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SmallPotatoK t1_ixyyvno wrote

To be fair, all switches are the same to non-mechanical users. It becomes 3 types of switches for beginner users (linear, tactile and clicky)… turns back to 2 for hobbyists (ok this is a joke :3). The more you dive in the hobby, the more diverse switches become, then there is franken switches and what not. Point is, it takes certain level of enthusiasm to differentiate them. With that being said, I’m a sole believer that all linear switches are the same, at least that’s what my wallet trying to tell me anyway

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stylesuxx t1_ixz1fm2 wrote

I took my switch tester to a meetup with friends a couple days ago, because one of them wanted to borrow it. Of course everyone started to play around with it and everyone was able to feel differences. I just think it is a matter of sample size. If you happen to have two very similar switches that are potentially over-lubed, then yeah, it will be hard to notice a difference.

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SmallPotatoK t1_ixzi0ya wrote

Agreed, sample size defines a lot and of course similar switches are harder to tell apart, this goes to any similar things not just switch. I think another aspect that differs hobbyists and none hobbyists though, is the ability to identify the difference on top of noticing the difference, and further more know how to modify a certain part to maximize or minimize such difference. So like everyone could tell switch A is scratchier than switch B just from pressing it, but us would know that is material and lube related… or that they would think switch A make a more pleasant sound than switch B, and us would know how to tune the sound from different case/plate/foam/pad/lube etc. Now that I said this, I feel like a hobby, any hobby, is truly an art of themselves… the more time we spend in it, the more time we see things other people don’t

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stylesuxx t1_ixzigmp wrote

Good point regarding noticing vs. Identifying the difference. Did not think about it in this way.

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OverratedOnion t1_iy0q6j8 wrote

This is fair enough. But one thing that many people forget about is the sound. I have Zealios v2 in one of my boards and they sound very harsh and high pitched (which I kinda like). Different linear switches would sound different to others which can’t really be stated in a switch tester.

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SoMass t1_iy006bk wrote

I always remember the Bruce Lee quote going something along the lines “in the beginning a punch is a punch and a kick is a kick. Then you learn more and everything becomes unique and intricate. Then you learn enough and a kick is simply a kick and a punch is simply a punch.” Not exact but how my brain remembered it after all these years.

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SmallPotatoK t1_iy1ogus wrote

That’s some wise words, I’m a Chinese myself, and we do have a 4-words idiom/phrase that refers exactly to this stage of mind, 返璞归真, which literally translated into return to the unpolished/unaltered nature and get back to the “true self”

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kittysneeze88 t1_iy1s8jm wrote

I’ve found a compromise with my wallet—spring swapping. I’ve found swapping to a 2-stage or long spring alters linear switches to a much more noticeable degree, and only at a fraction of the cost of trying different linear switches.

That said, I still own far too many linears, so it appears like my wallet isn’t really winning.

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SmallPotatoK t1_iy2cmrg wrote

Sounds like a good idea to try out, thanks for the information!

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Sinsanatis t1_iy2d5v6 wrote

Kinda similar to the audio space. U cant quite tell between reaaaaally good audio, good audio, decent audio, and ok audio until u properly experience all of them for a good amount of time. But also like audio, u can tell when its absolute shit

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Fair-Bunch4827 t1_iy2ok9k wrote

I was perfectly fine with my 10USD office tier headsets before my friend introduced me to audiophile stuff. I can't go back anymore.

But i deliberately stopped trying better ones at 40-50 USD. I could easily see myself spending exponentially more if i try to find the difference.

Ps: I hate linear switches. I'd rather have a cheapo membrane than those. Like whats the point

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Sinsanatis t1_iy3a8ag wrote

Right now im running a budget planar magnetic. The hifiman he x4? Idk which ever is the newer one thats on drop. Running it on the fulla schiit 3 dac/amp. Pretty nice soundstage and clear audio. Just the tiniest bit high on the treble but not too bad. Ppl say its pretty good as entry level planar magnetics. I wouldnt quite know but they sound good to me.

If money wasnt an issue i would want a keyboard with each switch type. But the linear would mainly be used for gaming. My goto would probably be tactiles, but i still would like clickies for the occasional nice clicky typing. Only felt box whites for click bars but it was nice. But now since im getting the wooting 60he that would fill the linear gaming oriented kb slot full force, so i wouldnt build a custom with linears

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Sacklecakes t1_iy4km8y wrote

Agreed, the 60HE is wonderful for gaming but I prefer my tactile Topre board for everything else.

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Sinsanatis t1_iy50y48 wrote

Mines coming jan 20 or so, but maybe later as i want to delay it if possible to get the white keycaps so i cant speak on it yet. But i can tell its gona be pretty much the endgame gaming kb for a good while. Maybe i might end up modding it idk but as long as it lasts, ima be using it

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PretentiousPuck t1_iy1k6tz wrote

I swear on Gawd one day I'll have a retro style board with Box Jades and a Solenoid.

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Eicr-5 t1_iy6b7u7 wrote

So, my move wasn't the most *economical*, but I swapped my box jades for zeal clickiez. And the clickiez are so substantially better.

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