I'm looking into the possibility of building up some ASCII keyboards for those who prefer not to build their own. The options for keys are Futaba MD-series keys and the various Cherry MX options.For those of you who have tried out different Cherry MX keys, I'm interested to hear your key switch preference for an Apple I/II keyboard.I while ago I got a sampler keypad with the various Cherry MX types, and I thought that the Cherry MX Red was a good feel, and closest to what I expect for the era. I've tried the Brown keys and they also seem fine.Which Cherry MX key switch do you prefer, and why?Dave
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I use the black switches which seem to be the most common. The Apple II and /// keyboards I have all have a range of feel and the keyboards I have made with the black switches feel like they belong in the set. Also the black keys are widely available from distribution, I use the MX1A-11NW key which is PCB mount. Don't forget to get the levelers for the space bar and any other wide key, the MX datasheet gives all the information you need. Another tip is the keys and levelers have non plated mounting holes with pretty tight tolerances, you should provide clearance in the solder mask around those holes, I had trouble with the solder mask hanging over the edge of some holes making key insertion difficult so I had to clear out some holes with a drill.
Thanks for the tips. I also found that the soldermask has to be pulled back. I am considering enlarging the center hole to 0.160" as well.