TX Stabilizers Initial Impressions: Definite Improvement over the Cherry Clip Ins
Today, I received the new TX stabilizers (WK version). I tested them and these are my initial impressions.
Today, I received the new TX stabilizers (WK version). I tested them and these are my initial impressions.
Introduction and Structure
The TX stablilizers are of the PCB mount clip-in type and they are supposed to be an improvement over the Cherry clip-in stabs.
I had ordered the WK version (contains the 6.25U wire) and it came with four 2u wires, one 6.25u wire and ten stabs (stem+housings). They also contained 10 stabilizer stoppers.
The stabs came with the wires already inserted and packed in foam to prevent any damages. The wires were perfectly straight without any bends or other marks.
The differentiating feature of these TX stabs are its stems. The stem is doubleshot with a POM outside and a custom mixture of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethanes) and POM for the inside.
The TPU material has properties between plastic and rubber. This was used on the inside of the stem to reduce the wire rattle and bottom out noise.
The base of the stems were preclipped for a smoother bottom out.
The cherry clip-in stabs on the other hand contain non-clipped stems.
Owing to the double shot nature, the TX stabs contain a smaller upper opening in the stems. Other than this, the sizes of the TX and cherry clip-in stabs look similar.
When compared to the Durock V2s also, I did not find any differences except the ones mentioned above with the clip-ins.
Testing
I used the same testing strategy that I adopted for testing the Staebies. I used a stabilizer testing station with finely lubed and filmed Zeal Zilents V2 (silent tactiles) switch for testing. To have uniformity, I used the same switch across all the tests. I used a DCP PBT Backspace key for all the 2u tests and a GMK Space bar for all 6.25u tests.
Stock (unlubed tests)
All sound tests were recorded using an iPhone 12 pro kept at a distance of 8 cms from the start of the source. Background noise and other factors could have impacted the quality of the tests.
Durock V2 2u — Link
Black Staebies 2u — Link
Cherry clip-ins 2u — Link
TX stabs 2u — Link
Durock V2 6.25u — Link
Black Staebies 6.25u — Link
Cherry 6.25u — Link
TX stabs 6.25u — Link
Lubed Tests
All the test candidates were lubed with Krytox 205g0 on the stems and the housings. The wires were lubed with dielectric grease.
Durock V2 2u — Link
Black Staebies 2u — Link
TX stabs 2u — Link
Durock V2 6.25u — Link
Black Staebies 6.25u — Link
TX stabs stock wire 6.25u — Link
TX stabs Durock Gold Plate wire 6.25u — Link
Issues Faced
While removing the 2u keys, the stabs also were coming out of the PCB. This might be due to the clip-in nature of the stabs. To remedy this, there were 10 pieces of stab stoppers included. I used the stab stoppers and the stabs stopped popping out post removing the keycaps. However, inserting the stab stoppers was not easy as it took some effort for me.
Conclusion
The unlubed TX stabs had a lot of wire tick (consistent with other stabs except the Staebies). The wire rattle was minimal thanks to the TPU inner housing. However, I found it unacceptable to use them in their stock form.
The lubed TX stabs were on par if not better than the Durock v2s. There were no wire ticks nor wire rattles. The stabilizer was snappy in returning and did not involve any mushiness nor reduced stem travel. I noticed an overall improvement in sound when I used the Durock wires in place of the stock ones.
The cherry PCB clip-ins faced two major problems: wire rattle and popping out of stabs. The TX fixes both of them using clever innovations. One by using TPU material on the inside and the other by providing stab stoppers. TX also comes with preclipped stems to reduce the effort of clipping. These changes should hold them in good stead going forward although long-term usage is yet to be established.
These are the best clip-in stabs that I’ve tried and they may be on par, if not better than the top screw-ins, subject to long term use.