SOLVED Looking for a new KB - what switch to choose?

[freakdiablo]

I want us all to lower our heads, it is time to put my keyboard to rest.

I've been using a WASD Code fullsize keyboard with MX Clears for...8 1/2 years. Got it back in 2016 and it's lasted several moves like a boss.

But it's on she's on her last legs. She's tired. Several keys are starting to jam, and the backlight will flicker once in a blue moon.

I'm still debating on a few details - do I want to go TKL. Do I want wireless. But the one thing I kind of want to stick with is the MX Clear feel.

Looks like there are a lot of "boutique" key brands now and before I go out dropping a C-note on key testers I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction. I just like the real solid, heavy feedback with a good tactile bump and a moderate click.

Any recommendations?

 

[freeagent]

My G213 cringed.

Your description made me think that this is exactly what I want.. lol.

Gonna watch

 

[infinitevalence]

First suggestion would be buckling spring such as a Model M or M clone. They are going to bring you right back to the 90's requiring a heavy press to get a very strong feedback and click.

Unicomp GA LLC: New Model M

if you dont want to go that route then I would suggest trying out in no particular order:

• Gateron G Pro Green (80g clicky) https://www.gateron.co/products/gateron-switch-set?variant=40017397481561
• Kailh Box Navy (95g clicky 1.8mm activation) https://www.kailh.net/products/kail...1&_sid=836420414&_ss=r&variant=43650830336242
• Kailh Box Jade (75g clicky) https://novelkeys.com/collections/switches/products/kailh-box-switches
• Kailh Crystal Royal Box (75g tactile) https://www.kailh.net/products/kailh-crystal-royal-box-tactile-switch-set
• Kailh Speed Navy (100g clicky 1.2mm activation) https://novelkeys.com/collections/switches/products/kailh-switches?variant=40598672474279

Boutique switches, in no particular order:

• Vala Shogun (78g tactile) https://vala.supply/products/vala-shogun-switch
• NK Sherbet (75g clicky) https://novelkeys.com/collections/switches/products/kailh-switches?variant=40598678634663

Entry level - Discount switches:

• Outemu Teal/Green (70g clicky) https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802192387196.html

I ended up building my own switches out of a mix of Kailh Silent Box Brown and Kailh Crystal Royal Box to get my preferred combination of spring weight, tactile bump, but unfortunately quiet operation to comply with WAF (wife approval factor)

I have a few of these switches on hand in a tester and I will do my best to get some video and audio of them tomorrow.

 

[Janus67]

I recently decided to go with a Keychron Q HE (Hall effect switch sensor). It's a nice keyboard but wish it came in a 100% size. That's if you're looking for a change of pace.

But @infinitevalence got you covered in terms of the click chonky feel if that's what you're looking for

 

[Kenrou]

@infinitevalence has a good point, you really can't go wrong with the originals, there's quite a few people restoring and selling them now, some even go to the trouble of jury-rigging the PS/2 port for a USB, going anywhere from $30-$70

 

[infinitevalence]

https://imgur.com/ivHaTJn

https://imgur.com/5BlgRJp

Backup Imgur video link

 

[freakdiablo]

@infinitevalence has a good point, you really can't go wrong with the originals, there's quite a few people restoring and selling them now, some even go to the trouble of jury-rigging the PS/2 port for a USB, going anywhere from $30-$70

View attachment 368755

I've toyed with the idea of grabbing one of the golden oldies - my dad actually did his dirty 30 at IBM and had at least one Model M in the basement. Only reason it hasn't made it's way into my suitcase when I visited is because aside from key feel, my second "want" is backlighting - just basic white backlighting is fine.

@infinitevalence, thanks for the list. At some point I'll grab an empty key tester and try a few. I want to say the Shoguns are what actually got me to ask. Drop has a few boards listed with them for a good price, but figured I'd ask before dropping low three figures on a board I'm just OK with.

 

[infinitevalence]

I wont buy keyboards unless they support QMK. The reason is because keyboards should work until I am done with it and not be limited by software.

So Hotswap switches lets me replace switches that break or get gummed up, and QMK lets me modify my software to match my needs. Some keyboards even have socketed controller so you can replace the MCU if it gets damaged. like Pi Pico, Black Pill, and such.

 

[freakdiablo]

Marking this thread as "Solved", mainly because my current Code took a nose dive over the past week. Now it's "rebooting" every few minutes. RIP In Peace, my fallen brother.

Ordered a CTRL V2 kit off Drop - with a plate mounted stabilizer and lubed Holy Panda X keys. I'll try the keys and swap them out if I'm not crazy about them.