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Switches noob question

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I am presently looking at a drop alt barebones. What do I need to look for in compatible switches? Is there a specific type?
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Plate mount cherry MX or MX clones
TEKRAM99
0
Jan 5, 2021
So just about any switch will work with this keyboard. The terms 3-pin and 5-pin refer to whether or not switches are pcb mounting or plate mounting. This keyboard is plate mounting, which means you will need 3-pin switches. If you want 5-pin, good news, you can easily clip off the pcb mount stems, and they will fit. As far as what kind of switches, I don’t know how fresh you are to the keyboard scene, so if it sounds like I’m babying you a bit, it’s because I’m assuming you are brand new. Generally, there are 3 different kinds of switches, linear, tactile, and clicky. As for which kind is best, it’s completely opinion and up to you. I recommend getting a cherry switch tester from Amazon to get the basic idea of each kind. Cherry switches aren’t top of the line, but they will help you understand what the different styles are like. Once you have decided on a style of switch, it’s time to pick a switch. There are hundreds in each category, and there are a few things you should pay attention to. Weight (looks like xg, where x is a number, like 45g) is how much force is required to actuate the switch, and refers to the spring in the switch. There are differences like actuation force and force required to bottom out, but you don’t need to worry about those. A lighter switch is easier to press, but can often feel cheap. Again, weight is up to you on what feels best. If you decided on a tactile switch, you need to figure out how harsh you want the tactile event to be. Switches like cherry browns are known for having a very weak tactile event, and often feeling muddy and almost linear, whereas Zeal Pc’s Zealios switches have an incredibly sharp tactile event, that can be too harsh for some people. I suggest doing research on websites like geek hack or videos on YouTube to find out what switch is best for you based on what kind of feed ack you want. If you chose clicky switches, you need to pay attention to whether or not the switch has a click jacket or a click bar. A click jacket will click on the way down, and come back up silently. A click bar is a much thicker and solid click, and will click both on the way down and on the way up. If you chose linear switches, welcome to heaven! I am biased as these are by far my favorite style of switch. What you need to pay attention to here is mainly how smooth the switch is. Common smooth switches include Novelkey Creams, Gateron Ink Blacks, or InfiniKey Tangerines (if you can get your hands on them). I hope this wasn’t too much info, and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Best of luck on your keyboard adventure!
TEKRAM99
0
Jan 5, 2021
TEKRAM99Edit: tangerines are from c3 not infinikey
Malwaresoft
14
Jan 4, 2021
I believe you just need it to be 3-pin, and even then, apparently with 5-pin you can clip off the 2 extra plastic pins with site cutters, really any switch you find on this site should work
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