I’ve been out of the custom keyboard scene for several years, and recently dove back in with the Sat75x. I’ve built probably 15-20 custom keyboards over the years, but the last few I built before stepping away used the CreateKeebs SOTC Linear switches. I am a huge linear fan, and these switches ticked all the boxes for me. The factory lube was good enough that I didn’t feel the need to lube them myself (which I hate), they had a really good feel, and the sound was pretty good. Unfortunately, it looks like they no longer make these switches as I have been watching the Divinikey website (the only place I know sells them) for a few weeks now, and they haven’t come back in stock.
There are a ton of different switches on the market now, so I am looking for some recommendations for some good linears!
This might not really help, but is interesting nonetheless. https://kbd.news/Best-selling-keyboard-switches-of-December-2024-2562.html Broad selection of stores and their bestselling switches.
if you’re on Divinikey, take a look at the HMX switches (wider selection at Kinetic Labs and also at Unikeys/Unikeyboards out of Canada) – really good factory lubing, range of weights, generally a nice clear “tak” sound when bottoming out – each type of switch is basically HMX iterating on plastic blends and variations (ex. Jammy has glitter, Butter has fiberglass for a louder sound, etc.)
Don’t know about the alternatives, but those SOTC ones seem to be in stock on Ali if you’re interested.
I’ve never ordered from Ali, but I might have to get at least one more pack. For my last build I ran out of switches and ended up stealing some switches from a previous build.
I’ve been rocking some gateron oil kings. Been a nice time for me!
I’ve heard good things about these. Did you end up lubing yours or were they good from the factory?
Seem pretty good from the factory to me. I’ve never hand lubed switches tho
