Tisha Talks Switches

Clear

Tactile
Duration: 17m 36s

Like a roller coaster where you kind of go up the hill and then there's a rounded top before you go back down.

Switches mentioned in this episode

Transcripts

Duration: 17m 36s
Erez
00m 03s
Hello, and welcome to Tisha Talks Switches. I'm Erez from ZSA, and with me here today is Tisha, our resident switch expert and Support Lead. How are things, Tisha?
Hello, and welcome to Tisha Talks Switches. I'm Erez from ZSA, and with me here today is Tisha, our resident switch expert and Support Lead. How are things, Tisha?
Tisha
00m 09s
Hi, there. Uh, pretty good. Kind of rainy here around Chicago, but, oh, it's okay. At least it's not a million degrees outside.
Hi, there. Uh, pretty good. Kind of rainy here around Chicago, but, oh, it's okay. At least it's not a million degrees outside.
Erez
00m 14s
I hear, I hear. Here it's cloudy in southern Ontario, but cloudy but not cool. Like I can walk around with a t-shirt, so it's nice.
I hear, I hear. Here it's cloudy in southern Ontario, but cloudy but not cool. Like I can walk around with a t-shirt, so it's nice.
Tisha
00m 19s
Oh. [laughs] Yeah, it doesn't sound nice to me. [laughs]
Oh. [laughs] Yeah, it doesn't sound nice to me. [laughs]
Erez
00m 22s
It's not like hot, but it's-
It's not like hot, but it's-
Tisha
00m 22s
Right.
Right.
Erez
00m 23s
perfect weather. It's like in the 20s I think. It's really nice.
perfect weather. It's like in the 20s I think. It's really nice.
Tisha
00m 24s
Okay. Um, a little-
Okay. Um, a little-
Erez
00m 25s
Celsius that is.
Celsius that is.
Tisha
00m 26s
Right. Yeah, a little bit of mental math here. Okay, okay.
Right. Yeah, a little bit of mental math here. Okay, okay.
Erez
00m 27s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Tisha
00m 27s
I think that I've determined that I really like the upper teens.
I think that I've determined that I really like the upper teens.
Erez
00m 29s
Hm. Oh, that's, that's chilly, yeah.
Hm. Oh, that's, that's chilly, yeah.
Tisha
00m 31s
It's co- it's cool, right. But, and I also like the upper teens Fahrenheit because I like actual cold, but... [ laughs]
It's co- it's cool, right. But, and I also like the upper teens Fahrenheit because I like actual cold, but... [ laughs]
Erez
00m 35s
That's funny. I was talking to an Israeli relative recently and they were somewhere and it was, I think, 17 Celsius or something. They're like, "Wow, it's really cold."
That's funny. I was talking to an Israeli relative recently and they were somewhere and it was, I think, 17 Celsius or something. They're like, "Wow, it's really cold."
Tisha
00m 40s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Erez
00m 40s
Okay. Okay, cool, cool.
Okay. Okay, cool, cool.
Tisha
00m 42s
Right. I have some relatives in California and, uh, you know, I know we have a lot of listeners who use Celsius and my mental conversion is not great, so if I say, you know, it's in the 60s Fahrenheit. So let's say less than 20 Celsius probably, right?
Right. I have some relatives in California and, uh, you know, I know we have a lot of listeners who use Celsius and my mental conversion is not great, so if I say, you know, it's in the 60s Fahrenheit. So let's say less than 20 Celsius probably, right?
Erez
00m 53s
Mm-hmm [affirmative]. Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative]. Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
00m 54s
"Oh, and we had to wear coats, so it was so cold. [crosstalk]
"Oh, and we had to wear coats, so it was so cold. [crosstalk]
Erez
00m 55s
[laughs] Right, right.
[laughs] Right, right.
Tisha
00m 56s
Like dude, that is... [laughs] that's [crosstalk]
Like dude, that is... [laughs] that's [crosstalk]
Erez
00m 58s
But the thing is- like when you, when you're in that climate, it really does feel that way because your body gets used to whatever, you know, temperature it's in, right? So it, it really 17 Celsius, it really feels cold all of the sudden, you know what I mean?
But the thing is- like when you, when you're in that climate, it really does feel that way because your body gets used to whatever, you know, temperature it's in, right? So it, it really 17 Celsius, it really feels cold all of the sudden, you know what I mean?
Tisha
01m 04s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Erez
01m 04s
It, it really does.
It, it really does.
