deskthority

DanielT wrote: Compared the gold plated springs with non plated springs and there is a difference.

Hmm, I have heard people talking about the advantages of gold plated; now I am almost considering buying one set plated and one not to see the difference.
What about the plating would change the way the spring acted?

In my opinion the plating makes the spring more firm and yet soft.

Might have a noticeable effect on the friction. Most of a spring doesn't need to worry about that, but the ends where it makes contact with the switch shell and slider could be what you're feeling.

I'd be more negative about it if my spring order wasn't for a gold plated set! (They were the only ones in stock at the time.) I've vintage blacks here which are turning into nice light vintage reds!

@Muirium:You will get in the package also a sample of normal springs 50g and 55g so you can compare I have more than I will ever be able to use.
I like the gold ones more, and maybe with little lube it would make the switch even softer. But I have to get some lube first.

So what lube do you use, and do you use stickers at all?

I am really interested in trying to modify some ergo-clears/ergo-whites.

Don't have a clue about lube. I have to buy some amd test.
Stickers, well I have tested and for me it's too much work for nothing. But I recommend to test it yourself and decide
If you want I have some stickers I don't need, used only 2 from that sheet of ~120

Whoops didn't see that comment about lube in the post above.

Thanks for the input though! Finding it hard to find a reasonably priced source of key lube in the EU.

Thanks, I will invest in some thick when it comes back into stock.

andrewjoy wrote: on new vs used has anyone noticed that reds get much smoother with use ? i am guessing nowhere near vintage backs but for example my WASD keys get way more use than Pause Break and they are nowhere near as scratchy as the pause key
something to think about do liner cherry get better with age ? I think possibly they do even if the plastics for the older keys are smoother to begin with.
still feel like sandpaper vs beamspring

Hello! andrewjoy !
Totally Agree! New Switches are quite rough generally as we seen, aging possibly makes the plastic surfaces smoother to a certain amount.
But heavy usage also makes the plastic surfaces damaged as we see among used boards in bad conditions, IMO.

If somebody wants each 1set of 55g & 60g (= total 2 sets) together, Please tell me.

scottc wrote: Yeah, there were about 97 pieces in my 62g set too.

Apology!!! scottc !
I have changed the plastic bags to smaller ones in R3, Bigger bags might cause Accuracy Errors when I weigh them on a micro scale.
I will add 2-3 more spring pieces to the R2 Bags before shipping from Now on!!

KryTox GPL Lube Oil

http://www2.dupont.com/Lubricants/en_US ... Index.html
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55 ... msg1299429

I am sorry, I am unsure if you're recommending this lube or selling it.
If you are how much and could you put some on my order?

The lube I linked is also a Krytox mixture.

sprit1 wrote:

scottc wrote: Yeah, there were about 97 pieces in my 62g set too.

Apology!!! scottc !
I have changed the plastic bags to smaller ones in R3, Bigger bags might cause Accuracy Errors when I weigh them on a micro scale.
I will add 2-3 more spring pieces to the R2 Bags before shipping from Now on!!

Don't worry about it. I just used stock MX black springs on the spacebar and some numpad keys that I don't use often.

55g R3 already out of stock!?

BlueBär wrote: The lube I linked is also a Krytox mixture.

I noticed, but I would rather buy one with my spring order to cut down on shipping if I can.

Just some feedback for the springs. I have been typing for a week on 50g MX Blacks, the feeling is amazing. The keys feel light and soft, and that is without any lubing. The switches feel much lighter than the MX Reds, with a nice bottom out sound, the feeling is close to my HHKB without the rubber cup feedback. I'm really pleased with the feeling. Next on the list are the 55g springs also with the MX Black combo.
I plan to test also some lubing when I get my hands on some.
Compared to other 50g Korean springs the gold plated ones feel nicer and lighter, I sold for these I'm glad I bought enough to cover all my boards and still have some for future build if it will be the case.
So go ahead and order while you still have the chance

Sounds really good, looking forward to getting mine

Did you use vintage blacks? I have heard that it is something to do with the plastics that are used in them that makes them feel different; although I think Cherry denied this.

It's unknown why, but vintage blacks are smoother than new blacks. Reason could be different plastics or molds. Usage is probably a factor as well, but even NIB vintage blacks are smoother.

they dont have to be true vintage backs ( lighter spring ) to be smooth , with blacks i find the older the better even old blacks that are not vintage are better than modern blacks and reds

Just out of curiosity; how do you distinguish vintage blacks from mere old ones? And when does a black switch become an old one rather than a new one?

This is a image post from GH about the identification:

With row 1 being new blacks, and row 2 & 3 being vintage.
Here's the thread:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38921.0

Just reading about them and even with lubing modern black/red switches, they apparently don't give you the same 'smooth' feeling like the old ones (described by quite a few as being like 'butter')

Nixdorfs are butter smooth. Vintage blacks aren't, but they are what MX blacks should be. Moderns are shite, like reds.

Of course, I find it's only noticeable when I look for it. But I'm glad I have a good supply of vintage blacks to go with Daniel's 50g springs. And one Nixie to compare them with.

Basically, the best way of identifying a vintage black switch then is to look for chamfered edges? Forgive me my ignorance, but say that I would like to try a vintage black keyboard, what is my best bet?

I just go by the logo style, and feel of course. (I don't understand everything going on in that photo. Needs a legend and much better lighting!) Moderns don't slide as cleanly, like there's gunk inside.

No idea which keyboards come with them specifically, other than simply age!

Yeah the picture isn't great, but it was all that I could find; it would be great if there were a good guide to all the types of old blacks that are classified as 'vintage'.

@Muirium: Where did you get your vintage blacks from? Got any spare?

Best boards to harvest vintage blacks are old Wyse boards, any board manufactured before 1994 ha vintage blacks.
Also with vintage blaks there are variations, older like 84-89 and "newer" 90-94.
I tested all types also compared the housings and sliders and logos. The vintage black housing has a smooth finish inside, there are a lot of small details.
Also old blacks are nice, not at smooth as vintage ones but still nice, all my board are built with those and they feel nice, and with some lube I think they will feel even better.
I have also some vintage blacks that I will use for a next board.

Now the famous Nixies, in my oppinion those switches are overated, they are as smooth as any vintage black switch, I have a few and was able to test, aside the cool clear top there is nothing impressing about them. Just like any vintage black switch, nothing more nothing less. But still there is the coolness factor in them

Right, so time to scour eBay?