Keyboard Switches You've Never Heard of

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ZealPC switches: zealpc.net/
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[@optimumtech]

Down the rabbit hole we go!

[@asphyxxia]

The endgame is a lie. Welcome to the club

[@spidermain]

I have E8.5 and GMK camping R2 coming my way soonTM

[@StefanKamer]

The rabbit hole is VERY real! I'm diving into it right now as well (also got the Tofu 60% with DZ60). So, if you like your Linears, things to look into are HHHH H1's (this can be kinda heavy though), Alpacas, C3 Tangerines V2, and Durock Linear L-Series switches (the difference in the L-Series is purely stem color).

[@joeltacorda]

What switch tester is that? I love that thing and the keycaps!

[@nazarie]

I'm pretty pumped for my Lekker keyboard and switches. The analog actuation ability has SO much potential.

[@TaeKeyboards]

Come join the aus community 😎

[@kaitoharrison872]

Hey, just recently subscribed to you. I bought my first mech (Tecware Phanthom L) thanks to your video. Though I choose Brown Instead of Blue.

[@wildfiregaming8252]

Hey like you vids lol

[@edouqrd946]

ʎʇᴉunɯɯoɔ snɐ ǝɥʇ uᴉoɾ ǝɯoƆ

[@mami1330]

You guys sound the same

[@Aidan-wu2ec]

@@kaitoharrison872 good choice. Blues = Fortnite switch

[@allen6778]

ONE OF US ONE OF US ONE OF US ONE OF US

[@pretzel3779]

ONE OF US

[@myfrostycore]

He's one of us ...

[@noahcordier7002]

Yes

[@dyno269]

ONE OF US ONE OF US

[@ktzplayz2601]

yes

[@JadonHan]

Lol

[@labibsaud8064]

ONE OF US ONE OF US ! ONE OF US ONE OF US ! ONE OF US ONE OF US!

[@alhadjiril]

into the r/mk rabbithole we go

[@xXDarthBagginsXx]

Safer than the r/mechmarket rabbit hole lol

[@baammm3871]

@@xXDarthBagginsXx $300-400 keycaps, $1.50 per switch, $800 or more cases. Yep definitely safer on your wallet

[@phusitchaiphatikul9610]

@@zdawgdawgdawg9204 implying you can get Keycult for retail(which is really unlikely) mechmarket is sort of where you can get highend cases, though they come are reallllly high premium

[@baammm3871]

@@zdawgdawgdawg9204 good luck finding any of that for that price on r/mm man LOL

[@spray6193]

@@zdawgdawgdawg9204 send a link then to the person who is selling a no.2/65 keycult for retail price 👍

[@epixxor3468]

"Lesser known" and "NK Creams" hahaha

[@jacksonspencer2707]

At least Holy Pandas were spared that title

[@donkeytrash1969]

@@jacksonspencer2707 lol. He thinks novel creams aren't popular

[@arcanum3882]

I mean, most people have never heard of them. Most gamers for that matter.

[@franciscovazloupa7655]

That's kinda funny

[@HaHa-gg9dl]

@@arcanum3882 gamers rise up

[@ferariforest6073]

1:18 NK Blueberry 2:13 Zealios 3:25 Zilent 4:08 Box Jades 4:50 NK Creams 5:30 Lasers 6:32 Gateron Black Inks 7:11 Tealios

[@izmi8059]

All hail the ferariforest.

[@SavoyerMatt]

Now we wait for the "I just expended $10k in group buys and now Im broke." video

[@spencernorth2949]

Lol

[@dingo4601]

I first started watching optimum tech when he had 60k subs, now he is closing in on 300k, Amazing how this channel is growing... Keep up the good work man.

[@fridtjoftienken5075]

I started at 25k but he grew so fast😅😂 I guess just great Content

[@solitajre222]

This is absolutely one of your best videos ever made. The macro shots panning/zooming slowly. The crisp and perfect focus of the shots. Amazing overlaid editing and information. Just fantastic!

[@adamkija6895]

This video is serioulsy dangerous for my wallet

[@1ace1000]

Agreed. Seriously... Sooooo tempting...