Tisha
01m 05s
Totally. Right, right. But, and if you're in the Midwest, and I think the same goes for you know, the middle of Canada where you've got these extremes, I don't know. You don't really get used to anything in particular 'cause it's hot, hot, hot in the summer, and cold, cold, cold in the winter.
Totally. Right, right. But, and if you're in the Midwest, and I think the same goes for you know, the middle of Canada where you've got these extremes, I don't know. You don't really get used to anything in particular 'cause it's hot, hot, hot in the summer, and cold, cold, cold in the winter.
Erez
01m 13s
That's true.
That's true.
Tisha
01m 14s
Everything in between.
Everything in between.
Erez
01m 14s
Yeah, I love that about southern Ontario. Like the, the seasons are real.
Yeah, I love that about southern Ontario. Like the, the seasons are real.
Tisha
01m 17s
Right. [laughs]
Right. [laughs]
Erez
01m 17s
Like exactly. Like summer is summer and winter is winter. It's very nice.
Like exactly. Like summer is summer and winter is winter. It's very nice.
Tisha
01m 19s
Right. [ laughs]
Right. [ laughs]
Erez
01m 20s
Cool. So we are gathered here today to talk about Cherry MX Clear-
Cool. So we are gathered here today to talk about Cherry MX Clear-
Tisha
01m 23s
Yeah.
Yeah.
Erez
01m 24s
which is a pretty exotic switch as these things go, I think, right?
which is a pretty exotic switch as these things go, I think, right?
Tisha
01m 27s
Yeah, it is. It's almost a specialty switch- [laughs]
Yeah, it is. It's almost a specialty switch- [laughs]
Erez
01m 29s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
01m 29s
I guess, I would call it. It's kinda hard to call anything that Cherry makes specialty 'cause I guess that would be like calling something that Google offered specialty or something [laughs] Microsoft offered spe... You know, but it's not a Honda Civic.
I guess, I would call it. It's kinda hard to call anything that Cherry makes specialty 'cause I guess that would be like calling something that Google offered specialty or something [laughs] Microsoft offered spe... You know, but it's not a Honda Civic.
Erez
01m 38s
Yeah, yeah. To be fair, Google does offer some really niche and weird stuff. Like ever hear of AppSheet or like stuff like that? I think that's what they call it. They have these weird products that like five people use and then they discontinue them.
Yeah, yeah. To be fair, Google does offer some really niche and weird stuff. Like ever hear of AppSheet or like stuff like that? I think that's what they call it. They have these weird products that like five people use and then they discontinue them.
Tisha
01m 45s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Erez
01m 45s
So actually Google does-
So actually Google does-
Tisha
01m 47s
[crosstalk]
[crosstalk]
Erez
01m 47s
does do like niche stuff I think.
does do like niche stuff I think.
Tisha
01m 48s
Right. Yeah, sure. Years ago they had Google Reader which I really liked, and so [crosstalk]
Right. Yeah, sure. Years ago they had Google Reader which I really liked, and so [crosstalk]
Erez
01m 51s
That was not niche! That was great and they should have kept it.
That was not niche! That was great and they should have kept it.
Tisha
01m 53s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Erez
01m 53s
Like that, I... That was a terrible decision to stop that.
Like that, I... That was a terrible decision to stop that.
Tisha
01m 55s
Right.
Right.
Erez
01m 55s
That was a great product.
That was a great product.
Tisha
01m 56s
I mean, to hear them talk about it, it was niche. [inaudible]. No one uses this. We're gonna discontinue, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
I mean, to hear them talk about it, it was niche. [inaudible]. No one uses this. We're gonna discontinue, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Erez
01m 59s
Yeah.
Yeah.
Tisha
01m 59s
So, okay.
So, okay.
Erez
01m 59s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Tisha
01m 59s
Uh, for, for this, this is kinda one of my... I don't know. What's the opposite of pet peeve or the other side of the coin? This is kind of one of my little things. After a bunch of searching for something that would replace Google Reader, and I know there are a bunch of things that kind of came into fill that vacated space, I landed on Inoreader. It's I-N-O reader.
Uh, for, for this, this is kinda one of my... I don't know. What's the opposite of pet peeve or the other side of the coin? This is kind of one of my little things. After a bunch of searching for something that would replace Google Reader, and I know there are a bunch of things that kind of came into fill that vacated space, I landed on Inoreader. It's I-N-O reader.
Erez
02m 14s
No way. I use that, too.
No way. I use that, too.
Tisha
02m 14s
Do you?
Do you?
Erez
02m 14s
That's what I use.
