3 ms·
Unlikely, at least in the sense being discussed here. A Hall effect sensor works by running a constant current in one direction while measuring the potential d
by mechanicum 2y ago
Unlikely, at least in the sense being discussed here.
A Hall effect sensor works by running a constant current in one direction while measuring the potential difference in a different axis. The keyboard’s PCB needs to be able to register a range of values, not simply binary on-off. Regular keyboards aren’t equipped to do that.
Typically in an HE keyboard, the sensors are mounted to the PCB. The “switch” itself is just a neodymium magnet at the end of a POM stem, in a polycarbonate housing with a spring.
There are other kinds of magnetic switch that have historically been used in keyboards – e.g. Fujitsu used reed switches in the 70s – and in theory you could probably build them into a Cherry MX-compatible package. But they wouldn’t provide many of the benefits of HE keyboards, besides smoothness and reliability, and I’m not aware of anyone doing it.
- Pet_Ant 2y agoWell then I really don't get the excitement unless the entire ecosystem shifts. That means abandoning all the existing PCBs and cases. So unless you are rocking a vanilla 104 key and willing to buy a completely new keyboard, you aren't gonna buy in.
- mechanicum 2y agoIt’s 100% a niche interest, they’re not going to become the mainstream option. But it’s a niche (competitive gamers and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts) with deep pockets, to whom “buying a new keyboard” is basically no barrier at all.