When two objects rub together, friction is created, leading to wear and tear—not just in mechanical components, but also in keyboards. Cherry, a renowned German company known for its high-quality keyswitches, showcased innovative solutions to these issues at Computex, a major computing convention in Taipei, Taiwan.
Among the concerns is the common problem of analog stick drift, which occurs as potentiometers within the analog sticks wear out or collect debris. Cherry introduced two new switches aiming to reduce this problem: the MK and IK switches. While the company’s MX switches are widely recognized, these new models showcase Cherry’s capabilities beyond just MX.
The MK magnetic switches, still in development, promise "frictionless speed and gaming-grade precision." Cherry did not specify a release date for these switches at the show. Conversely, the IK Series of inductive keyswitches is set to launch in Fall 2025. These switches follow a principle similar to Hall Effect switches but utilize Cherry’s patented design, reportedly consuming only 5% of the power of traditional Hall Effect switches and just half of what the MK switches will require. The IK switches boast a robust, magnet-free metal design, promising greater reliability and analog precision along with customizable RGB lighting.
For those who prefer more traditional options, Cherry is also releasing three new MX switches: MX Honey, MX Blossom, and MX Falcon.
- MX Honey switches offer silent, tactile feedback, delivering a satisfying experience without the noise of typical tactile switches.
- MX Blossom switches are the lightest linear mechanical switches offered by Cherry, needing only 35 centinewtons (cN) to actuate, making them notably lighter than existing MX options.
- MX Falcon switches cater to heavy typists by providing a strong tactile punch, reminiscent of typewriters, and feature a retro aesthetic with an orange key stem.
These new MX switches are expected to be available next month, followed by a release of 36-switch consumer sets later on.