That's what I use.
Tisha
02m 15s
Right, which I... And I've been using it for years now, so like this is my little plug. I love this. I love Inoreader. I pay for their lowest tier, not because I use any of their features but just because, because I could totally get by with free. I'm not a [crosstalk]
Right, which I... And I've been using it for years now, so like this is my little plug. I love this. I love Inoreader. I pay for their lowest tier, not because I use any of their features but just because, because I could totally get by with free. I'm not a [crosstalk]
Erez
02m 23s
Yeah, me, me too. That's, that's so funny.
Yeah, me, me too. That's, that's so funny.
Tisha
02m 25s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Erez
02m 25s
I, I didn't know you used that. That's, that's my RSS reader of choice, and I pay for their lowest tier, too, yeah, for the same reason.
I, I didn't know you used that. That's, that's my RSS reader of choice, and I pay for their lowest tier, too, yeah, for the same reason.
Tisha
02m 28s
Right. Not a power user, but I just like it so much. [laughs]
Right. Not a power user, but I just like it so much. [laughs]
Erez
02m 30s
And their mobile app is pretty good, too. I mean, it's, it's just a good, good service.
And their mobile app is pretty good, too. I mean, it's, it's just a good, good service.
Tisha
02m 32s
Right, it is, yeah. I don't use that very much, but a little bit. So yeah, if there's anyone still, after all these years, and I can understand why you might, pining for Google Reader, check out Inoreader. [laughs]
Right, it is, yeah. I don't use that very much, but a little bit. So yeah, if there's anyone still, after all these years, and I can understand why you might, pining for Google Reader, check out Inoreader. [laughs]
Erez
02m 39s
It works, totally.
It works, totally.
Tisha
02m 40s
Right, yeah. So that has nothing to do with switches.
Right, yeah. So that has nothing to do with switches.
Erez
02m 41s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Tisha
02m 41s
But anyway. [laughs]
But anyway. [laughs]
Erez
02m 42s
Right, so back to MX Clear which is an odd duck.
Right, so back to MX Clear which is an odd duck.
Tisha
02m 44s
A little bit.
A little bit.
Erez
02m 44s
Wh- why is it a weird switch?
Wh- why is it a weird switch?
Tisha
02m 46s
I guess, I don't really know because it's not weird to use. It's just not, it's one of those that isn't super popular, you know? It's not a Cherry MX Brown or a Kailh Silver or something like that. But the people who like it, really like it.
I guess, I don't really know because it's not weird to use. It's just not, it's one of those that isn't super popular, you know? It's not a Cherry MX Brown or a Kailh Silver or something like that. But the people who like it, really like it.
Erez
02m 56s
Right.
Right.
Tisha
02m 57s
Maybe one of the reasons that there's less use is that there is not an RGB version.
Maybe one of the reasons that there's less use is that there is not an RGB version.
Erez
03m 00s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
03m 00s
So that does limit it some.
So that does limit it some.
Erez
03m 02s
Yeah, and you can't get it on a Moonlander-
Yeah, and you can't get it on a Moonlander-
Tisha
03m 03s
Right.
Right.
Erez
03m 03s
or a Planck EZ Glow or ErgoDox EZ Glow. Yeah.
or a Planck EZ Glow or ErgoDox EZ Glow. Yeah.
Tisha
03m 05s
Right, right. Which I always think is funny that they have this switch called Clear and it's-
Right, right. Which I always think is funny that they have this switch called Clear and it's-
Erez
03m 08s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Tisha
03m 08s
a very opaque switch. [laughs]
a very opaque switch. [laughs]
Erez
03m 10s
Right. It, it should be the Cherry MX Opaque.
Right. It, it should be the Cherry MX Opaque.
Tisha
03m 12s
Right. [laughs] It's like, come on guys.
Right. [laughs] It's like, come on guys.
Erez
03m 14s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Tisha
03m 14s
It is, it's heavier. So it does have, hm, a little bit, although this isn't super accurate, but it's a little bit like a heavier version of Cherry MX Brown, so it's tactile. And it's got that kind of rounded feeling tactile bump, not a sharp crisp one, but kind of a nice little round hump. [laughs]
It is, it's heavier. So it does have, hm, a little bit, although this isn't super accurate, but it's a little bit like a heavier version of Cherry MX Brown, so it's tactile. And it's got that kind of rounded feeling tactile bump, not a sharp crisp one, but kind of a nice little round hump. [laughs]
Erez
03m 27s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
03m 28s
Yeah, a little heavier than the Cherry MX Brown, and kind of to go along with that, springier feeling. You can feel, I think the spring push back against your fingers a little more distinctly than with the Brown.
