Under each Glove80 key is a low profile Kailh Choc v1 mechanical key switch. Kailh Choc v1 switches are some of the most well known and popular low profile mechanical key switches in the market.
4 key switch choices are available:
Choc v1 Red is a type of "linear" key switch. When you press them, they move smoothly down and up without any bumps or clicks. They might still make a little bit of noise when you press them but they are some of the quietest low profile key switches you can get.
Type: Linear
Actuation force: 50±10gf
Actuation travel: 1.5±0.5mm
Total travel: 3.0±0.5mm
Like Choc v1 Red, Choc v1 Red Pro is another type of "linear" key switch. The Red Pro switch needs less force to press and actuate. Therefore it is especially suitable for users with weak fingers and RSI.
Type: Linear
Actuation force: 35±10gf
Actuation travel: 1.5±0.5mm
Total travel: 3.0±0.5mm
Choc v1 White is a type of "clicky" key switch. They have a mechanism inside them that makes a clicking sound when you press them down. The clicks give the typist a pronounced tactile feedback when the key switches connect and disconnect the electrical circuit. However, these key switches can be pretty loud and might annoy people around you if you're using them in an office or shared space.
Type: Clicky
Actuation force: 60±10gf
Actuation travel: 1.5±0.5mm
Total travel: 3.0±0.5mm
Choc v1 Brown is a type of "tactile" key switch. When you press them, a "bump" provides tactile feedback, but they don't make a loud clicking sound like white switches do. They're kind of in between white and red switches - they're not as quiet as red switches, but not as loud as white switches. Some people like them because of this balance of tactility and quietness.
Type: Tactile
Actuation force: 60±10gf
Actuation travel: 1.5±0.5mm
Total travel: 3.0±0.5mm
Key switch choice is very personal. Glove80 works well with all four key switch choices.
If you have access to mechanical keyboards, we suggest you try some with tactile switches and linear switches to better understand how they feel.
If not, these few questions may help.
Do you need a low force key switch?
If yes, Pro Red 35gf linear is the lightest switch we have available pre-soldered for Glove80. If you need an even lighter switch, please consider soldering your own Choc v1 Pink or similar with the "switches-not-soldered" Glove80 variants.
Do you intend to use Glove80 in an office?
If so, white clicky may not be the best choice, as it is reasonably noisy.
Do you like tactile feedback, i.e. a feeling of resistance, when you press a key?
If yes, the brown tactile and white clicky switches should be considered. The white clicky switch has a very crisp and satisfyingly strong tactile feedback, whereas the brown tactile switch has a more muted feedback.
On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth key press action, the red linear key switch is for you.
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