Reddit mentions of AKWOX 9-Key Cherry MX Switch Tester, Keycap Puller, Keyboard Keycap, O-Ring Sampler Tester Kit

You can get testers for trying different switches, might see them in stores which sell custom keyboard parts.

Cherry:
https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Switch-Tester-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG

Zealios:
https://www.amazon.com/Zealio-Switches-Tactile-mechaniacl-keyboard/dp/B07CKNLZCY

Romer-G are known as garbage 'round these here parts. Definitely get a switch tester, find out what you like and then check the subreddit wiki for the buying guide and you should be golden.

That's awesome, glad you are joining the club! I'm happy to help so by all means ask away:

>Did you individually lube every single switch?

Yeah I lubed every switch (104 total) as I felt it was necessary. Most people lube switches to increase smoothness or to change the sound or feel of a key press, however I did not really notice an increase in smoothness myself as I am still quite a novice myself when it comes to stuff like this. The main reason I did it was because I kept hearing a noticeable "pinging" sound coming from the springs of each switch. Adding lube to the top and bottom of the spring eliminated this sound, and since the switch was opened, I lubed the stems and housing because I might as well do it for the experience. If you're interested in how to do it, here is a very helpful guide to lubing switches by Nathan Kim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSgPKPoFo2k

​

>If so that’s crazy, is there a tool on how you can do that in a fast manner?

\>>Here<< is a time stamp of two ways to open a switch. The first one is the method I used as using a switch opener was very fast and ergonomic for my hands. If you don't want to buy a switch opener, you could use the flathead screwdriver method as stated in the video, however it seems very time consuming and difficult but you save money. The opener in this video is cheap but I personally used the KBDfans switch opener.

Cheap switch opener
KBDFans switch opener (also available on their aliexpress storefront)
There are other switch openers out there of different material and prices, but they are ultimately all the same and serve the same purpose

​

>What lube did you use

I used Krytox 204 found on NovelKeys but as I am seeing right now they are sold out. The places I check that have lube are sold out or are extremely expensive, so I'll list the only places I know that sell em.

Switchmod is a great place to get em
Expensive ZealPC lube and usually high shipping rates

See if you can find Krytox or Christo Lubes on Amazon or Ebay. Here are also some guides/discussion for each lube:

Krytox Lubes
Christo Lubes

​

>and how long did that take

Hoooo boy. Depends on how good you are and how big your keyboard is. Since I'm a noob and it's 104 switches, it took about 3-5 hours IIRC. I concentrated during the first few switches but it eventually became repetitive so I started watching Twitch and YouTube. I got distracted easily so that probably contributed to the increase in time. YMMV depending on how good you are, how distracted you get, how many switches you lube, etc.

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>I searched up if the stabilisers were good but it turns out the ones the GMMK came with aren’t the genuine cherry/GMk stabilisers. Which ones do I get if I wanted better ones as there are three options

The GMMK stabs are cherry style (have the + shaped stem) but yeah they aren't genuine ones. Most likely glorious did this to cut costs down. They are definitely lubed but idk if adding more lube would help make them less rattly as you may have seen in my sound test video.

So the stabs I got are from Novelkeys (found here). The GMMK only supports PLATE MOUNT stabs. You will need 1 6.25U plate mount for your spacebar and X number of 2U plate mount stabs for other keys, the value of X depends on your board size of course. If you're unsure how many you need, take off all your keycaps and count your 2U stabs to be extra sure.

I'm sure you probably know this already, but I'll include Nathan Kim's guide to clipping and lubing stabilizers as well.

​

>also how do you pop them off so I can replace them with clipped and lubed ones?

I also found this confusing, so recently I did my best to make a video with my potato quality camera that hopefully clears this up.

​

>I’m based in Aus so I got my GMMK from PCCG and it already came with gateron browns, are these okay? I’m mainly a person that plays games but I definitely do enjoy the typing feel so browns are a cool middle ground. What’s the difference between these and the speedy box royal switches you have?

Bare with me as I try to make this awful parallel. You know how some people can drink the same brand of coffee everyday for the rest of their lives, while others enjoy different brands, flavours, etc. of coffee either daily, or once in a while, etc. The point is everyone drinks coffee differently. It's the same with switches, everyone is different so everyone likes different switches. There's no such thing as the best switch (arguable) and no one but you really knows what is the best switch for you.

