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DIY mechanical keyboard switch lets you set its actuation point

arstechnica.com

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Re: DIY mechanical keyboard switch lets you set its actuation point

#31

Post by dotancohen »

adrianN wrote: post #7

>Fans of Hall-effect mechanical switches note that they should last longer than traditional mechanical switches since they don't rely on metallic contact, which can result in degradation. Has anyone ever typed so much on a keyboard that the switches wore out? Aren't they good for literally millions of actuations?

I've worn out at least two MS Ergonomic keyboards, I'm I'll diligently working on my third. I've worn out two Matias Pro Ergo keyboards, and another one will probably replace this MS board. I've worn out quite a few Cherry and Cherry-compatible switches, but I've been able to replace just the switches in those cases.

Re: DIY mechanical keyboard switch lets you set its actuation point

#32

Post by samatman »

Ooh I want a set of these which replace the bottom neodymium with an electromagnet coil. Keeb circuit boards for swappable switches almost all have extra traces for RGB which can be repurposed.

Complete control over the full range of force? Yes please!

But let's be real: I actually want my keyboard to start typing out of nowhere like a freaky sorcerer's apprentice thing.

Re: DIY mechanical keyboard switch lets you set its actuation point

#33

Post by AlbertoGP »

Animats wrote: post #5
gaudat wrote: post #2

Next step: Add a tiny motor inside the key switch for force feedback

That's what I was expecting. It's not a mechanical keyboard switch, anyway. There's nothing to click. No moment when the force required decreases. These keyboard enthusiasts should look into making replacement car dashboards. Something tactile to replace those awful touchscreens that keep people's eyes off the road.

> It's not a mechanical keyboard switch, anyway. There's nothing to click. No moment when the force required decreases.

What you describe is called “tactility” and there is another DIY magnetic switch design that offers it, using three magnets instead of two:

https://hackaday.com/2022/01/17/3d-printed-magnetic-switches...

Re: DIY mechanical keyboard switch lets you set its actuation point

#34

Post by adrianN »

AlexDragusin wrote: post #18
adrianN wrote: post #7

>Fans of Hall-effect mechanical switches note that they should last longer than traditional mechanical switches since they don't rely on metallic contact, which can result in degradation. Has anyone ever typed so much on a keyboard that the switches wore out? Aren't they good for literally millions of actuations?

If your time permits, this should give you a clear image on switches vs marketing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5BhECVlKJA

That's a very interesting video. Thanks.

Re: DIY mechanical keyboard switch lets you set its actuation point

#35

Post by mathieuh »

323 wrote: post #26

At this rate, soon each switch will have a programmable controller inside, and you'll have drivers adjusting them as you type. Thought idea: predict what key you are about to press next, and make the ones around it stiffer so you are less likely to press them by mistake.

Interestingly the iOS keyboard does this, it makes the touchzones for letters you're more likely to type larger.

Re: DIY mechanical keyboard switch lets you set its actuation point

#37

Post by ziml77 »

adrianN wrote: post #7

>Fans of Hall-effect mechanical switches note that they should last longer than traditional mechanical switches since they don't rely on metallic contact, which can result in degradation. Has anyone ever typed so much on a keyboard that the switches wore out? Aren't they good for literally millions of actuations?

I recently had to replace a switch on my board, so it can happen.

Re: DIY mechanical keyboard switch lets you set its actuation point

#38

Post by 63 »

samatman wrote: post #32

Ooh I want a set of these which replace the bottom neodymium with an electromagnet coil. Keeb circuit boards for swappable switches almost all have extra traces for RGB which can be repurposed. Complete control over the full range of force? Yes please! But let's be real: I actually want my keyboard to start typing out of nowhere like a freaky sorcerer's apprentice thing.

Lol a version of autohotkey that physically depresses the keys would be super fun to play with, albeit slow

Re: DIY mechanical keyboard switch lets you set its actuation point

#39

Post by voltaireodactyl »

323 wrote: post #26

At this rate, soon each switch will have a programmable controller inside, and you'll have drivers adjusting them as you type. Thought idea: predict what key you are about to press next, and make the ones around it stiffer so you are less likely to press them by mistake.

Already halfway there with the Dumang DMK6. — each key is movable, hotswappable, magnetic, and programmable.

Re: DIY mechanical keyboard switch lets you set its actuation point

#40

Post by sluongng »

adrianN wrote: post #7

>Fans of Hall-effect mechanical switches note that they should last longer than traditional mechanical switches since they don't rely on metallic contact, which can result in degradation. Has anyone ever typed so much on a keyboard that the switches wore out? Aren't they good for literally millions of actuations?

My current brown switch keyboard has lost all tactile bumps after 3+ years.

In the past, with starcraft apm spams, i definitely have experienced switches defects(dust collect over years, hard to repair) and keycaps defects on some of the more frequently used keys.

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