Replacement mechanical switches for my keyboard

[Toxxyc]

Morning blokes,

I have a Redragon Aryaman RGB mechanical keyboard. It's the big boii, but the keys are hot swappable. I'm not sure if they're all like that, but it's pretty cool.

Now, I've been using it for a bit more than two years, and from time to time I have to clean the keyboard out from dust and all kinds of stuff that gets in there, because if it gets dirty, it starts to miss keys and so on. Now, two years have gone by and the most used keys are getting "tired". I've swapped them out with some of the less used keys and it feels like a new board now, but it's not going to last forever. I want to eventually see if I can't replace the keys with some decent ones.

I've Googled around though, and keys seem damn expensive. Mine seem to be some kind of Cherry Blue copy switches, Redragon branded, but I know very little about these things. Can I just buy a set of Cherry MX switches to replace them with? Also, are keys really that damn expensive (like R1.3k for a set of 110)? Because if so, then I can just as well buy a new keyboard for R1,400. I'm hoping for a cheaper solution, are there any?

 

[goldfritter]

Maybe check with @XtaCy696 | CGSATech if there are any Keychron switches available and whether they'd be compatible?

Takealot has various Redragon switches too, but they might not be in budget.

Else try ask in the Keyboard Nut Thread?

 

[∀Z‾soʇɐuɐɥ┴]

Morning blokes,

I have a Redragon Aryaman RGB mechanical keyboard. It's the big boii, but the keys are hot swappable. I'm not sure if they're all like that, but it's pretty cool.

Now, I've been using it for a bit more than two years, and from time to time I have to clean the keyboard out from dust and all kinds of stuff that gets in there, because if it gets dirty, it starts to miss keys and so on. Now, two years have gone by and the most used keys are getting "tired". I've swapped them out with some of the less used keys and it feels like a new board now, but it's not going to last forever. I want to eventually see if I can't replace the keys with some decent ones.

I've Googled around though, and keys seem damn expensive. Mine seem to be some kind of Cherry Blue copy switches, Redragon branded, but I know very little about these things. Can I just buy a set of Cherry MX switches to replace them with? Also, are keys really that damn expensive (like R1.3k for a set of 110)? Because if so, then I can just as well buy a new keyboard for R1,400. I'm hoping for a cheaper solution, are there any?

With your keyboard being already on the cheap end would it not be cheaper to just replace the keyboard?
Importing switches into S.A is damn expensive, and that's if you can find the right ones.
I will be taking this approach on my fucked Logitech G915, i.e buying a cheapo redragon keyboard that uses the same low profile switches and just using that as a donor kb for the switches.

 

[Signor65]

Will only work if the pins on the bottom of the switch are in the same location on the old and the new switches. A far as I know, Cherry, Gateron and Kailh should have similar of not the same locations for those pins. No idea what is in the Redragon though.

If you're comfortable waiting for goodies to arrive from China, I know that you can get switches from Aliexpress for a decent enough price. Check out the Kailh or Gateron ones to check if they might fit your board.

 

[Jagibbe]

Redragon keyboards use Outemu switches and those hotswap sockets may not fit the larger pins on other brands. Best bet would to find some Outemu switches or carefully shave the switches of a different brand in order to make it fit. Akko CS switches will also work from what I have gathered.

All in all from what I have seen is that Outemu switches tend to fail at much higher rates than other switches (Besides Outemu I have only seen a Kailh switch fail but never a Gateron or Cherry switch).

I would advise rather looking at a keyboard that uses a well known switch brand besides Outemu, Kailh switches have also gotten a lot better over the years so I wouldn't count them out either.

 

[Dr Evil]

Morning blokes,

I have a Redragon Aryaman RGB mechanical keyboard. It's the big boii, but the keys are hot swappable. I'm not sure if they're all like that, but it's pretty cool.

Now, I've been using it for a bit more than two years, and from time to time I have to clean the keyboard out from dust and all kinds of stuff that gets in there, because if it gets dirty, it starts to miss keys and so on. Now, two years have gone by and the most used keys are getting "tired". I've swapped them out with some of the less used keys and it feels like a new board now, but it's not going to last forever. I want to eventually see if I can't replace the keys with some decent ones.

I've Googled around though, and keys seem damn expensive. Mine seem to be some kind of Cherry Blue copy switches, Redragon branded, but I know very little about these things. Can I just buy a set of Cherry MX switches to replace them with? Also, are keys really that damn expensive (like R1.3k for a set of 110)? Because if so, then I can just as well buy a new keyboard for R1,400. I'm hoping for a cheaper solution, are there any?

Speak to @ctrlshiftesc_za he stocks a variety of switches varying in price on his website.

If your board takes a normal 3 or 5 pin switch then you just need to decide on a price you comfortable paying.

 

[Hamz1121]

That keyboard unfortunately is not hotswappable and will require you to solder on new switches.

Not the cleanest and easiest work (unless you're a bit experienced)

 

[thecurto]

Morning blokes,

I have a Redragon Aryaman RGB mechanical keyboard. It's the big boii, but the keys are hot swappable. I'm not sure if they're all like that, but it's pretty cool.

Now, I've been using it for a bit more than two years, and from time to time I have to clean the keyboard out from dust and all kinds of stuff that gets in there, because if it gets dirty, it starts to miss keys and so on. Now, two years have gone by and the most used keys are getting "tired". I've swapped them out with some of the less used keys and it feels like a new board now, but it's not going to last forever. I want to eventually see if I can't replace the keys with some decent ones.

