[IC] Cherry MX Silent Black

[VicareyG]

The GB is now live
GB thread: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=90801.msg2466815#msg2466815 waiting on mod approval. until then here's direct link https://opticboards.com/group-buys/mx-silent-black
US Proxy: https://www.novelkeys.xyz/product/group-buy-cherry-mx-silent-black-switches/

Hello everyone!

I'm George. I run Optic Boards - www.opticboards.com

I have an IC here for Cherry MX Silent Black switches.

There is an MOQ of 48,000 switches! Which is incredibly high, to help achieve this I will only be allowing purchases of packs of 120, instead of the however many you want as long as it's more than 10 which I usually do. I will be getting the switches from Cherry's European distributor, so there will not be a re-seller in the middle.

The price is £26 for a pack of 120 or roughly £0.2166... per switch. ($33.94, so it is $0.282 per switch)

I will be pledging to purchase at least 40 packs of switches for myself leaving only 360 packs to be purchased by everyone else.

I would like to run this GB alongside a CONUS based proxy, so if anyone would like to jump in as a proxy let me know via DM  or email: george@opticboards.com.

Shipping prices. £3.50 UK, £5.50 EU, £7.50 everyone else.

Any questions let me know!

Update: Novelkeys has agreed to proxy over in the US! I'll update once he has worked out appropriate price to cover customs and shipping to him.

UPDATE: Novel Keys will be offering packs of 120 for $39 from within the US.

IC LINK HERE https://goo.gl/forms/0gHqwJawdSunpPV72

[rioc]

Nice, I'll join for a pack (maybe even two). Also from Europe here

Sent from my sofa using lazy-stuff...

[dgneo]

Definitely in for a couple packs

[joey]

Hmmmmmm I may be tempted at that price.

[TalkingTree]

Do these switches have side pins?

[jihadu]

Silent Blacks yum

[VicareyG]

Do these switches have side pins?

I'm not sure what you mean by side pins. Could you elaborate?

[TalkingTree]

Do these switches have side pins?

I'm not sure what you mean by side pins. Could you elaborate?

I mean if they are PCB mounted.

[VicareyG]

Do these switches have side pins?

I'm not sure what you mean by side pins. Could you elaborate?

I mean if they are PCB mounted.

Yes they are PCB mounted

[TalkingTree]

Do these switches have side pins?

I'm not sure what you mean by side pins. Could you elaborate?

I mean if they are PCB mounted.

Yes they are PCB mounted

Great. I'm in for two packs.

[rioc]

Do these switches have side pins?

I'm not sure what you mean by side pins. Could you elaborate?

I mean if they are PCB mounted.

Yes they are PCB mounted

aw yeah, perfect... I'm defo in for a tupac then

[afrokobe]

Im down for six if you get a CONUS proxy. 

[Petch]

Being PCB mounted gives me a reason to get even more of them now

[MandrewDavis]

If they are PCB mount, am I correct in assuming they will not have RGB housings?

[VicareyG]

If they are PCB mount, am I correct in assuming they will not have RGB housings?

They are currently PCB mount black housing. I am waiting on a quote for RGB housing PCB mounted, if it is the same price the GB will be for the RGB variant.

[joey]

If RGB = white housing, I'd probably prefer the non RGB

[Vigrith]

Silent blacks within EU? Will join.

[VicareyG]

If RGB = white housing, I'd probably prefer the non RGB

RGB refer to these http://cherry.de/cid/keymodules_CHERRY_MX_SILENT_RGB_BLACK.htm?

[kawasaki161]

I'd be in for at least 2 packs (unless timing is really bad) 

[VicareyG]

Talking to two US vendors. Fairly confident that there will be at least one US proxy for this GB.

[iamtootallforthis]

I'm in for two if PCB and non RGB

[romevi]

In for one pack. 

[madhias]

Also in for a pack!

[Atredl]

PCB mount, I'm in.

[Unforgivable]

If they're PCB mount with Black housings, I'm in!

But please avoid RGB housings. You can't properly use LEDs with them, unless you place them inside the switch. They're normally used for RGB PCB's which aren't very common. (I think the only quality one available would be Zeal's RGB PCB - Those are PCB's with LED's on them).

So PCB mount with Black Housings, please!

[Atredl]

If they're PCB mount with Black housings, I'm in!

