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AD2017am
90
May 10, 2018
For anyone considering buying these there are three major points to consider 1 - GMK QMX clips GMK QMX clips are an unashamed rip off of this design, however, they are far cheaper ($40 for 110) and although I have not used zealencio silencing clips they are a near identical clone and therefore I expect the feel is incredibly similar, additionally many reviews which have used both mention a barely perceptible difference between the two. 2 - Feel This is based on my experience with GMK QMX clips but as mentioned they are incredibly similar: I have used the QMX clips on two* keyboards * actually the same keyboard - the corsair K70 (an aluminium plate mounted keyboard) but I used them on it before and after changing the switches from cherry mx brown to zealios 65g I have used both these and O-rings and I want to say from the outset that these clips are MASSIVELY superior, however they do still have a noticeable impact on they key feel. The key feel is slightly softer with the clips but due to the thin, high density rubber material used this does not ruin the key feel like o-rings do. The key travel is also slightly reduced - about 0.7mm. which does impact the key feel, but, surprisingly is not as server as may be expected. 3 - noise Once again the noise retained by these is far and away better than that of O-rings, however the strong clack that many people enjoy on mechanical keyboards is significantly reduced - more so than the rest of the switch noise. As both cherry mx brown as zealios 65g are tactile switches I cannot comment on the effect on linear and clicky switches but the switch noise is more noticeable with the clips equipped, this is not a major issue but I thought that I should make people aware of it as the lubricated switches - such as those in the video shown, have a far less noticeable switch noise than non - lubed switches. Extra - backlighting For anyone worried about back lighting these feature a hole in the frame to allow back lighting light through without any interference, additionally the light reflecting back onto the casing can produce a pleasant back glow effect, particularly on keyboards with black back plates which usually lack this back glow
SennapodTee
63
May 10, 2018
AD2017amHow did you replace the switches on your K70? Are there instructions somewhere?
I have a K95 Platinum with Cherry Browns, but I'm a bit disappointed by the inconsistency of the switches.
nogoodnames
259
May 11, 2018
SennapodTeeYou just de solder them
SennapodTee
63
May 11, 2018
nogoodnamesThanks.
Though I'm a bit worried about opening this board. The K70 has a hidden screw under the company logo which is just glued on, so it can be wedged off. The K95 Platinum has an RGB logo in the same location, with the light bar right next to it. I'll try to find out if that needs to be removed, but I really don't want to damage it.
I think the best solution might be to pop the tops off the switches, lube them and replace any bad springs or sliders. I think all Cherry MXs share the same case, so with a bit of luck I might even be able to change them into Blues or Clears without opening the board.
Naturally I'll practice on something less expensive first. :)
nogoodnames
259
May 11, 2018
SennapodTeeI think you can but you need a specific case to be able to take the top of the switches off
AD2017am
90
May 11, 2018
SennapodTeeLink to disassembly https://codesandbolts.com/corsair-k70-rgb-spill-guide/ From there you will need to desloder all of the switches - be careful not to damage the PCB - I recommend a de-soldering tool if you have the money or a solder sucker if you do not - instructions and video's showing use for both can easily be found on youtube, you can then remove the switches by pushing in the tabs on the sides if it does not come out easily then it has not been de-soldered correctly - this is not easy. Once you have removed the switches, replace them with the replacement switches you have chosen - I suggest zealios 65g purple - although you will need to remove the legs using a flush cutter - easily done, video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85Wv7sPADsk I also recommend lubricating the switches, this is time consuming but noticeably improves the feel, making the switches considerably smoother as well as making the switches sound better. You will then need to resolder the switches using 60- 40 lead tin solder. and re-assemble the keyboard
SennapodTee
63
May 11, 2018
nogoodnamesI will investigate. I'll also practice on a cheaper keyboard first. :)
SennapodTee
63
May 11, 2018
AD2017amThank you very much for this detailed and useful information. I've done a little bit of soldering in the past, but I didn't know that there were specialised desoldering tools. I'm pretty sure it would be worth investing in one, considering the price of the board!
I have made a hobby of collecting switch testers, so I have a large variety to choose from. The Zealios are a good option - they're noticeably smoother than Cherries or clones.
SennapodTee
63
May 12, 2018
AD2017amI've downloaded a copy of the Realforce spring weight map in the comments. I could emulate it by placing Zealios of different spring forces in the equivalent positions, and I think that will be my first project on the GMMK Barebones RGB.
I will be sure to practice desoldering, resoldering and lubing on one of the secondhand keyboards I have, before doing it for real.
AD2017am
90
May 12, 2018
SennapodTeeZeal also sells a lubricant specially made for zeal switches on his website, it is a little dear - $35 - however it is high quality and lubricating switches makes a huge difference, mechanicalkeyborads.com also sell dismantling tools for cherry style switches which are super helpful
AD2017am
90
May 12, 2018
SennapodTeeSounds like a good idea, also you are in luck because corsair pcb’s are relatively tough so there is a little leeway before you damage them
AD2017am
90
Mar 14, 2019
SennapodTeeI'ts a pretty involved process you have to remove the top of the keyboard by un-doing all the screws some of which are concealed (you can find images online) then you need to desolder the keys I highly reccommed cliping your stabilisers particularly on the spacebar as well as switching the keys. I also lubed the switches on my keyboard.
SennapodTee
63
Mar 14, 2019
AD2017amThanks for your advice. I sold my Corsair keyboards a while ago, but your comment may help someone else.
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