pok3r in MX clear and Leopold FC750 with MX browns.

I love the ease of use in MX reds, although a little too "easy" to press. I found the browns are quite good too, but essentially I find myself making lots of typos in both.
The MX clears in the Pok3r are great, as I make less typos (and the PBT caps are sweet), but I seem to tire out a little after some intense typing and gaming sessions (FPS mainly).

So what am I asking? Is there a switch lighter than the MX clears, and heavier than the browns? I bottom out on browns of course, less so on the clears most certainly.
I have heard of the ergo clear mod, but frankly having to de-solder and solder is a frightening thought on an expensive board...

Cheers

Welcome to the Ergo Clear's Club. What you need are Ergo Clears, the bump in the Zealios are too small and the plastic too soft to compare with Clears, they feel closer to browns than to clears, your choice, I have used blacks, reds, browns, clears, ergo clears and zealios, I'd take ergo clears any time.

Thank you.

Are there any boards that won't require de-soldering? Like PCB boards? Or are most boards plate mounted?
Out of all of my boards, I like the Leopold FC750 the most, its built like a tank and looks really minimalistic

There are some PCB mounted keyboards; but, sooner, or later, you will have to build your own board, when you do that you may choose either to mount your switches directly on the PCB, or find a plate with cut outs to allow tops removal, I think, this last option is the best route, because you will be able to remod the switches at any time, just the bottoms will be fixed, just be sure to use dip sockets for LEDs in case you use them.

Cheers mate, good tips. Considering going into the modding scene, just need to read up a bit more on the tutorials.

Could I get a plate for the Leopold FC750? Or are these custom plates for certain boards only?

[Jpecina]

Topre might be what you're looking for. To me, it feels nicer than my MX browns.

[ideus]

All,

I've really grown into the enthusiast KB world, owning about 4 mechs since about 4 months ago.
Searching for really, the right switch.

I've tried the Ducky Legend in MX red, Ducky TKL in MX brown, Pok3r in MX clear and Leopold FC750 with MX browns.

I love the ease of use in MX reds, although a little too "easy" to press. I found the browns are quite good too, but essentially I find myself making lots of typos in both.
The MX clears in the Pok3r are great, as I make less typos (and the PBT caps are sweet), but I seem to tire out a little after some intense typing and gaming sessions (FPS mainly).

So what am I asking? Is there a switch lighter than the MX clears, and heavier than the browns? I bottom out on browns of course, less so on the clears most certainly.
I have heard of the ergo clear mod, but frankly having to de-solder and solder is a frightening thought on an expensive board...

Cheers

Welcome to the Ergo Clear's Club. What you need are Ergo Clears, the bump in the Zealios are too small and the plastic too soft to compare with Clears, they feel closer to browns than to clears, your choice, I have used blacks, reds, browns, clears, ergo clears and zealios, I'd take ergo clears any time.

Thank you.

Are there any boards that won't require de-soldering? Like PCB boards? Or are most boards plate mounted?
Out of all of my boards, I like the Leopold FC750 the most, its built like a tank and looks really minimalistic

There are some PCB mounted keyboards; but, sooner, or later, you will have to build your own board, when you do that you may choose either to mount your switches directly on the PCB, or find a plate with cut outs to allow tops removal, I think, this last option is the best route, because you will be able to remod the switches at any time, just the bottoms will be fixed, just be sure to use dip sockets for LEDs in case you use them.

Cheers mate, good tips. Considering going into the modding scene, just need to read up a bit more on the tutorials.

Could I get a plate for the Leopold FC750? Or are these custom plates for certain boards only?

There are some TKL plates around; but, I am not familiar with TKL components, because I am a sixty user. I am sure someone may answer that question here, or you could post the question at "Simple questions simple answers" thread.

[repuls0r]

Zeals definitely.  67g

[klennkellon]

Matias Quiet Clicks or SKCM Orange ALPS. They're both weighted around 60-65g and are even more tactile than MX Clears.

MX Browns are poop compared to almost anything, though.

[Micdeez]

Matias Quiet Clicks or SKCM Orange ALPS. They're both weighted around 60-65g and are even more tactile than MX Clears.

MX Browns are poop compared to almost anything, though.

Thanks your input, this kb looks right up my alley, its TKL and black...
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1603

I have no idea on the quality of KBP products. Are they up there with Leopold/Ducky?

[klennkellon]

I have the V80 with Matias Quiet Clicks, it's a pretty solid board all around, has a decent weight and little flex to the case with barely any creaking.

I'd recommend you spend a little more on the versions with the Tai-Hao doubleshots because the stock caps are mediocre.

[MoarCoffeePlzzz]

Ergo Clear Mods.

[OfTheWild]

Zeals definitely.  67g

Yup i can confirm. I have a brown, clear, and 67g zealios next to each other on a switch tester and i can confirm the 67g Zeal is right in between the two as far as weight.

[klennkellon]

Do the Zealios still have wimpy tactilty? It seems unavoidable in MX switches because of the way they are designed.