Yeah, a little heavier than the Cherry MX Brown, and kind of to go along with that, springier feeling. You can feel, I think the spring push back against your fingers a little more distinctly than with the Brown.
Erez
03m 37s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
03m 38s
Like it's not like heavy sluggish feeling, but, you feel a little more pushback.
Like it's not like heavy sluggish feeling, but, you feel a little more pushback.
Erez
03m 41s
So in a sense it's more tactile, tactile key. Like the tactility is like... It has more oomph to it like in terms of like the, how tactile it is?
So in a sense it's more tactile, tactile key. Like the tactility is like... It has more oomph to it like in terms of like the, how tactile it is?
Tisha
03m 47s
Somewhat, although it's a very round tactility, so I know that some people when they say more tactile they mean sharper, firmer, almost like it almost stops you. It almost stops the downward motion of your finger. This is-
Somewhat, although it's a very round tactility, so I know that some people when they say more tactile they mean sharper, firmer, almost like it almost stops you. It almost stops the downward motion of your finger. This is-
Erez
03m 58s
And then when it lets go, what they mean is-
And then when it lets go, what they mean is-
Tisha
03m 59s
Right.
Right.
Erez
03m 59s
it can almost stops them, then when it lets go, it lets go suddenly like a sharp drop in the, in the curve.
it can almost stops them, then when it lets go, it lets go suddenly like a sharp drop in the, in the curve.
Tisha
04m 02s
Right.
Right.
Erez
04m 02s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
04m 02s
It's like this snap.
It's like this snap.
Erez
04m 03s
Yep.
Yep.
Tisha
04m 03s
It's like stretching a rubber band and then letting it go.
It's like stretching a rubber band and then letting it go.
Erez
04m 05s
Mm-hmm [affirmative]. Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative]. Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
04m 05s
This isn't like that. This is... I don't know if I have an analogy. Maybe a little bit more like a roller coaster where you kind of go up the hill and then there's a rounded top before you go back down.
This isn't like that. This is... I don't know if I have an analogy. Maybe a little bit more like a roller coaster where you kind of go up the hill and then there's a rounded top before you go back down.
Erez
04m 14s
I think the "like a roller coaster" is the most exciting description of a keyswitch-
I think the "like a roller coaster" is the most exciting description of a keyswitch-
Tisha
04m 16s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Erez
04m 16s
we've had so far ever, like in all the episodes.
we've had so far ever, like in all the episodes.
Tisha
04m 18s
Maybe. [laughs] Maybe so.
Maybe. [laughs] Maybe so.
Erez
04m 19s
So that's amazing.
So that's amazing.
Tisha
04m 19s
Right. That might be overselling the excited-ness-
Right. That might be overselling the excited-ness-
Erez
04m 22s
Right.
Right.
Tisha
04m 22s
exciting-ness of it. [laughs]
exciting-ness of it. [laughs]
Erez
04m 24s
Like, "Woo! I'm tapping my space bar."
Like, "Woo! I'm tapping my space bar."
Tisha
04m 26s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Erez
04m 26s
Like that, that's awesome.
Like that, that's awesome.
Tisha
04m 27s
Right. But, and also there isn't... The tactile bump is very high on the Clear, so you don't get a bit of easy press, and then hard press, and then easy again. On the Clears it's more kind of firmer at the top, easier at the bottom.
Right. But, and also there isn't... The tactile bump is very high on the Clear, so you don't get a bit of easy press, and then hard press, and then easy again. On the Clears it's more kind of firmer at the top, easier at the bottom.
Erez
04m 38s
Oh.
Oh.
Tisha
04m 39s
It's got a high tactile bump.
It's got a high tactile bump.
Erez
04m 41s
That's interesting. That's, that's significant, because... And, and wait. So the tactile bump there, is that before it actuates?
That's interesting. That's, that's significant, because... And, and wait. So the tactile bump there, is that before it actuates?
Tisha
04m 46s
The start of it is before because of how high the bump is. Probably the peak, and I guess I should have looked up a force curve, but I did not. [laughs] But the peak of force required probably is about the same time as the actuation.
The start of it is before because of how high the bump is. Probably the peak, and I guess I should have looked up a force curve, but I did not. [laughs] But the peak of force required probably is about the same time as the actuation.
Erez
04m 56s
So we don't get too too many false actuations there.
So we don't get too too many false actuations there.
