Are you considering getting a mechanical keyboard, or are you just curious about the technology? And what’s the big deal about Cherry switches anyway?
Mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards use different mechanisms to register key presses. Membrane keyboards have keycaps that press down on a thin membrane layer, making them quieter and cheaper. Mechanical keyboards have individual pins (marked by a +) that physically get pushed down by the switch’s mechanism, creating a distinct feel and sound compared to membrane keyboards. Mechanical keyboards are popular among gamers, typists, and keyboard enthusiasts, while membrane keyboards are more budget-friendly for general use.
Cherry MX Switches
Everyone’s heard of Cherry because they were the first manufacturer of the mechanical switch. In 1953, Cherry Electrical Products was founded by Walter L. Cherry in Highland Park, Illinois. Initially, the company produced microswitches for various industries, including automobiles and arcade games. In 1973, Cherry patented its first keyboard switch.
In 1979, with the passing of Walter L. Cherry, his son Peter took over ownership of the company. He sold it to a German manufacturer, and the switches are now made entirely in Germany. In 1983, Cherry introduced the MX series, which eventually became the standard for PC-keyboard switches, and Cherry remains a trusted name in the industry.
Cherry MX switches are a type of mechanical switch known for their precision, durability, and the variety of options they offer that cater to different user preferences. MX Standard switches come in linear, tactile, and clicky variants, with or without RGB illumination. MX Low Profile switches are also available, which provide a flatter design.
Cherry switches come in various types, each designed for different preferences and designated by a certain color. Each color switch has a distinct feel and feedback characteristics, from linear (smooth) to tactile (bump) to clicky (audible click). Here are some key differences between the various Cherry MX switches:
- Cherry MX Red: Smooth with light resistance, ideal for gaming.
- Cherry MX Black: Smooth with heavy resistance, also good for gaming.
- Cherry MX Brown: Tactile bump with medium resistance, suitable for both typing and gaming.
- Cherry MX Blue: Clicky and tactile with medium resistance, known for its loud click sound, great for typing.
- Cherry MX Green: Clicky and tactile with heavy resistance, also loud and good for typing.
Cherry switches have had a profound impact on keyboard design, influencing both the functionality and aesthetics of modern keyboards. Here are some key ways they’ve shaped the industry:
- Tactile Feedback: Cherry switches introduced distinct tactile feedback, making typing more precise and enjoyable. This feedback helps users know when a keypress has been registered, reducing typing errors.
- Variety of Switch Types: With options like linear (smooth), tactile (bump), and clicky (audible click), Cherry switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose switches that best suit their typing or gaming style.
- Longevity: Cherry switches are known for their durability, often rated for up to 100 million keystrokes. This longevity has set a high standard for mechanical switches, leading to more robust and long-lasting keyboards.
- Consistency: The consistent performance of Cherry switches has made them a benchmark for quality, influencing other manufacturers to improve their own switch designs.
- Swappable Switches: Cherry’s design has inspired the development of hot-swappable keyboards, where users can easily replace switches without soldering. This has led to a rise in custom keyboard builds and a thriving community of keyboard enthusiasts.
- Keycap Compatibility: The standardized stem design of Cherry switches has made it easier for users to customize their keyboards with different keycaps, enhancing both the look and feel of their keyboards.
By 2008, the Cherry MX switches were becoming highly sought after by gamers. In 2014, the patent for Cherry MX switches expired, leading to the rise of many competitors producing similar switches for the consumer market. This competition has driven innovation and improvements across the industry, leading to a wider variety of high-quality mechanical switches that offer different experiences.
Other Mechanical Switches
- Kailh Switches: Often considered a more affordable alternative to Cherry switches. They offer similar types (e.g., Red, Blue, Brown) but may have slight differences in feel and durability.
- Razer Switches: Custom-designed for Razer keyboards, these switches are optimized for gaming with options like Razer Green (clicky) and Razer Yellow (linear and silent).
- Gateron Switches: Known for their smoothness and affordability. They are popular among custom keyboard builders and offer a variety of types similar to Cherry.
- Topre Switches: A hybrid between mechanical and membrane switches, offering a unique feel that is often described as “soft” and “cushioned.” They are quieter and have a different actuation mechanism.
- Zealios Switches: High-end switches known for their smoothness and tactile feedback, often used in custom keyboards.
Overall, Cherry switches have not only enhanced users’ typing and gaming experience but have also fostered a culture of customization and innovation in keyboard design. Their impact is evident in the wide range of mechanical keyboards available today, each offering unique features and experiences inspired by Cherry’s pioneering designs.
Want to learn more about Cherry MX switches and see the different types in action? Check out Keyboard Kings!
