facebook rss twitter

Cherry MX silent key switches launched marketwide

by Mark Tyson on 22 December 2016, 13:01

Tags: Cherry

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qadcjo

Add to My Vault: x

Cherry Americas has announced that it has launched its Silent and Silent RGB switches for the professional keyboard market. Previously these switches had been exclusive to Corsair, and featured on that company's Strafe gaming keyboards. Cherry is releasing MX silent key switches in two switch types; Red stem, or Black stem types. Either version will be available as a standard key switch or in an RGB illuminated version.

With its 'Silent' switches Cherry has endeavoured to seek and minimise every source of operating noise. With previous non-Silent key versions some typists would equip rubber o-rings to minimise bottoming out sounds (caused by the key hitting its lowest level and impacting the supporting structure).

Cherry's patent pending silencing method doesn't affect typing feel, according to the company. It uses two-component tappets in which the precision switching slide has been supplemented with a TPE elastomer component. As well as minimising bottoming out sounds it reduces the lesser reported topping out noise generated with each keystroke.

Cherry MX Silent Red

These key switches activate with a 45cN, linear force. Distance to actuation point is 2mm. Switching and 'click' points are undetectable. Cherry says bounce time is under 5ms.

Cherry MX Silent Black

Black keyswitches are very similar to red ones in construction and actuation but require a noticeably greater force to operate. The official figure is of a 60cN operating force to actuate these switches. Like the reds the switching and 'click' points are undetectable.

Now Corsair's timed exclusive period is over, those who would appreciate 'silent' Cherry MX Red or MX Black type switches from other keyboard makers should keep their eyes peeled.



HEXUS Forums :: 5 Comments

Login with Forum Account

Don't have an account? Register today!
This looks very interesting for me, had a few mechanical keyboards and hated the sound they make, love the way they type and work but the sound was just too much for me.
I wonder if it will be possible to make a keyboard that has a tactile bump (like an MX brown) with this tech?
Obviously it wont be “silent” but it would be nice to have a built in dampener on the bottoming out.
I like the idea - Mechanical keyboards provide really smooth typing, but the sound is usually the only downside.
Only problem is right now, is that there's not much choice for keyboards with this. Pretty sure Corsair is the only one with a good silent keyboard, and there's only 1 type available! Correct me if I'm wrong…
RT-XD
Pretty sure Corsair is the only one with a good silent keyboard, and there's only 1 type available! Correct me if I'm wrong…

I use the Topre Realforce 87U SE170S ‘silent’ model; it's not strictly mechanical, but a hybrid action that has an excellent feel and response (see, for example, deskthority.net/wiki/Topre_switch ). Topre keyboards are not loud, but the ‘silent’ model is that bit quieter again, though of course it is not actually silent. The same switches are used in the Happy Hacker Professional keyboards, if you have come across them.

I personally prefer the feel of these keys to anything else I have tried, and recommend them very highly.
Give me Silent Browns please. :D