Tisha
04m 58s
If the switch is normal, no.
If the switch is normal, no.
Erez
04m 59s
Ah, there. You, you touched actually-
Ah, there. You, you touched actually-
Tisha
05m 00s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Erez
05m 00s
on something really interesting about the Clears, which is that they can be super inconsistent, right?
on something really interesting about the Clears, which is that they can be super inconsistent, right?
Tisha
05m 04s
Yeah. I would say it's not common, but it's not unheard of that, for some reason, you know, I don't know what specifically the problem is, but sometimes you get a batch of Clears and a few or several switches out of that batch... like you barely touch them you'll actuate.
Yeah. I would say it's not common, but it's not unheard of that, for some reason, you know, I don't know what specifically the problem is, but sometimes you get a batch of Clears and a few or several switches out of that batch... like you barely touch them you'll actuate.
Erez
05m 15s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
05m 15s
It's like as soon as there's any pressure at all. When it's happened with our keyboards it'd be... You know, so a keyboard full let's say between 72 and 76... Well, no, 76, 'cause it's only the ErgoDox not Glow, [ laughs] 10 or fewer.
It's like as soon as there's any pressure at all. When it's happened with our keyboards it'd be... You know, so a keyboard full let's say between 72 and 76... Well, no, 76, 'cause it's only the ErgoDox not Glow, [ laughs] 10 or fewer.
Erez
05m 25s
And then we replace them, of course. It'd still be covered.
And then we replace them, of course. It'd still be covered.
Tisha
05m 26s
We will, right. [crosstalk]
We will, right. [crosstalk]
Erez
05m 27s
But it's still annoying when it happens. That's-
But it's still annoying when it happens. That's-
Tisha
05m 28s
Right, it's-
Right, it's-
Erez
05m 29s
It's kinda hard to catch in QC.
It's kinda hard to catch in QC.
Tisha
05m 30s
Exactly, yeah. Because, you know, you press the key and it works.
Exactly, yeah. Because, you know, you press the key and it works.
Erez
05m 32s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
05m 32s
It's just that then maybe you might find you accidentally bumped a key, and then it also works when you don't want it to. [laughs]
It's just that then maybe you might find you accidentally bumped a key, and then it also works when you don't want it to. [laughs]
Erez
05m 36s
Yeah, it's the type of thing you notice when you actually use the keyboard, which we don't want QC to actually, you know, [laughs] like sit down-
Yeah, it's the type of thing you notice when you actually use the keyboard, which we don't want QC to actually, you know, [laughs] like sit down-
Tisha
05m 40s
Right.
Right.
Erez
05m 40s
for hours with people's keyboards and work with them, right? So it's hard to catch.
for hours with people's keyboards and work with them, right? So it's hard to catch.
Tisha
05m 43s
Right. So I don't wanna give the impression that this is something that, that you should expect to happen because it's not a high percentage, but it is higher than... You know, the other switches we carry, it's pretty rare that any of them have problems. And if it is, it's like one switch in a keyboard.
Right. So I don't wanna give the impression that this is something that, that you should expect to happen because it's not a high percentage, but it is higher than... You know, the other switches we carry, it's pretty rare that any of them have problems. And if it is, it's like one switch in a keyboard.
Erez
05m 53s
Right.
Right.
Tisha
05m 53s
It's like, "Oh, this one switch is going kinda funny." So on one hand, it's rare, but on the other hand, it's, you know, it happened enough times that it's a pattern. It's like, "Oh, yeah-
It's like, "Oh, this one switch is going kinda funny." So on one hand, it's rare, but on the other hand, it's, you know, it happened enough times that it's a pattern. It's like, "Oh, yeah-
Erez
05m 58s
Yeah.
Yeah.
Tisha
05m 58s
this sometimes happens with these."
this sometimes happens with these."
Erez
06m 00s
Mm-hmm [affirmative]. Mm-hmm [affirmative]. For sure.
Mm-hmm [affirmative]. Mm-hmm [affirmative]. For sure.
Tisha
06m 01s
Yeah.
Yeah.
Erez
06m 01s
Yeah, again, like we, we cover it, but it's, I guess it's good to know.
Yeah, again, like we, we cover it, but it's, I guess it's good to know.
Tisha
06m 03s
Right. If you do get a keyboard with the Cherry MX Clear switches and some of them seem like super duper sensitive, it's not, it's not just you. It's not the keyboard. It's not your computer, you know? But chances are really good that it won't be the case.