But please avoid RGB housings. You can't properly use LEDs with them, unless you place them inside the switch. They're normally used for RGB PCB's which aren't very common. (I think the only quality one available would be Zeal's RGB PCB - Those are PCB's with LED's on them).

So PCB mount with Black Housings, please!

What makes them not suitable for regular LEDs?

[jihadu]

If they're PCB mount with Black housings, I'm in!

But please avoid RGB housings. You can't properly use LEDs with them, unless you place them inside the switch. They're normally used for RGB PCB's which aren't very common. (I think the only quality one available would be Zeal's RGB PCB - Those are PCB's with LED's on them).

So PCB mount with Black Housings, please!

What makes them not suitable for regular LEDs?

They do not have the holes for the leds on the switch housing, forcing the user to disassemble the switch to install the LEDs. Normally cherry MX switches have  two holes in both the top and bottom housing allowing for a  easy Led install, but the RGB  variants have none.

[Atredl]

If they're PCB mount with Black housings, I'm in!

But please avoid RGB housings. You can't properly use LEDs with them, unless you place them inside the switch. They're normally used for RGB PCB's which aren't very common. (I think the only quality one available would be Zeal's RGB PCB - Those are PCB's with LED's on them).

So PCB mount with Black Housings, please!

What makes them not suitable for regular LEDs?

They do not have the holes for the leds on the switch housing, forcing the user to disassemble the switch to install the LEDs. Normally cherry MX switches have  two holes in both the top and bottom housing allowing for a  easy Led install, but the RGB  variants have none.

Huh, I wonder why they got rid of the top holes. Seems like it would have been easier to use the same mold that they use to the black tops. Unless they were going for a structurally stronger top, I don't know why they need to make that change. Weird.

[jihadu]

If they're PCB mount with Black housings, I'm in!

But please avoid RGB housings. You can't properly use LEDs with them, unless you place them inside the switch. They're normally used for RGB PCB's which aren't very common. (I think the only quality one available would be Zeal's RGB PCB - Those are PCB's with LED's on them).

So PCB mount with Black Housings, please!

What makes them not suitable for regular LEDs?

They do not have the holes for the leds on the switch housing, forcing the user to disassemble the switch to install the LEDs. Normally cherry MX switches have  two holes in both the top and bottom housing allowing for a  easy Led install, but the RGB  variants have none.

Huh, I wonder why they got rid of the top holes. Seems like it would have been easier to use the same mold that they use to the black tops. Unless they were going for a structurally stronger top, I don't know why they need to make that change. Weird.

They made the change because the switches are meant to go on pcb with rgb leds that are independent from the switches

[SpAmRaY]

If they're PCB mount with Black housings, I'm in!

But please avoid RGB housings. You can't properly use LEDs with them, unless you place them inside the switch. They're normally used for RGB PCB's which aren't very common. (I think the only quality one available would be Zeal's RGB PCB - Those are PCB's with LED's on them).

So PCB mount with Black Housings, please!

What makes them not suitable for regular LEDs?

They do not have the holes for the leds on the switch housing, forcing the user to disassemble the switch to install the LEDs. Normally cherry MX switches have  two holes in both the top and bottom housing allowing for a  easy Led install, but the RGB  variants have none.

Huh, I wonder why they got rid of the top holes. Seems like it would have been easier to use the same mold that they use to the black tops. Unless they were going for a structurally stronger top, I don't know why they need to make that change. Weird.

The RGB switches are marketed as having a 'lens' in that area to make the SMD below shine through 'better'.

[Atredl]

If they're PCB mount with Black housings, I'm in!

But please avoid RGB housings. You can't properly use LEDs with them, unless you place them inside the switch. They're normally used for RGB PCB's which aren't very common. (I think the only quality one available would be Zeal's RGB PCB - Those are PCB's with LED's on them).

So PCB mount with Black Housings, please!

What makes them not suitable for regular LEDs?

They do not have the holes for the leds on the switch housing, forcing the user to disassemble the switch to install the LEDs. Normally cherry MX switches have  two holes in both the top and bottom housing allowing for a  easy Led install, but the RGB  variants have none.

Huh, I wonder why they got rid of the top holes. Seems like it would have been easier to use the same mold that they use to the black tops. Unless they were going for a structurally stronger top, I don't know why they need to make that change. Weird.

The RGB switches are marketed as having a 'lens' in that area to make the SMD below shine through 'better'.

Now I kinda want to get some of these tops and test the difference.

[jihadu]

If they're PCB mount with Black housings, I'm in!

