People often carry misconceptions around switches, which can be rooted in personal experiences or widely circulated misinformation. These myths can impact purchasing decisions and the overall keyboard experience.
Popular Misconceptions About Switch Lubing
One common belief is that Kailh Box switches cannot be lubed.
This myth has been passed around without any clear origin. Some think the concern comes from the risk of affecting the actuation lever within the switch, which might mess up the functionality. However, with careful and light lubrication focusing mainly on the stems and springs, lubing Box switches is perfectly viable.
Are Lubing and Filming Always Needed?
New keyboard enthusiasts might hear that lubing and filming are essential for the best keyboard setup.
This stems primarily from attention-grabbing tutorial videos. Lubing is beneficial for fixing scratchy switches by applying lubricant at points where plastic parts touch each other. Switch films are a recent addition, aiming to secure loose switch housings. While they can enhance sound, there’s no need to film or lube every switch. It’s only necessary if a switch feels or sounds off to the user.
The Cherry MX Black Mystery
Cherry MX Black switches hold a particular allure in the community.
There’s a misconception that one can tell the age or type of these switches by looking at them. Sellers often label these switches as “vintage” or “NOS” (new old stock) for higher resale value. Yet, visual inspection alone cannot confirm their age. The best way to know is through the history of the keyboard or the purchase source.
The Myth of the “Best” Switch
A persistent myth suggests that specific switches work better for gaming or typing.
This belief seems to come from outside the hobby and sticks around until more knowledge is gained. Preferences for keyboard switches are individual, and the “best” switch is subjective. The ideal switches are those that meet a user’s comfort, preference, and budget.
Hall Effect Versus MX-Style Switches
There is a growing assumption that Hall Effect switches and MX-style switches are interchangeable because they look similar.
While MX-style switches are widely known for their electric circuit operation, Hall Effect switches use magnets to register keypresses.
Although visually comparable, their mechanisms differ vastly, and they are not universally interchangeable.
Misunderstandings like these highlight the importance of learning and sharing accurate information.
The world of mechanical keyboards is rich and varied, with numerous options and features that cater to individual needs and preferences.
Understanding and correcting these myths can lead to better enjoyment and satisfaction in the keyboard community.