Right. If you do get a keyboard with the Cherry MX Clear switches and some of them seem like super duper sensitive, it's not, it's not just you. It's not the keyboard. It's not your computer, you know? But chances are really good that it won't be the case.
Erez
06m 14s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
06m 15s
Yeah. I don't have numbers or anything. Like I don't have a percentage. It's just, it's small.
Yeah. I don't have numbers or anything. Like I don't have a percentage. It's just, it's small.
Erez
06m 18s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
06m 18s
Um-
Um-
Erez
06m 18s
I mean, it's, I guess it's part of how we work. It's a lot of anecdotal stuff. We just talk to people. We're not so big on like analytics [laughs] and whatever. We just talk to people, and it's something we've noticed, right, just in, in the course of our work you think, right?
I mean, it's, I guess it's part of how we work. It's a lot of anecdotal stuff. We just talk to people. We're not so big on like analytics [laughs] and whatever. We just talk to people, and it's something we've noticed, right, just in, in the course of our work you think, right?
Tisha
06m 26s
Right, right. So I would say if you like the feel, kind of the general feel of Cherry MX Brown but you want something a little heavier, a little firmer, not like sharp feeling, not snappy, then you might like Cherry MX Clear. But again, Cherry doesn't even make an RGB version, so it's a no-go for Moonlander or a ErgoDox EZ Glow or Planck EZ Glow.
Right, right. So I would say if you like the feel, kind of the general feel of Cherry MX Brown but you want something a little heavier, a little firmer, not like sharp feeling, not snappy, then you might like Cherry MX Clear. But again, Cherry doesn't even make an RGB version, so it's a no-go for Moonlander or a ErgoDox EZ Glow or Planck EZ Glow.
Erez
06m 43s
So this kind of begs the question. Let's say I'm thinking of-
So this kind of begs the question. Let's say I'm thinking of-
Tisha
06m 44s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Erez
06m 44s
maybe buying a board, maybe, maybe buying even an ErgoDox EZ. I say even because, you know, I'm not even moving from a Moonlander, but I'm already set on an ErgoDox EZ-
maybe buying a board, maybe, maybe buying even an ErgoDox EZ. I say even because, you know, I'm not even moving from a Moonlander, but I'm already set on an ErgoDox EZ-
Tisha
06m 50s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Erez
06m 51s
and I find the MX Clear interesting. Is it worth it? Like would you say like it's a very personal decision, I guess. Like do I want RGB or like is MX Clear so special that it's worth losing the lighting for and just going with a non-Glow just to get MX Clear?
and I find the MX Clear interesting. Is it worth it? Like would you say like it's a very personal decision, I guess. Like do I want RGB or like is MX Clear so special that it's worth losing the lighting for and just going with a non-Glow just to get MX Clear?
Tisha
07m 03s
Yeah, that's hard to say for any individual. I will say that the people who really like the MX Clears, for some of them, yes, it is worth it. Like they like the switch so much, that, you know, they specifically order their keyboard with it. It's okay that I don't get the backlighting. It's one of things I guess you don't know until you try it. [laughs]
Yeah, that's hard to say for any individual. I will say that the people who really like the MX Clears, for some of them, yes, it is worth it. Like they like the switch so much, that, you know, they specifically order their keyboard with it. It's okay that I don't get the backlighting. It's one of things I guess you don't know until you try it. [laughs]
Erez
07m 15s
Right. This is where a, a key tester comes in I guess.
Right. This is where a, a key tester comes in I guess.
Tisha
07m 18s
Yeah, exactly. And-
Yeah, exactly. And-
Erez
07m 19s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
07m 19s
but I also kind of... Well, this is the... It's the case for any sort of key tester. You get a nice sampling of what it feels like, but typing on a keyboard full of one type of switch is different.
but I also kind of... Well, this is the... It's the case for any sort of key tester. You get a nice sampling of what it feels like, but typing on a keyboard full of one type of switch is different.
Erez
07m 26s
Absolutely. Because you also see the output on your screen, so the actuation when you're just using a passive test or just, you know, a, like a piece of plastic with switches stuck into it, you don't get any sense of when the key actuates, which makes a tremendous difference in use I find.
Absolutely. Because you also see the output on your screen, so the actuation when you're just using a passive test or just, you know, a, like a piece of plastic with switches stuck into it, you don't get any sense of when the key actuates, which makes a tremendous difference in use I find.
Tisha
07m 32s
Right.
Right.