[@lachlanhempell]

@@1ace1000 yep, 500aud gone

[@Aidan-wu2ec]

You can make a keyboard for like 100$ doe... Gateron Milky Yellows, GK61x/GK64x, and some cheap keycaps from KBDfans.com (you can also get the switches from KBDfans.com)

[@hachi497]

@@Aidan-wu2ec Milky Yellows are the best budget switch out there. I even have a $350 build with Milky Yellows in it.

[@Aidan-wu2ec]

@@hachi497 yeah milky blacks are really good too

[@Pliko121]

Your ability to create videos of topics that some of us are currently looking into is uncanny! Just purchased Gateron Ink and Everglide switches. 10/10 video as always!

[@MarcoSpelta85]

1:55 and overall these are fairly smooth switch 2:00 blueberries screaming in scratches

[@ArslanKhan-tf4xp]

truly the tip of the iceberg when you consider the effects of different lube, adding films, swapping springs and frankenstein switches.

[@donkeytrash1969]

... adding different lubes and film is still the top of the iceberg

[@HaHa-gg9dl]

@@donkeytrash1969 Whats the bottom then?

[@donkeytrash1969]

Swapping springs and Frankensteining switches

[@leonqu5729]

@@donkeytrash1969 I'd say you could consider filming and lubing more of a middle of the road, with the tip being finding all the different ones and using em stock

[@mitchell2719]

> You've Never Heard of I accept your challenge Love to see you getting into keyboards!

[@donkeytrash1969]

Exactly what i thought

[@TarekAlShawwa]

Bro the shots in these videos are literal art

[@beatrice6509]

Impressive attention to detail there, choosing different objects in the background to go with the switch colors :o Great video as always!

[@specialA8D]

When I saw this I was so sure Holy Pandas were going to make an appearance :(

[@JitsKamps]

It is not an off the shelf switch so I get why it is not in the video

[@Allsurrender]

jits Kamps It could be on the shelf, considering how Drop is pushing GB and GB and ppl still have a high demand on it (when there’s better/interesting alternative around). Drop probably make it available just like their halo switches for all those bucks b4 ppl discover other cheaper and nicer alternatives.

[@nate2604]

There not off the shelf switches. Just I'm a little surprised that halo switches didn't at least get a mention.

[@zon6158]

but it isnt lesser known at all

[@flyingchic3n]

Ive always been interesting in building a mechanical keyboard myself, but Ive always been so overwhelmed by the plethora of options and opinions. I really appreciate these videos, you do a great job summing up just the best stuff

[@derrickf8053]

The silence on the sakurios is no joke. Seriously quiet and perfect for the office. A little scratchy if unlubed but still generally smooth.

[@JosePerez-wu5kb]

1:58 - Blueberry 3:13 - Zelios 3:54 - Zilent 4:14 - Jade 5:22 - Creams 5:57 - Cyan 6:00 - Pink 6:56 - Ink Blacks 7:38 - Telios V2 8:28 - Sakurios 8:31 - Roselios 8:34 - Helios

[@overloss1237]

Will say that this is by far the best custom mech video from a video quality point of view. Loving the macro shots and quality!

[@haurjie]

I'm going to shout out your channel in one of my next videos since I'm building my first mini-ITX system, working with a 3900X with B550. You've inspired me to do it. Thank you, keep up the great work!

[@randallcromer66]

Wow, I don't even have a clue that there were so many different choices when it came to keyboard switches. Thank's for the information I appreciate it. ✊😉👍

[@swirle13]

There are tons more than this haha. The recent trend in switches are color themed switches like serika colored switches, the two Mito Laser colored in this video, alpacas are themed to match SA Bliss, homerow co colored switches, etc

[@nate2604]

Just wait till you find out about Frankenswitches

[@1ava]

this is just the tip of the iceberg

[@cheng1991]

Man, your videos are so clean, always a feast for the eyes!

[@AmpedZWeb]

The best switches options video I’ve seen yet. Roselios are my next switches. Pure silence.

