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Annndy
89
Nov 7, 2016
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Please forgive my asking this general question in such a specific place, but it there some standard by which the switches on these high end keyboards can be swapped with other switches? I see stand-alone switches for sale here and I am wondering if there are completely customizable keyboards out there. If there are, where could I read more about them?
HappySkitty
111
Nov 7, 2016
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AnnndyMost keyboards here support Cherry MX style switches. There are different brands though that are similar to the Cherry ones (such as these gaterons https://www.massdrop.com/buy/gateron-switches ). The switches can be swapped but it usually requires desoldering which can be tedious.
I think most people generally don't swap switches on boards. Keycaps are often replaced though. For keycaps you have to check that it is compatible with the switch type (if it has that + shape on the stem then it'll work with Cherry switches and Gaterons) and with the layout of the keyboard. Some keyboards have different sized keys making it tough to get a different keycap set onto it. This keyboard has a standard layout so most keycap sets will fit on this board.
I think most people generally don't swap switches on boards. Keycaps are often replaced though. For keycaps you have to check that it is compatible with the switch type (if it has that + shape on the stem then it'll work with Cherry switches and Gaterons) and with the layout of the keyboard. Some keyboards have different sized keys making it tough to get a different keycap set onto it. This keyboard has a standard layout so most keycap sets will fit on this board.
Annndy
89
Nov 8, 2016
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AnnndyThank you very much. I expected this to be the case, but I keep seeing switches for sale and thinking, "people can't be desoldering whole keyboards, can they?!" Keycaps I get. I have done that before, but I can't imagine replacing more than a single defective switch on a keyboard. If you have a good keyboard and want to fix it fine, but if three switches on the same keyboard go bad? That would be the sign to me that it's time to get a new keyboard. By the way, what do people think of the IBM style "buckling spring" Unicomp keyboards here? I have one and really like it, although it's probably not the sort of thing that gamers would be interested in. I also have a Cherry Blue Switch keyboard by Rosewill (NewEgg) and I really like that too. I've long been a big fan of higher quality keyboards but never quite understood what was going on with the sale of switches to enthusiasts. I kept wondering if there was some high end modular standard that I couldn't find, but you answered it for me.
consolation
742
Nov 8, 2016
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AnnndyThere are boards that let you swap out switches, there was one on MD recently. But most of the switches are for custom keyboards like atomic, plank that come as kitsets with your choice of PCB, switches etc etc. If you look on geekhack and deskthority you'll find sub-forums dedicated to bespoke boards.
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