deskthority

So, I've been playing with a switch design here and I just noticed that it may be possible to add a component to it to alter the weight of the switch.

As a community, do we think that's something useful or just additionally fiddly since you'd then be potentially "calibrating" individual switches?

That depends. How easy would it be? How much would it add to the cost of a switch?
I assume that we are talking about tightening the primary spring. Would it not be easier to get a good and consistent result if you would open up the switches and replace the springs?

I think it would also be useful only for linear switches. In tactile Cherry MX and Alps-like designs, replacing the coiled spring affects only a part of the force curve: it does not affect the component from the tactile bump. A keyboard made from four different weights of Purple Zealio does not become a "variable-weighted" keyboard in the same way as a Realforce Variable or KeyTronic ErgoForce.

Nope, weight has nothing to do with the springs but I think you're right about balancing cost vs functionality.

Wait, so in a linear switch, where do you think the weight comes from?

Oh, so the tactile response would be adjustable? You have my interest.

Daniel Beardsmore wrote: ↑Wait, so in a linear switch, where do you think the weight comes from?

In 99% of designs, a spring.

However, there's no spring in my current prototype.

Believe me, the idea is nowhere near functional - it was more of a generic question that something too specific. The idea is bordering on insane even before applying that additional variable anyways

Let me venture a guess, hydraulic or pneumatic keyswitches? Steampunk 4ever!

This sounds like a pretty cool feature to me, especially if you could tweak the force in software.

Go for it!