[@cristivoiculescu96]

My wallet: heh heh, I'm in danger *nervous sweating*

[@samdavenport6604]

Any chance we can get some of these photos like the thumbnail to download as a wallpaper?

[@rafindeed]

Laughs in r/mk

[@adamkija6895]

Muahhahah.. do you think he's one of us?

[@kcfish4862]

Definitely one

[@BigChimpEnergy]

Laughs in r/mm

[@sopek1427]

I realised he has a different mat for the background, pink, orange, grey & table white. Just the minor details that makes it nice to watch.

[@flarbles7631]

Ever considered putting some of your awesome shots on flickr as wallpapers?

[@Kyuzi]

@J Hemphill THAT IS GRINDR

[@grendel3115]

bruh optimum has literally every niche for geeks on the internet. I LOVE IT

[@mennooowww1844]

I just got my switch tester in and there's gateron and zealios switches, i don't really like the bump the zealios switches have, but i feel like with gateron yellow or blacks i might accidentally click them. i don't have a full keyboard of those so i can't really test it good but does that happen easily? 2nd question is if you would recommend lubing the 2 gaterons i mentioned and if yes, what do i lube them with?

[@Iryuushen]

I'm extremely into the Zilent and Sakurios, Roselios and Healios rn (love them silent switches) maybe I'll try to build one. Do you by any chance have guide to build a wireless one? Or get a wireless keyboard and change the switches?

[@Polymath2B]

Thanks so much! I desperately needed a good side by side comparison of the zelios and the zilents, I think I’m going with 67g zilents :)

[@e_yiizy]

I'm currently on the Gateron Silent Black Inks lubed with 205g0 and filmed with clear film. Definitely one of the top switches on the market.

[@fakeyhero]

Love the video. I just wanted to know where did you get the switch tester kit

[@asthmaticrhino]

Other weird/good switches to check out. Some of these unfortunately aren't as readily available: Durock T1s: kinda in-between holy pandas and Zealios, have these on my main kb rn. Only available through group buy atm Keebwerk's Tacit switch: basically a silenced t1, im still waiting on these to ship. Hako Royal Trues/Clears: weird as fuck but a great typist switch. They use the Novelkeys box Royal tactile bump, but the spring is actually nonlinear progressive to mimic topre. It doesn't actually feel like topre, but you end up with a sharp tactile bump and then your fingers get "cushioned" by the increasing spring before you bottom out. Terrible for gaming. Clears have the lighter actuation force, they both bottom out at a fairly heavy 85g from the force curves I've found. C3 Tangerines: just a really solid linear, less thunky than creams. Gateron silent inks: a really smooth silent linear. Otemu sky/ice: sharper but the same amount of tactility as Zealios if that makes sense, the tactile bump happens over a shorter travel distance. There are mild differences between the ice and sky. I know forsure there's a silenced version of the sky as well Novelkeys Box Royal: the most tactile switch ever that's not clicky. Maybe too tactile. But damn if you don't know where the bump is. Aliaz silent tactiles: these I actually love recommending to newcomers. They have a more subtle tactile bump. I'd call them "more tactile silent browns" the bump is more noticable than cherry browns, esp in the 70 and 80 gram weight, but theyre also silenced, and as such nicer for office use. Do they have an especially sharp or large bump? no, but it gives you enough tactility to function well as feedback. Down the rabbit hole indeed lol...

[@sacresful3827]

durocks t1 aren't only available in groupbuy, they're literally in durock store on aliexpress, aswell as koala switches. comparing creams to tangeries lol

[@hongyuangao8334]

Wish this video has come out one year ago so I didn't have to check these switches one by one. Great job. Would you like to have another video about lubrication?

[@DonnyDonnMendoza]

After the Kailh Box Jades, there's the Box Navys which takes the tactility and the click to the next level! I can't wait for my Box Navys to arrive! I might try those Mito Laser Pinks or Gateron Ink Blacks next as the rest of my family are going to hate it when I use the Box Navys LOL!!!

[@etmargallo]

Amazing video, awesome comparisons... love this channel 👍

[@lcarn500]

I got hooked on to ITX PCs and keyboards while watching your videos. Damn, what an expensive habit!

