Background information
How the first keyboard with switchable switches works
by Kevin Hofer
Why Cherry’s community-made keyboard switch is a good and important decision
21.10.2022
Translation: Eva Francis
This week, Cherry expanded its product portfolio with the MX Ergo Clear. This turns a switch modification by enthusiasts into an official MX switch. The German manufacturer has recognised that the custom keyboard community is becoming increasingly important.
If you’ve ever used a mechanical keyboard, there’s a good chance it was a switch produced by Cherry. Numerous deals made sure many mechanical keyboards were and are equipped with key by the German manufacturer.
In recent years, however, this has changed, as more and more manufacturers rely on their own products. This is probably one of the reasons why Cherry launched the Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile Switches for thin keyboards such as the ones on notebooks last year. The company has to look for new markets.
Cherry now also wants to score with the custom keyboard community and has launched the MX Ergo Clear. It’s an MX Clear with the spring of an MX Black. The community mod was first made public back in 2011. Now Cherry is adding the switch to its official lineup.
In comparison, Cherry appears to stand still. That’s a pity. I like the German manufacturer. Broken in Cherry MX Blacks – that’s keys that have been used many times and are broken in like a motor – are excellent linear switches. My first custom keyboard featured the Cherry MX Blues.
However, as someone who likes to try new things, Cherry’s lineup has become too small for me. Manufacturers such as Gateron or JWK have proven more willing to experiment. They don’t only produce their own switches and are constantly expanding their lineup, they also launch small series with designers. That’s something that’s popular in the custom keyboard scene.
So Cherry including the MX Ergo Clear in the official lineup seems like a step in the right direction to me. I hope the company will continue down this path and release more switches from and with the community.
Cover image: Cherry
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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