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
TL;DR -Noob mech keyboard user -what switch (cherry mx) is best for typing and programming/which should I exclude. -What type of keycaps is best for typing, I am currently looking at (PBT, OEM, White (MX-style only)) is this the 'original-type' keycaps? because I'd probably go for these, not the flat tops.
Feel free to link/post pictures of layouts I could use, I saw a picture of a grid one that had spacebar and delete in the middle in this thread, but it is just too massive to go back to get back to or find again.
current setup I am looking to get: Purple plate, PBT-OEM-White (MX-style only) caps, brown mx or clears, grid option.
Thank you so much for your time! -Ruben
If you must have cherry mx compatibility for future key cap upgrades - I'd try the Zealios switches(cherry mx compatible switches) as many people say they are the best mx compatible switches or look at the Matias switches which also have a great tactile bump and very low noise for the tactile version.
That said, everyone prefer different switches. I would suggest a good starting point to be along the line of MX Brown and MX Clear, although Gateron Brown are essentially the same as Cherry's, smoother feel, Gateron Clears are not. They are lighter than MX Reds, Gateron have their own Reds too. Gateron Clear are buttery soft, too soft IMO.
I read the last few pages of comments suggesting Matias. I have never tried those, maybe they are the best switches in the world, but consider if you would like to change keycaps in the future. You would be better off with MX stem switches, more selection, easier to get.
If you would like to get one of the best switches out there right now. Zealios Purple 65g in this drop might be for you. Though the extra cost is a little steep, $29.50 extra. Gateron Browns are almost "free", -$8 price if you have your own switches.
Also some good read for Planck. https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/3ad258/a_complete_noobs_guide_to_programming_your_planck/
And if you are concern about the Grid layout and MIT. Check this out. The best comment linked his awesome layout too. https://www.reddit.com/r/olkb/comments/4cz5fn/planck_grid_vs_mit/
Lastly, I went for Grid layout, PBT OEM caps, Gateron Green. I have other sets of keycap set coming in and Gateron Green I have yet to try out. Going to use Zealios Purple on this Planck.
Good luck deciding what to get! :D
As far as keycaps, I love the feel of PBT after using ABS constantly. It's definitely different. I have a great couple sets of ABS that are gorgeous to look at and still comfortable to type on, but they are definitely a different feel than PBT.
Also, if you're going to go for the preonic or planck, I'd strongly recommend using the MIT layout, but that's definitely down to personal preference.
EDIT: Also, I do use an ABS set on my Planck every once in a while. The set is DSA Dolch. Here is my build log and pics: http://imgur.com/gallery/aYWXT/new Also bear in mind that the PCB I have here is different than the one included in the current drop.
The only thing now is to get over the 25% tax that I have to deal with when getting it shipped to Norway. Sucks to be a student and wanting something badly, but I figured that I might get this as a late birthday present for myself as I havent gotten me anything yet, and I 'need' this product hehe.
Current specs I think I'm going to go for: -Zealious 65g purple -oem white caps -purple aluminium plate -grid layout
Ps, this is a great community! I am proud to announce that I will soon be joining you guys. Thank you for excellent help in guiding the newcomer towards keyboard perfection.