Erez
07m 32s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
07m 36s
Right, I, I think for a switch like this, it's kind of harder to give specific recommendations. Like, you know, oh, if you like "Foo", then you'll like this switch. Or, you know, you should give it a try because it's popular. I mean, well, it's not popular. It's prized by the people who like it, [laughs] I guess.
Right, I, I think for a switch like this, it's kind of harder to give specific recommendations. Like, you know, oh, if you like "Foo", then you'll like this switch. Or, you know, you should give it a try because it's popular. I mean, well, it's not popular. It's prized by the people who like it, [laughs] I guess.
Erez
07m 48s
Right.
Right.
Tisha
07m 48s
I wouldn't say that people dislike it. It's just kinda, just not a generally popular switch.
I wouldn't say that people dislike it. It's just kinda, just not a generally popular switch.
Erez
07m 51s
Although, you know, you just got me thinking. As long as we're talking niche and whatnot-
Although, you know, you just got me thinking. As long as we're talking niche and whatnot-
Tisha
07m 54s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Erez
07m 54s
you can also mod it, theoretically, right? I mean, you could get a bunch of Cherry MX Clears and, and take the housing off another RGB Cherry switch and swap out the housings, no?
you can also mod it, theoretically, right? I mean, you could get a bunch of Cherry MX Clears and, and take the housing off another RGB Cherry switch and swap out the housings, no?
Tisha
07m 59s
Uh, yeah. I guess theoretically you could. I don't know, you know, the spring will be a big part of it. I don't know if you would miss out on other things, though. I'm not great with sort of mechanical- [laughs]
Uh, yeah. I guess theoretically you could. I don't know, you know, the spring will be a big part of it. I don't know if you would miss out on other things, though. I'm not great with sort of mechanical- [laughs]
Erez
08m 10s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
08m 10s
I don't know the reasoning.
I don't know the reasoning.
Erez
08m 11s
I mean, it's something to try, yeah. I mean-
I mean, it's something to try, yeah. I mean-
Tisha
08m 11s
Yeah. Uh, and I imagine, and like certainly people have tried this.
Yeah. Uh, and I imagine, and like certainly people have tried this.
Erez
08m 15s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
08m 16s
So-
So-
Erez
08m 16s
Yeah. It can, you can probably find people who did this on Reddit and whatnot.
Yeah. It can, you can probably find people who did this on Reddit and whatnot.
Tisha
08m 18s
Yeah, totally. This is a harder switch to talk about, I guess, because it's a little, like it's almost a little bit of an enigma, [laughs] you know?
Yeah, totally. This is a harder switch to talk about, I guess, because it's a little, like it's almost a little bit of an enigma, [laughs] you know?
Erez
08m 24s
Which, on the other hand, is kind of why we decided to, to create Tisha Talks Switches because it's one of those things that there's a lot around it, and just like three numbers and a graph don't really tell the story there I, I find.
Which, on the other hand, is kind of why we decided to, to create Tisha Talks Switches because it's one of those things that there's a lot around it, and just like three numbers and a graph don't really tell the story there I, I find.
Tisha
08m 33s
Right, right. I know, you know, a lot of people who want kind of a heavier more tactile switch, uh, tend to gravitate toward some of the custom Kailh, like Kailh Box Royal or Navy, which is clicky. I believe Jade is also clicky. A lot of times when people are looking for more tactile, that's what they're looking for, firmer, sharper.
Right, right. I know, you know, a lot of people who want kind of a heavier more tactile switch, uh, tend to gravitate toward some of the custom Kailh, like Kailh Box Royal or Navy, which is clicky. I believe Jade is also clicky. A lot of times when people are looking for more tactile, that's what they're looking for, firmer, sharper.
Erez
08m 47s
And those are all, I mean, they're aftermarket in the sense you don't get them from us, but they are RGB friendly.
And those are all, I mean, they're aftermarket in the sense you don't get them from us, but they are RGB friendly.
Tisha
08m 50s
Right.
Right.
Erez
08m 51s
But, let's say I'm listening to this and I'm thinking like, for me, I care about RGB or I want the Moonlander specifically, for example. But I like I'm hearing about the MX Clear. What are my options? What should I be looking at? An MX Brown or...
But, let's say I'm listening to this and I'm thinking like, for me, I care about RGB or I want the Moonlander specifically, for example. But I like I'm hearing about the MX Clear. What are my options? What should I be looking at? An MX Brown or...
