Nostalgia and Quality: What Makes Cherry MX Old Switches a Favorite Among Mechanical Keyboard Enthusiasts
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Switch Cherry Old Black |
Mechanical keyboards are known for their tactile feedback and durability, and they are becoming more popular among gamers, programmers, and writers who spend long hours typing. One crucial component of a mechanical keyboard is the switch, which is responsible for registering a keystroke. Among the many switch types available in the market, Cherry MX switches have earned a reputation for being the go-to switch for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. In this article, we'll discuss the reasons why Cherry MX old switches remain a favorite among mechanical keyboard users.
A Brief History of Cherry MX Switches
Cherry MX switches are made by the German company ZF Electronics, which was formerly known as Cherry Corporation. The company introduced its first mechanical switch, the M1, in the early 1980s. It was followed by the M2, which was later renamed the Cherry MX. The Cherry MX switch was designed to have a longer lifespan than its predecessor and was a significant improvement in terms of durability and reliability.
Today, Cherry MX switches are available in several different varieties, each with its unique characteristics. The most popular ones include the Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue, and Black switches. Each switch type has its specific actuation force, travel distance, and tactile feedback, which makes them suitable for different use cases.
Nostalgia and Quality
One of the reasons why Cherry MX switches remain popular today is because of their history. They were some of the first switches available in mechanical keyboards, and many enthusiasts have a nostalgic attachment to them. However, nostalgia alone isn't enough to maintain their popularity. The build quality and performance of Cherry MX switches have also played a significant role in their continued popularity.
Cherry MX switches are known for their durability, and they can last for years, even with heavy use. They are designed to withstand tens of millions of keystrokes, which makes them ideal for gamers and writers who spend long hours typing. Additionally, Cherry MX switches are highly consistent, which means that each keystroke feels the same as the previous one. This consistency is essential for touch typists who rely on muscle memory to type quickly and accurately.
Varieties of Cherry MX Switches
Cherry MX switches are available in different varieties, each with its unique characteristics. The most popular ones include:
Cherry MX Red
Cherry MX Red switches are linear switches that require very little force to actuate. They have a smooth keystroke and no tactile feedback. They are popular among gamers who need a switch that can register keystrokes quickly.
Cherry MX Brown
Cherry MX Brown switches are tactile switches that provide a slight bump when the key actuates. They require more force to actuate than Cherry MX Red switches and are popular among typists who prefer a switch with tactile feedback.
Cherry MX Blue
Cherry MX Blue switches are tactile switches that provide a more pronounced bump when the key actuates. They also have an audible click sound that typists either love or hate. They require more force to actuate than Cherry MX Red and Brown switches.
Cherry MX Black
Cherry MX Black switches are linear switches that require more force to actuate than Cherry MX Red switches. They have a smooth keystroke and no tactile feedback. They are popular among gamers who need a switch that provides more resistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cherry MX switches have remained popular among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts because of their history, quality, and variety. They are durable, consistent, and available in several different varieties, making them suitable for various use cases. Whether you are a gamer, programmer, or writer, there is a Cherry MX switch that can meet your needs.