help me pick a mechanical linear switch (Ducky, Corsair, Razer, Tt, CM, Logitech, Steelseries, etc...)

[rcarlos243]

I am looking to purchase a linear mechanical switch to replace my existing keyboard.

 

 

I have previously owned a Razer Blackwidow that has a Cherry MX Blue but I didn't like it because:

-half way actuation point (really annoys me when playing casual racing game where i have to repeatedly tap a key while turning, it feels like something is grinding halfway)

-key cap wobbles (without actually pushing down the key, the key cap wobbles wildy)

 

I watched several of Linus video and found that he prefers the Mionix Zibal 60 which is a Cherry MX Black (Linear) but can't find it anymore.

 

After further reading about mechanical keyboard, I heard terms such as Keycap quality, key etching, O-rings, Metal backplate, stabilizers, NKRO, etc...

 

To make things more confusing there is also two manufacturer (Cherry and Torpe) and to confuse things further people say that even though different keyboard that has the exact same switch (like Cherry MX Black) can have a different feeling.

 

 

So what is exactly the difference in terms of FEELING between the different brands of the same switch (Ducky, Corsair, Razer, Tt, CM, Logitech, Steelseries, etc...) and how does a $70 mechanical keyboard compare to something like $150+ of the same switch (like Cherry MX Red/Black).

 

example: how does a CM Storm Quickfire Cherry MX Red compare to Ducky Shine III Cherry MX RED?

[TheSLSAMG]

I found a Zibal 60, that is, if you want one.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Mionix-Zibal-60-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B004YZV1JQ

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mionix-Zibal-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B00577W5H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406415282&sr=8-1&keywords=zibal+60

 

I am not incredibly knowledgeable in this subject, but a lot of Cherry MX keyboards' caps wobble. It's the mounting system.

 

Reds offer less resistance than Blacks, so there is that. Razer is out of the question, since IMO they charge way too much for fake MX switches.

 

What's the feeling difference between keyboards with the same switch? Not much, unless one is particularly well built compared to the other. They are all built similarly, so they exhibit similar behavior.

[CowsGoRoar]

example: how does a CM Storm Quickfire Cherry MX Red compare to Ducky Shine III Cherry MX RED?

I might be wrong, feel free to quote and correct me, but I think those two switches are the same, so they will feel the same.

[rcarlos243]

I found a Zibal 60, that is, if you want one.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Mionix-Zibal-60-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B004YZV1JQ

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mionix-Zibal-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B00577W5H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406415282&sr=8-1&keywords=zibal+60

 

what I mean is I cant find it anywhere at a decent price

 

I can get a ducky, razer, steelseries, corsair, cm, etc... linear mechanical switch for under $100.

 

I just don't know the difference between the brands and how they differ in terms of feel of the same switch.

[TheSLSAMG]

what I mean is I cant find it anywhere at a decent price

 

I can get a ducky, razer, steelseries, corsair, cm, etc... linear mechanical switch for under $100.

 

I just don't know the difference between the brands and how they differ in terms of feel of the same switch.

I added to the post I made above

[TheSLSAMG]

I might be wrong, feel free to quote and correct me, but I think those two switches are the same, so they will feel the same.

He knows this, but he wants to know how different the switches will feel keyboard to keyboard, which is little to none.

[rcarlos243]

I might be wrong, feel free to quote and correct me, but I think those two switches are the same, so they will feel the same.

 

Linus and several other people say they two exact same switch can have a different feeling (like how the Mionix Zibal 60 Cherry MX Black has a different feeling compared to other Cherry MX Black from other manufacturer).

[CowsGoRoar]

The Razer switches are actually Kailh switches, a Chinese gimmick of the original Cherry switches that lost their copyright. Unless it says "Cherry MX", keyboards like the TT Poseidon ZX use Kailh.

 

http://www.ttesports.com/Keyboard/143/POSEIDON_ZX/productPage.htm?a=a&g=ftr#.U9QzBPldVHU

 

I found that Kailh has a slightly lighter and less satisfying sound, and it feels a little weaker although on paper it says the same specs as Cherry.

[rcarlos243]

The Razer switches are actually Kailh switches, a Chinese gimmick of the original Cherry switches that lost their copyright. Unless it says "Cherry MX", keyboards like the TT Poseidon ZX use Kailh.

 

http://www.ttesports.com/Keyboard/143/POSEIDON_ZX/productPage.htm?a=a&g=ftr#.U9QzBPldVHU

 

I found that Kailh has a slightly lighter and less satisfying sound, and it feels a little weaker although on paper it says the same specs as Cherry.

 

im not looking for a tactile mechanical switch as I hate the actuation point, I want it as smooth as possible therefore leaning towards a linear switch

[rcarlos243]

He knows this, but he wants to know how different the switches will feel keyboard to keyboard, which is little to none.

 

I am not an expert on keyboards but from what I read so far, there are several factors that could affect the feel of the keyboard

-dampeners (AFAIK it affects the noise and to some extent the feel of the key).

-stabilizer (AFAIK it affects the wobble).

-back plate (when you fully depress the key. Some have plastic plate, some have metal plate)

 

I just don't know how different manufacturer make their product.

[CowsGoRoar]

im not looking for a tactile mechanical switch as I hate the actuation point, I want it as smooth as possible therefore leaning towards a linear switch

That's what I was saying. I think I get what you mean.