Do I Need to Lube My Keyboard Switches?
Figure 1: Sometime around here is a good time to ask that question... If you’re new to the mechanical keyboard hobby, I have no doubt that planning your first keyboard build is a bit of a daunting task. To be entirely honest with you, it’s only a tiny bit less daunting for your second or even third keyboard builds should you stay around a little while longer. You’ve got the keyboard itself to worry about, stabilizers, keycaps, and even switches on top of all of the intangible marks you want your dream keyboard to hit. Switches are especially daunting right out of the gate as there’s just so many options out there to pick from – each with their own unique specifications, manufacturers, and more. Yet, in spite of all of these differences between switches, time and time again I find people always asking about lubing switches as one of their chief concerns when it comes to picking some up. With countless numbers of content creators talking about lubing switches, its no...
Apr 17, 2024
They're both very solid entry level options that won't break the bank and are easily customized with standard keycap sizes.
It's a shame that you missed out on the k-type the other month, because it sounds like it would be exactly what you're looking for. I'm sure it will be available again eventually though. If you decide to check out the WASD V2 or MagicForce 68 they're both here now and then and also available at wasdkeyboards.com, while the MagicForce 68 cnan be found on Amazon.
Here's a breakdown of the differences between the two: https://deskthority.net/wiki/ANSI_vs_ISO
The most comparable Cherry switch to Razer greens would be Cherry Blues. In fact before Razer started commissioning their own switches their Blackwidows used to use MX Blues. Putting some 40A-L o-rings on the keycaps or using sound dampening brackets on the switch housing would both really cut down on the noise from the switches, but it's still a clicky switch and will make some noise.
Cherry MX Browns are a tactile switch (it has a bump on the press down) that actuate at about the same force as Cherry Blues/Razer Greens, but are quieter since they're not a clicky switch. If you want a switch with a more noticable bump then Cherry Clears have that, but they require more foce to push and some people can find them fatiguing to type/game on (although I love them). There are also MOD switches but currently I think you'd have to buy a batch from Originative and solder them in yourself.
There are also Cherry clones like Kailh switches (which have improved their quality greatly in recent years). Boards with Kailh switches are typically cheaper and feel very similar to Cherry boards.
It's still currently available here on Massdrop though, so shipping could be cheaper for you here.
I think Swedish layout is similar? http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard/swedish-finnish-filco-ninja-majestouch-2-tenkeyless-nkr-tactile-action-keyboard.asp
Not sure if that would be acceptable to you, or if the price is any cheaper for international shipping, but KeyboardCo is a UK company I've used before and are very good.
Vortexgear Pok3r keyboards are widely available everywhere, and I know have a Nordic layout option, but they might be a bit too compromised for you (no dedicated F keys, or cursor keys).