![]() ![]() Activation Force - measured in grams (g) and represents the force that needs to be applied to activate the switch.There are several terms used when comparing the specifications of a mechanical key switch. Key Switch Terminology Key Switch specifications The base housing both holds together the switch internal mechanism and also forms the mount with which it connects to the keyboard base. You can see the effect of the spring when looking at the activation force value for each switch.ĥ) Base Housing - Like the upper housing, the base housing is made from a plastic polymer. Each switch type uses a different rated spring. Using gold ensures there is no corrosion throughout the life of the switch.Ĥ) Coil Spring - The coil spring provides the resistance you feel when you depress the key. For a tactile or clicky key switch, the stem is responsible for the tactile or clicky characteristics due to its unique shape and design.ģ) Crosspoint Contact - Usually gold-plated, the crosspoint contact is the heart of the key switch. You will notice that with very cheap keyboards, the keys feel very unstable when typing.Ģ) Stem - The stem is made of plastic polymer that creates the vertical movement and the key feel. Many switches are rating to last between 50 million and 100 million key presses.Ĭherry MX Brown Exploded View (Source: Cherry)ġ) Upper Housing - The upper housing is made from a plastic polymer to a very high level of tolerance, guiding the stem to create a smooth vertical movement with a negligible wobble. They are made from high precision plastic polymer with a gold-plated internal switch to ensure minimal wear and achieve a long lifespan. Anatomy of a Mechanical Key SwitchĪ mechanical key switch is made from only 5 parts. They make some of the best tactile and clicky switches available, with only their linear switches falling behind Gateron for smoothness. Kailh makes probably the most popular key switches, offering a wide range of designs and switch styles. Updated BOX switches have been shown to work fine with GMK and Signature Plastics keycaps.If you are interested in a similar article covering Gateron key switches, please check out our previous guide. Always order a few more if you're unsure):īecause keycaps can vary greatly between various manufacturers we unfortunately cannot guarantee that a switch won't stretch or crack keycaps. Here is a guide on how many switches you'll need for different keyboard sizes (The guide is a reference, but some keyboards market a certain layout even though they require a few more or fewer switches. Kailh switches Review from Switch and Click Note #2: Due its special molds and structure, we DO NOT recommend lubing BOX switches, it will leak out. Offering in 3 different spring weights, and without sacrificing any of that CLICK, CLACK.īut of course, we will be offering the clones as well, for those looking for a very beginner friendly build! All switches are 3-pins, so it should be compatible with all of MX-compatible PCBs. Kailh's click bar is just on a whole new level. Rather than the cherry clones, the Kailh BOX line is very popular due to its clicky switches. (lol) Due to their special mold, there is significantly less wobble all around. The almighty BOX switches from Kaihua, also known as Kailh, are the pioneers of budget friendly switches! These switches are not your ordinary mx switches, they're shaped.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |