ZENAIM INSIDE STORY is a column project that conveys the appeal of the brand through project members involved in the ZENAIM gaming gear brand.

Focus Person
Daisuke Senzaki
Tokai Rika Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
ZENAIM DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Outstanding performance that can significantly increase gaming performance

After hours of research, we came to the conclusion that a non-contact switch that combines response speed and anti-misfires. What is "outstanding performance"? What is the core element that symbolizes it? We explored this through communication with ZETA DIVISION. At the time, the request we received from Laz, XQQ, and Sudetaki was that they wanted to use a device with higher functionality. So what is "high functionality" for professional players? It was verbalized though the dialogue that the core element of the ZENAIM KEYBOARD is "combination of response speed and anti-misfires".

Misfires can occur if the response speed is too fast. In order to prevent misfires, switch structure needs to be simple so it can on/off by pressing key vertically. If you make response time faster, keys can accidentally pressed. Conversely, preventing accidental presses slows down the response time. We thought that solution of this problem would lead to "high functionality."

Another point to consider is durability. Currently, majority of keyboards use mechanical switches that move metal springs. However, if having metal contacts, the springs vibrate minutely, causing a bounce time which keyboard can't read whether the switch is on or off, which affects the response speed. Furthermore, repeated use can cause degradation and a chattering phenomenon. This is how we reached the idea of ​​a switch non-contacts that combines response speed and anti-misfires.

Objectively the optimal keyboard stroke for gaming is 1.9mm

The original magnetic sensor switch "ZENAIM KEY SWITCH" was born by combining the senses of professional ZETA DIVISION players, the magnetic detection method from automotive parts know-how, and detailed mechanical design know-how. Generally speaking, to avoid misfires, it's better to turn it on at a deeper stroke position. However, if you do that, you will waste the distance of return stroke for next turning on. ZETA DIVISION players requested us to solve this problem. So what position would be the most optimal on the stroke? That was the first challenge.

In the early stages of development, we modified existing mechanical switches or inserted spacers to shorten the stroke and adjust it in millimeters, repeatedly testing them and discussing "this is too shallow," "this is too long," or "this is too heavy." I still remember my hand was trembling with excitement when I had people try the first prototype. After comparing the difference in stroke in 0.1mm increments, we finally reached at the figure of 1.9mm stroke.

The distance to bottom out made shallow, allowing physical operation to be performed twice as fast as existing products. And, taking advantage of non-contact switch, we decided to create a specification that allows the actuation point to be adjusted in 0.1mm increments. So we considered combining the magnetic detection method, which is our know-how in automotive parts, with know-how in detailed mechanical design. This meant that we no longer had the option of creating a compatible shape with existing mechanical switches, and so we decided to create our original magnetic sensor switch "ZENAIM KEY SWITCH".

Precision switches offer fast key actuation and superior durability that can lead to win or lose in gaming

After repeatedly executing the same test, we built a prototype of “how to realize a key stroke amount of 1.9 mm” and repeated the process of having them check the prototype. But in fact we made a big mistake as a developer. This happened when we were testing a prototype with a magnetic detection method. We were confident that we had made a good prototype, but when the ZETA DIVISION players actually checked it, there were some defects in the structure, and we were told, "Frankly, we can't evaluate this." Specifically, although the prototype had 1.9 mm stroke, there was a rubbing sensation on the keys and the stroke didn't go straight down properly, so we had not been able to fully correct the processing and handed it over.

What Laz said to me at that time was a personal shock, and I still remember it vividly. It was, "We could lose if we can't press the switch all the way for even a moment." Our original business is manufacturing automotive parts.
Even though we had been manufacturing products with an overwhelming commitment to safety and security and pride, I felt ashamed that I had thought somewhere that "it's not an automotive part." At the same time, I realized that we needed to seek higher performance than automotive parts in terms of "how to make the 1.9mm stroke go up and down as straight and smoothly as possible." In the world of eSports titles, especially in FPS, the opponent is seriously trying to defeat you, and the device that supports your left hand during this severe battle for life is the keyboard. If that's the case, I was reminded that the smoothness of this stroke is a function that directly connects to making the differences between win or lose.

ZENAIM KEY SWITCH is designed to provide completely new gaming experience

We moved on pursuing higher performance than that of automotive parts considering “How can we make the switches move straight without rattling?” It was absolutely necessary to create a switch that would move accurately according to the catalog specifications.

How can we make it move straight even when we press the edge? How can we make the feeling of going and coming back be the same?
However, there is inevitably some variation in things. So, to what extent can we control that variation? And how can we minimize that variation? In fact, many existing switches have some variation. However, this means that the design must be designed with some margin for variation, which can hinder accurate operation. There are also approaches that pursue an operating experience by compensating for this with software control. However, there was no reason for us to follow that approach from the start entering this market. ZENAIM's goal was to develop a switch that would provide an entirely new experience that would maximize the player's performance.

You might think that it's only a 1.9mm up and down movement, but for example, if you press the edge of the keycap, the switch will go down at an angle. And in the case of a magnetic detection switch, the magnetism is sensed according to that misalignment, so there will be a slight misalignment with the set actuation point. If trying to control the actuation point with software, such misalignment will inevitably hinder play. Even if it's just 0.1 second error. We decided that if we continued to use conventional switches with their constraints, we would never be able to achieve performance beyond the capabilities of the mechanism, and we would not be able to achieve what we were pursuing. And this is where the know-how of automotive parts design that we have cultivated comes into play. Taking advantage of the know-how of magnetic detection electronics and the know-how of mechanical design that has been used to make small switch parts, young and veteran designers exchanged opinions to create the switch.
Specifically, which part of the switch should be pressed into the case, and which part should be allowed to rub? Even if it is a part that can be rubbed, how smooth should the material be chosen? How much of a gap should be allowed? We pursued the very limit. For that reason, we used materials that are normally only used for switches that are deeply related to ensuring safety among automotive parts, and we are extremely careful about how we manage the parts before assembly.

Some associates who work at our company thought this was too challenging. However, "we wanted to create something that would immediately feel like outstanding performance," so we put a lot of effort into achieving it. Our strong desire to achieve success created ZENAIM KEY SWITCH. We were able to develop a keyboard with an operability that even that exceeded our development team's expectations.

You can't tell by just looking at catalog specs, but it's fast.

ZENAIM KEYBOARD still has room for functional evolution through software updates. In order to make the most of the update, as mentioned above, we thoroughly worked the mechanical parts of the device and completed a switch that can move 1.9mm stroke "smoothly and straight" I think this is definitely the greatest strength of this keyboard.

And what kind of experience will this lead to for players? To be honest, you might not be able to tell just by looking at the catalog specs. But it's fast. In addition, you'll probably feel that the controls are precise. Leave your left hand with peace of mind. ZENAIM wants to provide you with an immersive experience where you feel like you're one with the character while playing. It's probably a different feel to anything you've ever experienced before. Please enjoy this new sensation as you play.

As a developer, I would be happy if we could provide an experience where you can see, touch, and be moved.