Gat browns are definitely one of the more common consumer switches and are a good starting point. Since the GMMK is hotswappable it would definitely be good if you looked into different switch types, but only if that is something YOU want to do. Glorious sells a switch pack filled with the most common Gateron and Kailh switch variants, and this would give you a good direction as to whether you prefer clicky switches, linear switches, or tactile switches. It also gives you variants of each switch type so you can see if you like heavier switches (dependent on springs), if you like the smoothness of one linear, or increased tactility in a tactile switch, or louder clicks in clicky switches, etc. Really the only way to know what you like is by trying different switches, however if you don't want to spend the money then that is also fine because Gateron Browns are a good switch regardless, and will definitely last you a long time.

You can also get switch testers for various other brands, like Cherry switch testers on Amazon (people say Cherry switches are less smooth than Gaterons but YMMV), or Ebay, Aliexpress, etc. for different prices with different switches included. Or you can custom choose switches on NovelKeys as they offer more variety.

(This is more or less my propaganda to get you to try more switches as I want people to be exposed to different switches)

​

>speedy box royal LMAO

Personally (and I say personally because people "experience" switches differently) I find that Gateron Browns have a lighter tactile bump later in the keypress, while Kailh Box Royals have a heavier tactile bump at the beginning of the keypress. These actually reflect in the force curves

Gat Brown force curve
Box Royal force curve

I find Gat Browns to be lighter overall in total actuation, but the Box Royals being box switches also add more stability to the keycaps (the caps wobble a lot less, but I don't notice this often). I enjoy both switches but I felt like trying some new tactile switch, hence why I bought the Box Royals.

​

Hope this nerd essay helps!

The best decision you could do is to invest in a switch tester in order to test all of the switches before you commit into a big purchase. I just bought this one to check out other MX switches and plan to add some gaterons to it too!
link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GZHU1EG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I ordered a cherry mx tester beforehand to get an idea, This one to be exact (but it doesnt have silent reds, so I didnt know exactly what I was getting).

I also think that browns feel very mushy - to be honest they feel like rubberdomes. Its not a very clear tactile feeling at all. So browns and their stiffer ones were out of the race.

I did like the feeling of blues, greens and the white ones, but as you said they produce a hell lot of sound. And since I'm playing next to my girlfriend she gets really really really pissed with loud keyboards.

So I kinda liked the the reds and blacks on the tester since they are very silent and feel really high quality (compared to browns for example). I thought about getting black ones but decided that my pinky finger might be too weak to play multiple hours of dota haha. So I was searching for red ones, then found the silent red ones.

I gotta say they feel amazing. A lot better than Reds with O-Rings while being a lot more silent at the same time. Sound whise they are not a lot louder than my Apple Wireless Keyboard - and that is the most silent keyboard I know. Of course I don't have hundreds of hours with it yet but I can clearly say that these are keepers. I'm thinking about ordering a second Pok3r board with these for work (as seen in the image - the RGB one will travel home with me tonight :)) - And I am pretty sure that I will go for Silent Reds once more.

I can do a sound test if you like?

This drove me bonkers until I went to amazon and got a key tester. https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Switch-Tester-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG/

I got that and within 3 seconds I knew blues were the only way to go. But it's been interesting.

Get something like this and test it out before buying anything or go to a store with display models:

https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Switch-Tester-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG

Ducky, iKBC, Leopold, Filco, Varmilo, Cooler Master, Vortex just to name a handful would all be improvements over anything made by Corsair, Logitech, or Razer.

You should try and find a way to test prospective switches before buying. Some electronics stores have testers. Or you could just buy a tester like this.

Note, these are standard Cherry MX switches. If you're open to a little DIY and building your own keyboard, there are much better switch options out there.

Neither are "better". It's personal preference really. You may want to buy one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Akwox-Cherry-Switch-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG

May seem like a $17 waste, but if you're going to spend the money on a mech keyboard, you should make sure you buy the right one for you.

Worst case you can grab a switch tester. I settled on browns after testing with one. No regrets.

