Switches with adjustable force?

[__red__]

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?

[Findecanor]

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.

[__red__]

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

[Daniel Beardsmore]

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

[Findecanor]

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

[__red__]

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

[Sigmoid]

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

[sinusoid]

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

Go for it!