The 70th Anniversary of the Father of Mechanical Keyboard, Cherry Classic Switch Body & Keyboard Inventory

Time flies, and it will be April 17, 2023, which is the 70th anniversary of CHERRY.

It is estimated that many people do not know that the cherry brand is named after its founder Walter L. Cherry (Walter L.Cherry). Isn’t it interesting? Walter L. Cherry founded the CHERRY brand in Illinois, USA in 1953. At the beginning, it only engaged in the production of electronic components such as switches.

After 1967, with the gradual rise of computers, CHERRY began to gradually turn to the research and development and manufacture of keyboards, and established the world's first keyboard factory. In 1973, CHERRY ushered in an important research and development personnel, Mr. Gunter Murmann, who helped CHERRY improve the design of the mechanical keyboard, making the CHERRY keyboard more portable, durable and comfortable. It is precisely because of the help of this gentleman that CHERRY has officially launched a series of classic MX switches: black switches, green switches, brown switches, etc. These switches have different feel, sound, and triggering power, which can satisfy different users. group.

In 2006, SteelSeries purchased a batch of mechanical switches from CHERRY to make SteelSeries 6G keyboards, which were welcomed by players all over the world. Since then, more and more brands have begun to purchase mechanical switches from CHERRY to make keyboards. The development of CHERRY is in full swing, and in 2008, according to the opinions of Asian consumers, it launched a red switch suitable for Asian players, which was highly praised in the corresponding market.

So far, the four classic MX switches of black switch, green switch, brown switch and red switch have all been launched. In fact, there is also a white axis, which was once widely used in banks, hospitals, and industrial fields, but due to too much pressure, it was not accepted by players and was eliminated.

The black switch is the most classic switch among the MX switches. Because it has no sense of paragraph, it has a straight up and down linear feeling when using it. Simply put, it is a pure "mechanical feel". This type of switch has a short trigger key stroke (1.5mm) and is completely silent, suitable for competitive gamers. However, because it feels stiff and does not have any sense of blockage, it requires a large pressing force (80g), and it will be easy to use for a long time. Fatigue, so the audience of the black axis is very limited.

The green switch is also a very distinctive switch body. Simply put, the required pressing force is small (60g), and the trigger key stroke is long (2.4mm), which results in a clear sense of pressing steps, which is a typical step switch body. This long key travel feature of "not focusing on speed and focusing on feedback" makes it basically out of touch with competitive games, but is suitable for scenarios such as typing, but because the feedback sound is too loud, it is easy to affect others, so it can only be used in specific scenarios. .

Needless to say, the brown switch has always been called a universal switch by players who are familiar with the MX switch. This is due to its small pressing force (60g) and medium trigger key travel (2mm), which makes it as good as green The sense of transition of the switch is not as noisy as the green switch, and it is not as soft as the subsequent red switch. In general, it has the advantages of the black switch and the green switch while weakening the disadvantages as much as possible. Suitable for long-term typing or gaming, very popular with users.

The red switch was launched by CHERRY in 2008 based on the opinions of Asian consumers. It has an extremely low pressing force (40g) and a medium trigger force (2mm), which can be regarded as a lightweight black switch. But the red switch feels lighter and has no pause. It feels like squeezing cotton and is completely silent. It is suitable for the first mechanical keyboard for novice Xiaobai.

The silver switch was launched by CHERY for e-sports players and gamers in 2016. Its biggest advantage is the extremely short trigger key stroke (1.2mm), which is shorter than the 1.5mm of the black switch, and it is also comparable to the red switch. The same pressing force (45g), which makes it feel light, is very suitable for games that require fast operation and fast text input, and is the first choice for e-sports players.

Although these classic shafts firmly occupy the market, CHERRY did not slow down the research and development speed. Six years after the launch of the silver shaft in 2016, CHERRY released the jade shaft (Ergo Clear) with ink in December 2022. Axis (Black Clear-Top) made waves in the silent market. Due to limited space, only the jade axis is introduced.

