Cherry MX RGB Brown

[pitfermi]

Hi. New here and looking to build my first custom keyboard. will use MX Browns, preferable the ones stated in the title, which feature a clear housing for better lighting. does anybody on the forum sell them? Also, where can I get rgb leds compatible with these switches? thanks in advance.

[Cocopah]

Hey, welcome to the board. This isnt really the spot for the question but you can find the switches here

[pitfermi]

I'm sorry. i had the feeling this wasn't the right board to ask, but i was hoping to find a cheaper source  or something. anyway if somebody knows of any other sources i would like to know thanks

Hey, welcome to the board. This isnt really the spot for the question but you can find the switches here

[TalkingTree]

Do you want original Cherry MX switches or Gateron KS-3 will do for you? In the second case, you can get a good deal from this Aliexpress seller, if you can wait the long delivery times. Just PM him.

[pitfermi]

only original cherry mxs. anyway i went and ordered some from another forum, just not clear housing.. can you recommend me some good rgb LEDs ?

[hking0036]

only original cherry mxs. anyway i went and ordered some from another forum, just not clear housing.. can you recommend me some good rgb LEDs ?

non-rgb switches won't work with RGB LEDs. RGB LEDs are mounted under the switch and shine through the clear housing, which is why the RGB variants exist. You can use the old standard backlighting with 1-color LEDs mounted on the switch, though.

[Jeu]

also most PCBs dont support underswitch RGB LEDs unless already installed like the Zeal60 PCB.  At least that I'm aware of.  Most only allow inswitch single color that you can swap out if you sip or holtite them.

[pitfermi]

what about this one? it's a zorro black switch from the ajazz ak33 rgb. yes, those are rgb leds you see on the left. i was looking to build something similar. i currently use this keyboard but i am not that satisfied with the switches. what kind of leds are these anyway?

[Jeu]

I don't know which LEDs or PCB that is but if it supports the RGB LEDs already and you just want to replace the switches you would need a switch that supports 4 pin LEDs...i assume thats what the LEDs are since they are quite large Gateron RGB (black bottom clear top) or SMD (milky bottom clear top) both accomodate 4 pin.  As do zealios,  Cherry RGB do not support inswitch LEDs but under switch SMD which these you have shown are not.  That's all I can think of!

[infiniti]

Hi. New here and looking to build my first custom keyboard. will use MX Browns, preferable the ones stated in the title, which feature a clear housing for better lighting. does anybody on the forum sell them? Also, where can I get rgb leds compatible with these switches? thanks in advance.

Welcome to GH!

I've moved this topic to the Keyboards sub-forum for better visibility.

[Puddsy]

The issue isn't compatible LEDS, it's a compatible PCB. I think the only option right now is the zeal60.

[bmmcwhirt]

Another source for Gateron RGB switches should you decide on them:  https://www.pcgamingrace.com/products/gateron-smd-led-compatible-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-red-green-clear-brown-blue-black-switches?variant=20340749059


I have a MechKeys.CA TKL I put Gateron blues in and I cannot tell the difference between Cherry and Gateron. Some can so it's worth it to buy a switch sampler and test them for yourself.

As far as the board, the Zeal60 has already ben mentioned, Gons also has some but do some research on this people have had some issues so you deal with them at your own risk. I mention it in case you stumble uppon it on your own. I've never had personal dealings so I can only advise you to investigate.

There is this board on AliExpress but I also know nothing about it:  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/96-DIY-Kit-Mechanical-Keyboard-Customized-Set-PCB-Case-Plate-Stabilizers-Underglow-RGB-Free-shipping/32733608635.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_1_10065_10130_10068_433_434_10136_10137_10138_10060_10062_10141_10056_10140_10055_10054_10059_10099_129_10103_10102_10096_10052_10053_10050_10107_10051_10106_10084_10083_10080_10082_10081_10110_10111_10112_10113_10114_10078_10079_10073_10070_10122_10123_10126_10124,searchweb201603_6,afswitch_1,ppcSwitch_4,single_sort_0_default&btsid=c1980bf4-eabb-4e9b-a3e5-4dd82def2b1a&algo_expid=c1661506-2465-47ce-b015-133cb5971c78-0&algo_pvid=c1661506-2465-47ce-b015-133cb5971c78

There was a GH60(clone) PCB RGB on aliexpress but I don't know of anyone who has gotten one.

