Built 2 versions of the MX/KS hybrid zilpzalp, here’s aome height comparison when using bottom plates. It may be possible to use shorter stand-offs, but going 1mm shorter, stuff started touching the bottom plate so i left it like this.

Bonus top view: Two rather identical-looking Zilpzalp keyboards

  • @R4_Unit
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    2 years ago

    Very nice! I’ve been eyeing the KS-33 switches for my next build and this is an informative comparison. To be sure I have it clear in my head: basically any MX compatible keycap works right?

    • apfelOP
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      22 years ago

      I should have really added this to the OP! So actually, it depends on whether you use the switch plate. With it, compatibility is pretty poor, i.e. most caps will hit the plate.

      DES actually even interferes with the switch itself, not the plate, making it uniquely unfitting.

      I’m planning to get myself some skirtless caps for this plated built, or maybe i’ll desolder and remove the switch plate…

      • @R4_Unit
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        22 years ago

        Interesting! Have you found any caps that fit well? I assume without the switch plate, you need to use soldiered switches, or does hot-swap work?

        • apfelOP
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          2 years ago

          Not entirely sure about the hotswap option as I haven’t tried it myself. The footprint is apparently the same as for the KS-27 switches, and there are special KS-27 compatible sockets you can get from AliExpress.

          I would also assume that soldering is needed without the plate since it’s a 3-pin switch.

          Since Nuphy is selling boards with these switches, I believe their own caps fit them :)