Five Mechanical-Switch Keyboards: Only The Best For Your Hands
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Page 1:Keyboards 101
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Page 2:Keys: Cherry MX Black And MX Red
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Page 3:Keys: Cherry MB Brown And MX Clear
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Page 4:Keys: Cherry MX Blue And Others
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Page 5:PS/2 Or USB?
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Page 6:Anti-Ghosting Demystified
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Page 7:Test System And The Five Candidates
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Page 8:SteelSeries 6Gv2: Speeds And Feeds
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Page 9:SteelSeries 6Gv2: Test
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Page 10:Ione X-Armor U9BL: Speeds And Feeds
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Page 11:Ione X-Armor U9BL: Test
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Page 12:Ione X-Armor U27 Wireless: Speeds And Feeds
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Page 13:Ione X-Armor U27 Wireless: Test
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Page 14:Zowie Celeritas: Speeds And Feeds
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Page 15:Zowie Celeritas: Test
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Page 16:Razer BlackWidow Ultimate: Speeds And Feeds
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Page 17:Razer BlackWidow Ultimate: Test
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Page 18:Summary And Recommendation
Keys: Cherry MX Black And MX Red
For Gamers
| Cherry MX Black Switch | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Switches: | Linear |
| Switchover: | Undetectable | |
| Distance to actuation point | 2 mm from starting position | |
| 4 mm above the base | ||
| Clicking point: | Undetectable | |
| Operating force: | 40-80 g, typically approximately 60 g | |
| Spec sheet: | Link | |
| Suitability and Application | Cherry MX Black switches are purely linear (non-tactile), making them ideal for first-person shooter games. Since the keys in this type of gaming scenario are pressed frequently (and often with considerable force), a detectable pressure point is not necessary, and in some cases even disruptive. Those who frequently make mistakes while typing will also benefit from this keyboard's relatively high operating force, which helps to avoid accidental strikes. This type of switch has most in common with the non-mechanical variety widespread in gaming keyboards. But it offers considerably more feeling and security against error, thanks to its high compression force. These keyboards are also relatively quiet, as far as mechanical switches go. | |
| Cherry MX Red Switch | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Switches: | Linear |
| Switchover: | Undetectable | |
| Distance to actuation point | 2 mm from starting position | |
| 4 mm above the base | ||
| Clicking point: | Undetectable | |
| Operating force: | 45 g, typical for spring resistance | |
| Spec sheet: | Link | |
| Suitability and Application | The rarely-encountered Cherry MX Red switches are a special variation on the MX Black, and are distinguished by a very low compression point and a low operating force. Apart from a few followers, these keyboards have found few buyers. They are bordering on extinction as a result of a high rate of typographical errors. | |
(Source: Cherry, Animation: "Lethal Squirrel" on geekhack.org)
Summary
- Keyboards 101
- Keys: Cherry MX Black And MX Red
- Keys: Cherry MB Brown And MX Clear
- Keys: Cherry MX Blue And Others
- PS/2 Or USB?
- Anti-Ghosting Demystified
- Test System And The Five Candidates
- SteelSeries 6Gv2: Speeds And Feeds
- SteelSeries 6Gv2: Test
- Ione X-Armor U9BL: Speeds And Feeds
- Ione X-Armor U9BL: Test
- Ione X-Armor U27 Wireless: Speeds And Feeds
- Ione X-Armor U27 Wireless: Test
- Zowie Celeritas: Speeds And Feeds
- Zowie Celeritas: Test
- Razer BlackWidow Ultimate: Speeds And Feeds
- Razer BlackWidow Ultimate: Test
- Summary And Recommendation
