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90 points amichail | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0.199s | source
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Pet_Ant ◴[] No.42205389[source]
Are there are that are compatible magnetic switches that one could use as a drop in replacement?
replies(1): >>42206227 #
mechanicum ◴[] No.42206227[source]
Unlikely, at least in the sense being discussed here.

A Hall effect sensor works by running a constant current in one direction while measuring the potential difference in a different axis. The keyboard’s PCB needs to be able to register a range of values, not simply binary on-off. Regular keyboards aren’t equipped to do that.

Typically in an HE keyboard, the sensors are mounted to the PCB. The “switch” itself is just a neodymium magnet at the end of a POM stem, in a polycarbonate housing with a spring.

There are other kinds of magnetic switch that have historically been used in keyboards – e.g. Fujitsu used reed switches in the 70s – and in theory you could probably build them into a Cherry MX-compatible package. But they wouldn’t provide many of the benefits of HE keyboards, besides smoothness and reliability, and I’m not aware of anyone doing it.

replies(1): >>42206870 #
Pet_Ant ◴[] No.42206870[source]
Well then I really don't get the excitement unless the entire ecosystem shifts. That means abandoning all the existing PCBs and cases. So unless you are rocking a vanilla 104 key and willing to buy a completely new keyboard, you aren't gonna buy in.
replies(1): >>42207498 #
1. mechanicum ◴[] No.42207498[source]
It’s 100% a niche interest, they’re not going to become the mainstream option.

But it’s a niche (competitive gamers and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts) with deep pockets, to whom “buying a new keyboard” is basically no barrier at all.