4 ms·

There’s nothing high quality about Cherry switches. They’re just popular because literally no one else makes cheap linear “gaming” switches. For actual typing

by deno 8y ago

There’s nothing high quality about Cherry switches. They’re just popular because literally no one else makes cheap linear “gaming” switches. For actual typing there are vastly superior choices. In descending order: Buckling springs (used or new[1]), used Alps (for 5$ in your nearest thrift shop or for 50$-150$ on ebay) or even brand new Matias switches[2]. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A-vRZth7SI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A-vRZth7SI [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Nv9_LoLn5c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Nv9_LoLn5c

slezyr 8y ago
> They’re just popular because literally no one else makes cheap linear “gaming” switches. Gateron, Kailh, etc. there are plenty producers of all kind of switches.
- deno 8y ago
  Both of those are clones[1] of Cherry. [1] https://deskthority.net/wiki/Category:Clones_of_Cherry_MX_switches https://deskthority.net/wiki/Category:Clones_of_Cherry_MX_sw...
  - slezyr 8y ago
    They copy "physical form of switches" but have different tactile feeling. Zealio has bunch of switches with different activation force. Cherry Browns might match just one type.
  - ajryan 8y ago
    You said "no one else makes" them...
    - deno 8y ago
      You’re right. I really just meant to say they are popular because of their ubiquity in gaming keyboards. That’s the biggest market for premium keyboards. You can buy all kind of pretty keycaps for them, which is what “gamers” care about.
wastedhours 8y ago
I'd also say that I've got a Ducky Shine 3 TKL with Cherry Browns as well as a cheaper generic TKL with Gateron Browns, and the latter are at least as good to me - always worth getting a switch tester, but you can shave a decent amount off by choosing non-Cherry clones.
- jdietrich 8y ago
  I actually prefer the feel of the Gateron Browns. Several reviewers have commented on the smoother, less gritty feel compared to MX Browns.
  - iKirin 8y ago
    Same here. Gat Browns are much smoother and I feel the tactile bump is more noticeable.
superchink 8y ago
While I won't take away from your opinion, I want to warn others to be aware that this is a hotly debated topic, and YMMV. There's no accounting for preference when it comes to switches or keyboards. Some people quite like Cherry switches.
- deno 8y ago
  Cherry switches sound and feel like they have sand in them. In fact if I put actual sand or dirt into my white Alps keyboard it will sound and feel like that. The only exception are blue MX which somehow manage to perfectly replicate the nerve twisting experience of nails scratching on a chalkboard. I refuse to believe there’s anyone that actually prefers Cherry switches. Most people just don’t realize there are better options.
ajryan 8y ago
I think they meant "high-quality cherry-switched keyboard," referring to the quality of the keyboard, not the switches. Regardless, Cherry switches are absolutely high quality - they are manufactured out of premium materials to tight specifications. You may not prefer their feel for your purposes, but as others have said, that's a different story.
- deleted 8y ago
  [deleted]

by deno 8y ago

slezyr 8y ago

> They’re just popular because literally no one else makes cheap linear “gaming” switches. Gateron, Kailh, etc. there are plenty producers of all kind of switches.

deno 8y ago
Both of those are clones[1] of Cherry. [1] https://deskthority.net/wiki/Category:Clones_of_Cherry_MX_switches https://deskthority.net/wiki/Category:Clones_of_Cherry_MX_sw...
- slezyr 8y ago
  They copy "physical form of switches" but have different tactile feeling. Zealio has bunch of switches with different activation force. Cherry Browns might match just one type.
- ajryan 8y ago
  You said "no one else makes" them...
  - deno 8y ago
    You’re right. I really just meant to say they are popular because of their ubiquity in gaming keyboards. That’s the biggest market for premium keyboards. You can buy all kind of pretty keycaps for them, which is what “gamers” care about.

wastedhours 8y ago

I'd also say that I've got a Ducky Shine 3 TKL with Cherry Browns as well as a cheaper generic TKL with Gateron Browns, and the latter are at least as good to me - always worth getting a switch tester, but you can shave a decent amount off by choosing non-Cherry clones.

jdietrich 8y ago
I actually prefer the feel of the Gateron Browns. Several reviewers have commented on the smoother, less gritty feel compared to MX Browns.
- iKirin 8y ago
  Same here. Gat Browns are much smoother and I feel the tactile bump is more noticeable.

superchink 8y ago

While I won't take away from your opinion, I want to warn others to be aware that this is a hotly debated topic, and YMMV. There's no accounting for preference when it comes to switches or keyboards. Some people quite like Cherry switches.

deno 8y ago
Cherry switches sound and feel like they have sand in them. In fact if I put actual sand or dirt into my white Alps keyboard it will sound and feel like that. The only exception are blue MX which somehow manage to perfectly replicate the nerve twisting experience of nails scratching on a chalkboard. I refuse to believe there’s anyone that actually prefers Cherry switches. Most people just don’t realize there are better options.

ajryan 8y ago

I think they meant "high-quality cherry-switched keyboard," referring to the quality of the keyboard, not the switches. Regardless, Cherry switches are absolutely high quality - they are manufactured out of premium materials to tight specifications. You may not prefer their feel for your purposes, but as others have said, that's a different story.

deleted 8y ago
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