But please avoid RGB housings. You can't properly use LEDs with them, unless you place them inside the switch. They're normally used for RGB PCB's which aren't very common. (I think the only quality one available would be Zeal's RGB PCB - Those are PCB's with LED's on them).

So PCB mount with Black Housings, please!

What makes them not suitable for regular LEDs?

They do not have the holes for the leds on the switch housing, forcing the user to disassemble the switch to install the LEDs. Normally cherry MX switches have  two holes in both the top and bottom housing allowing for a  easy Led install, but the RGB  variants have none.

Huh, I wonder why they got rid of the top holes. Seems like it would have been easier to use the same mold that they use to the black tops. Unless they were going for a structurally stronger top, I don't know why they need to make that change. Weird.

The RGB switches are marketed as having a 'lens' in that area to make the SMD below shine through 'better'.

TIL

[VicareyG]

Update: Novelkeys has agreed to proxy over in the US! I'll update once he has worked out appropriate price to cover customs and shipping to him.

[jihadu]

Update: Novelkeys has agreed to proxy over in the US! I'll update once he has worked out appropriate price to cover customs and shipping to him.

Nice! Not in the US but this will help MOQ

[T0mb3ry]

GB cant start soon enough interested definitely to get atleast 2 packs. Thinking about getting even 4...

[VicareyG]

GB cant start soon enough interested definitely to get atleast 2 packs. Thinking about getting even 4...

That's awesome! I'm shocked at the response tbh, 31,680 switches in the IC so far. I'm on holiday over the weekend so I'll keep everyone updated and hopefully a GB will start next week

[T0mb3ry]

GB cant start soon enough interested definitely to get atleast 2 packs. Thinking about getting even 4...

That's awesome! I'm shocked at the response tbh, 31,680 switches in the IC so far. I'm on holiday over the weekend so I'll keep everyone updated and hopefully a GB will start next week

You know thats the new jam.
I hope these are solid black.

[VicareyG]

GB cant start soon enough interested definitely to get atleast 2 packs. Thinking about getting even 4...

That's awesome! I'm shocked at the response tbh, 31,680 switches in the IC so far. I'm on holiday over the weekend so I'll keep everyone updated and hopefully a GB will start next week

You know thats the new jam.
I hope these are solid black.

Once I have a quote for RGB housing I will post a poll, majority wins!

[Prelim]

/in for it!

[jihadu]

/in for it!

True. Also in for Godspeed

[pixelpusher]

I want to know how these feel compared to the silent reds that were in my filco from mechanicalkeyboards.com

I really dislike the feel of silent red.  It's like having a scratchy rubber dome keyboard   I cannot fathom why anyone would prefer that switch if they all feel the same way.  I suppose it's possible, but unlikely, that I got an "early" or "bad" batch that has since been improved upon?

[kawasaki161]

Once I have a quote for RGB housing I will post a poll, majority wins!

I hope the majority knows that the RGB housings are brittle af  .

[VicareyG]

UPDATE: Novel Keys will be offering packs of 120 for $39 from within the US.

[rioc]

Once I have a quote for RGB housing I will post a poll, majority wins!

I hope the majority knows that the RGB housings are brittle af  .

can someone tell cherry to jack up the price for the RGB housings?
we want solid black, non brittle, aesthetic AF housings 

[jihadu]

Once I have a quote for RGB housing I will post a poll, majority wins!

I hope the majority knows that the RGB housings are brittle af  .

can someone tell cherry to jack up the price for the RGB housings?
we want solid black, non brittle, aesthetic AF housings 

Rioc telling it like it is

[T0mb3ry]

GB cant start soon enough interested definitely to get atleast 2 packs. Thinking about getting even 4...

That's awesome! I'm shocked at the response tbh, 31,680 switches in the IC so far. I'm on holiday over the weekend so I'll keep everyone updated and hopefully a GB will start next week

You know thats the new jam.
I hope these are solid black.

Once I have a quote for RGB housing I will post a poll, majority wins!

I cant speak for rgb. What i heard is that the solid black silent blacks are smooth and thats  the reason for the entire hype about it. Since i dont know about rgb i will most probably skip if these are going to be rgb. Its all about smoothnes and not rgb.

[Atredl]

UPDATE: Novel Keys will be offering packs of 120 for $39 from within the US.

Is that $39 + shipping or $39 shipped (within US)?