[@EJRodriguez1]

I went both sides of the spectrum not too long ago with some Kailh box Jades and Zeal pc Healios. The Healios really made me want to explore silent switches more so i recently purchased some Kailh box silent browns. Gotta say these are my favorite switch yet.

[@philipps4322]

Custom mech keyboards are where it’s at! 🙌🏼 Love your videos!

[@marcellkovacs5452]

I spent weeks trying to decide between Cherry Browns and Blues. I'm glad I didn't find out about the other 1524 options.

[@francescodiliso6402]

which are your favourite switch ? (clicky, tactile or linear )

[@dyno269]

Thinking about this, you may help a lot our hobby thanks to this, and possibly future, videos by getting more people into Custom Keyboards I mean, I started getting into SFF builds because of this channel, and shortly after a brand like NZXT release on the market a wildly available and good quality ITX case Imagine how much can change the Custom scene if mainstream brands decide to get into this seeing that there is a lot of new people getting into the hobby! Makes me excited for the future!

[@TriconPOE]

I thought the title was wrong until I heard of the sakurios/roselios! Thanks for the video!

[@jamesgreene6207]

Built my keeb with Sakuraba the other day and im absolutely loving it

[@MrGTbadboy]

Excellent channel. Can you put up a part list for making one of these? Also links to buy the parts. Your channel is pure art and very elegant. Thanks.

[@abmeight08]

My personal favourite is Gateron Red Ink. Its very smooth and the acoustic is pleasing too. I can understand why you like Black Ink.

[@mattbinkus3990]

So was there really any difference in the sakurios, roselios, and healios besides for the force needed?

[@Altis1]

Went down the rabbit hole myself recently. Ended up going with the Gateron Ink Black V2 backed up with a brass plate. I know lube and filming wasn't necessary but I did it anyways. It was tedious but worth it.

[@TheMOTP]

I chose Gaterons Red, waiting for them to arrive. Just like ink black they are buttery smooth (according to the reviews). Gonna lube them with 205g0, case is Tofu 60 black and Black-Dye PBT keycaps. Can't wait I'm so excited :P

[@cooperweyers1655]

What riser cable do you use for your ford t1?

[@steben7164]

yeah ive heard of every single one of these and not just heard, but have experience with em, quite nice switches

[@reviewforthetube6485]

All switches I actually have heard of lol but def a good videp not many people do videos like this anymore so thanks for that buddy

[@giovannipilosio4793]

Do you know something like hyperx aqua switches?

[@TheVillainOfTheYear]

Can anybody recommend a decent TKL kit? I really just want an almost complete keyboard except for switches and keycaps in TKL format.

[@shakyxd]

Are there any slient optical tactile switches? i got optical hotswap board with gateron optical browns rn. looking to swap it out for something quieter.

[@anlumo1]

There's a silent option for Gateron Optical Brown. I got them preinstalled on my X-Bows keyboard, and they're great.

[@kasupjoo]

im curious to find out how far the cinematography of a tour guide for pc hw can get

[@MrRambee]

Okay, as a radiologist who types all day, I definitely require an upgrade from my razer huntsman.

[@mardon85]

Will you be taking a look at the analogue lekker switches by Gateron by the folks over at Wooting?

[@NolzXD]

I think it would've been cool if you had included some of the newer linear switches, like the alpacas/mauves, H1s, tangerine v2s etc. Still a great video though!

[@ggwptech]

currently rocking lubed gateron milky yellows and zealios on two of my keyboards. going down the rabbit hole!

[@P8qzxnxfP85xZ2H3wDRV]

I'm still looking for a keyboard with special stabilizers, so that the backplate can be completely closed. With floating keys. A mechanical keyboard focussed on hygiene. That you can easily blow out daily and properly clean each week, without disassembly (more than just pulling off the keycaps).

[@WCMONSTER96]

Any recommendation for "silent" clicky switches? Im sure they wont be 100% silent but at least more than my current gatheron blue

[@dangreenwood1657]

Do you wanna take the mx blue switch and go back to your normal life or do you want to take the gateron ink red switch and see how far the rabbit hole goes?

