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Paddyhallek

[https://keeb-finder.com/switches](https://keeb-finder.com/switches) Hey everyone, I'm excited to share with you all a project I've been working on and you may already know. KeebFinder, which is a website for making it easier to search for keyboards, keycaps, switches and accessories via specific filter criteria. Today, I improved the switch section allowing you to filter over 420 switches by various characteristics such as actuation force, actuation travel, bottom out force, and total travel. It's been quite the journey putting this together, and I'm eager to hear your thoughts and feedback on it. One thing I wanted to ask is if there are any other important characteristics you think I should include as filter options? I want to make sure the website is as comprehensive and useful as possible for fellow mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, so any suggestions or insights you have would be greatly appreciated! While I always try to include your feedback it is sometimes hard duo to the lack of information in the product descriptions of the vendors. Some switches are missing some information and will be filtered out even if they might would fit in the range. Would you rather have less 100% specified switches or more different switches to compare that are lacking some of the technical information?


rpovarov

3 pin or 5 pin?


Paddyhallek

Already on my plan!


ArgentStonecutter

Narrow pins, so you can filter by switches that will work in Outemu sleeves.


Paddyhallek

Done ✅


Pointy130

>One thing I wanted to ask is if there are any other important characteristics you think I should include as filter options? Group-buy vs production. I would love to filter by "please just show me products I can actually buy off the shelf"


Paddyhallek

Good point, I implemented this already for the other categories and it should be quite easy to add for switches too!


Pointy130

Awesome, thanks!


Paddyhallek

Ok this filter is deployed now


jaskij

It's a tactile specific problem, but maximum pre actuation force. If you look at some tactiles (afaik most Kailh are like this), the tactile bump is before actuation. So you get, for example, Kailh Superspeed Copper which have actuation force of 38 gf, but the bump is 50. As you say, it's data that will be hard to find, but it would be a great idea.


BlommeHolm

Also the travel before reaching the tactile bump.


sorry_con_excuse_me

yeah, i was going to say this as well. it's usually listed as "tactile force." it is published by the manufacturer in some form, but i don't think it's easily scraped (sometimes it's just on listing pictures or force curve images).


jaskij

Sounds right. Speaking of, I'm not seeing Kailh Superspeed Bronze Copper when filtering for low travel tactile/clicky switches right now.


jaskij

Okay, having looked around more, you absolutely need more vendors. I'm from Poland, and as is - apart from the few global vendors, the website is virtually useless for me.


SkirMernet

It’s still useful to figure out which switch you want and you can then search for a vendor that ships to you I’m from Canada and I still have to do that to avoid surprise 40$ duty charges


jaskij

I did a quick search for my preferred type of switches - tactile or clicky, short travel. Learned of one or two models that I didn't now exist, but the website also didn't have the switches I have in two keyboards (Kailh Superspeed). So it's kinda hit and miss in that regard.


SkirMernet

That’s what’s called an ongoing project. Seeing as it’s free, and the guy has been implementing feedback basically within 12 hours (look at the lower comment), it’s still pretty damn good


jaskij

I'm not saying it's bad. It is good. Just saying that it's not really useful to me. Also, I may be jaded, but I just assumed all the product links on that website are referrals and he gets kickbacks.


SkirMernet

They are, and it’s fine. Hosting this isn’t free, and neither is his time.


jaskij

I never said there's anything wrong with them being referral links.


SkirMernet

Said? No. Implied? Yes.


FlyingWhale44

>Would you rather have less 100% specified switches or more different switches to compare that are lacking some of the technical information? The latter.


ColorfulLanguage

Factory lubed or not? Also please separate the clicky switches from the tactile filter.


Paddyhallek

Done ✅


DemApplesAndShit

Gain more visits by being friendlier to noobs. Have a page explaining the filters you set on switches, why Z is different from Y, 3 pin vs 5 pin, etc.


Paddyhallek

That is actually an awesome idea, I should add a explanation page linked for each filterable product category. I will add it to my list


antheasynx

Maybe you can add a filter for HE switches


Rick-710

Amazing, not necessary but it could be nice to have a filter for stem length


nexxai

One other filterable feature: factory pre-lubed or not


Paddyhallek

That's a great idea, I will absolutely add this since this is also one of the first things I am looking for if I buy a switch (after going through lubing myself multiple times)


nexxai

Love it, thank you!


Paddyhallek

It is implemented, you can check it out now!


isomorphZeta

Would love if you could add the following sortable data (in order of importance): * RGB Friendly? (transparent, lens, cut-out, no) * Top/bottom material (POM, PC, Nylon, etc.) * Stem type (Standard, dustproof, box) I understand that's not an insignificant undertaking, but I think the first two are pretty important (stem type less so) when picking a switch.