[pixelpusher]

GB cant start soon enough interested definitely to get atleast 2 packs. Thinking about getting even 4...

That's awesome! I'm shocked at the response tbh, 31,680 switches in the IC so far. I'm on holiday over the weekend so I'll keep everyone updated and hopefully a GB will start next week

You know thats the new jam.
I hope these are solid black.

Once I have a quote for RGB housing I will post a poll, majority wins!

I cant speak for rgb. What i heard is that the solid black silent blacks are smooth and thats  the reason for the entire hype about it. Since i dont know about rgb i will most probably skip if these are going to be rgb. Its all about smoothnes and not rgb.

Yes, but I also heard silent reds were smooth, and panda linears were smooth, but I bought them both, and both are certainly not smooth.  In fact, the silent reds are the scratchiest switches I've ever used.

[T0mb3ry]

GB cant start soon enough interested definitely to get atleast 2 packs. Thinking about getting even 4...

That's awesome! I'm shocked at the response tbh, 31,680 switches in the IC so far. I'm on holiday over the weekend so I'll keep everyone updated and hopefully a GB will start next week

You know thats the new jam.
I hope these are solid black.

Once I have a quote for RGB housing I will post a poll, majority wins!

I cant speak for rgb. What i heard is that the solid black silent blacks are smooth and thats  the reason for the entire hype about it. Since i dont know about rgb i will most probably skip if these are going to be rgb. Its all about smoothnes and not rgb.

Yes, but I also heard silent reds were smooth, and panda linears were smooth, but I bought them both, and both are certainly not smooth.  In fact, the silent reds are the scratchiest switches I've ever used.

Well seems like this time its different. Several people already confirmed that the silent blacks are smooth. Say people who actually received them: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=89588.150
Just read the comments. In case of pandas people who received these have emidietly noted that these are scratchy. Anyway i am already waiting for 200 silent black switches so i'll get my own opinion on it soon.

[Atredl]

I want to know how these feel compared to the silent reds that were in my filco from mechanicalkeyboards.com

I really dislike the feel of silent red.  It's like having a scratchy rubber dome keyboard   I cannot fathom why anyone would prefer that switch if they all feel the same way.  I suppose it's possible, but unlikely, that I got an "early" or "bad" batch that has since been improved upon?

They most likely improved the switches since the batch you got. I've been using my silent blacks unlubed for some weeks now to get a feel for the "naked" switch before doing any mods. Even though I'll eventually add lube to get the best smoothness, I haven't felt the need to add lube yet. It's definitely smooth enough that I feel no need to do so until I swap out the springs. Take this from a guy who was more than happy to trade some wobble for smoothness.

[VicareyG]

UPDATE: Novel Keys will be offering packs of 120 for $39 from within the US.

Is that $39 + shipping or $39 shipped (within US)?

That would be $39 plus shipping from NovelKeys

[Puddsy]

in for 2

[KaosJ]

If they're PCB mount with Black housings, I'm in!

But please avoid RGB housings. You can't properly use LEDs with them, unless you place them inside the switch. They're normally used for RGB PCB's which aren't very common. (I think the only quality one available would be Zeal's RGB PCB - Those are PCB's with LED's on them).

So PCB mount with Black Housings, please!

What makes them not suitable for regular LEDs?

They do not have the holes for the leds on the switch housing, forcing the user to disassemble the switch to install the LEDs. Normally cherry MX switches have  two holes in both the top and bottom housing allowing for a  easy Led install, but the RGB  variants have none.

 

WTF why no holes for leds on the RGB version    

Damn Cherry. 

I was super-hyped for Silent RGB but at this point yeah the Black is the only way to go, even if people will vote for cherry RGB it means they don't know the led compatibility as well.  We can still fit the led inside the switch tho but this is a big limit...

[Puddsy]

rgb housings are really brittle so you'll likely break a few trying to open then

black housings are much better

[KaosJ]

rgb housings are really brittle so you'll likely break a few trying to open then

black housings are much better

 

yeah this is right, but i would care more about the non-led compatibility of the RGB version, so the rgb version will be unusable for almost every PCB and for unusable i mean non-compatible with normal leds. Basically a RGB switch with no lights

[T0mb3ry]

Guess voting for RGB costs nothing. But that will definitely ruin this gb for people who are really serious about spending money on this.

[VicareyG]

Guess voting for RGB costs nothing. But that will definitely ruin this gb for people who are really serious about spending money on this.

