Problems with a mechanical keyboard

[MrRockliffe]

So, I've had a cherry MX blue keyboard for over a year now, and the more I use it, the more I dislike it. However, I'm struggling to see why. Here's the reason:

I tested out keyboards before I settled on a switch (only in a shop though unfortunately, but they were on display and I spent a good few minutes using them at desk level), and consequently, decided that blue switches were for me. I bought a CM Storm quickfire tk, however ever since I've had it, I've always felt that the blues just don't feel the same as on the keyboards in the shop. In the shop I tried a K70 and a black widow (the old one with cherry switches).

It's hard to explain, but they're quite hard to press (in relative terms) and they have a noticeable grinding feel when pressing them as opposed to the smooth clicky feel. More recently, the 'Q' button has been very on and off in terms of returning to default position when pressed (I made a previous thread about it I think). Every time I go to send it back, it starts working again. Due to the stiffness, I've developed quite bad RSI in my fingers, to the point where it's affecting my writing (not useful for college), and it's meant that I now do all my work on my laptop (a pain in the rear end at times).

I'm just on my way back from my mates in Middlesbrough, and he has a K70 with MX Browns , and I know they're a different switch, but they don't just feel as though they're slightly different, it's as though it's a completely switch entirely (difference is greater than membrane vs mechanical).

I can understand if it was the one switch, but for all of them to be faulty? It's very odd, and I don't know what it is. I've tried many different seating heights, keyboard heights, desk heights.

The one thing the keyboard doesn't have that could contribute is a wrist rest, and I feel it needs one since the keyboard is very tall.

Could it be that the force I'm applying isn't a complete vertical one, and instead at an angle?

For those that I play battlefield with, I know you've probably heard this a million times already hehe!

Thanks in advance!

[MrJim]

There's a good description of the different Cherry switches here:

http://www.keyboardco.com/blog/index...ical-switches/

The blues are described as 'tactile clicky' switches, which need more pressure to actuate that the browns or reds, which require the least pressure. I happen to use reds myself.

Without comparing your keyboard to another one with blue switches, I guess it'll be difficult to know if there's a difference between them. I wouldn't have thought your typing position would make much difference though?

[MrRockliffe]

Neither would I, but thought I'd mention just in case.

I have been able to compare it with another keyboard with MX Blues, but they feel different, and not marginally so. They were much easier to press, and smoother with the 'click' that you expect.

Mine feel really rough as you press then in, whilst also clicking. Felt like different switches completely, even though they're supposedly the same.

I don't really understand, because I'm awfully tempted to buy a new keyboard, but at the same time I don't want to have to if mine is faulty.

[Spreadie]

Browns require slightly less actuation force compared to Blues, but Browns are tactile non-clicky switches and feel remarkably different to blues. My G80-3000 with Blues is sublime to type on, but I can't bear the noise.

I have boards with Blues, Browns, Blacks, Reds & Clears, but Browns get my vote every time.

Useful link to different Cherry MX switch charcteristics - Deskthority Wiki

[Blastuk]

I have both a keyboard with browns and blues. I use the blues as my primary keyboard.

I suspect you got some quality control issues, pressing the keys shouldn't feel like they're grinding anything.
They should press smoothly and produce a click, which you can also feel.

The force needed to press a blue vs brown is quite indistinguishable imo, the only noticeable difference is the click.

[MrRockliffe]

That's what I thought - I know the factual differences, but they don't replicate how they actually feel in this instance. Was wondering if position would have a noticeable effect?

[Spreadie]

The CM boards all use OEM profile caps and are almost all plate mounted.

The reason I mention this, and something I neglected to mention earlier, is that while MX Browns are lighter switches than Blues, my plate mounted Browns and OEM caps feel heavier to type on than the PCB mounted Blues (with Cherry profile caps) did on my G80.

My G80 is currently sporting Panda Clears, but I have enough brown switches to swap them out and compare it to my other boards that have Browns on them. It's a tedious job, opening up each switch and swapping the stem and spring, but it's a sight easier than de-soldering and re-soldering 104 switches. If I get time during the week, I'll get on with it.