Term of the Moment
BeBop to the Boolean Boogie
Redirected from: CHERRY key switch
Definition: mechanical keyboard
A physical keyboard that uses an individual spring and switch for each key. Today, only premium keyboards are built with key switches; however, they were also used in the past, such as in the Model M keyboard from IBM, which used buckling spring switches. Mechanical keyboards are very much appreciated by fast typists because they have a springiness and feel that is not the same as the low-cost membrane keyboard accompanying most computers. They are also used by gamers (see gaming keyboard).
Types of Mechanical Switches
CHERRY key switches are commonly used today, while Alps and other types were used in the past. Buckling spring key switches cause the spring to buckle outwards rather than compress downwards, providing a unique tactile feedback. See premium keyboard and membrane keyboard.
Das Keyboard Uses CHERRY Switches
Buckling Spring Keyboard
Avant Stellar Keyboard
Mechanical, Portable and Very Customizable
Now This Is Mechanical!
Types of Mechanical Switches
CHERRY key switches are commonly used today, while Alps and other types were used in the past. Buckling spring key switches cause the spring to buckle outwards rather than compress downwards, providing a unique tactile feedback. See premium keyboard and membrane keyboard.
Das Keyboards use CHERRY MX Blue or Brown mechanical key switches like these. The Blue switches have a "clicky" sound when the key is sufficiently depressed, while the Brown have a soft tactile bump. (Image courtesy of Das Keyboard.)
Unicomp's keyboards use buckling spring key switches, popularized on IBM PC keyboards. Although the keys have a clicky sound, they also have a unique tactile feel that made IBM keyboards stand out.
One of the finest keyboards ever made and lamentably discontinued, Avant Stellars were entirely programmable. They used Alps mechanical key switches.
Only four rows and 9" wide rather than 11", the PLANCK EZ was designed for portability. With user-changeable switches, all keys have a lower and upper layer that are activated by the keys next to the spacebar. For example, F1, F2, etc. is on a different layer. (Image courtesy of ZSA Technology Labs, Inc.)
Manufactured from 1895 to 1928, Oliver "down-strike" typewriters struck the platen from above with more force than most typewriters. They became a favorite for making multiple copies with carbon paper. See Carbon Copy.