At the beginning, a player named "mtl" released a modified white switch in the Geekhack community. Because this modified switch has the advantages of the white switch and the brown switch, it is also better than the white switch. , which the player named Ergo Clear.

This switch is very popular among players in the community. They hope that this switch will appear in CHERRY's MX product line. CHERRY officials finally added this switch to the MX product line after continuous communication with players. CHERRY has made more adjustments to the details of this shaft, using higher-performance grease for lubrication, high-precision automated production lines, etc., to ensure that each shaft can have the best degree of lubrication.

The optimized Ergo Clear will be officially named Yuzhu by Cherry in December 2022.

CHERRY not only makes switches, but also keyboards. In the course of 70 years of development, many classic keyboards have been launched, and some models are still iteratively sold today, following the classics, inheriting innovation, and gaining widespread love from players. Like G80-3000, G80-3494 are very good.

This keyboard is one of the most popular products. It has been updated and released since its first release in 1989, and it has a high status in the hearts of players. The no-steel plate design allows users to experience the most primitive mechanical feel like flowing clouds and flowing water. The ergonomic design fully considers the user's posture and effectively relieves long-term input fatigue.

This is a sub-model of the G80-3000 series, but the LOGO is red. At the same time, this model mainly features red switches, known as the king of red switches, and the buttons are very light and soft. The use of the silent shaft makes its noise reduction effect even higher. The relatively retro appearance is very attractive to those who like this type of design.

Continuous updates make the vitality of these two keyboards extremely strong, and each stage has different improvements and upgrades, which also makes them have a high degree of attention in the market.

After reviewing Cherry’s classic products, let’s recommend which keyboards are worth recommending at this stage, just in time for the 70th anniversary promotion.

MX1.1 is an upgraded version of CHERRY MX1.0. It has new improvements such as suspended steel-free structure, hollow rail structure, and key line separation, making it portable, low-noise, and not easy to break. There are MX red switches, brown switches, black switches, and green switches to choose from to meet the preferences of different users. Here, the red switch is recommended. In addition, it is also equipped with the original highly ergonomic trapezoidal keycaps, which are non-slip, wear-resistant, and more in line with usage habits.

In addition, MX1.1 can also use CHERRY's exclusive assistant, which can realize functions such as full-key customization and key macros, making the keyboard even more unique. The efficient layout of 87 keys is not only more portable but also reduces the use of desktop space.

MX1.1 is a mechanical keyboard that integrates a variety of innovative improvements and humanized design, which is suitable for the needs of different scenarios and meets the balance between work and entertainment.

"Competitive Jade, Gaming Blade" is the best interpretation of the MX2.0S competitive version. This keyboard debuts the MX Jade switch, which has a trigger force of 40cN, 2mm key travel, and 4mm key travel. , more comfortable to use, suitable for e-sports and light office. The jade switch adopts gold contact technology to ensure precise triggering and long-term durability.

The reason why it is called the competitive version is because it is equipped with a smart chip and Anti-ghosting technology, which can bring professional-level high-performance gaming experience. The self-developed wireless technology can achieve a response time of less than 1ms, which is comparable to wired connections. There is also a 2800mAh battery, which can achieve 200 hours of battery life under a wireless Bluetooth connection, ensuring continuous gaming.

In addition, the hardware adopts a 109-key layout, supports full keys without punching, provides two-color closed font keycaps, and has three connection methods: wired, 2.4G wireless, and Bluetooth. It can switch between the three modes without feeling, and can connect 3 devices at the same time. bluetooth device. Start the CHERRY assistant through the exclusive cherry key, which can realize functions such as custom key change and macro key.

In short, the CHERRY MX2.0S Competitive Edition is a keyboard suitable for professional e-sports players. Whether in MOBA, FPS or MMO games, you can experience the unique experience brought by the new jade switch.

