I have an old Steelseries 6Gv2 keyboard. It’s a great keyboard but I’m tired of not having a left super-key, so I want to find a replacement.
I got a Cherry MX tester box with lots of different switches to try some switches out. The 6Gv2 keyboard has Cherry MX Black switches and I’m perfectly happy with the switch and don’t really feel any need to change it, but I just wanted to try.
However, when I compare the switch on my 6Gv2 keyboard with the Cherry MX Black in the tester box, the tester box switch sounds different and quite a bit louder.
There’s much more “friction” sounds when the key is being pressed down or coming up (i.e. not related to the sound of the key actually hitting the bottom or top of its travel). I also feel like I can hear the spring more and there’s sort of more of a “reverb” to the new switch, as if it vibrates when I release it and it comes up.
In comparison, the 6Gv2’s switch sounds quieter and more muffled, a much more pleasant sound than the high frequency tacking from the new switch.
Anyone has any idea what the difference might come from? Is it switch lubing? Does soldering switches change their sound (I believe the 6Gv2 is soldered)? Is it the case or is there perhaps a chance that Steelseries did something special to the switch, to make it quieter? Or perhaps is it just age? Any advice appreciated!
Most probably due to usage.
There’s also a non-zero chance of it being caused by a different manufacturing batch. The newer MX might still be a black switch, but there might be some changes (be it update on switch design, different manufacturing method, etc.) between version that effects how it actually end up feeling and sounding.
I’m pretty sure its not due to it being soldered, as I got 2 differeng boards with the same type of switches but different switch connection between them and they both felt similar.
Oh, adding to that: lubing usually helps, although i dont think it’d be the exact same thing as the one you already have on your previous board.
The somewhat complicated (but personally feel the best) solution is to desolder the old switches cleanly enough so you can put it on your new board :D
My understanding is that switches (maybe mx blacks in particular?) get smoother with age. I’ve seen people searching for vintage switches for just that reason. Chances are, if you’re a heavy keyboard user, that friction (I know exactly what you mean) should go away after a while if you’re persistent. I’ve never been a huge fan of lubricating switches, feels like a lot of trouble to get the same feel that you would get by just using them and letting them smooth out over time. Just my 2 cents
May well be. I’ve just ordered a gateron switch tester. They apparently lube their switches for you, so maybe their switches are quieter/smoother 🤞
