I have question please; Is it safe to use this set (or any GMK keycaps set) with Kaihl Navy Box switches? I bought the switches before the retooling was made.
skysaberx8xIt’s not recommended. The tolerances for gmk sets seem to cause a fair amount of issues with old box switches. Unless you shave down the box stem I do not recommend using old switches with gmk keycaps.
skysaberx8xKailh reworked the stems in late 2018. It should be safe to use them with retooled box switches.
Feb 13, 2019
A community member
Feb 13, 2019
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skysaberx8xI still wouldn't trust the new switches either. Kailh retooled them, but the dimensions are still bigger than cherry's specifications and there are still posts about the new switches cracking caps (look these up on google)
thanks for answering but what is the exact problem of those switches, is it the box's "walls" ? cause I can remove them.
Also thank @starston3 & @Zambumon for replying
skysaberx8xThe problem with the old switches is the + (cross) shape that the keycap actually goes onto. There are little 'nibs' that are a bit wider than the rest of the cross which was applying too much stress to the keycap shaft and would sometimes cause cracking and also widening the shaft. If you shave that down then it's fine but it it's a lot of work without a tool and can be error prone. Best to just use retooled BOX switches.
cijanzenthank a lot for answering. I won't risk using GMK keycaps with my Box Navy then (that including the retooled that are available). That being said, I'm using the non retooled of Box Navy with Ducky PBT Seamless Backlit Keycap Set and for a year now and there is no cracking. I'll use a GMK Set when there's a better switched with same tactility.
EDIT: I just tried Ducky PBT Seamless Backlit Keycap Set on my Varmilo VB87M Bluetooth Keyboard and oh yeah, the widening is pretty severe :|
(Edited)
Feb 15, 2019
LevelSteam
Feb 18, 2019
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skysaberx8xYeah, the PBT caps tend not to crack like ABS, but they do stretch over time. :/ I have a board with box navy switches on it too and I feel your pain.