Is an MX Red fitted with O-rings, basically an MX Speed?

oblongpolygon

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Two very quick questions, for those of you "in the know"...

1 - Is an MX Red switch, fitted with O-rings, basically an MX Speed switch?

2 - Would fitting an O-ring on an MX Speed switch prevent the activation? I ask because my understanding is that an O-ring reduces the travel of the key, but an MX Speed switch already has reduced travel. I therefore wonder if the O-ring would even prevent the MX Speed switch from being depressed enough to register / activate.

(I'd be interested in fitting O-rings, even on an MX Speed, so I don't "bottom-out" the keys.)
 
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1 - No, it isn't. The actuation point is higher on the speed switch.

2 - My understanding is that when people o-ring a speed switch, it is more to dampen sound than to reduce travel. You would likely be using a rather thin ring(2mm or smaller). O-rings are usually for reducing distance to bottom out after actuation and dampening the thock of bottoming out.

Edited for clarity
 
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Quick question here instead of making a new thread. I've tried countless times in the past to get used to o-rings but ended up removing them after a day or two. Is it normal to double keystrokes 75% of the time in the beginning (MX Browns) or were the rings I was using too thick? Also how long to get used to it? I really need to cut down on my typing noise, but not if I have to backspace and correct every other word.
 
1 - No, it isn't.

2 - My understanding is that when people o-ring a speed switch, it is more to dampen sound than to reduce travel.

Many thanks for the clear answers, IronDeagle.

I guess you'd say that I'm looking for an MX Speed board, but I find mostly MX Red boards... so, I was thinking I could "manufacture" my own MX Speed solution, with the O-rings.

The trouble is... I'm a bit picky - I also want it in a tenkeyless form, and with just a white backlight (although I guess could relax on that) and a few other things... for instance...

I hate the idea that a keyboard could be so powerhungry - sometimes needing two USB ports, and so on.

And... I guess I have a concern about the microprocessor in some of these keyboards - I don't fully trust that they can't be hacked, so as to record keystrokes, etc. And unfortunately, too many of the mechanical keyboards with MX Speed switches are "fancy" ones, and so have a microprocessor in them to control the lighting.
 
Quick question here instead of making a new thread. I've tried countless times in the past to get used to o-rings but ended up removing them after a day or two. Is it normal to double keystrokes 75% of the time in the beginning (MX Browns) or were the rings I was using too thick? Also how long to get used to it? I really need to cut down on my typing noise, but not if I have to backspace and correct every other word.

I use very very thin rings on my topre board, but honestly, on most MX switches I don't like the feel of them. It is too mushy. And yes, if they are too large you can run into the double keystroke issue.

Many thanks for the clear answers, IronDeagle.

I guess you'd say that I'm looking for an MX Speed board, but I find mostly MX Red boards... so, I was thinking I could "manufacture" my own MX Speed solution, with the O-rings.

The trouble is... I'm a bit picky - I also want it in a tenkeyless form, and with just a white backlight (although I guess could relax on that) and a few other things... for instance...

I hate the idea that a keyboard could be so powerhungry - sometimes needing two USB ports, and so on.

And... I guess I have a concern about the microprocessor in some of these keyboards - I don't fully trust that they can't be hacked, so as to record keystrokes, etc. And unfortunately, too many of the mechanical keyboards with MX Speed switches are "fancy" ones, and so have a microprocessor in them to control the lighting.

Depending on your level of experience, it is actually pretty easy to build your own board. It can be cheaper too, then you don't have to worry about some Chinese keylogger. Honestly, that is a legitimate concern, but if you stick with the more established companies it isn't an issue. As far as a basic, mx speed, backlit, tenkeyless prebuilt, there are not too many options, but here are a couple good ones.

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2760

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2416
 
As far as a basic, mx speed, backlit, tenkeyless prebuilt, there are not too many options, but here are a couple good ones.

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2760

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2416

I like the Varmilo, but... I wish it was in black, and I don't see one.

I also like the Ducky One, which you linked, although... I can't handle all the light that leaks out from under the keys. That would drive me nuts - I want to look down and see keys illuminated, not just general illumination.

Still, I'm really thankful for the links. I think I'm just far too picky, actually.

I have no idea how to build my own keyboard. But, if it was possible to buy...
  1. a board,
  2. the switches,
  3. the keys
...and just plug / put it together, while avoiding the issues I mention above (and a few others, like keys that "wobble" horizontally) then I guess that would be the way to go.
 
Yeah the o-ring is normally used to dampen the sound. Also fyi, you can use o-rings on knobs to add resistance... so if you ever have a knob that turns too easily.. add an o-ring.
 
Actually, it is not difficult at all to build one, especially if you used holtites instead of soldering for the LEDS and switches.
We would just need to pick a PCB from that list that is perfectly compatible.

Or you could consider getting one custom made for you, there are a lot of options at varying price points.

As an alternative, some boards are able to "hot-swap" switches. For example you could buy this board and use the MX silvers below https://www.pcgamingrace.com/products/gmmk-tkl-tenkeyless-customized?variant=43850261006

As far as switches, it is difficult to find the MX speeds at a good price. They are newer, and not commonly sold outside of a kit/board. They can be found at the following links though, and honestly this is about as cheap as you are likely to find them. Don't forget, a clear based switch is a main factor that contributes to the light leakage you are worried about, if you stick with a black base it should be fine.
https://www.reichelt.de/?ACTION=3;ARTICLE=212401;SEARCH=cherry mx sil

https://www.reichelt.de/?ACTION=3;ARTICLE=202571;SEARCH=cherry mx sil
https://www.reichelt.de/?ACTION=3;ARTICLE=202571;SEARCH=cherry mx sil
https://www.candykeys.com/product/mx-speed-silver-developer-kit/

And the keys are where it gets really fun. There are so many options out there. The keys that you can get with the Glorious keyboard are pretty good, so you could add those for $20. or you could pursue a different set.

In total, if you bought the Glorious board with the caps it would be $79.88, and the switches are $61.09 after shipping on the last site I listed. So your total is $140.97. Which is pretty good if it hits all the blocks you want.
 
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