There are not a lot of options for DIY as LED underglow and shine through are a fad that seems to be on it's way out.

You could download KiCad and design a board from scratch, but that is pretty intense.

[pitfermi]

ok guys. thanks for your inputs. i will tell you what I really want. actually i figured out rgb lighting is not that important to me anymore. after using the ajazz it really comes down to what the keyboard actually feels when I type and not the fancy lights ^^ and this one doesn't fulfill my needs. ok so, so far i've chosen the switches(regular cherry browns with black case) and designed this board on keyboard layout http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/87548df49423e1b81a31cba8f03cea9e . it's important for me that the F and number keys are aligned. also, now that i decided im not gonna use any lighting, i can get rid of the Fn key on the left and move everything a switch to the left. i also want to use a pro micro as a controller.
the board you linked on aliexpress, https://www.aliexpress.com/item/96-DIY-Kit-Mechanical-Keyboard-Customized-Set-PCB-Case-Plate-Stabilizers-Underglow-RGB-Free-shipping/32733608635.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_1_10065_10130_10068_433_434_10136_10137_10138_10060_10062_10141_10056_10140_10055_10054_10059_10099_129_10103_10102_10096_10052_10053_10050_10107_10051_10106_10084_10083_10080_10082_10081_10110_10111_10112_10113_10114_10078_10079_10073_10070_10122_10123_10126_10124,searchweb201603_6,afswitch_1,ppcSwitch_4,single_sort_0_default&btsid=c1980bf4-eabb-4e9b-a3e5-4dd82def2b1a&algo_expid=c1661506-2465-47ce-b015-133cb5971c78-0&algo_pvid=c1661506-2465-47ce-b015-133cb5971c78
is neat, though i dont need any leds etc now. is there a similar kit to that, which has( as i said) the F and number keys aligned and also features a full sized numpad?  that would suit my needs i think. i also love the white/blue keycap combination of the aliexpress product. so much cool stuff in this hobby

edit: looks like the keycool84 comes very close to what i am looking for, just lacks the numpad. oh and the alignment thing i mentioned is apparently the main characteristic of a 75% keyboard? correct?

[Data]

Yes, that's basically a 75% layout.

You're never going to find a 1.5u Delete key outside of custom keysets, so you might want to compromise on your top row, far right.  You'll also want to be flexible about that bottom row layout.  But you should be able to find something very close.

Edit: KBT Race 2
Noppoo Nano 75
KEYCOOL 84
Noppoo Choc Mini 84
Mechanical Keyboards MK84

[pitfermi]

Yes, that's basically a 75% layout.

You're never going to find a 1.5u Delete key outside of custom keysets, so you might want to compromise on your top row, far right.  You'll also want to be flexible about that bottom row layout.  But you should be able to find something very close.

yea the delete key doesnt bother me. i actually dont like it that big xD currently looking at the GB section for a 75% keyboard but everything has been done/is closed

[Data]

I added a few retail boards with that form factor.

[klennkellon]

If you are going to build your own keyboard I'd recommend Zealios or at least Gateron Browns over MX browns. They are RGB compatible and much smoother than MX Browns. The Zealios especially are very smooth and have a nicer bump.

But it's totally subjective! if you like MX browns so be it!

[bmmcwhirt]

FWIW, I have been working [slowly] on a custom designed 84key design.

I'll show what I'm working on but I haven't even posted this to the making forum yet.
I wont go into detail or anything as this is still super early, when I get to a good point I will make an official thread in the making forum. This is just kind of to show if you want to you can make something completely from scratch. I'm having a few issues getting use to KiCAD over Eagle, but I cant use Eagle for anything this large without buying into some obnoxious subscription so that means I don't have a board layout even close yet.

https://goo.gl/Owhph3

[pitfermi]

i dunno i have only this 4 key switch tester from china with transparent keycap. red  blue brown black cherry mx and the brown is my favorite. i like the light feedback right before it activates. you cant really tell the difference between gateron and cherry browns? can you show me what kind of rgb leds i will be able to use with gaterons? thanks

If you are going to build your own keyboard I'd recommend Zealios or at least Gateron Browns over MX browns. They are RGB compatible and much smoother than MX Browns. The Zealios especially are very smooth and have a nicer bump.

But it's totally subjective! if you like MX browns so be it!