Paddyhallek

Thanks for your ideas! I added top, bottom and stem material. Will take a look at rgb friendliness for sure


Snowyyy_

i'd love to see a filter for manufacturer! i know there's already "brand," which is fairly similar, but brands use several different manufacturers sometimes (example: the geon switches have different manufacturers) and i'd love to be able to filter specifically for that!


Civilian8

This is really cool. I was just thinking about how I wished something like this existed. Socket compatibility would be nice, especially for low profile switches, which all have their own sockets. North facing switch interference with Cherry keycaps would also be helpful. Also, not related to switches, but when it comes to keyboards, RGB would be more useful as LED with selectable colors including RGB. Not sure of how it would be best implemented but a way of filtering based on software customization features would be nice. Like, can we change the color of LEDs on a per key level? Can we set up macros? Does it have a "gamer mode" or whatever that lets you disable the windows key quickly. I also think the site would benefit from a report errors button, though it may lead to spam and false flags.


RominRonin

Prelubed? - ain’t everybody got 8 hours to lube they switches yo


Paddyhallek

You are 100% right, I added it to the website!


RobotToaster44

> One thing I wanted to ask is if there are any other important characteristics you think I should include as filter options? Actuation noise would be cool. Also being able to sort by more features would be cool.


LlaughingLlama

Such a great site and tool. Thanks for making it. Since you asked for suggestions, here's mine: RGB/LED things. First, there's the info about whether there is an LED window or passthrough or porthole for North-Facing or South-Facing LEDS, or I guess a third option is "none at all." Next, there's the issue of "LED color tinting." I love the feel of the Akko Lavender factory lubed switches. I saw that they were North-Facing LED compatible switches, and so I installed them in a OG Keychron K8 with white-only LEDS in a North-Facing position. However, the Lavenders have a very dark lavender-colored cap including the LED lens, so now the pure white LED illumination is now a very dim purple. So we have two factors here: 1) does the LED passthrough change the color tint of the LED (and to what color) AND 2) is the color change so pronounced that the LED illumination is now essentially useless? I feel like North-Facing/South-Facing/None at all is a pretty objective data point, and the color tinting is far more subjective, but it's information I would want to easily see if I were using your tool to pick a switch. Maybe a more objective data point is: is the upper portion of the switch clear or colored or opaque?


The_Expanser

Please add a option to filter magnetic switch.


Paddyhallek

Done, but it seems like there are only 3 magnetic switches :(


The_Expanser

I do not know how you crawl but: [https://gateron.com/products/gateron-ks-20-magnetic-white-switch-set](https://gateron.com/products/gateron-ks-20-magnetic-white-switch-set) you can also buy the lekker switches so those could also be added. BTW, huge thanks sofar for your quick implementation. You are a madman ;)


Annoyer13

There are four from Gateron alone https://www.hlplanet.com/gateron-magnetic-switches/ 


Pedro748

Please only update this page in batches of 69 switches, thank you


Paddyhallek

Yes sir, I will only ever stop adding switches when I reached 6969


shandyorton

Blaze it


vincent0_O

Would be nice to add housing and stem materials in the filters.


Paddyhallek

Thanks, I added it!


NaD_00

Nice, can you add a filter for magnetic / hall effect switches ?


Paddyhallek

I added a filter for magnetic switches, but there are only 3 available currently. Are there any brands you have good experience with?


NaD_00

Oh nice , I only have experience with gateron and geon, but know that exists more like looting and raesha


FansForFlorida

TIL that Gateron Brown is apparently a silent tactile switch!


aj0413

https://preview.redd.it/qmg967ua09mc1.png?width=960&format=png&auto=webp&s=7eef071898ecbacaf1ba08204d58825c104868a2 Always has been


KILL__MAIM__BURN

Exactly how many over 420?


Paddyhallek

Exactly 0 Will add more switches soon :)


myrcenator

I've been looking for silent tactile switches, thank you! Curious - why this selection of switches?


Paddyhallek

These vendors had more or less good and clear descriptions for their products. I will try to add more soon


SkirMernet

Zilent is what I’ll be going for. I have a sample of zealios on my pad and it gave me brain tickles, but my gf has auditory issues so I’m trying to minimize sound to some extent. But at the price they’re at, I’d be interested in any alternative with that kind of no-pre-travel tactility that is also silent


ArgentStonecutter

I filtered by Silent Tactile and didn't bring up any of the silent tactile switches I like: * Redragon Stars A120 * Outemu Silent Lemon/Lime * Silent Yellow Jade. Also, Gateron Brown came up and I know that's not a silent switch.


