Article 65F4E Cherry’s new keyboard switch is inspired by the rare 1980s ‘Nixie’

Cherry’s new keyboard switch is inspired by the rare 1980s ‘Nixie’

by
Jon Porter
from The Verge - All Posts on (#65F4E)
image.0.jpeg Cherry's new MX Black Clear-Top switches. | Image: Cherry

Cherry's latest mechanical keyboard switch is the MX Black Clear-Top. It's a design that's based on a rare linear switch that was produced briefly during the 1980s for Nixdorf keyboards, leading to them being nicknamed Nixies" by enthusiasts. The retro switches, which are effectively a variant of the linear Cherry MX Black that use a heavier spring and clear, rather than black, plastic case, have since become a highly sought after collector's item, prized for their supposed smoothness and rich sound.

How highly sought after? Well this review of the Nixie switch from ThereminGoat notes that they've been known to sell for $7 a switch. Considering the average keyboard has around 100 keys, that means a full set of Nixie switches could set...

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