Best modern contact-based linear switch.
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- Location: Arvada CO
- Main keyboard: zowie ec1
- Main mouse: Logitech m535
- Favorite switch: c^3 tangerines
I am not new to linears that aren’t exactly new, and have tried the best of the best contactless switches. The only problem that I had with most of them, is the fact that they actuate way too high for me. (In relation to the contactless switches). And I know keyboards like the wooting that use contactless switches have adjustable actuation, but I can’t use those in a custom board. I could however, except defeat and go with the original pcb on the wooting, or something like the steelseries apex pro, but I still much prefer the Planck layout. What is the best contact-based linear on the market right now. Looking mainly for mx style sliders, but Matias or skcl/skcm would also be fine, because there is an alps style plate and pcb for the Planck.
- TheInverseKey
- Location: Great White North
- Main mouse: M570
- Favorite switch: Hi-Tek 725 Linear
- DT Pro Member: 0216
- Contact:
Most MX switches are pretty good with regards to smoothness but personally MX Blacks if used a long time are very smooth.
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- Location: Arvada CO
- Main keyboard: zowie ec1
- Main mouse: Logitech m535
- Favorite switch: c^3 tangerines
I will happily agree with that statement, however, the market for vintage or retooled blacks are at an all time low right now. It’s such a shame, because the sound of retooled blacks are mintTheInverseKey wrote: 17 Dec 2019, 19:22 Most MX switches are pretty good with regards to smoothness but personally MX Blacks if used a long time are very smooth.
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- Location: Stockholm, Sweden
- DT Pro Member: 0011
I don't usually care, because I like tactiles, but the kids on Reddit seem to be into Gateron Ink now.
Last edited by Findecanor on 18 Dec 2019, 15:19, edited 1 time in total.
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- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Reveal KB-7061
- Main mouse: Engage Optical Mouse (not bad)
- Favorite switch: White Alps
Novelkeys Creams with UHMWPE stems are probably your best bet. Smoothest materials, great sound.
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- Location: Arvada CO
- Main keyboard: zowie ec1
- Main mouse: Logitech m535
- Favorite switch: c^3 tangerines
They sold out of those months ago. If you bought them, I would be willing to buy them off of you?daguil68367 wrote: 17 Dec 2019, 20:21 Novelkeys Creams with UHMWPE stems are probably your best bet. Smoothest materials, great sound.
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- Location: Netherlands
- Main keyboard: Dell Click Mod AT101W
- Main mouse: Logitech Marble FX 2
- Favorite switch: Chicony KB with Futuba
- DT Pro Member: -
I don't have a lot of experience with linear switches but Thomas thinks Alps linear switches are the second best.Ilostmytoeinvietnam wrote: 17 Dec 2019, 18:54 I am not new to linears that aren’t exactly new, and have tried the best of the best contactless switches. The only problem that I had with most of them, is the fact that they actuate way too high for me. (In relation to the contactless switches). And I know keyboards like the wooting that use contactless switches have adjustable actuation, but I can’t use those in a custom board. I could however, except defeat and go with the original pcb on the wooting, or something like the steelseries apex pro, but I still much prefer the Planck layout. What is the best contact-based linear on the market right now. Looking mainly for mx style sliders, but Matias or skcl/skcm would also be fine, because there is an alps style plate and pcb for the Planck.
I have linearized the Alps Bamboo Blacks with a stiffer spring and lubed the sliders. Don't know if the lubing was necessarily, but in my imagination it's a lot smoother.
https://www.keyboardco.com/product/24k- ... s-60cn.asp
- Chyros
- Location: The Netherlands
- Main keyboard: whatever I'm reviewing next :p
- Main mouse: a cheap Logitech
- Favorite switch: Alps SKCM Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
I like linear Alps very much, yes. Smooth, nicely weighted, just the right feel.cli wrote: 18 Dec 2019, 09:08I don't have a lot of experience with linear switches but Thomas thinks Alps linear switches are the second best.Ilostmytoeinvietnam wrote: 17 Dec 2019, 18:54 I am not new to linears that aren’t exactly new, and have tried the best of the best contactless switches. The only problem that I had with most of them, is the fact that they actuate way too high for me. (In relation to the contactless switches). And I know keyboards like the wooting that use contactless switches have adjustable actuation, but I can’t use those in a custom board. I could however, except defeat and go with the original pcb on the wooting, or something like the steelseries apex pro, but I still much prefer the Planck layout. What is the best contact-based linear on the market right now. Looking mainly for mx style sliders, but Matias or skcl/skcm would also be fine, because there is an alps style plate and pcb for the Planck.
