I think I would like a tube mech, but need some threads posted for me to learn about maintenance, switches, magnets and whatever else you folks can think of. A blog?
Magnets can be problematic - especially if you're a tinkerer/"fine tuner"... believing that there's nothing made that won't benefit from your detailed inspection, engineering knowledge and modification. Ask me how I know this. ;-)
At low resistances... too much (localized/concentrated) heat and magnets can loose magnetism. Some mod makers now point out
specific heat values at which their magnets stop being magnetic.
If you run deep sub-ohm with a mech that has conductivity issues, and overheat the magnets... you might wonder why your button pressure went soft.
The can't be "tuned" like a spring... more magnets, less magnets, different magnets (within limits of size/power rating/appropriate conductive plating - availability) is about it.
Springs can be heated, stretched, compressed, clipped... and finally, changed. All at a lower price point and easier to obtain.
If on the other hand you get a magnet mech and are happy with the button pressure - it has good enough conductivity for your desired resistances... you're done.
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Button designs are all over the map. If deep sub-ohm is your thing, look at original designs with less than 0.15v VD. If you're looking at clones, look to those that are true 1:1 copies of originals, right down to the button.
Of course, clones tend to be a bit more "broad" in their tolerances, so even a 1:1 of a low VD original may not come close to the originals VD.
There are lots of folks with clone mechs who tried to go down below 0.5Ω and found out their mod wasn't up to snuff... localized mech heating, usually at the button, and even mild shocks can be common with poor VD mechs.
The best reference is
Jkuro's testing. It's completely objective, controlled and honest. The only down side is that his test subjects are all loaned, usually by their owners... although some US mech builders actually are now sending him samples for independent testing.
Makes for good advertizing if they do well in Jon's little lab. (Although in this instance, saying "Lowest voltage drop in the world" is BS)
You probably won't find much use from it, but click on my second hyperlink and scan the article for anything that strikes your fancy.
Cheers
I minored in physics in college, and taught applied math to electronics students at the high school and college level for 19 years.