Amazon

• go to a tech shop and try the keyboards they have on display
  
• buy a key sampler from amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Akwox-Cherry-Switch-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG

you can probably find one for cheaper with more research

I got for myself.
Akwox 9-Key Cherry MX Switch Tester, Keycap puller, keyboard Keycap, O-Ring Sampler Tester Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GZHU1EG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LVETzbA9B9CB3


I ended up getting cherry browns for myself.
(I really wanted blues but my fiancé wouldn't be able to sleep at night.)

Well, the main thing to me is that I think they feel better. Not everyone will agree, but many people think they feel really nice. There are a lot of options so you can find the keyswitch that's perfect for you!

They are really customizable. My other mechanical keyboard is Portal themed. I gave it orange and blue colors and ordered some custom keycaps. It's a lot of fun to get it exactly how you want it.

There are so many options. This is kind of intimidating at first but after the initial purchase it's really exciting. This is where a lot of the expensiveness comes from. You want more just to have more and try everything. There are different sizes and layouts, and there are different switches and brands.

In the end it just comes down to wanting to enjoy your typing experience more. I'd say if you're interested get a switch tester and see if you like any of them more than the keyboard you're using right now :)

Oh don't worry about it, I enjoy helping people, ask away.

I just went with mechanical because that's what most gamers I know use. I haven't tested any membrane switches other than the ones I've used at home for work, but I can tell you the keyboard I have now is wonderful. I recommend either going to a local computer store, Best Buy, Fry's, Microcenter, and trying out their keyboards, or buying something like this. Not sure if they have switch testers for membrane switches though. And you gotta remember even if two different keyboards use the same exact switch, they can still feel a little different. It's all up to feel and personal preference. You could be an outlier and prefer membrane switches for gaming.

You could start by getting this keyboard tester. I used it to see what keys l like but it's also a great wee fidgeting toy.

They aren't that difficult to come by, Amazon has the basic 4 for $10. Max Keyboard Keycap, Cherry MX Switch, O-Ring Sampler Tester Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E71W4O8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_AEtezb7JADR54

Edit: 9 switch tester for $18. Akwox 9-Key Cherry MX Switch Tester, Keycap puller, keyboard Keycap, O-Ring Sampler Tester Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GZHU1EG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZyuezbTNBCSFB

Se ti va spendere 15 euro puoi provarli tutti! https://www.amazon.it/AKWOX-Tastiera-Ammortizzatori-Dampeners-Rimozione/dp/B01GZHU1EG/

EDIT: uhm, non capisco se questi in particolare sono Cherry MX veri. Ma insomma, si trovano in giro.

That's a very open ended request. Do you know what kind of switches you prefer linear, tactile or clicky? What weight? Keyboards that are sold here are usually customs of some sort because you can buy a mass produced stuff easily and cheaply. There are some very cheep mechanical keyboard on Amazon. You could also look into getting a switch tester to figure out what kind of switch you prefer.

Also all custom keyboards are tenkeyless or smaller. If you need the number pad, you can get one separate.

Get a tester and find the best switch for YOU, ignore what others prefer.

i would order a switch tester like this one before buying a completely new keyboard, just so you can get a feel for what kinds of switches you like. i personally like cherry browns, but they are pretty easy to press, so you might find them too sensitive, too loud, or not tactile enough since you're coming from a standard rubber dome keyboard.

generally on this sub, gaming brand keyboards like corsairs and razers aren't recommended for various reasons. unless you're specifically in need of a white keyboard, you could find keyboards from other brands that offer much better value for your money, such as a ducky or an ikbc.

https://www.amazon.com/Akwox-Cherry-Switch-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG

You could order a set like this.

It's completely subjective, the browns have the tactile bump to let you know when you activate it and the reds are linear and don't. I suggest testing them out at a store like microcenter if you have one near you or buying a switch tester like this or this if you want to save a dollar or so 😄

They're certainly heavy, but have a nice bump. They're like clears on steroids. I think most people prefer Zealios due to the lower weight (62-78g vs 100g+), but there's something about the weight that just feels right.

I use mine for FPS gaming and have no issues playing for many hours, so fatigue isn't a factor for me.

This is the switch tester I used to try 'em out.

I just bough this to decide what kind of new switches I want. Does anyone know where I can get a PCB to turn this into something more useful?