Tisha
09m 00s
That is tough. Yeah, maybe MX Brown if you're okay with something that's not so heavy. But if what you're looking for is that rounded tactile bump, then MX Brown. Or maybe Kailh Copper-
That is tough. Yeah, maybe MX Brown if you're okay with something that's not so heavy. But if what you're looking for is that rounded tactile bump, then MX Brown. Or maybe Kailh Copper-
Erez
09m 11s
Hm.
Hm.
Tisha
09m 11s
which also has a rounded sort of gentle, and I think somewhat higher tactile bump. That's a Speed Switch, so the actuation happens just before the bump. Yeah, I think out of the RGB switches we have, those are what I'd recommend trying. And then if you're looking for something with a firmer tactile bump but not sharp, then the ZealPC Zealios might be something to look at-
which also has a rounded sort of gentle, and I think somewhat higher tactile bump. That's a Speed Switch, so the actuation happens just before the bump. Yeah, I think out of the RGB switches we have, those are what I'd recommend trying. And then if you're looking for something with a firmer tactile bump but not sharp, then the ZealPC Zealios might be something to look at-
Erez
09m 28s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
09m 29s
which is another third party switch. They... Yeah, they are sort of more strongly tactile switches, but not sharp and they come in a variety of weights.
which is another third party switch. They... Yeah, they are sort of more strongly tactile switches, but not sharp and they come in a variety of weights.
Erez
09m 34s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
09m 34s
You can choose a, kind of lighter or medium or heavier switches. And they are all RGB compatible. I think all ZealPC switches are RGB. Yeah.
You can choose a, kind of lighter or medium or heavier switches. And they are all RGB compatible. I think all ZealPC switches are RGB. Yeah.
Erez
09m 41s
Right. Awesome. Great. Is there anything else we wanna say about Cherry MX Clear?
Right. Awesome. Great. Is there anything else we wanna say about Cherry MX Clear?
Tisha
09m 45s
I think the only other thing, and maybe it's not even helpful [laughs] to say this, but this is an exception to the rule. In general, the color of the switch, tells you some characteristics of the switch regardless of who makes it.
I think the only other thing, and maybe it's not even helpful [laughs] to say this, but this is an exception to the rule. In general, the color of the switch, tells you some characteristics of the switch regardless of who makes it.
Erez
09m 54s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
09m 54s
Not the case for Clear. The o... [laughs] There is a GATERON Clear switch. It's a 100% completely different. [laughs]
Not the case for Clear. The o... [laughs] There is a GATERON Clear switch. It's a 100% completely different. [laughs]
Erez
09m 59s
Right.
Right.
Tisha
10m 00s
So if you like what you've been hearing about Cherry MX Clear and you see GATERON Clear and think maybe that's gonna be similar, it's not at all. It's a very, very light linear switch rated at even lower force than Kailh Silver.
So if you like what you've been hearing about Cherry MX Clear and you see GATERON Clear and think maybe that's gonna be similar, it's not at all. It's a very, very light linear switch rated at even lower force than Kailh Silver.
Erez
10m 11s
Mm-hmm [affirmative]. Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative]. Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
10m 11s
You know, a tiny bit, but, yeah. So the, I guess that means [laughs] Cherry MX Clear is at least somewhat unique-
You know, a tiny bit, but, yeah. So the, I guess that means [laughs] Cherry MX Clear is at least somewhat unique-
Erez
10m 16s
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Mm-hmm [affirmative].
Tisha
10m 17s
and that other switches named Clear are probably not similar.
and that other switches named Clear are probably not similar.
Erez
10m 20s
[laughs] Makes sense.
[laughs] Makes sense.
Tisha
10m 21s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Erez
10m 21s
Awesome. Well, thank you very much. This was very interesting.
Awesome. Well, thank you very much. This was very interesting.
Tisha
10m 23s
Okay.
Okay.
Erez
10m 23s
This is, this is one switch... I, I did not think this switch would get described as a roller coaster, so definitely-
This is, this is one switch... I, I did not think this switch would get described as a roller coaster, so definitely-
Tisha
10m 27s
[laughs]
[laughs]
Erez
10m 27s
definitely interesting.
definitely interesting.
Tisha
10m 27s
Right, yeah. I'm not sure... yeah, don't take that literally. [laughs]
Right, yeah. I'm not sure... yeah, don't take that literally. [laughs]
Erez
10m 31s
[laughs] All right, thank you very much, Tisha.
[laughs] All right, thank you very much, Tisha.
Tisha
10m 32s
Okay, sure. Thanks.
Okay, sure. Thanks.
Erez
10m 33s
Bye.
Bye.
Tisha
10m 33s
Bye-bye.
Bye-bye.