Too Long; Didn’t Read:
Longer Springs: Provide a snappier return and a narrower gap between actuation and bottom-out weight.
Shorter Springs: Offer a slower return and a wider gap between actuation and bottom-out weight.
Progressive Springs: Weight increases suddenly toward bottom-out.
Complex Springs: Weight increases in the middle of actuation, then becomes linear.
Double/Triple-Stage Springs: Behave similarly to longer springs, with a force change in the middle of actuation; similar to a bell curve.
Gold & PVD Coating: Enhances corrosion resistance but can introduce some inconsistencies.
Stainless Steel: Offers consistency, especially if high-quality steel is used.
Weight: Preference-based, affecting tactility.
Lubing: Lubing springs is crucial for optimal performance.
Diving Deeper into Springs
The MX switch landscape is mostly consistent across stock linears and tactiles. However, the introduction of “double-stage springs,” such as those by Tecsee, offers a unique typing experience. But what does all the terminology mean? The aftermarket is full of charts and labels that can overwhelm newcomers.
While spring modifications aren’t new to the keyboard world, recent developments like SPRiT, TX, and Swagkey springs, along with products from the Chinese market, have redefined what springs can do. Understanding their impact can help enthusiasts find their ideal typing feel.
Caveat: Lubing Springs
Many of the potential downsides of any spring can be mitigated with adequate lubing. Krytox 105 is a popular option, but alternatives like Victorinox Knife Oil are also effective. Lubing generally reduces “ping” (a metallic sound) and “crunch” (irregular resistance).
Spring Materials
The spring material primarily influences the spring’s durability and quality.
Gold-Plated Springs: Used in many JWK switches, gold plating mainly protects against corrosion. However, they often suffer from ping and can flake over time.
PVD-Coated Springs: Found in some Gateron switches, PVD coating offers corrosion resistance and durability but can result in inconsistencies in feel.
Stainless Steel Springs: The most common material, with quality varying by manufacturer. High-end options like SPRiT and TX provide consistent, low-ping performance.
Spring Types
Different spring types affect switch feel (there might be some bias here – sorry):
Longer Springs (TX 16mm, SPRiT Slow, Double Stage): Typically longer than standard 15mm springs, they offer more compression, which results in a punchier feel and faster return. Double-stage springs add a slight change in the force curve, resembling a subtle bell curve.
Shorter Springs (TX 14mm): Offer less compression, requiring less force to actuate. This creates a wider gap between actuation and bottom-out weights and a slower return.
Coil Pattern-Altered Springs (Progressive, Complex):
*Progressive Springs: Coil tighter at one end, causing a gradual increase in weight toward bottom-out, which is cushioned or mushy in feel.
*Complex Springs: Provide an initial resistance increase, then level off into a linear feel.
Weighting
Spring weight affects typing feel and varies by preference. Heavier springs require more force and can be fatiguing, while lighter springs are easier to actuate but might cause mistypes. Different weights can also alter the tactility of switches.
What Jacob Likes (If You Couldn’t Tell from the Above)
For my preferences, I favor longer springs for linears for a strong bottom-out, and I vary my spring type for tactile switches based on their bump and pre-travel characteristics.
Regardless of your preference, lubing your springs will greatly enhance their performance.
Happy experimenting!