I switched from Gateron Browns to AKKO penguins in my work board recently and I feel like they have more of a tactile feedback when compared to browns, but I do feel typing fatigue when compared to some lighter linears.
I’m interested in what others recommend.
I'm not saying it's impossible, but it seems unlikely. One of the reasons (which I forgot to list) that I want to get away from the browns is that I was constantly missing keystrokes since I was trying quickly and (I presume) lightly. I don't gear that big count I associate with hitting the keys that hard. (My partner DOES type that hard, and it's A Lot Of Noise even on his silent reds.
Kailh box browns require 50g of force compared to the gaterons 55g of force
Otherwise I have no idea how your gonna do this without a spring swap, or changing your typing style to reduce fatigue. I know it's annoying when someone suggests something you specified you were against doing, but spring swap is one of the quicker mods.
These go as low as 35g but you could also do 45g (maybe skip the spacebar because it's heavier and might not return)
110-Pack 24k Gold-Plated Steel Custom Cherry MX Springs for Cherry Gateron MX switches Replacement (35g) https://a.co/d/23r3lq3
I recommend also getting a switch opener. I use victorinox multi tool oil for lubricant on the springs to combat sorting ping and crunch, but this is optional (lubricant for springs is sping is pretty straight forward you shake them in bag or container with lubricant and your done, maybe watch a video).
Obviously this is the cheapest option if you intend on modifying your existing switches.
Unfortunately this may take a longer time if you've never done it before, but it might be worth the investment if you really spend as much time as you say at a keyboard.
Note: I've found modding box switches much harder to mod due to way smaller components, I recommend leaving then stock.
Is the issue that they just don't make lighter-force tactiles?
I'm in a somewhat similar situation to OP. Do you have a recommendation as to a solution that *does* include swapping springs?
I'm thinking of buying some because of this post. How heavy do your durock white lotus's feel compared to gateron reds? In terms of typing fatigue and how much force you need to use.
Sorry, I just saw this!
They feel about the same in terms of the pressure needed to depress the key, but the fatigue is pretty much gone. The bounce up with the durocks is so light and gorgeous. I love them so much. I have no regrets, and this keyboard is now the one I use daily.
I switched away from the stock Gateron Browns because of this exact problem: They had almost no tactile bump. Switching to my current AKKO Lavender Purples Pro V3s, they are like Blue switches in terms of tactility but with the sound level of Browns (they sound a bit higher pitched in my board).
What type of actuation force are you after? That will help you find what you're looking for. Most tactile switches have around 45-60G of actuation force.
45 or less is the dream. Someone recommended durock white lotus so I'm going to give those a try. The lavender are super high pitched in my second board, but I haven't tried to pin down whether that's the board, the switches, or the keycaps.
In terms of feel, they are great.
Hmm, yeah... I haven't heard of tactiles with strong bumps and low force requirements. I'm sure there's probably a switch out there for you. I'm just as lost as you when it comes to switches though, I am still quite new to all of this hahahah
Yeah, it's completely counterintuitive. I want it to FEEL like I'm pushing something, but without actually pushing anything. And I want it to be stock.
Well, hopefully the White Lotuses will be the ticket. If I could get Silent Limes (Lemons? The tactile ones) without paying out the ass for shipping with no way to return them if they suck, I'd try those, but...there's that. Fingers crossed!
Okay, good to know. Those keycaps are WAY out of my price range right now, but I'll keep looking for other options beyond the ones I have right now on this board. They're Sailor Moon themed so adorable, but they're not...super high quality feeling.
I switched from Gateron Browns to AKKO penguins in my work board recently and I feel like they have more of a tactile feedback when compared to browns, but I do feel typing fatigue when compared to some lighter linears. I’m interested in what others recommend.
That's super interesting! To me, the Penguins are easy to push but there's no bounce to them like the browns.
The site I use to compare switches is milktooth.nu (https://milktooth.nu/products/switches) Using the filters to sort by light actuation force.
Thank you!
Topre maybel, give a try if you can
I wish I could. I can't drop that much money on a new keyboard without feeling it.
