Akko Silver switches are specifically designed to not interfere with Cherry keycaps due to their longer stems. However, other types of Akko switches can experience interference, especially if the keycap is pressed off-center, as keycap interference is primarily dependent on the switch's stem length and the mounting orientation of the PCB.
Understanding Keycap Interference
Keycap interference, often called "Cherry profile interference," occurs when the skirt of a Cherry profile keycap collides with the top housing of a mechanical switch. This typically happens in keyboards that use a north-facing PCB (where the LED is above the switch), as the LED position forces the switch to be mounted in a way that brings the switch housing closer to the keycap's internal structure. This collision can lead to a mushy bottom-out feel, a different sound profile, and sometimes even prevent the keycap from fully depressing.
Why Interference Happens:
- North-facing PCB: The most common cause, where the LED is positioned above the switch, causing the switch housing to be in the path of the Cherry keycap's skirt.
- Switch Housing Design: Some switch housings, particularly those with a taller or wider top, are more prone to interference.
- Keycap Profile: Cherry profile keycaps have a unique, low-profile design with a specific internal structure that is susceptible to this issue. Other profiles like OEM, SA, or DSA generally do not have this problem.
- Off-Center Presses: Even with switches designed to avoid interference, pressing a keycap significantly off-center can sometimes still cause a slight collision between the keycap and the switch housing.
Akko Switches and Interference
Akko, like many switch manufacturers, has developed switches specifically to address this interference issue.
Akko Silver Switches:
Akko Silver switches are a prime example of a switch designed to avoid Cherry keycap interference. They feature a longer stem that creates additional height. This increased stem height ensures that the keycap bottoms out on the stem's pole before the keycap's skirt can collide with the switch housing, effectively eliminating interference.
| Switch Type | Stem Length (Relative) | Cherry Keycap Interference (North-Facing PCB) |
|---|---|---|
| Akko Silver | Longer | Minimal to None |
| Other Akko Switches* | Standard/Varied | Possible (especially off-center presses) |
| Standard Switches | Standard | Likely |
*Note: Interference for other Akko switches depends on their specific stem design. Many newer Akko switches are adopting longer stems to mitigate this issue.
Solutions and Considerations
If you are concerned about keycap interference with your Akko switches or any other switches, consider the following:
- Choose Switches with Longer Stems: Many modern switches, including Akko Silver switches, Holy Pandas, Salmons, and Huskies, feature longer stems specifically to avoid interference. These stems ensure the keycap bottoms out on the pole before hitting the housing.
- Opt for South-Facing PCBs: Keyboards with south-facing PCBs (where the LED is below the switch) inherently avoid Cherry profile interference because the switch is rotated, moving the housing out of the keycap's path.
- Select Different Keycap Profiles: If Cherry profile is not a strict requirement, consider other popular keycap profiles like OEM, DSA, or SA, which generally do not suffer from this type of interference.
- Test Your Setup: Before committing to a full set of keycaps or switches, it's always a good idea to test a single switch and keycap combination on your PCB to confirm compatibility.
By understanding the mechanics of keycap interference and the design choices of switches like Akko Silvers, you can confidently build a keyboard setup that provides a smooth and consistent typing experience.