I have linearized the Alps Bamboo Blacks with a stiffer spring and lubed the sliders. Don't know if the lubing was necessarily, but in my imagination it's a lot smoother.
https://www.keyboardco.com/product/24k- ... s-60cn.asp
Another one I'd seriously recommend is Fujitsu leaf springs - try the 3rd generation (get them clean). Fantastic switches if you like linears!

- Muirium
- µ
- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Main keyboard: HHKB Type-S with Bluetooth by Hasu
- Main mouse: Apple Magic Mouse
- Favorite switch: Gotta Try 'Em All
- DT Pro Member: µ
You know when you're on Deskthority when even a thread with "best modern" in the title yields recommendations of decades old boards. It's "modern" if it's new old stock, right?
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- Location: Arvada CO
- Main keyboard: zowie ec1
- Main mouse: Logitech m535
- Favorite switch: c^3 tangerines
I guess so. As I said, the plank has support for alps skcm skcl switches, but I was more looking for mx style yes.Muirium wrote: 18 Dec 2019, 12:21 You know when you're on Deskthority when even a thread with "best modern" in the title yields recommendations of decades old boards. It's "modern" if it's new old stock, right?
- abrahamstechnology
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Laser with SMK Cherry mount
- Main mouse: Mitsumi ECM-S3902
- Favorite switch: Alps and Alps clones
- DT Pro Member: 0212
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- Location: Arvada CO
- Main keyboard: zowie ec1
- Main mouse: Logitech m535
- Favorite switch: c^3 tangerines
I haven't looked at this thread for a long time, and I just wanna say, um, what the fuck? I have never seen those switches in my life. could you give me some documentation for these switches? maybe some video's? anything?
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- Location: Arvada CO
- Main keyboard: zowie ec1
- Main mouse: Logitech m535
- Favorite switch: c^3 tangerines
if I am not mistaken, isn't this the same brand that had the whole stealios thing with kbdfans? granted I did not keep up with any of this, but in that case it just doesn't seem like a trustable brand
I don't feel inclined to do any more research into this particular switch, so if you have anything you would like to tell me about these, that would be great. I don't feel good about these whatsoever, but I am not not open to looking into them if they really are any good.
I do just have one question if you are up for answering. when I did my research, I found that this is simply just a group buy, or at least some versions of it are. I just wanna know if this one is.
- swampangel
- Location: Canada
- Main keyboard: Northgate Omnikey 101
- DT Pro Member: -
A little more info on that from the latest T1 group buy at viewtopic.php?f=50&t=22696 and https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyb ... statement/Ilostmytoeinvietnam wrote: 25 Dec 2019, 22:36 if I am not mistaken, isn't this the same brand that had the whole stealios thing with kbdfans? granted I did not keep up with any of this, but in that case it just doesn't seem like a trustable brand
Others who have actually bought from Durock can confirm this, but afaik the group buys have been organized to get a better price due to MOQ, but you're free to order directly from them on aliexpress if you're willing to pay the slightly higher unit price + any duty.Ilostmytoeinvietnam wrote: 25 Dec 2019, 22:36 I do just have one question if you are up for answering. when I did my research, I found that this is simply just a group buy, or at least some versions of it are. I just wanna know if this one is.
- ZedTheMan
- Location: Central US
- Main keyboard: IModel F77/IBM 3101/Omnikey 102/96Kee
- Main mouse: Logitech G430/Logitech M570/Kensington Expert
- Favorite switch: Beamsprings. Alps SKCM Blue, Capacitive Buckling S
- DT Pro Member: 0219
You can also buy their linears and t1s from primekeyboards, but again, it's up to the buyer to determine if they trust this company. As for me, I've been very happy with their switches, both linears and tactiles.swampangel wrote: 26 Dec 2019, 14:20A little more info on that from the latest T1 group buy at viewtopic.php?f=50&t=22696 and https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyb ... statement/Ilostmytoeinvietnam wrote: 25 Dec 2019, 22:36 if I am not mistaken, isn't this the same brand that had the whole stealios thing with kbdfans? granted I did not keep up with any of this, but in that case it just doesn't seem like a trustable brand
Others who have actually bought from Durock can confirm this, but afaik the group buys have been organized to get a better price due to MOQ, but you're free to order directly from them on aliexpress if you're willing to pay the slightly higher unit price + any duty.Ilostmytoeinvietnam wrote: 25 Dec 2019, 22:36 I do just have one question if you are up for answering. when I did my research, I found that this is simply just a group buy, or at least some versions of it are. I just wanna know if this one is.