)? Something with UK ISO layout is preferred (not a big deal though, since mainly I want to get a feel for the switch) and I don't want to spend much, so I'd want to source something used.
Hm, interesting. I had a Google about G80s and it seems that UK models with Clears were never made - though there are ISO models with e.g. German layout. As you say though, getting hold of one might prove difficult or more expensive than it's worth.Muirium wrote: ↑Good question. There's Cherry G80 keyboards out there with clears, but actually getting your hands on one in Britain these days seems sadly complex. Might be easier to pick up a Ducky or a CM keyboard with clears instead. The ideal solution is if someone has a used one they'd like to sell.
I definitely wouldn't advise transplanting switches into a keyboard. But a much simpler operation is swapping in stems, while leaving the switches in position. This is only possible on PCB mount keyboards, like the original Poker, and indeed many Cherry keyboards. You pop the top half of the switch shell off with some tweezers, and lying exposed inside is the slider and the spring. You can try ergo clears that way too.
Ah, I see, that would make sense. I don't think that's possible on my Filco though, as it is not a PCB mounted board. So, I'd still need to find a suitable board as well as a bunch of switches.Khers wrote: ↑As far as I know MX switches are identical apart from the slider and the spring. The slider and spring is easily replaceable if you do as Mu suggests. If you transplant the slider and the spring from a clear switch, you get an MX clear switch on the board. You could of course skip transplanting the spring and then you could end up with an ergo clear depending on the stiffness of the spring.
I read somewhere - unfortunately I don't remember where and thus I can't vouch the credibility - that if using a very light spring (e.g. from a red or brown switch) the force from the spring is not enough to get over the tactile bump on the clear switch.
In Germany the DE one is a current standard Cherry product, e.g.Ellis wrote: ↑Hm, interesting. I had a Google about G80s and it seems that UK models with Clears were never made - though there are ISO models with e.g. German layout. As you say though, getting hold of one might prove difficult or more expensive than it's worth.
Won't argue with that!Halvar wrote: ↑For the price of 105 switches from 7bit you could as well order a fully assembled new G80-3000 DE from a German seller.
Hmm, perhaps my best option then is to look for one of these, though the picture on quietpc.com depicts an ANSI board interestingly. Might be able to find a DE version on eBay or something, or put up a wanted ad.Halvar wrote: ↑In Germany the DE one is a current standard Cherry product, e.g.Ellis wrote: ↑Hm, interesting. I had a Google about G80s and it seems that UK models with Clears were never made - though there are ISO models with e.g. German layout. As you say though, getting hold of one might prove difficult or more expensive than it's worth.
http://www.amazon.de/Cherry-G80-3000LQC ... roduct_top
I don't know if it's a current product in the UK, but it seems to have existed at one point.
http://www.quietpc.com/cherry-g80-3000-mx-clear
So maybe there's a chance on ebay or somewhere...
AyeMuirium wrote: ↑Checking WASD out of interest, the cheapest shipping option to Britain is $60. A Code TKL with clears is $150, so that's $210 before our good friends at customs get their paws on it. I'd guess £25 tax and £10-30 handling fee. So you're talking something creeping up to $300, which is approaching twice the price as it is for you guys in America.
And this is why we don't!
Keyboardco has a monopoly on Topre here (no HHKB) and wants the deeds to your house for the privilege.Hypersphere wrote: ↑What are your options for purchasing new keyboards in the UK? Are you limited to keyboardco and uk amazon?
Ok, thanks. I guess I'm basically looking for anything G80-3000LQ? The layout is not too important to me since I can't see myself keeping a Cherry G80 as a 'daily driver' type of thing - if I like MX Clears, I'll make an effort to find a nicer board with them (including associated costs).Laser wrote: ↑You want this, if you can find it: G80-3000LQCEU-0
http://deskthority.net/review-f45/cherr ... t1817.html
The white version has thin PBT caps (but the modifiers and spacebar are thick). The texture is very smooth though.
PCB mounted switches.
The Caps Lock and Spacebar have offset stems, usually usable only in keyboards with custom PCB.
But you get a nice case, the stems, caps and other spare pieces at a good price.
What about eBay? On the US eBay site at least, you can find reputable dealers other than the majority of sellers who are just running online flea markets. For example, I have discovered a vendor from South Korea who resells Filco and some Leopold products (including Topre and Leopold keycap sets) at relatively reasonable prices -- he also packs his items beautifully.Muirium wrote: ↑Keyboardco has a monopoly on Topre here (no HHKB) and wants the deeds to your house for the privilege.Hypersphere wrote: ↑What are your options for purchasing new keyboards in the UK? Are you limited to keyboardco and uk amazon?
Amazon has 3rd party sellers on it that handle mech keyboards, but I haven't seen any trustworthy ones. I was after an original Poker for a while, but couldn't get feedback. Disconcerting!
As for local shops, there's a literal handful. The largest of which is this lot:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk
Their website is so badly designed it crashes my old iPad, so you'll have to find the goods yourself. Prepare to wince. It is the European way!
I was reluctant to reference a link in case it was specific to US eBay.Muirium wrote: ↑Ah, you're doing a Matteo and tempting us with stories but no link!
The big cost is, of course, customs. For anything keyboard sized and priced that they notice, declared or if youre really unlucky: otherwise, you're talking $50-100+ expense as soon as it gets here; plus the hassle of paying them a visit to pick it up. (Much harder for people who don't live in a regional city, like me.)
So what you really need is an eBay seller who is knowingly breaking the law for you, yet is still trustworthy. Could be the reason that Matt is hesitant to share his links! But these sellers live in China or elsewhere, beyond the reach of Her Majesty's law. Unlike us, of course.
Beyond mech keyboards, most things are generally available locally. There we pay a mere 30-50% more than you do. Instead of 100% when we run the import gauntlet!
Aren't these sold by CtrlAlt.io with assembly by Margo and isn't he UK-based?Muirium wrote: ↑Built in Britain? Is Pexon making them? (For those who haven't heard of it, the JD40 is a kit keyboard.)
CorrectJackMills wrote: ↑Aren't these sold by CtrlAlt.io with assembly by Margo and isn't he UK-based?Muirium wrote: ↑Built in Britain? Is Pexon making them? (For those who haven't heard of it, the JD40 is a kit keyboard.)
Comes to about £79 + shipping. Bit of a wait at the moment though.