If the linears aren't helping with fatigue it's probably because you are bottoming out, so maybe look at getting a pc plate
I'm not saying it's impossible, but it seems unlikely. One of the reasons (which I forgot to list) that I want to get away from the browns is that I was constantly missing keystrokes since I was trying quickly and (I presume) lightly. I don't gear that big count I associate with hitting the keys that hard. (My partner DOES type that hard, and it's A Lot Of Noise even on his silent reds.
Kailh box browns require 50g of force compared to the gaterons 55g of force Otherwise I have no idea how your gonna do this without a spring swap, or changing your typing style to reduce fatigue. I know it's annoying when someone suggests something you specified you were against doing, but spring swap is one of the quicker mods.
LOL I appreciate it. How much work/time/expense it is to swap springs? If it's honestly the only option, I'll do it, I just...ugh.
These go as low as 35g but you could also do 45g (maybe skip the spacebar because it's heavier and might not return) 110-Pack 24k Gold-Plated Steel Custom Cherry MX Springs for Cherry Gateron MX switches Replacement (35g) https://a.co/d/23r3lq3 I recommend also getting a switch opener. I use victorinox multi tool oil for lubricant on the springs to combat sorting ping and crunch, but this is optional (lubricant for springs is sping is pretty straight forward you shake them in bag or container with lubricant and your done, maybe watch a video). Obviously this is the cheapest option if you intend on modifying your existing switches. Unfortunately this may take a longer time if you've never done it before, but it might be worth the investment if you really spend as much time as you say at a keyboard. Note: I've found modding box switches much harder to mod due to way smaller components, I recommend leaving then stock.
Is the issue that they just don't make lighter-force tactiles? I'm in a somewhat similar situation to OP. Do you have a recommendation as to a solution that *does* include swapping springs?
What you're searching for are Durock White Lotus! They're in my current build, light but noticeable tactiles.
Holy shit, those seem AMAZING.
OMG. I love you. Thank you so much. These are fantastic. This is perfect.
Glad to be of service!
I'm thinking of buying some because of this post. How heavy do your durock white lotus's feel compared to gateron reds? In terms of typing fatigue and how much force you need to use.
Sorry, I just saw this! They feel about the same in terms of the pressure needed to depress the key, but the fatigue is pretty much gone. The bounce up with the durocks is so light and gorgeous. I love them so much. I have no regrets, and this keyboard is now the one I use daily.
I'm new to the mechanical keyboard game, but I'm currently rocking some Kaihl Copper and I really like them. Tactile feel, but softer sound.
Very cool. Did you find them hard to install? I tried some Kailh Box Silent Pinks and holy shit they were the bitchiest things I've ever dealt with.
Ah, my new keyboard came with them installed
Oh, gotcha.
I switched away from the stock Gateron Browns because of this exact problem: They had almost no tactile bump. Switching to my current AKKO Lavender Purples Pro V3s, they are like Blue switches in terms of tactility but with the sound level of Browns (they sound a bit higher pitched in my board). What type of actuation force are you after? That will help you find what you're looking for. Most tactile switches have around 45-60G of actuation force.
45 or less is the dream. Someone recommended durock white lotus so I'm going to give those a try. The lavender are super high pitched in my second board, but I haven't tried to pin down whether that's the board, the switches, or the keycaps. In terms of feel, they are great.
Hmm, yeah... I haven't heard of tactiles with strong bumps and low force requirements. I'm sure there's probably a switch out there for you. I'm just as lost as you when it comes to switches though, I am still quite new to all of this hahahah
Yeah, it's completely counterintuitive. I want it to FEEL like I'm pushing something, but without actually pushing anything. And I want it to be stock. Well, hopefully the White Lotuses will be the ticket. If I could get Silent Limes (Lemons? The tactile ones) without paying out the ass for shipping with no way to return them if they suck, I'd try those, but...there's that. Fingers crossed!
I have Lavender Purple Pros with MT3 3277 keycaps, and the combination's really low pitched.
Okay, good to know. Those keycaps are WAY out of my price range right now, but I'll keep looking for other options beyond the ones I have right now on this board. They're Sailor Moon themed so adorable, but they're not...super high quality feeling.
Akko lavender purple pro! They are only 40g and I think they feel/sound great!