Mechanical Keyboards

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What are your favorite switches (and what spring resistance?) and what are you using right now? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 week ago by cm0002@lemmy.world to c/mechanical_keyboards@programming.dev

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Original question by @Reverendender@sh.itjust.works

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[–] Deconceptualist@lemm.ee 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (3 children)

I used a proper IBM Model M as long as I could. Nothing felt as good (except maybe the rarer Model F). But eventually I had to replace it.

So I got a sample pack at one point and was easily won over by Kailh bronze. Those are the next best thing to the buckling springs.

My partner hates the clicky sound though so I also got a set of the quieter purples. Those are almost as good.

Eventually I switched to Holy Pandas because I wanted something even better. They were expensive. Honestly, I think I prefer the Kailh bronze, for both work and gaming.

Just checked the Kailh website and looks like they have totally different models now so oh well, maybe this is no help.

But fuck Cherry. Their switches are inconsistent garbage.

[–] sxan@midwest.social 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (2 children)

Thank you. This is exactly what I've been looking for.

I've asked the question "what's the closest switch to buckling spring" several times over the years, and I've gotten responses ranging from "there is nothing, but" to suggestions from people who've clearly never typed on a Model M. Or F.

A big issue I see is the belief - by even switch makers - that buckling spring meant a deep, close to bottom actuation. "Typist" switches all seem to be like this.

It's good to have the perspective of a buckling spring fan.

[–] Deconceptualist@lemm.ee 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Oh cool, glad it helped. I don't know the current key models but if you want to get even closer, try to find something with the same mechanism but a slightly heavier spring. Or swap the springs yourself if you're dedicated.

It still won't be perfect. When buckling springs actuate they pull the key downward a tiny bit (not to the bottom), and when they de-actuate they push the key back upward with a small force. That satisfying bouncy feeling just can't be replicated by linear springs. But the Kailhs come the closest IMO to matching the actuation force, press and release timing, and tactile clicky feeling.

There is also Unicom and ModelFKeyboards.com for true buckling springs, but those are all expensive and ugly IMO.

[–] sxan@midwest.social 2 points 1 week ago

Thanks. Yeah, all of the current new models are all row-staggered and non-ergo. I just can't do that anymore b/c RSI.