I've Googled around though, and keys seem damn expensive. Mine seem to be some kind of Cherry Blue copy switches, Redragon branded, but I know very little about these things. Can I just buy a set of Cherry MX switches to replace them with? Also, are keys really that damn expensive (like R1.3k for a set of 110)? Because if so, then I can just as well buy a new keyboard for R1,400. I'm hoping for a cheaper solution, are there any?

I've had a couple of Redragon keyboards in the past and unfortunately they're a bit fussy when it comes to replacement switches because they use Outemu switches.

You're limited to 3-pin switches (5-pin does not fit). And to make matters worse, not all 3-pin switches will fit. Cherry, Gateron and Kailh switches do not fit because the metal pins are too thick.

There is some good news though, as Akko switches work perfectly and you can get them locally. Redragon has also released some decent replacement switches.

Both will set you back around R600-R700 for about 90-96 switches so if you want to save a few bucks, keep some existing switches in the numpad and get 2 x 45 Akko switches or 4 x 24 Redragon switches.

Here's the link to some Akko switches and here's a link to some Redragon switches.

FWIW, I daily the Redragon Bullet quiet tactiles (A113QT) and they're pretty decent.

 

[Toxxyc]

That keyboard unfortunately is not hotswappable and will require you to solder on new switches.

Nope they pull straight out of the keyboard. Hot swappable. I even got spares in a little baggy.

 

[L0phostrix]

Mine seem to be some kind of Cherry Blue copy switches, Redragon branded, but I know very little about these things. Can I just buy a set of Cherry MX switches to replace them with?

Not sure about yours but the ones in my Reddragon (Vara - K551) use Outemu switches. Not compatible with Cherry MX switches as the stems thingies are too long

 

[Hamz1121]

Nope they pull straight out of the keyboard. Hot swappable. I even got spares in a little baggy.

Sweeet

 

[Toxxyc]

Not sure about yours but the ones in my Reddragon (Vara - K551) use Outemu switches. Not compatible with Cherry MX switches as the stems thingies are too long

Soooooo, I'm outta luck?

 

[thecurto]

Soooooo, I'm outta luck?

Here are the links from my previous post. Any of these will work:

Akko switches

Redragon switches

 

[Toxxyc]

Ey I missed that, sorry mate. That's fantastic, thanks, I'll shop around! The keys are starting to act up again today, so I think it's best I replace them...

Anyone with experience with these switches? Are they nicer than the standard/default keys?

Akko CS Jelly Switches

Akko CS Jelly switches equipped with a new dustproof stem for enhanced stability, sold in packs of 45 switches

www.ctrlshiftesc.co.za

This would be for daily use, typing/writing and some gaming here and there.

 

[thecurto]

Ey I missed that, sorry mate. That's fantastic, thanks, I'll shop around! The keys are starting to act up again today, so I think it's best I replace them...

Anyone with experience with these switches? Are they nicer than the standard/default keys?

Akko CS Jelly Switches

Akko CS Jelly switches equipped with a new dustproof stem for enhanced stability, sold in packs of 45 switches

www.ctrlshiftesc.co.za

This would be for daily use, typing/writing and some gaming here and there.

All good

I've used the purple switches before and they're pretty impressive for a "budget" switch. If you're coming from a blue clicky switch then these will have a less pronounced tactile bump but will be a hell of a lot quieter. They're also quite smooth out of the box.

The white linear switches are an acquired taste imo. I tested out some Gateron white switches which are similar. They are very light so unless you're a seasoned touch typer then there's a chance you'll end up with a bunch of typos. The more forgiving linears (pink and black) are out of stock unfortunately but I've heard good things about both of those.

I'm still a rookie in this rabbit hole, but seasoned experts @PandaAttack1 and @Cujo26 might have a bit more insight for you

 

[Cujo26]

Ey I missed that, sorry mate. That's fantastic, thanks, I'll shop around! The keys are starting to act up again today, so I think it's best I replace them...

Anyone with experience with these switches? Are they nicer than the standard/default keys?

Akko CS Jelly Switches

Akko CS Jelly switches equipped with a new dustproof stem for enhanced stability, sold in packs of 45 switches

www.ctrlshiftesc.co.za

This would be for daily use, typing/writing and some gaming here and there.

I've basically only ever used the akko blues, but I quite like them!

If you have any other issues with the board, you can send it my way to try and take a look at it for you. I know how to do some basic repairs and so on as well, but I'm a bit limited in what I can do with off-the-shelf boards

 

[Toxxyc]

[Sale/Trade] - KBDfans Tiger Lite w/ Akko Jelly blue tactiles and Blue on White keycaps. | Peripherals

https://ibb.co/gMyq73vHi everybody! Selling this keyboard build fully setup with a carry case :) Item: KBDfans Tiger Lite [Transparent white] w/ Akko Jelly blue tactiles and Blue on White keycaps. Age: 1yr Price: R3500 R3000 Payment Method Accepted: EFT/Cash Warranty: None Warranty Holder...

carbonite.co.za

The keys sold here, they'll work, right? Same link, so it should work?

 

[thecurto]

[Sale/Trade] - KBDfans Tiger Lite w/ Akko Jelly blue tactiles and Blue on White keycaps. | Peripherals

https://ibb.co/gMyq73vHi everybody! Selling this keyboard build fully setup with a carry case :) Item: KBDfans Tiger Lite [Transparent white] w/ Akko Jelly blue tactiles and Blue on White keycaps. Age: 1yr Price: R3500 R3000 Payment Method Accepted: EFT/Cash Warranty: None Warranty Holder...

carbonite.co.za

The keys sold here, they'll work, right? Same link, so it should work?

Yup, those should fit like a glove

 

[Toxxyc]

Bummer, oke's not selling keys alone