deskthority

Hey all, I'm looking for a linear switch preferably with low actuation force that registers a keystroke at the VERY BOTTOM of the stroke, similar to how a membrane keyboard works. It does not need to be a "mechanical" switch, but it cannot feel "mushy" and must be at least almost linear feeling. The closest I've found so far is a random low profile scissor switch keyboard I have (not linear but low profile so it doesnt matter so much, and its not mushy), but I'd prefer a full profile keyboard. The style of keyboard found in the C64 (mitsumi hybrid I believe) is one example of what I'm looking for, but a little more refined and modern if at all possible.

I already have all cherry varieties and a couple of topre boards, so those are not what I'm after. I'm looking for something completely different.

Bonus points if I can buy a keyboard with the switches prebuilt, if absolutely necessary I can modify an older system to work over USB but I'd rather not have to.

Imagine MX reds but they register when you bottom out rather than half way through the stroke. They obviously wont be so "clacky" as they will likely require a membrane connection, but the firmer the bottoming out is, the better.

Wooting One with Flaretech switches with variable actuation distance set to maximum. I find they feel exactly like Cherry MX Red.

... and you can change them back if/when you find that bottoming out is tiresome.

Findecanor wrote: ↑Wooting One with Flaretech switches with variable actuation distance set to maximum. I find they feel exactly like Cherry MX Red.

... and you can change them back if/when you find that bottoming out is tiresome.

Interesting, I'll have a look.

Does anyone know of any older membrane based keyboards that are reasonably obtainable?

Pretty much any Keytronic, WYSE, or Chicony board are easily obtainable.

Mitsumi KSD, KSR, KKR and KPR type should be linear switches with activation on bottom out, they are somewhat common and usually very cheap too.

I'm sorry I neglected to mention that the Wooting One requires a program on the host computer to change any settings. Nothing is configurable on just the keyboard itself. The program is supported under 64-bit Windows, MacOS and some Linuxes but not on 32-bit Windows!

Noobmaen wrote: ↑Mitsumi KSD, KSR, KKR and KPR type should be linear switches with activation on bottom out, they are somewhat common and usually very cheap too.

The Wiki says "No production keyboards are known with KPR model numbers" but as it happens I have two right next to me: the ones built into my Commodore Amiga 500 and 1200 that I brought up from the basement last weekend.
They don't actuate at the very bottom and they are a bit mushy, at least after all these years.

If you do get a Mitsumi KPQ keyboard for the PC, and another KPR keyboard I think the springs from the KPR can be transplanted into the KPQ to make it into a linear keyboard. I myself wouldn't though.

On an Amiga 1200 keyboard with Mitsumi KPR switches, on a key without a keycap and main spring, the slider protrudes approx 1.4 mm. The conductive rubber bridge would have contact with the membrane without the main spring.