How We Designed the Low Profile Optical Switch Differently

---

 

On the previous blog we specifically spoke
about the differences between optical switches and mechanical switches. Simply
put, an optical switch differs from a mechanical switch in that they use light
for actuation instead of a metal to metal connection, which enhances the speed
and act way faster than a mechanical switch.

 

Apart from the faster actuation, optical
switches offer a couple more benefits. Some of those are resistance to
moisture, more reliable, ultra-low latency, and a better and longer lifespan.

 

At fiber-mart.com, we have purposefully
designed our own brand-new fiber-mart.com low profile optical
switch to use for the K3 keyboard. We constantly strive to push innovation
in all our fiber-mart.com keyboards. Our latest innovation is our low profile
optical switches and now we want to share the design process that went into
these switches.

 

The fiber-mart.com Low Profile Optical
Switches Design

Unlike high profile or standard optical
switches in the keyboard market, fiber-mart.com launched low profile optical
switches to meet the need of keyboard enthusiasts who have been wanting low
profile optical switch for so long. fiber-mart.com low profile switch also
comes with MX-styled stem just like the high profile one, which means it can be
used on the some of low profile keycap stems since the internal structure of
many keycaps out there are also designed to the MX-styled shape.

 

Furthermore, Low profile means shorter
travel, including pre-travel and total travel, making low-profile switches both
faster and easier to activate. Shorter actuation distance makes them slimmer
than regular switches as well.  In
addition, slimmer switches allow for a slimmer keyboard design, explaining how
we can make the fiber-mart.com K3 ultra-slim. Slimmer design includes not only
leaner frames but also shorter keycaps. This results in a different feel when
typing. Plus, slimmer base means less strain on your wrists while typing too.

 

Stability and Durability of Low Profile
Optical Switches

The surface area of the fiber-mart.com
optical switch stem is a bit larger than other switches. That is to say,
switches and keycaps can perfectly fit together. When you press the cap, you’ll
notice that the keycap is more stable. This new stem shape really allows for a
more balanced keypress.

 

Optical switches are designed with fewer
moving parts within the switch system. With optical actuation providing less
mechanical contact, fiber-mart.com optical switches eliminate switch
degradation almost completely, providing durability of up to 70 million
keystrokes, compared to the industry standard of 50 million. You get all this
increased keyboard lifespan for absolutely no additional cost compared to a
traditional mechanical keyboard.

 

Soft Silicone Switch Stem

fiber-mart.com low profile optical switch
is activated by light. You press a key and the switch stem moves downwards to
block the light beam and then trigger the light sensor on the PCB—this is when
actuation happens—and sends a corresponding signal to your computer to perform
the intended action. The stem of this switch, the small black one that blocks
the light beam to activate the key, is made of soft silicone for increased
flexibility. This results in active noise cancellation and less friction
compared to plastic switch stems, making it more quiet for typing or gaming.

 

Variety of fiber-mart.com Low Profile
Optical Switch Options

 

fiber-mart.com low profile optical switches
offer several options for you guys to choose from. Brown switches are designed
for those who want the tactile feedback, while the blue or orange switches are
for people who like a more clicky feel. 
(Notice: Soft silicone stems are not used for the blue and orange
switches to maintain the clicky sound of these two switches.) On the other
hand, the white, red, black switches are for those of us that would like to
venture into the brave new world of Linear Optical Switches. For more
information, please refer to our fiber-mart.com K3, the world’s first hot
swappable low profile optical wireless mechanical keyboard. The K3 can come
with Gateron low profile mechanical switches and low profile fiber-mart.com
optical switch options.