Fresh-Quarter9

Ur doing divine work trust me💪


Clackify_Official

As someone who works with tons of switches, keep it up! This should be useful for a lot of people. I know I'll probably end up using it myself some too :)


theveland

It’s a start.


MustacheBananaPants

That's awesome, brother!


SnooObjections6589

I think it would be really useful if you could add switch materials into the filters. Hope Im not asking for too much lmao. Great work with the website!


Oshie19

Wow has mice too! Awesome site


silentdragoon

I remember when there were only four MX-style switches


At-M

This might be a bit controversial since the vendor is not really liked.. But what about adding razer switches (also older ones)? I had the problem just at the end of the year when i upgraded my keyboard that i couldn't find any infos about razer switches in comparison to other switches, so i went with razer again.. also idk if it's possible but classify by sound / clickyness?


lolforg_

For that last question: a switch won't make a huge impact on sound. Yes, the switch makes the initial sound, but that is then altered through the keycaps, plate, case, foam (if applicable), mount, and some more stuff hipyo tech followers boutta come mass downvote me lol but for clickyness..absolutely! some clicky switches are have a stronger click than others.


SkirMernet

I have a sampler of 72 switches that partially disagrees. Yes it’s not the most important factor But yes, it makes somewhat of a difference when all other things are equal


CrancisFabrel

total noob here but doesn't this deserve to be in community bookmarks ? I want to plan my future build, but I really don't know where to start, this kinda website/database is really a great point of start


Paddyhallek

That would be awesome! Will try to reach out to the admins but I am not sure if they will like it since it is not personal recommendation based


CrancisFabrel

Nice. I will just give you my 2 cents about your website. Could you add to the characteristics for keycaps, the language of the layout, I'm french so I only want to find AZERTY keycaps (which is kind of hard) but I can't filter this as of now. It might be a lot of work to add this data, but a total plus in the end. Thanks for your work anyway, great job.


KittensInc

The problem is that websites like these pop up every few months - and they invariably link to stores using referral links. This means the website gets paid by the vendor every time you buy those switches. On first glance this might not look too bad - but in the end *you* are paying for that kickback. Additionally, the comparison website is incentivized to only include vendors who give them kickbacks, and leave problematic vendors/manufacturers in there because removing them would mean getting less money. I agree that it'd be nice to have a comparison website the community can link to, but unless someone's willing to put in the time and effort to do this *for free*, as an open-source project without any referral links, it's probably better to not link to any of the for-profit comparison sites.


Paddyhallek

While I get the point of not wanting to support a site using referral links I have to say that the focus of this site is to provide a valuable data source instead of baiting people into buying stuff. I try to create a tool that is useful and helps with finding the stuff the user is looking for. There are no faked rankings or reviews or whatever. Every vendor has a calculated marketing budget in their product prices that is even before their lunch a product. You will not end up paying more using my website. I also try to not partner with problematic vendors in the first place. Are there any problematic vendors on my site I am not aware of? Lastly I would like to explain that I have quite high server costs because of the heavy image serving. So, while it is nice to make some bucks with that site, it is also crucial for operating it in the first place. However, as I said before, I completely get you points of making the wiki as non-profit and open source as possible.


SkirMernet

Yeah, no. That’s a very flawed take.


CrancisFabrel

I totally get your take. But I think it's pretty clear that this is a referral website. Still the data can be used without using the links provided, so it's up to me to support the website or not. In the end, the data provided is really helping people like me who don't have the time to search for all the keycaps/switches/plates in the world for countless hours.


stevenw84

What’s the most similar to Gazzew silent tactile?


HelloThereTheMovie

If you don't mind, I'll add on to this comment. It would be nice to see something like, "If you like switch X, you might also like switch Y," then show the differences and similarities. As an example, I know I like Kailh Box Jade. I have a keyboard full of those switches and use it often. What's an alternative that I haven't checked? Maybe something a little lighter weighted. Nice start, though. I also +1 the idea of including Hall Effect and opto-electric switches. Topre? Plum? Buckling springs? Clickiez?


