Cherry took inspiration from a popular modification of one of its existing switches for its new mechanical keyboard switch. The design of the new MX Ergo Clear was posted to the mechanical keyboard forum GeekHack in 2011.
A "frankenswitch" is where users mix and match components of different switches to create new and interesting typingfeels. The stem of a Cherry MX Clear was combined with the spring of a Cherry MX Black switch. It had a lighter spring that made it easier to press than the MX Clear, but it still had a satisfying feel to it.
In his review of the Ergo Clear mod from last year, Glarses points out that lighter springs found in Cherry MX Blue, Brown, or Red switches are more common than the MX Black springs listed in the mod. Either way, the principle is the same.
Long-term lubrication is reliable.
This week, we learn about Cherry's announcement. The company claims that it will save less experienced users from having to modify it manually by making its own official version of the switch. Being an official switch allows it to guarantee that the switch will survive 50 million actuations without any loss of typing feel.
The amount of force needed to get a key to register a press and the weight of the spring are listed by the company. The same 55cN of operating force is used for the same 45cN of actuation force. The MX Clear has 55cN of force and 65cN of force.
Many people were already avoiding it by buying one of the many third-party Ergo Clear-style switches that have arisen over the years to take advantage of demand. Gateron manufactured the Zealio, one of the earliest imitators. After the company's patent expired, many manufacturers produced switches based on the design.
Cherry appears to be responding to the demand for a tactile switch that, until now, has only been available via do-it-yourself modifications or competitors. The new switches will be available from official distributors as well as being built directly into upcoming products, according to the press release. There will be three and five-pin versions of the switch.
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