Cherry's New Keyboard Switches Emulate IBM Model M Feel 298
crookedvulture writes "Slashdot has already covered the four main flavors of Cherry MX mechanical key switches: red, black, blue, and brown. Now, there's a green MX variant that emulates the feel of the buckling spring switches in old-school IBM Model M keyboards. The green switches combine tactile feedback, an audible click, and a stiff spring that requires 80g of actuation force. They're a stiffer version of the MX blues that more closely matches the characteristics of IBM's buckling spring design. Previously reserved for use with space bars, the green switches have now taken over an entire Cooler Master keyboard. And, unlike the old Model M and contemporary copycats, the new CM Storm Trigger has modern conveniences like an integrated USB hub, LED backlighting, and programmable macros." I've had my hopes raised and then dashed by some other keyboards whose makers promised Model M feel, so I'll believe it when I feel and hear it.
As opposed to actual Model Ms which are still made (Score:5, Informative)
As opposed to actual Model Ms which are still made. With the same switch design. By many of the same workers. On the same machines.
http://www.unicomp.com/ [unicomp.com]
Why bother "emulating" the buckling spring feel when you can get a brand new keyboard with real buckling springs. Oh, and it's made in the USA too!
(Also, they have keyboard layouts that offer the Ctrl key in the correct location. 'cause it's about damn time...)
Re: As opposed to actual Model Ms which are still (Score:2, Informative)
I bought one of those Unicomp keyboards and I was very disappointed with the build quality. It looks like they just made a cheap plastic housing for the keyboard but there was none of the heft of an original IBM model M.
Re:As opposed to actual Model Ms which are still m (Score:5, Informative)
Worst. Site. Ever.
I can't even see what the thing looks like from those thumbnails, and nowhere is there an explanation as to what "Classic 104" is vs "Ultra 104" and the like.
Thanks, I'll stick with my Das Keyboard.
The switch is not new... (Score:5, Informative)
This is a Cherry Mx Blue switch with a stiffer spring, nothing more. Enthusiasts have been making keyboards like this for a while now (which is where Cooler Master got the idea), and it most definitely does not replicate a model M feel or sound.
If you want a Model M, buy a Model M or a Unicomp.
Re:So... (Score:5, Informative)
I also have a cast iron pan in my kitchen, am I emulating the second century BC or just using a good tool?
No, you're not, unless you're Chinese. Only the Chinese had cast iron in the second century BCE.
Not at all the same as MX Greens... (Score:5, Informative)
Marketing on Slashdot again, huh... *sigh*
The Cherry MX Green [deskthority.net] does not feel like a buckling spring from the Model F or Model M keyboards, really.
While it is a stiff clicky switch, it is far less tactile, and the tactile point is different.
The Buckling Spring [deskthority.net] on a IBM Model M or Model F has a slow progression in resistance followed by a sharp drop at the actuation point at around 2/3 - 3/4 way down the stroke.
The Cherry MX Blue and Green have a small bump at the actuation point, which is higher up, at about 1/2-way down the stroke.
As other posters have already written, the MX Green is just like a MX Blue [deskthority.net] with a stiffer spring. It was made to be used for the Space Bar on a keyboard that is otherwise populated with MX Blue.
Compared to the Blue, with the Green's stiffer spring you tend to press harder on it and that diminishes the feel of the tactile bump somewhat.
The Green has always been used as the space bar switch on Cherry's own keyboards with Blue switches. The only new thing is that it is used on a whole keyboard.
Having a stiffer switch on the space bar is common. Ordinary rubber dome keyboards often come with coiled springs under the space bar to make it stiffer.
If you want a Buckling Spring keyboard, you could buy a new Model M from Unicomp [pckeyboard.com]. They are built using the same machines and tooling that the old IBM keyboards were. They even cost less than many gaming keyboards with Cherry MX switches.
BTW. This post was typed on a Dolch keyboard (Cherry G80-1813HFX) with Cherry MX Blue switches, except for the Green switch on the space bar.
Re:Never Mind the Model M.... (Score:4, Informative)
Apparently, the beam-spring was designed to emulate the feel of the IBM Selectric typewriter.
Re:Ok now how about an ergo version (Score:2, Informative)
Here you go [kinesis-ergo.com]
They even have two different styles of mechanical keys to choose between, Cherry Red or Cherry Brown.
Unicomp Keyboards Use Type-M Switches (Score:3, Informative)
Good news! The Unicomp Keyboard uses the type-m switches. They bought the mfg rights to the type-m keyboard and they're proudly made right here in the United States of America! I am typing on my Unicomp Type-M keyboard right now and I love it.
http://www.pckeyboard.com/ [pckeyboard.com]
**Highly recommended for the type-m keyboard fan**