deskthority

BussoV6's thread and WTB post have inspired me to look into some of my keyboards. Perhaps it's all common knowledge, but I've been quite surprised.

My Chicony 5182 with plate-mounted clicky MX-compatible Futaba switches has simple wire stabilizers that look like Costar stabs. Upon further inspection, they look exactly the same as genuine Costar stabs in my QFR, only the color is different (white in the 5182, black in the QFR).

I've just disassembled a couple of APC semi-mechanical keyboards (F-21; GOGAPC-21). One is Type 1, the other one Type 3. Both have Alps-compatible ABS doubleshots. Most stabs are Alps-style; clips are a part of the plastic plate/case. However, the Type 1 one has the same stabilizer clips as the Chicony 5182 mentioned above, as well as MX-compatible keycap inserts, under the spacebar and the vertical part of big-ass Enter.

…and back to Chicony. 5181/5182 have a plate, but 5191/5192 don't. There's the same kind of stabs though, only with sturdier, taller clips for mounting directly in the PCB. Here's a potato pic for comparison (the light green thing is PCB-mount):


Are the old "Costar" stabs actually Costar (or some predecessor, i.e. the same supplier as today)? Is the PCB-mount version still made?

PCB mount Costar would be pretty sweet for custom keyboards. Right now, PCB mount Cherry is the most hassle free, guaranteed quality way to go. But not everyone is right and prefers Cherry stabs for feel.

Strange how I find myself the minority of one who doesn't like MX switches but prefers Cherry's stabs!

I definitely prefer Cherry stabs. Costar are better for customs, but Cherry are much nicer in my experience.

I prefer the costar myself, i cannot put my finger on it ( no pun indented )but they just feel better, especially on larger keys like the space bar.

They only feel good when they are well greased. I find the cherry ones add a bit of tactility to the switches and it just feels wrong.

PCB costar would be nice !