[rowdy]

I found blues/reds way too light.

Then I found clears a bit too heavy, but after a month or two I am happily bottoming out on them all the time

Perhaps give yourself a couple more weeks with the clears and see what happens.

[OfTheWild]

Do the Zealios still have wimpy tactilty? It seems unavoidable in MX switches because of the way they are designed.

I mean they're not as big a lump as say the mx clear but they're definitely getting you that "cards in your spokes" kinda feel when you're really going at a paragraph.

[fohat.digs]

The cheapest and easiest and completely reversible way to adjust feel is with O-rings.

Give them a try on both brown and clear and you may hit on something you like very easily.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/150x-White-Keycap-Silicon-Rubber-O-Ring-Switch-Dampeners-For-Cherry-MX-Replace/331456707767

[ideus]

The cheapest and easiest and completely reversible way to adjust feel is with O-rings.

Give them a try on both brown and clear and you may hit on something you like very easily.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/150x-White-Keycap-Silicon-Rubber-O-Ring-Switch-Dampeners-For-Cherry-MX-Replace/331456707767

In my experience, the o-rings just turn the feel into a mushy one, that's all, I do not know if someone likes it, but not me, the feeling is awful. Talking about reversibility, if you have a plate with cut outs for top removal, any change in the stem and springs is reversible. Also with PCB mounted switches.

[fohat.digs]

I do not know if someone likes it, but not me,

Cherry sucks, of course, but O-rings are generally an improvement, it would seem to me.
Reduced travel, attenuated noise, quicker bounce-back, what's not to like?

My son, the gamer, (MX black in a Filco TKL) likes the tightening and quickening that they give him.

[ideus]

I do not know if someone likes it, but not me,

Cherry sucks, of course, but O-rings are generally an improvement, it would seem to me.
Reduced travel, attenuated noise, quicker bounce-back, what's not to like?

My son, the gamer, (MX black in a Filco TKL) likes the tightening and quickening that they give him.

Interesting way to put it, I'd say, instead, that I like MX switches, the travel, the noise the feeling of them bouncing; but, o-rings make them more similar to a rubber dome, short travel, mushy noise, less spring back,  ) .

[alienman82]

removed.

[[Lewynlight]]

try ergo clears, zealios, or topre.
i was on the same boots as you.. faced with the decisions, and went with topre as a result.



fortunately, i didn't regret my choice.

[BucklingSpring]

Here another vote for Matias quiet tactile.

[Micdeez]

Update guys.

So I tried the Matias QC's the other day through a friend of a friend that owned a V80 TKL.
Argh... Disliked them. They felt mushy and just simply didn't feel right IMO.

So I'm thinking. I like my Leopold FC750RT and the MX Browns. Thinking about lubing them up and adding sticker vinyls on the switches and clipping the modifier stems. I really do like my 750R.

Q - Would lubing MX browns almost feel like a red switch? I really want to make the browns more buttery smooth before I invest in another switch board.

I do like the sound of the Zealios though; this could be my next switch.

[Micdeez]

I forgot to add too, I tried Topre for the very first time.

It is indeed a great switch. Black Realforce 87U 55g uniform.
Switches were just buttery smooth and nice and tactile.

I think the only thing swaying me from buying one is the lack of availability of keycaps and non-removable USB cable. Moreso the former being heavily influenced....

I would also think Topre would work fine for gaming too.

[Hypersphere]

A good thing about Topre is that the caps are perfectly designed to form a functional unit with the switch. Topre switches have become my tie for favorite, alongside IBM capacitive buckling spring (Model F) switches.

Next in line are various Alps and Alps clones, including Matias Click and Matias Quiet Click.

Never could find a Cherry mx or clone that I liked until I tried Gateron yellow switches. Cherries and their clones are inherently linear, so it made sense to gravitate to an unfettered linear switch. For me, the Gateron yellows occupy a sweet spot in actuation and bottoming-out force, and they are very smooth.

Nevertheless, although I find it fun to rotate through my collection, I always come back to my all-time favorite, a HHKB Pro 2 with silenced and lubed Topres.

However, if you like Cherry mx and the grafted-on tactile bump in browns and clears, but you find the browns too light and the clears too heavy, you might try ergo clears or Zealios with a suitable spring weight.

[Micdeez]

Thanks man, I agree Topre was a nice experience when I demo'd the 55g uniform variant.
Again, I feel like if they had more aftermarket caps for them, or approached it like CM with their Nova hybrid stems, that would be awesome.

I might still try lubing the MX browns to see if I can get it buttery smooth, should I expect this result when lubing browns?

I found some pretty good soldering stations (inc a hot air gun), I think its a Hakka brand or clone for $50 from eBay.

[Micdeez]

Hey guys, so just affirmation on lubing the browns, would they become a lot smoother, similar to reds, or am I just wasting my time?

Also interested to hear if anyone has opened up their FC750R so I know what to expect without breaking any plastic!