This keyboard is a special version of MX 3.0. It has a limited signature of LOL S11 champion Scout. It has a very good collection significance for players, and it is also a high-performance mechanical keyboard specially created for game players.

Like the MX2.0S competitive version, the MX3.0S player signature version also uses the original MX jade switch, which has the advantages of light touch, low noise, quick response, and long life. The full-key non-conflict design is very suitable for e-sports gamers . It is also equipped with a high-end Nordic chip, which makes the gaming experience smoother and the keyboard performance better.

In terms of keyboard material design, the bottom shell adopts CNC integrated anodized aluminum bottom shell, the surface is delicate and textured, and it is also very durable. CHERRY's steel-free design is also reflected in this keyboard, which can have the best feel, and the keyboard will be lighter at the same time. The assembly uses a screwless buckle fixing method, and the overall appearance is more beautiful and generous without screw openings, which conforms to Chinese aesthetics.

The MX3.0S player signature version is also a full-size 109-key compact layout, taking into account both game and office users. With the unique cherry key, it can also cooperate with the CHERRY assistant to realize key customization and macro key functions, which facilitates the quick operation of games and offices.

During the 4.17-4.20 e-commerce promotion period, the original price of the MX3.0S player’s non-light wired jade switch version was reduced from 549 yuan to 499 yuan, and the MX 3.0S player’s IPL wired jade switch version was dropped from 849 yuan to 799 yuan.

The MX8.2 series is basically CHERRY’s high-end product line. It has three unique colors: Asahi, Nebula, and Meteor. There are two options for MX silver switches and brown switches. Of course, the classic ammunition box of the MX8.0 series is definitely a gift.

There is a reason why MX8.2 can be called the flagship gaming keyboard. The recommended silver switch has the shortest trigger stroke of 1.2±0.4mm, which is shorter than the red switch, brown switch, black switch, and green switch. There is no sense of paragraph The linear structure shaft and the extremely low trigger pressure of 45+15gf can improve the response speed and accuracy of game operations, and the full-key non-shock is especially friendly to gamers.

The biggest feature of MX8.2 Xaga Obsidian is that it is equipped with a unique three-sided transparent keycap. The front of the keycap is made of PBT material, and the sides are made of frosted material, so that it has the anti-glare function facing the player and a professional touch. Customize the exclusive light effect corresponding to the color matching, which is very eye-catching. You can also use the CHERRY assistant to adjust the lighting, custom keys and macro key functions.

The three-mode connection is also a standard configuration of MX8.2 Xaga Obsidian, which can easily switch between multiple devices. In terms of wireless technology, CHERRY’s self-developed CWAT rapid wireless technology is used, which can achieve a response speed of <1ms under 2.4G wireless. What is the need for a wired connection? Such hard strength, coupled with the built-in silicone and sound-proof cotton, makes the touch feel softer and the noise can be reduced as much as possible.

Of course, MX8.2 Xaga Obsidian also has an aluminum metal box like an "ammunition box", which can store the keyboard in it for easy carrying out. The box is shockproof and drop-resistant, and can effectively protect the keyboard. In general, this keyboard is at the top level both in terms of design and workmanship.

Throughout the 70-year development history of CHERRY, it can be described as magnificent. It not only brought four classic MX switches, namely black switch, green switch, brown switch and red switch, to the market, but also aggressively launched silver switch, low switch, super low switch, jade switch, black switch and other switches to add new products to the market. vitality. CHERRY can listen to users' opinions to improve products and provide users with a better experience, which is worthy of users' expectation and trust.

Finally, friends who like it ask for a wave of three links and attention. I welcome cordial and friendly conversations, accept appreciation, and show respect for your opinions. If we have opinions, we can have a frank conversation and fully exchange opinions, which is conducive to enhancing the friendship between valued friends. For brainless trolls, this is something I absolutely cannot tolerate. I hope that the keyboard warriors will have a rat tail juice and talk about martial arts.

The author declares that there is interest in this article, please respect the author and the content shared, communicate friendly, and make rational decisions~