A vote will only happen if RGB are same price. And i will list all the cons mentioned for RGB. I am also tempted to just run the GB, and state the reason as the RGB ones are no good.

[KaosJ]

Guess voting for RGB costs nothing. But that will definitely ruin this gb for people who are really serious about spending money on this.

 

This is my fear, people jumping in the thread and just voting for the RGB version without reading the comments/details from OP (he said that every detail will be included).   This is at least what i would have done before discovering the led-compatibility problem.   

At this point i just hope that the RGB version will be higher as price and that the vote will never happen in the first place.  I also think that if this will end up to be the RGB version, the moq will not be hitted, while if this will be the black version, only few will skip it.   

[Atredl]

I am also tempted to just run the GB, and state the reason as the RGB ones are no good.

[Prelim]

black housing FTW! Isn't it true that the new MX Silent slider are more smooth than the older ones?

[KaosJ]

I am also tempted to just run the GB, and state the reason as the RGB ones are no good.

Show Image

 

^ This

[VicareyG]

I am also tempted to just run the GB, and state the reason as the RGB ones are no good.

Show Image

 

^ This

At any rate I'm on holiday until Monday so I'll be updating but not in a position to run a GB until at least Monday :)

[xantiema]

I am definitely in. Are these from the newest revision?

[ygor]

It seems like people are understandably divided over the RGB/non-RGB thing. I'm the rare GH'r that actually would prefer the RGB model as I'd like to strip them for the housing... If it is RGB, I'm in... If not, I'm good. It's hard to commit to an IC when you don't know what you're going to get so I'll just be over here on the sideline until then.

[SpAmRaY]

black housing vs rgb housing

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[xantiema]

Hello everyone!

I'm George. I run Optic Boards - www.opticboards.com

I have an IC here for Cherry MX Silent Black switches.

There is an MOQ of 48,000 switches! Which is incredibly high, to help achieve this I will only be allowing purchases of packs of 120, instead of the however many you want as long as it's more than 10 which I usually do. I will be getting the switches from Cherry's European distributor, so there will not be a re-seller in the middle.

The price is £26 for a pack of 120 or roughly £0.2166... per switch. ($33.94, so it is $0.282 per switch)

I will be pledging to purchase at least 40 packs of switches for myself leaving only 360 packs to be purchased by everyone else.

I would like to run this GB alongside a CONUS based proxy, so if anyone would like to jump in as a proxy let me know via DM  or email: george@opticboards.com.

Shipping prices. £3.50 UK, £5.50 EU, £7.50 everyone else.

Any questions let me know!

Update: Novelkeys has agreed to proxy over in the US! I'll update once he has worked out appropriate price to cover customs and shipping to him.

UPDATE: Novel Keys will be offering packs of 120 for $39 from within the US.

IC LINK HERE https://goo.gl/forms/0gHqwJawdSunpPV72

As far as I know, there are multiple revisions of these. Which one is this GB for?

[pixelpusher]

Would it be possible to get the manufacturer to send you a sample of the product they are promising to deliver?  I have a feeling that many of us interested in this group buy are wanting some very specific information about the slider and housing.  Specifically, many users on GH have been intersted in the fact that some recent Cherry switches seem to be using newly tooled sliders that greatly improve the smoothness of the switch. 

I can't commit to this group buy unless I know what exactly what switch I'm getting.  I have no need for another cherry switch unless it is a new/improved design. 

[rioc]

I am also tempted to just run the GB, and state the reason as the RGB ones are no good.

Show Image

same...
I'm not trying to hold you at gun-point or so, but I'm only in with black housings

[Blazestorm]

I just built another VA68 with silent blacks I got from the Doyu GB. I wanted PCB mount and I prefer the feel of the Gateron yellows (spring weight/force curve), so I just did a bottom + spring swap. I found some of the Gateron bottoms were not silent (clack on downstroke). Out of the ~70 I swapped, ~10 were not good w/ the silent stems (So I needed 80 Gateron yellow).

Anyways, just an option if Cherry only offers Plate mounted and/or not the bottom you prefer, just find some Gateron switches and swap. The key part of the Silent Blacks is the stem anyways...

I'm in for 3-4 packs from NovelKeys. These are really nice, just have to find a way to silence the spacebar better.

[T0mb3ry]

Got my silent blacks today and i can confirm they are smoother than previous sand version of cherries. Seems like they are not as smooth as my lubed red gats but gats are used and blacks are brand new. With lube and usage they'll get their best form. And ofcoure less wobble than gats.