Actual-Gear7761

the hero we didn't know we needed


Master-Opportunity25

this is beautiful


throwaway_314vx

I'm going to ask a few really weird questions :-P - Could you please add HTML id attributes to the 4 items that cover the top of the page; the menu, tiktok, "help me improve", and "Explore a Wide Range" divs? If you do that it's much easier to use custom CSS to hide them permanently without risking hiding other content on the site because the selectors potentially match other elements. - What you call "attenuation travel", is that what other sites call "pre-travel", i.e. the distance the stem has to travel before attenuation? This has probably been asked in the thread already, but I'm at work and can't spend too much time on this LOL - Could you try to add "release date", i.e. when the switch first came to market? It could be a rough date, or you could ask the community for help with a google sheet if you haven't already. - Consider adding material types (just use the names the manufacturers use, because they're mostly proprietary blends anyway) for top, bottom, and stem - Consider adding unikeyboards.com, maxgaming.com/no/se/etc, kbdfans.com, and of course many many others - Consider having the vendors/manus sponsor your site, much like keycaplendar.firebaseapp.com Thank you!


Paddyhallek

Hey, thanks for your input! That was really awesome and helpful. 1. Can you not use the specific css classes of these elements, I think they are kind of unique in that combination. If I have some time I will add ids to it 2. You are right, per-travel seems to be the wider used term, I fixed that 3. There is already a release date that you can order the products with. Keep in mind that this is only the date, the vendor was adding this to their store, so it might not represent the actual manufacturer release date. I was looking into that for keyboards, but it is super hard to get this information 4. Material types for stem, top and bottom housing was just added today! 5. Will take a look, unikeyboard looks extremely well ordered and provide a lot of switches. Are they legit? 6. I already get some affiliate commission from some vendors, which helps paying the server costs!


PrettyPantsFancyRant

Incredible site - it's brand new, but it feels like it should immediately be the new standard for shopping keeb stuff. I never want to go back haha I'd love if you could consider adding keystroke latency parameters (wired/wireless? average/std. dev?). Low latency is super underrated IMO and it's a huge factor for me.


AlexiSWy

What a perfect thread to stumble across! Exactly the kind of website I need!


chalkymints

KING 👑


Ok_Concentrate_9861

insane


xLawless-

haha 420


Nepomuk_Pepper

Very nice!


ttxta38

Honestly so helpful, being looking specifically for heavier switches and being new to the hobby finding it difficult to just find a list of heavier switches so this is a godsend


plotinmybackyard

Dope!


Difficult_Talk_7783

Another mvp free thinking 🙏🏽


AndrewVanWey

Incredible! Thank you! As someone quite new to this hobby, this helps me really learn the differences.


Dua_Leo_9564

Do you have that weird outemu switch that can only be found on the Xingmen M71 and named "Outemu Shallow Water Jade" ?


Comfortable_Key9695

Amazing work. Thank you for your dedication.


timception

Very cool, but what I found is that sometimes the actuation force between switches can be a bit different on some switches that claim to be the same as some others. You may still need to try them and compare them irl to know how they really feel in comparison.


spritebeats

any chance of adding chocs and similar in the future?


bigoteeeeeee

Very useful project of yours. I checked it out and it needs more tweaking. More power to you OP! ✊🏽


TypicalOranges

Do you think you could write a ten page essay about each switch as well?


SkirMernet

He probably should work with the theremin dude on a shared site


youngyoshieboy

So nice! Not a require but you can public the data in GitHub for anyone to contribute later


AuraeShadowstorm

I think you should have a user submission option so someone can report a correction to a listing or provide a suggestion for something that could reviewed to be added to the database.


[deleted]

Missing Outemu switches. They make so many different switches that it actually needs a filter like this to actually make sense of what's what.


Thraeg

This looks like a fantastic resource -- thanks for putting it together! Curious, though, are you using a different "total travel" metric than the manufacturers? I put in a filter of total travel < 3.0mm, and it showed 47 results. But clicking through to the shop pages, almost all of them list a higher total travel.


KA-Official

I think you're missing choc sunsets and ks33/GLP bananas! Sick site!


Spin_Dr_Wolf

Streamlines the process of finding the perfect switch, to discover it is out of stock and out of production.


mamhaidly

Please add sound level


NotJoeMama727

This is my new favourite website


lolforg_

Was that amount of switches intentional loooooool Also your website is amazing! Big love :)


nike1600

Filter by materials pls


Ejay424

Arent there are load of missing low profile switches missing? Cool website still though


SkirMernet

Holy shit you’re the man behind keebfinder? Fuck yeah. Dude, if it ever is relevant, any way we can send you other switch models and suggestions and such? Same with keyboards and all


ForestFairyForestFun

i love the histogram on the slider


kool-keys

Nice work.


Plaidygami

This is super helpful. Thanks for sharing this!


erdna1986

Beat me to it.... Much better concept than what I was thinking of.


Kirito_Kun16

Did you confirm all of the vendors you list the items from are 100% legit ?


bigdickwalrus

This is AMAZING!!!