Looking for Ultra-Low 1mm Travel Mechanical (MX) Switches

Learning and discussion Key switches
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I’m used to typing on Laptop Keyboards and on my Logitech MX Keys, which both have Scissor Switches. I also purchased a Keychron Q3 a year ago, with Akko CS Silver Switches (1.0mm Actuation, 3.0mm total Travel). To be honest, I don’t care if the Switches I use are Mechanical or Scissors. What’s important for me is total Travel. From my research, I’ve found that Scissor Switches have a total Travel that range between 1.0mm to 2.0mm. Mechanical Switches have a total Travel between 3.0mm and 4.0mm.

I tried reducing the Travel of my Akko Switches. This worked up to a point. I placed small ball bearings in the shaft of my Switches and I think my total Travel is around 2.0~2.5mm. Even if the Actuation point is at 1.0mm, I can’t go beyond my modification because of the way these Switches are built. I’ve noticed the Actuation Point is the minimum distance the Switch can Activate if the Key is pressed at exactly the right angle. The extra 2.0mm is to make sure the Switch is fully Activated if, for example, the Key is pressed from the “bottom” edge of the Keycap (not straight down, at 90°). I tested this on my Akko Switches. I’ve come to the conclusion that if I want even less Travel, I need Switches that are specifically designed for that.

My Akko Switches’ Actuation point work this way only because of the way they are designed. I can easily imagine a design where, no matter at what angle the Key is pressed, the Switch will Activate at 0.7mm for example, for a total Travel of 1.0mm (this is just me spit-balling).

In a world where some of us are obsessed (let’s be honest) with efficiency and speed, does anyone know of any Ultra-Low Travel (MX) Mechanical Switches?

Other things I’ve looked into that don’t quite cut it:

  • Low Profile Mechanical Switches: The overall height of the Switches is lower than a “normal” Mechanical Switch (measuring the Switches from top to bottom), but the Travel Distances of these Switches remain the same: 3.0~4.0mm.
  • Scissor Switches: They seem like what I’m aiming for, but they can only be used on specific PCB’s that designed for them. I haven’t found any that can be installed on a “normal” Mechanical Keyboard PCB (for MX Switches).
  • Hall Effect Switches: Same as with the Scissor Switches. They go with only specific PCBs.

Any help in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

1 Like
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have you tried these?

I like them a lot. Still more than the 1mm travel you’re looking for, but it’s nice that they’re compatible with MX footprint. I believe the travel is just over 2mm

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Oh my!!! You are the first I’ve encountered that has actually been able to suggest something better! Thank you!

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I own both the tactile and linear version. I prefer the linear, but that’s my general preference. To me, the tactile feel like they have a shorter travel, probably just b/c of the nature of the tactile event.

hopefully you like them!

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Yeah, gotcha. Personally though, I’m looking for speed and efficiency. I’ve chosen to put “feel” in the back seat… for now at least.