Sure, the product i bought is here

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GZHU1EG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and i found a reference to it on mechanicalkeyboards.com here

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=64

I'm just wondering if there's better buying options, as this site seems to be the only one that sells keyboards with these switches.

Depends on what switches you want to try. Something basic with the 4 main switches costs $10, or if you want something more complete you can get this, or if you want to try Topre you can get this

I recently got this key switch tester and I was interested in making it into a MacroBoard. But I was unsure what parts I needed and where a good place to get the parts was. I was looking into 1N4148 Diaodes but somewhere I saw that I might not need them. And I was unsure of what kind of teensy to get. And then a ribbon Cable? Im mostly looking to practice soldering and to just learn how this all works. So Ideally im looking for budget stuff and I'm not too fussy about how it looks in the end.

https://www.amazon.com/Akwox-Cherry-Switch-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1479216246&sr=8-4&keywords=keyboard+switch+tester

Get a Switch tester board and make you own opinion as it is very subjective.

I got this before deciding:
https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Switch-Tester-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG
I now keep it in my office for other to try and fidget...

Hello,
I am looking for a switch tester before I buy a keyboard. I am looking at buying this tester from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Akwox-Cherry-Switch-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG

What do you guys think?

If you look online you can buy small boards with a variety of switches. example

I do! Get this https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-keyboards-Switch-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01G3BJOHO or the more expensive on https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Switch-Tester-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG/

I used that and that's how I settled on my MX Brown switches, also linear switches are poop, IMO.

Blues are the loudest but not necessarily the best for gaming. You can buy little boards that have a sample of each kind or you could go to a store like best buy and see if they have more than one keyboard / switch type on display. A lot of cheap keyboards use generic switches and that's why they're less expensive usually. I'd also question the quality of the RGB software for generic brands.

Definitely a good idea. Check this out though:

https://www.amazon.com/Akwox-Cherry-Switch-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500049008&sr=8-1&keywords=switch+tester

You can test out each switch type and see which one you like the most based on sound and feel.

Another tester

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GZHU1EG/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2972357942&pd_rd_wg=TMz7B&pf_rd_r=PNAYT3QJYN1732YC2A07&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B01GZHU1EG&pd_rd_w=giZqF&pf_rd_i=key+switch+tester&pd_rd_r=JNE856X0Q93MJ8KWZV91&ie=UTF8&qid=1501436678&sr=2

https://www.amazon.com/Switches-Sampler-Tester-Mechanical-Keyboards/dp/B07216SYHS/ref=sr_1_28?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1501436708&sr=1-28&keywords=key+switch+tester

And

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KTGE2GM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Switch-Tester-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG i believe this should help

jenbanim is completely right if your gonna be spending $100 on a keyboard you gotta make sure you are comfortable with the switch you chose. https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-keyboards-Switch-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01G3BJOHO/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1493006904&sr=1-1&keywords=cherry+switch+tester that switch tester provides you with some basic switches but if your willing to go farther into depth and spend a little more id suggest https://www.amazon.com/Akwox-Cherry-Switch-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG/ref=sr_1_2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1493006904&sr=1-2&keywords=cherry+switch+tester switches are entirely personal preference.

By buying something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Akwox-Cherry-Switch-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1495045974&sr=8-4&keywords=mechanical+key+sampler

Just search for "mechanical key sampler" will usually get you a half dozen types of these. From there, you can see which switch you like the best (feel, sound, etc).

If you're near a MicroCenter (which you might not be), they usually will have test boards out with all the different types of Cherry switches.

Best Buy sometimes sells mechanical keyboards and you may be able to try out a few there as well.

But if you want to buy a tester yourself, this one on Amazon is $8.99, you can use prime if you have it, and it's got the 4 most common switch types. There are more extensive ones if you're interested in different types of switches (like white, clear or gray), this one is $15.99.

There are plenty of choices though, which annoys me because when I bought my MK I couldn't find one of these for sale anywhere. Luckily I'm near a Micro Center and was able to test them all out beforehand.

In my experience the keyboard itself comes down purely to personal preference, i.e. the design, material, key caps, brand etc. That is also what makes up most of the price other than features like wireless.

The thing that is gonna make or break your keyboard are the switches.

