Editor's note:
Eric's own switch keyboard has published a lead article on the Bad Friends platform yesterday (you are also welcome to join the Bad Friends Aituikeng fan group), The content is mainly about the ins and outs of self-owned shafts and related technical advantages. However, many friends are still curious about the technical aspects. Therefore, alps, the player who has worked most closely with Eric, will explain in depth the angle, material and production ideas of this free axis. Just seeing the player dismantling the axes and placing them neatly makes me very impressed. This article probably took several hours to complete.
Below is the original text of the player alps article:
People who know me should know that I am a keyboard loudspeaker, and I am also a keyboard fundamentalist (feel first, the rest does not matter) playing ALPS The axis type also has a history of XX years. I am well aware of most of the advantages and disadvantages of the ALPS axis type. The essential elements required for an ideal keyboard axis are nothing more than suppleness (smoothness) and pleasantness of the sound (frequency, loudness, timbre, volume). Durability (lifespan and yield)
The rest of the appearance, color, light brightness, program mode patterns, and cost, to me, these are the diversified combinations in the market, regardless of the nature of the axis.
So when the factory asked me for my opinion, the goal at that time was to try to complete a nearly perfect keyboard shaft. I also told the shaft designer: Absolutely. It must be historic and breakthrough, much better than previous shafts, and have a much longer lifespan. It must have at least a few features that are the best and number one in the world at present, so that it makes sense. (Of course it cannot be absolutely perfect. After all, we have to consider that the cost cannot explode to an unreasonable level). The designer, factory owner and even the agent of this axis responded very kindly to my irrational pickiness. (It seems that I am really willing to give it all)
With this *** knowledge, about 10 months ago, based on the reference of the history of shafts in the past few decades, I began to gradually try out various sample shafts, and one generation after another I don’t mind the complicated modifications regardless of the cost (it seems that there are more than a dozen mold repairs, more than a dozen generations of sample testing, and adjustment and replacement of parts and materials). I don’t think I have the determination to make the most perfect mentality and cognition regardless of the cost. I really know how to do it. go Ape!
The development direction of this axis is based on the ALPS axis type, with the goal of surpassing the combined level and quality of all ALPS axis types in history, adding some factors of the MX axis, and integrating it to create a new The phoenix rising from the flames.
On May 14, 2016, I received several switches sent to me by the manufacturer before official shipment (sample switches were sent to me about a dozen times before and after), and I tried to play the sample keyboard that was updated at any time. Once again, it provides the direction of improvement and thorough execution improvement. Of course, it is not unexpected. If you don’t break it down and destroy it, how can it be worthy of this i-Rocks axis with a history of innovation?
The basic specifications of the keyboard are conflict-free N-Key rollover in all areas. Cable length: 200 cm. Product size: 459 (L)*158.5 (W)*39.5 (H) mm. Product weight: Approximately 1.45 kg net weight (not (Including outer packaging box)
=====i-Rocks Blue Axis + Strange Axis ~ Parts Detailed Explosion Diagram (Basic Material Composition)======
Center The sliding sleeve (the key axis connected to the keycap) ~ has gone through five changes from the all-Teflon material originally selected in 2015.08.xx to the final hybrid material. The requirements are of course good smoothness and high durability. In order to consider the direction, the most important thing about using a cross shape is that it can be replaced with a large number of MX axis compatible keycaps of various materials and printing on the market.
Two unique new patented technologies have achieved unique current advantages. Exclusive ORS silencer technology - patented silencer mechanism. To ensure long life and stability, high-priced strong silicone material is selected. The trigger reed is also a patented three-blade multi-point contact mechanism to maintain stable contact for long-term use (the material is highly elastic phosphor bronze with gold-plated contacts)
The clicker is also made of SUS301 stainless steel, most of which are available on the market The other shafts are plated with iron sheets or copper sheets or other cheap stainless steel.
Basically, for the materials of components, for long-term stability, high-priced materials are used regardless of cost, as detailed in the parts diagram.
Additional news: The new axis pins are suitable for ALPS axis keyboards, but some iron plates are not suitable. At the same time, the manufacturing cost of a single axis is quite high,
much higher than that of the MX type. , and there is currently no plan to retail a single axis, so…………
Analysis of the action curve of the axis~First is the green axis~Secondly is the tricky axis~Other black tea and other I won’t talk about the type for now!
1. Green shaft (I would rather call it a green shell shaft) technical information ~ such as the action diagram of the shaft
Total stroke 4.0mm, first section 1.8mm, trigger stroke 2.0mm, trigger start The initial pressure is 60g and the trigger conduction pressure is 35g? (We generally call it the trigger grams) (the moment when the signal is generated)
It can be seen from the action stroke diagram of the axis that when it is triggered, it starts from 60g like In an instant, the 35g drop from the top of the cliff to the bottom of the valley triggers a signal, just like the thrilling ride of a roller coaster, and finally glides to the end, allowing you to regain your senses. This is a crisp and crisp passage feeling that has never appeared in any axis before, and it is also combined with gorgeous reverberation. The sound base is of course clear and loud passages. The direction of the timbre is very different from the early ALPS axis timbre. It's interesting, but it's very close to the tone of Taiwan's white axis, and at the same time, some of the pieces are biased toward the mixed tone of Cherry MX's blue axis. If you want it to be louder, you can try to remove the upper transparent cover of the keyboard, or remove the ORS parts, which is another flavor.
2. The treacherous axis (I can also call it the white shell axis)
Why it is called the treacherous axis (it is not my business), according to my original setting requirements, To surpass the current situation in the world, it is the most extremely lightweight and non-jamming axis. The original idea was to have a 20g drift linear trigger, but it was too unconventional. The manufacturer was afraid that market consumers would not be able to accept it, so they finally compromised and settled on a 28g drift linear trigger. However, for most of the sample shafts that have been tested for several generations, my self-tested power-on trigger values ??are mostly between 18 and 26g.
This first release includes a standard edition and a *** hardcover signed edition.
Technical information ~ Action diagram of the shaft, total stroke 4.0mm, trigger stroke 2.0mm, trigger conduction pressure 28g
About the feel: light? The lingering sound? Haha... People who come into contact with it for the first time will definitely doubt their senses... (The instant feeling may be... What happened... This keyboard... is so weird... it's really amazing... I can't type anymore...), okay ! Users themselves have experienced the key points of selling. Do you know how to understand? ...Won't? ... Then you don't need to press it, just touch it. It is especially a good companion for ladies with slender fingers at night. ?
Regarding lifespan: I do not claim or speculate, because it is false and deceptive. According to the actual long-term test results (using the second-generation green shell shaft 105.10.xx, which is not an ideal sample), the machine operates 20 green shells for eight hours a day (working hours). Assuming that the machine presses 4 times per second, that is 8 x 60 x 60 x 4 I believe it won’t be possible in 30 years (don’t forget that the keyboard has 100 keys). The result is that 10 months have passed and it has exceeded 35 million times. These early 20 samples are still in use.
What else do you ask for? In fact, if the green shell shaft sampled in 105.10.xx was to be put on the market 10 months ago, it would definitely be qualified!
Source of citation: original address of alps article