/r/MechanicalKeyboards What Keyboard, Switches and/or Keys Do I Buy

I want to buy switches for an up-coming project. I would like some help with picking specific switch type and a seller, that ships within/to EU.

I have used most Cherry MX types, but new switches are too scratchy for me. I like vintage blacks and browns the best, preferably with Korean 62g-68g springs. Clears are too tactile for me, when I'm not typing, but I like their springs... "Ghost black" is another switch I like.

Now I want to try something new and don't want to spend a fortune on genuine new Cherry MX. I have been reading a lot about the new clones, mainly Gateron, that they are smoother than new Cherry, cheaper and more tactile (browns, blues). I have read that Gateron makes "ergo clears" for ZealPC, but I heard there were some quality problems with them. I have found little information about the other clones from Gaote (Outemu?), Greetech and so on. I have only used linear Kailh switches and they felt like garbage, much scratchier than new Cherry.

Finally, my questions: what switches are worth consideration? where to get them with shipping to EU?

So far, I have found the following:

  • ZealPC sell linear and "ergo clear" Gateron switches for $0.5 or $0.8 per switch, plus $10+ shipping and customs. I'm not sure about the quality problems of their "ergo clears" and about $100 for 100 switches is too much for me.
  • Gaterons are on Amazon (US and UK). I would pay about $50 for 120 switches from the UK.
  • MechanicalKeyboards (US) sell Greetech and Gateron switches. If I order at least 100, it will cost $0.4 or $0.3 per switch, but they have extremely expensive shipping overseas.
  • TechKeys sell red/brown Gaote switches for $0.3/switch. I know next to nothing about these. I expect to pay $50+, if I order 100.
  • FalbaTech sell some Greetech and Gateron switches, but not brown Gateron and a pack of 110 would cost me over €70 shipped.

Have I missed any other options? I know there is Taobao, but my head wants to explode upon only looking at it. I remember there many of these switches have been on Massdrop and there was a Shadovved's group buy with very good prices... will any of this repeat any time soon?

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Thread