If there is nowhere where you can go and try out the keyboards in person, the next best thing to do is buy a Cherry MX Switch Tester

I have tried Blue, Red, Brown and Romer-G switches personally, and if you want to go by my opinion, then definitely go for either Blue or Red depending on whether you like clicky buttons or smooth. People say that Blue are better for typing and Red are better for gaming. Personally, I find both great for either task, just depends on your preference, again.

Brown and Romer-G (the ones on Logitech Pro Keyboard), which are very similar, feel mushy to me, kind of like pressing on crumpled foil, which to me is unpleasant especially for daily use.

My experience with different switches:


Logitech Pro was the last keyboard that I bought, using a Filco Majestouch 2 with Blue switches before that which I used for like 5? or more years.

Eventually I wanted a new keyboard and since I am big into gaming I decided to buy it because of it's reported amazing performance. At first it wasn't so bad and I got used to it, but eventually there was an accident and the keyboard ended up basically done for (my fault, nothing to do with the quality of the keyboard itself).

Needing a keyboard fast, I borrowed one with Red switches from a friend of mine and holy shit the difference was like night and day, like going from 30 fps on console to 144 on PC. I decided to buy a Filco Majestouch 2 keyboard with Red switches for myself and now I get excited whenever I need to use it just like when I got my first one with Blue switches.

Red switches are my personal favorites right now.

(If you are highly considering going for Browns instead of Reds I would recommend somehow borrowing a keyboard with Brown switches and using it for a day, then switching to Red and seeing how it goes. I personally didn't notice that much of a difference when trying both switches briefly, which can end up making you regret your choice like me)
___

As for recommendations:

For gaming I would 100% recommend a Tenkeyless keyboard. The key layout is different on keyboards with smaller sizes, which means that your muscle memory will need to adjust. Personally, I would not be willing to go through that, but if that is not a big deal for you and you're sure that you won't need the missing keys (arrow keys can be useful for things like even basic text editing in notepad or scrolling through search options in Google), then I don't see an issue with going with a smaller size.

A wired keyboard that I would recommend is Filco Majestouch 2

If you need a wireless keyboard then I would recommend Corsair K63

As far as I know, MacBooks are just membrane keyboards. But, I would suggest maybe brown switches or get a test board.

https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Switch-Tester-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG

Wow never knew about those things,

Akwox 9-Key Cherry MX Switch Tester, Keycap puller, keyboard Keycap, O-Ring Sampler Tester Kit https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01GZHU1EG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_K4N0AbDTSA63Y

It's that right? I'll be sure to get one if it is. When it comes to feel though, not really sure.

TKL is short for tenkeyless, which is a keyboard without the number pad. Since you want a full-size, you can check out the Cooler Master Masterkeys Pro L, iKBC MF108 (no black switches though, and not currently in stock, but a nice aluminum case), Ducky Shine 6, etc.

There aren't really any perks, it's just a personal preference. You can get a switch tester, but that won't really give the best impression since you'll just be pushing down one switch and not actually typing. You can try to visit local computer shops to see if they have keyboards on display to try out.

> I'd suggest heading to an electronics store and trying some demo units.

You can also order a switch tester from Amazon for about 16 bucks and some change:

https://www.amazon.com/WASD-6-Key-Cherry-Switch-Tester/dp/B00AZQKCD4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1509565909&sr=8-2

and

https://www.amazon.com/Akwox-Cherry-Switch-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1509565909&sr=8-3

A good place to start looking would definitly be the board wiki
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/wiki/wiki_navigation

My suggestion would be to first find the size you want - full size, 60%, 75, planck etc.

Next find the type of switch you would like - cherry mx? Gateron? Topre? Dont know any of these - try to order a switch tester to see which one you like:
https://www.amazon.com/Akwox-Cherry-Switch-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG

Then find the things you would like on your keeb - LED's? Media Buttons? None of these?

Look at some popular keeb companies, see which one is right for you:
Leopold
Pok3r
HHKB
TADA
Varmilo

• some to get you started
  
  
  TLDR;
  Find switch you like > Find board size you like > Find cap layout you like > Find Caps you like > Find artisans you like > Cry because you have no more money

I did not know these existed thankyou does the quality matter much if just testting for switches ?


Was looking at this one

https://www.amazon.com/Akwox-Cherry-Switch-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG