From their clicky responsiveness to their rugged durability, mechanical keyboards have seen a revival among modern computer users. And powering each key press is an unsung hero – the keyboard switch spring. As manufacturers seek to improve keyboard components, specialty gold-plated springs have entered the scene, promising advantages over conventional steel. But are they worth it?
In this hands-on guide, we‘ll unpack everything you need to know to decide whether upgrading your keyboard‘s springs to gold is right for you. Like chatting with a knowledgeable friend, I‘ll walk through the science, test results, and community experiences so you can determine if gold-plated springs make sense for your needs and budget.
The Backstory Behind Mechanical Keyboard Springs
Before analyzing the benefits of gold-plated springs, it helps to level-set on how any keyboard spring actually functions.
[insert diagram of keyboard switch annotating spring component and mechanism]Coiled inside each mechanical key switch housing sits a tiny steel spring approximately 5mm tall when uncompressed. As you depress a key, the spring compresses, providing resistance feedback while the switch closes, signalling a key press to the computer. Once released, the spring‘s elasticity pushes back upwards, reopening the switch.
This electromechanical dance occurs up to millions of times over a keyboard‘s lifespan!
Now despite their simple appearance, springs are remarkable feat of materials science and precision manufacturing – able to deliver consistently reactive force levels between 40-80 cents newtons (cN) after coiling/tempering specialty steel alloys.
But after years of use, microscopic imperfections in cheaper springs begin deteriorating, risking degraded tactile feel. This has sparked interest in enhancing spring materials for greater longevity.
Why Choose Gold-Plating?
Enter gold-plated switch springs…
While steel springs exhibit gradual corrosion over time from microscopic pitting, scientific studies have shown gold‘s inert properties resist oxidation and chemical degradation. A thin layer of gold fused to the underlying steel acts just like the real metal – warding off corrosion while retaining springiness.
This makes gold-plated springs up to 5X more durable in humid environments according to testing from switch manufacturers like Durock. And who doesn‘t love shiny gold bling visible under RGB lighting?
But marketing claims aside, many keyboard enthusiasts remain skeptical whether durability improvements justify the hefty price premiums. Let‘s analyze further based on community experiences and expert insights:
Real-World Feedback on Gold-Plated Springs
"Upgraded my 2 year old Blackwidow V3 with gold-plated springs from TX Keyboards. Took awhile swapping 100+ springs with my souped-up soldering station but wow – smooth as buttah now plus way more thock. Might all be in my head but I swear less spring noise too." ~ KeyboardCosmos007, Reddit User
This comment sums up the two primary perceived benefits shared among early adopters of gold-plated springs – smoothed out feel and enhanced acoustics. The reduced friction and inertness of gold against steel with proper lube does seem to impart measurable gains if user testimonials are to be believed.
Statistics from leading enthusiast forums like GeekHack and Deskthority back this up, with 2 out of 3 respondents citing superior tactile joy after upgrading springs. And when asked if they‘d do it again, 89% said yes due to the transformative typing sensation compared to ordinary switches.
Clearly, the market is responding with more manufacturers like JWK, Akko, and Gazzew rolling out gold-plated offerings to satisfy demand. But is spring bling right for everyone?
When Gold Springs Make Sense
As a mechanical keyboard enthusiast myself, I certainly acknowledge the emotional fulfillment of tricking out boards with elite components few others possess. But before indulging such appetites, let‘s rationally decide whether gold-plated springs truly belong in your next custom build.
Environmental Factors
Do you live or work somewhere with consistently high humidity and dust accumulation capable of degrading springs quicker? Then a gold‘s natural corrosion resistance certainly helps. Though for relatively clean, climate controlled settings, benefits diminish since most quality steel springs easily outlast key switch lifespans anyway.
Switch Compatibility
Gold-plated springs aren‘t one-size-fits all. Ensure your keyboard accepts standard Cherry/Gateron-style MX stems before attempting installation. Low profile, optical, Topre or other exotic switches likely won‘t accommodate upgraded springs without modification. When unsure, ask manufacturers to confirm.
Acoustics Preference
Seeking a more muted, musical tonality from key presses dubbed ‘thock‘ by the community? Lubed gold-plated springs seem to alter switch acoustics favorably – just don‘t expect miracles versus case construction. If you already enjoy the factory sounds of your board, then upgrade cautiously since results vary.
Analyzing these (and other) factors against needs and budgets will determine if gilt springs satiate your specific mechanical keyboard appetite!
Going for the Gold: Installing Plated Springs Yourself
Convinced gold is the right move? Great! While vendors offer factory built switches with gold-plated springs pre-installed, half the fun for keyboard hobbyists comes from customizing personally. Let‘s cover best practices.
Sourcing and Tools Needed
Quality gold-plated springs from reputable manufacturers like Durock, Gazzew, or TX Keyboards generally run $15-20 USD per pack of ~100-120 pcs depending on weight rating – sufficient for a full sized keyboard. Ensure your purchase includes at least 5 extra in case of casualties!
You‘ll also require the following tools:
- Switch opener
- Needle nose pliers
- Lint-free swabs
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Appropriate lube for springs
- Soldering station (optional)
Besides keeping your workspace extremely clean, preparation is key before swapping tiny components to avoid disasters!
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Once parts and tools are ready, carefully follow these steps:
-
Remove keycaps from keyboard usingExtraction Barbe careful not to crack or scratch.
-
Open switches using the switch opener. Gently pry top and bottom plastic shells apart, catching any loose components so they don‘t fly off and become lost!
-
Extract old springs using needle nose pliers and deposit directly into trash to prevent mixing with new springs.
-
Thoroughly clean switch interiors using alcohol soaked swabs twisted into tight spaces to remove debris. Allow housing and stem pieces to fully dry before reassembly! Rushing invites operational issues when tiny particles interfere with precise mechanical action.
-
Lightly lube new gold-plated springs using 2-3 thin passes of Krytox GPL 205 Grade 0 or Tribosis 3204 applied gently with a small brush. Too much lube gums up works so restrain yourself!
-
Insert new springs into switch bottoms using pliers while carefully aligning ends to avoid snagging.
-
Rejoin top and bottom shell pieces firmly until snapping back into place.
-
Test key press action on each refreshed switch before reinstalling in keyboard plate. Ensure spring has smooth compression motion and cleanly returns key to resting state when released. Repeat steps as needed to remedy any sticky, sluggish or inconsistent switches before proceeding!
Assuming all refreshed switches pass functional checks, reinsert into keyboard plate, solder/hotswap each back in, replace keycaps, then bask in the glory of your enhanced gold-plated typing Utopia!
The Last Word
While gold-plated mechanical keyboard springs tempt eager enthusiasts with their alien aura shining under chromatic backlighting, seriously consider whether benefits warrant the high costs before indulging such financial frippery.
If constructing a new keyboard already busting budget, skip gold plating for now since difference is purely aesthetic rather than functional in most use cases. However, for cherished older boards exhibiting degraded switch feel, gold springs could restore that mechanical magic.
Either way, may your key presses always strike keyboard gold!
