Pros and cons of the Phantom style plate?

[hoggy]

It would be nice if more plate mounted keyboards had these holes so we could change the springs and stems.

So, how can we persuade manufacturers to copy the idea?

[trax]

From a corporate perspective I don't see the point to make my products easier to mod.

[hoggy]

That's just it. The only reason can't be for the end user to change the switches, as there isn't much in it for the manufacturer. I'm wondering, say, if makers of POS keyboards could benefit as a faulty switch would be easier to replace, but then would it make the keyboard more susceptible to spills?

[telepete]

My only con for the plate is that it is possible to pop the top off the switch while changing caps. Its not a big deal [only ever happened to me once and simply reassembled the switch] but you need to be a bit more careful than on keyboards with a traditional plate. Keyboard campanies would have n00bs breaking switches right, left and center.

[The_Beast]

My only con for the plate is that it is possible to pop the top off the switch while changing caps. Its not a big deal [only ever happened to me once and simply reassembled the switch] but you need to be a bit more careful than on keyboards with a traditional plate. Keyboard campanies would have n00bs breaking switches right, left and center.

But you don't see that complaint with PCB mount boards makers/users, so why would you with a "phantom style" plate?


I'm guessing it comes down to cost. It doesn't look like a lot extra but I'm sure it takes more time to cut/stamp for god know how many keyboards they make. If they are stamped, then changing tooling is expensive so why do it. I'm also guessing that the manufacture isn't expecting many people to me switch modding.