I came across this 3-key keyboard and was wondering how I could make the keys less stick out. From what I read in a review, the switches are Outemu Blue with MX style stems.
I've close to zero knowledge when it comes to keyboard switches.
Could I change the switches and keycaps to lower ones without soldering?
If yes, which ones?
And as alternative: which could be fitted with soldering? (= having the same leg positions for the PCB)
In case someone knows a similar 3 or 4-key keyboard that's lower by default, let me know.
Low profile 3-key keyboard for Cut/Copy/Paste
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Findecanor
- Location: Stockholm, Sweden
- DT Pro Member: 0011
No, there exists no key switch that is lower in profile that will fit into hot-swap sockets for Cherry MX - compatible switches. Only Cherry MX-compatible switches of that same size will fit.
The closest thing I think exists ready-made or in kit-form might be a "Macro-pad" with low-profile "Kailh Choc" switches.
The closest thing I think exists ready-made or in kit-form might be a "Macro-pad" with low-profile "Kailh Choc" switches.
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HC514
- Location: Ireland
- Main keyboard: F122
- Main mouse: Various trackballs
- Favorite switch: Model F buckling spring
- DT Pro Member: -
I don't see why Tecsee Medium or Outemu Snap Spring switches couldn't fit in hotswap sockets. Not super low, but they are compatible with the same footprint and keycaps.
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Findecanor
- Location: Stockholm, Sweden
- DT Pro Member: 0011
It isn't just the footprint and keycaps, but also that hot-swap keyboards (such as this one) use plate-mount and that the height of the plate above the PCB is fixed (to 5.0 mm).
But hey, the Tecsee Medium seems to have a bottom housing that is the same height as MX! It took me a while of searching to find that out. I stand corrected.
Different vendors seem to list different keycaps as compatible.
Most list XDA and DSA. Some vendor sites list MDA and Cherry-profile as compatible, while others do not. Perhaps thin-walled Cherry profile is compatible, but those are rare these days.
The Outemu switches seem to need the plate closer to the PCB (at 3.75 mm). (Or have you seen a variation I have not?)
But hey, the Tecsee Medium seems to have a bottom housing that is the same height as MX! It took me a while of searching to find that out. I stand corrected.
Different vendors seem to list different keycaps as compatible.
Most list XDA and DSA. Some vendor sites list MDA and Cherry-profile as compatible, while others do not. Perhaps thin-walled Cherry profile is compatible, but those are rare these days.
The Outemu switches seem to need the plate closer to the PCB (at 3.75 mm). (Or have you seen a variation I have not?)
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HC514
- Location: Ireland
- Main keyboard: F122
- Main mouse: Various trackballs
- Favorite switch: Model F buckling spring
- DT Pro Member: -
Just checked, and as a matter of fact...Findecanor wrote: ↑28 Jul 2024, 16:54The Outemu switches seem to need the plate closer to the PCB (at 3.75 mm). (Or have you seen a variation I have not?)
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wjrii
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: various hand wires
- Main mouse: Logitech M560/Kensington Orbit Fusion
- Favorite switch: Box Navy
Tecsee medium, GTMX, or outemu half height are all roughly the same thing, with normal MX bottom halves. You can also shave a few mm off by using lower profile keycaps than the OEM on that macropad.