[@adalbertbender6190]

Can anyone recommend a good diy kit (ideally hotswappable) in the tkl formfactor? I can't find one, as most are 60 or 65% :/ Otherwise I'd also be very happy about tkl case, plate and pcb recommendations :D

[@KanitariuM]

What’s the actuation distance and bottom out distance on these switch ?

[@specia1_k]

Hey Optimum Tech, were any of these switches lubed? or pre-lubed?

[@Anonymous_Pi]

What's that tune after the intro logo?

[@mikeoxlong918]

Wonderful video as always

[@marsdrivein]

Dude didn't know you made a keyboard switch video! You should make a compilation of your gaming accessories videos!

[@thomaslam778]

How to lubricate keyswitches video next? Would be cool to have a comparison (sound, feeling) of all the ways to lube the switches (TaehaTypes, u/hbheroinbob etc.) with different types of lube.

[@dyno269]

Time for a part 2 featuring Alpacas, Holy Pandas, H1s and more xD

[@tjlc10]

Yo where did you get your switch tester from?

[@davidl5852]

My baby Zealios V2s 😍 I love them so muchhh

[@ThunderDraws]

hmm these Roselios look nice - my gateron silent yellows are a bit scratchy(well some of them are), maybe I should lube them

[@mohammadimad]

this guy just keeps bringing new content by surprise every video. just like corona virus

[@skullsnarmy1]

Can you look at the Intel NUC? And see how it compares as a compact pc

[@llaumegui]

This video is beautiful, nice colors !

[@synchromatik]

_Next lvl video quality has entered mech keyboard community space_

[@johnstjohn4705]

I like the feel of Kailh Box Jades, and Zealios V2s are great, but they can't compete with Drop Holy Pandas, which for me are heavenly.

[@Moshenokoji]

I've been using Kaihl speed copper for my wasd, shift, control, and alt keys and Kaihl speed bronze for the rest and been loving it.

[@JacobZimmerman0]

What’s the idea there? More tactile feedback for WASD or something?

[@ap4702]

@@JacobZimmerman0 And lower actuation distance

[@MegaPurifier]

what kind of grease you use as lube? did you experience any chattering with the switches you currently use?

[@Mythricia1988]

All these switches have a tendency to chatter, it mostly depends on how they are mounted though. But even with a very firm plate mount, the top and bottom half of the switches can chatter. This is why switch films are nice, they go between the two halves and put tension on them so they don't chatter.

[@limung8877]

What keycaps are you using?

[@tarokamara23]

I literally want to invite this dude to my house and build a setup together

[@TheFakeKevKev]

You should review the HUANO Smoky White Advanced Tactile switch! They seem like extremely good budget tactile switches

[@Lem0nwtf]

The best part of this video is that he used the same chassey for each switch. Most videos like this use different cases so you can't tell which switch you actually like the sound of

[@NOSfusion]

What's the closest switch to MX Cherry Clears?

[@febrianadji5758]

Starting to know mechanical switches from this week by having an outemu orange switches keyboard It's quite light with 50g force iirc

[@kevadu]

But I've heard of all of these... BTW, a bit of smooth pre-travel before the tactile/clicky bump is not necessarily a bad thing. Some of use quite prefer things that way.

[@1ava]

no one cares

[@ChicaneMedia]

Why is the actuation force so heavy for all of them. MX blues are like 50g

[@gchyll2]

You should check out c3 tangerine and alpaca (which also have silent variants) linear switches..they are currently sold out though

[@anthonyykim]

Were you reviewing the Zealious v1 or v2?

[@_PixelNinja]

Those were Zealio and Zilent v2s (recognisable because of the stems). The v1 variants have not been available for quite some time now.

[@natelifts9284]

could you review the silk switches?

[@mrscotchguy]

So far my favorites are Invyr Boba housong with the UHMWPE linear stems.

[@ssj_brownie6447]

Wow I actually thought there would be some switches I hadn’t heard of

[@KyranOh]

Absolutely love my NK Creams. Favorite linear

[@xXBallsackGamingXx]

I am getting these as well. Do you think they are scratchy? Are they light enough for gaming?