Introduction to Mechanical MX Switches
(PRWEB UK) 27 July 2017 -- Cherry MX switches have always been a healthy choice for typists and gamers, being specially modified to help with typing experiences, with some keys being easy and fast to press while others being a bit tougher and even having audible clicks.
Cherry began producing keyboards in the United States back in 1967 making them the oldest keyboard manufacturer that is still currently trading with the popular line of switches being introduced around 1985.
Still to this day switches are identified by their individual colour, with the most popular switches being Black, Blue, Red and Brown with each switch having a unique feel and specification. Other switches such as the Clear and Green switches are still available, however they are not so popular amongst Cherry’s standard keyboard range.
As the feel is unique on each switch and therefore would be different on each Cherry keyboard, it is important to note that a Cherry Switch should be individual preference for each user and in an office environment many different switches may need to be purchased for individuals.
Getting into the switches.
Firstly, the Cherry MX Switches that are commonly available are split into 2 sections, linear and tactile keys. Linear switches have the simplest operation and move straight up and down without any additional tactile feedback or loud clicking noises, whereas tactile keys – as the name would suggest – provides additional feedback as the key actuates.
Black MX Switches
The Cherry Black MX switch is an example of a linear switch, introduced in 1984 and designed for POS solutions. Being one of the oldest Cherry MX switches the Cherry Black switch is manufactured with a medium to high actuation force, meaning this switch is the stiffest of the most common Cherry switches. Due to the high 60cN actuation point the Black MX switches are not considered ideal for typists, with the high weighting preventing accidental key presses for more high pressure, fast pace environments such as point of sale applications.
Red MX Switches
The other type of Cherry MX linear switch is the Red MX switch which was introduced in 2008 and designed specifically for gamers and fast typists who are not keen on the additional tactile feedback of other switches. Having a low 45cN actuation force this switch comes with a lightweight feel for rapid key strokes with little force. PC gamers have increased popularity with the Red MX Cherry switches for fast typing, with many Red Switch Keyboards having N key rollover technology ensuring multiple keys can be pressed down at once.
Brown MX Switches
The first type of tactile switch which is available is the MX Brown switch. Designed and introduced in 1994 as an ergonomic soft switch for typists and office workers who prefer an additional feel to the key. Brown switches come with a ‘bump’ feeling when pressing down each key, so unlike linear keys the Cherry MX Brown keys have a feeling of each key being pressed. Fast typing office workers may prefer the Brown MX switches out of the whole MX switch range for comfortable consistent typing.
Blue MX Switches
The Cherry Blue MX adds a click to each key giving greater tactile feedback as well as an audible click when the activation point is hit. Blue switches are favoured by typists due to their tactile bump and audible click, but can be less suitable for gaming as its weighting is relatively high at 50cN with the release point being above the actuation point.
Mechanical keys all come down to personal preference, and for the users who do not like any of the mechanical keys membrane and scissor switch technology work just as well.
Contact Keyboard Specialists (KBS) on 0203 474 0234 for more information on the Cherry MX switch keyboards.
Georgia Elwell, Keyboard Specialists Ltd, http://www.keyboardspecialists.co.uk/, +44 2034740234, [email protected]
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