So far this is the switch worth to build into a custom. Totally worth it! Forgot to mention they are silent though its not that important but nice feature expecially if you bottom out.

[VicareyG]

Good news everyone! (most of you anyway). I have received the quote for the RGB variant. They are more expensive meaning that when the GB starts it will be for MX Silent Black PCB Mount switches.

I just need to discuss with NovelKeys for when a good time to start the GB will be.

[rioc]

Good news everyone! (most of you anyway). I have received the quote for the RGB variant. They are more expensive meaning that when the GB starts it will be for MX Silent Black PCB Mount switches.

I just need to discuss with NovelKeys for when a good time to start the GB will be.

WOOHOO!!

[romevi]

Oh, heck yes. Can't wait! Been wanting PCB-mount of these, and now my dream build for my 910 is that much closer.

[T0mb3ry]

Awesome! Hope these silent blacks will be made with  the new tooling.

Was bussy all the evening with tweaking silent blacks. Just from my experience i suggest to use thick lube from the start. That will make them butter smooth. Ended up exchanging the black springs to red gaterons springs. Guess i am a sucker for red weights. Right now thinking about purchasing custom springs but in which weight to hit the tension of the reds...?

[rioc]

Oh, heck yes. Can't wait! Been wanting PCB-mount of these, and now my dream build for my 910 is that much closer.

Yeah same, had planned vintage black for one of my next builds but now I'll have to with these


Sent from my DREA100 using Tapatalk

[dorf]

PCB mount!! Please go with black housing.

[rioc]

PCB mount!! Please go with black housing.

it has been confirmed it'll be the black housing pcb mount version

[pomk]

Awesome! Hope these silent blacks will be made with  the new tooling.

Knowing how recent the double shot stems are, I find it extremely improbable that more than one set of tooling exists for these. The new tooling that has been discussed was for older slider designs.

[ctrlX]

I'm down for 1 or 2 packs.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[pixelpusher]

Awesome! Hope these silent blacks will be made with  the new tooling.

Knowing how recent the double shot stems are, I find it extremely improbable that more than one set of tooling exists for these. The new tooling that has been discussed was for older slider designs.

I don't understand what you are trying to say.  Are you saying that you suspect the entire Cherry manufacturing facility only has 1 set of molds for all of the stems in every color stem they make and that they have thrown away all of their old molds.  I suppose that is possible.  But what has me confused is the "doubleshot stems." 

[pomk]

Awesome! Hope these silent blacks will be made with  the new tooling.

Knowing how recent the double shot stems are, I find it extremely improbable that more than one set of tooling exists for these. The new tooling that has been discussed was for older slider designs.

I don't understand what you are trying to say.  Are you saying that you suspect the entire Cherry manufacturing facility only has 1 set of molds for all of the stems in every color stem they make and that they have thrown away all of their old molds.  I suppose that is possible.  But what has me confused is the "doubleshot stems."

The silent stems are done in two shots. One plastic and one rubber. I presume that the first shot is the plastic one as it has channels for the rubber to flow through. The tooling for silent stems is completely new.

[pixelpusher]

But this is the issue.  I have silent reds, and they are the scratchiest stems I've ever had.  I won't even use them they are so bad.  Yet, there are people reporting that their silent blacks are very smooth.  So either something has changed very recently, or there are different "batches", possibly from more that 1 tooling process, or no one knows what they are talking about.

[digi]

Hmm, I'd be in if it were for the RGB version, gl!

[pomk]

But this is the issue.  I have silent reds, and they are the scratchiest stems I've ever had.  I won't even use them they are so bad.  Yet, there are people reporting that their silent blacks are very smooth.  So either something has changed very recently, or there are different "batches", possibly from more that 1 tooling process, or no one knows what they are talking about.

Afaik the rgb casings are scratchier, but idk really. The black casing red and black silents that I have are all pretty nice.

[pixelpusher]

I think I'll just have to buy a batch and see.  Surely I can sell them on r/mm if I don't like them

[Cotay]

If they're PCB mount with Black housings, I'm in!

But please avoid RGB housings. You can't properly use LEDs with them, unless you place them inside the switch. They're normally used for RGB PCB's which aren't very common. (I think the only quality one available would be Zeal's RGB PCB - Those are PCB's with LED's on them).

So PCB mount with Black Housings, please!

