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Showing 1 of 60 conversations about:
user73
339
Feb 23, 2018
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mgsickler
877
Novel Keys
Feb 23, 2018
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user73The opening is actually about the same between a normal MX switch and a BOX switch. BOX internals are what make this switch so unique, along with being dust proof. https://imgur.com/a/ggX6a
Kevadu
96
Feb 24, 2018
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user73If you depress a standard MX switch, due to the shape of the stem (it is more narrow at the top than the base) there will immediately be a gap exposed that stuff can get into. Sure the box here is part of the stem and moves with it, but even when fully depressed it is flush with the switch housing. It never moves below the switch housing so a similar gap is never exposed.
Though mgsickler is completely correct that the main reason box switches are supposed to be more water resistant etc is because of the internals and doesn't have anything to do with the slider shape at all. But it's not like the shame isn't doing anything.
Though mgsickler is completely correct that the main reason box switches are supposed to be more water resistant etc is because of the internals and doesn't have anything to do with the slider shape at all. But it's not like the shame isn't doing anything.
LevelSteam
Feb 24, 2018
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mgsicklerMore of a selling point than being dust proof (in my opinion at least) is how little wobble these box switches have compared to Cherry switches.
I got my bag of Hako Clears in the mail today and have been playing around with them for a bit. They're the first box style switch I've used and they feel pretty great :)
I got my bag of Hako Clears in the mail today and have been playing around with them for a bit. They're the first box style switch I've used and they feel pretty great :)
etatauri
329
Feb 24, 2018
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user73in addition to what others have said, the box around the stem also helps with stability. It feels very solid with minimum rattle.
Pequenininho
104
Keyboard Club Member
Mar 7, 2018
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etatauriThe box is a single molded piece with the cross, it moves up and down with the keycaps. Anything that falls into that space could be a problem while the keycaps are off, but won't fall into the switch internals. Since the box is the same size no matter what position bthe switch is in, it helps prevent dust, crumbs, etc from falling past the switch slider into the body of the switch. As othets have explained this also makes the switch more stable. What you describe is only a problem if you're eating something while switching keycaps, and even then you should be able to blow whatever has fallen between the box and the cross out easily.
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The perimeter of the box is greater than the perimeter of the cross stem. And since the box can be depressed into the switch, there's more space for debris to fall in, not less. Alternatively, if the cross stem could be depressed inside a stationary box then that would be a different matter, and would indeed allow the stationary box to serve as a shield around the moving stem - but that's not how the switch works.