Kailh Choc V1 Stem Mod - Zeus

UPDATE (10/31/23): Updated instructions for Lychee slicer, as well as update stems; I accidentally set the height of the tactility curve too high, so my test print of L3 felt like pushing a push button rather than a keyboard switch. Whoops!

Have you got a set of Kailh Choc V1 switches hoping that it would be tactile but disappointed in how linear it feels? Maybe even wish that a low profile switch could be even more low profile? Perhaps you want to turn your Choc switch into a different kind of switch… for some reason?

After 10+ iterations of creating a design of the Kailh Choc V1 stem and changing the tactility curve, this is Zeus, probably the first design to completely swap the Kailh Choc stem for a ~1.75 mm actuation distance with increased tactility.

If you want to print this, READ the printing notes first.

Design notes:

Now I probably know what you're thinking. Why reduce the actuation distance from 3 mm to ~1.75 mm? My reason is that the original stems of the Choc V1 line has too much distance between when the switch activates and when you bottom out. Take for instance the Choc V1 White switch. Once you hear the click, the switch is “pressed.” However, there is an additional 1 mm or so before you hit the bottom. This creates a disconnect between the input and what you feel and hear. This stem attempts to solve that issue.

The second issue is that tactile browns / burnt orange Chocs feels like a small lie. Yes you do get a tactile response but it's not even noticeable. Thus, I changed the tactility curve to achieve hopefully the feel of a low profile U4T Boba, though since I've only tried that particular switch and not use it daily, I can't say if that's accurate.

Since I can freely adjust the tactility curve, I may also add linear versions to this at some point down the line. I haven't gotten to testing that though (and even then the original Choc linears feel fine.). I might also make 3 mm actuation distance versions, but that's a special variant that deserves it's own listing.

Printing Notes (READ.)

So you want to print this? There are things you need to know before you do:

• Obviously SLA only. No FDM printers; even the 0.12 mm layer height is too much and will feel unpleasant.
• The different variants are labeled with the respective tactile strength level, L1, L2, and L3. 
• To save headaches and know which stem to print, print all the different versions you are interested in first, preferably with 3 copies. This way you can get a feel for which stem you prefer before you go all in.
• (UPDATE 10/28/23) When printing, rotate the part by 45 degrees in PrusaSlicer. You can see the rotated pieces in the Rotated versions.
• If you are using Lychee slicer, export with supports from PrusaSlicer and import into Lychee slicer. Make sure you have enough supports; otherwise the spring guide will deform.
• Take the time after the first print to gauge if your keycaps will fit. If they do not, please comment and tell me how loose it is. The dimensions of these stems are in the hundredths of a millimeter so accounting for general keycaps is difficult.
• When you do choose one and you swap all the stems, switch lube helps immensely; treat as required. Without it, the stem might stick onto the side of the switch body. It is not as slippery as the original stem so use switch lube on the sides of the switch, the area where the plastic actuator hits the stem, and the column below the stem.
• If your keycap gets stuck, remove the clear plastic housing. I designed it so the pillars of the keycap can be hit by a thin object on the other side to release the keycap. (I don't know why it wasn't designed like this before…. huh)
• Cure your stems as long as possible, or at least long enough to not have a gummy texture on the part. This reduces the friction between the plastic and the switch housing. Try to file any external leftover stumps left over from the SLA print too.
• Yes, you can use this on any of the Kailh switches (however, I haven't verified it with other variants like the Robin; just the standard and heavy variants). However, if you have a clicky switch, you won't have the stabilizer that the linear and tactile switches come with. As clicky Choc switches don't have a stabilizer, take caution on possible key wobble (though if you wanted a tactile / linear that can engage with the click bar… that'll take longer)
• These stems might not be for you. Just like with any switch, it could be that this isn't what you're looking for. If it isn't the feel you want, I'd like to know in what way it wasn't for you, whether it is the fit, if the tactility of it is too hard, or something.
• Lastly, please leave comments on how the stem worked out for you! I can already forsee like 20 more iterations of just the tactility curve and the fit… oof but any advise is helpful.

Good luck!