What makes them not suitable for regular LEDs?

They do not have the holes for the leds on the switch housing, forcing the user to disassemble the switch to install the LEDs. Normally cherry MX switches have  two holes in both the top and bottom housing allowing for a  easy Led install, but the RGB  variants have none.

 

WTF why no holes for leds on the RGB version    

Damn Cherry. 

I was super-hyped for Silent RGB but at this point yeah the Black is the only way to go, even if people will vote for cherry RGB it means they don't know the led compatibility as well.  We can still fit the led inside the switch tho but this is a big limit...

You could always swap out the black Cherry tops for clear Gateron RGB tops.

[Puddsy]

Silent reds and silent blacks are both retooled cherry linear stems. I think it's just placebo if they feel any different. I've used both and they feel basically the same.

The RGB housings are very brittle, I'd prefer this to be run with the black housing.

[Giorgio]

Interested in these because they're pcb mount! Next time, reds would be nice 

[Cotay]

Hello everyone!

I'm George. I run Optic Boards - www.opticboards.com

I have an IC here for Cherry MX Silent Black switches.

There is an MOQ of 48,000 switches! Which is incredibly high, to help achieve this I will only be allowing purchases of packs of 120, instead of the however many you want as long as it's more than 10 which I usually do. I will be getting the switches from Cherry's European distributor, so there will not be a re-seller in the middle.

The price is £26 for a pack of 120 or roughly £0.2166... per switch. ($33.94, so it is $0.282 per switch)

I will be pledging to purchase at least 40 packs of switches for myself leaving only 360 packs to be purchased by everyone else.

I would like to run this GB alongside a CONUS based proxy, so if anyone would like to jump in as a proxy let me know via DM  or email: george@opticboards.com.

Shipping prices. £3.50 UK, £5.50 EU, £7.50 everyone else.

Any questions let me know!

Update: Novelkeys has agreed to proxy over in the US! I'll update once he has worked out appropriate price to cover customs and shipping to him.

UPDATE: Novel Keys will be offering packs of 120 for $39 from within the US.

IC LINK HERE https://goo.gl/forms/0gHqwJawdSunpPV72

And here I just ordered 100 for $53 elsewhere. Very good price! I'll have to pick up more of these now.

[Giorgio]

But this is the issue.  I have silent reds, and they are the scratchiest stems I've ever had.  I won't even use them they are so bad.  Yet, there are people reporting that their silent blacks are very smooth.  So either something has changed very recently, or there are different "batches", possibly from more that 1 tooling process, or no one knows what they are talking about.

I've got silent reds and they're very smooth, smooth like gateron without the wobble. It's very sad that yours are scratchy.

Dear OP, can you please assure us that your silent switches will be smooth? Thanks

[VicareyG]

But this is the issue.  I have silent reds, and they are the scratchiest stems I've ever had.  I won't even use them they are so bad.  Yet, there are people reporting that their silent blacks are very smooth.  So either something has changed very recently, or there are different "batches", possibly from more that 1 tooling process, or no one knows what they are talking about.

I've got silent reds and they're very smooth, smooth like gateron without the wobble. It's very sad that yours are scratchy.

Dear OP, can you please assure us that your silent switches will be smooth? Thanks

I have asked, and was told by the distributor that they aren't 100% sure but since these have a 10-12 week lead time they are a fresh batch, so theoretically they should be the latest revision. I will push for a more definite ansswer though.

[duynguyenle]

But this is the issue.  I have silent reds, and they are the scratchiest stems I've ever had.  I won't even use them they are so bad.  Yet, there are people reporting that their silent blacks are very smooth.  So either something has changed very recently, or there are different "batches", possibly from more that 1 tooling process, or no one knows what they are talking about.

FWIW, I have bought both Silent Red and Black from the recent Doyu GBs, and both packs were very very smooth

[Latin00032]

But this is the issue.  I have silent reds, and they are the scratchiest stems I've ever had.  I won't even use them they are so bad.  Yet, there are people reporting that their silent blacks are very smooth.  So either something has changed very recently, or there are different "batches", possibly from more that 1 tooling process, or no one knows what they are talking about.

FWIW, I have bought both Silent Red and Black from the recent Doyu GBs, and both packs were very very smooth

Does this mean the latest revision is guaranteed to be smooth?

Or is it alternated between batches?

[SpAmRaY]

But this is the issue.  I have silent reds, and they are the scratchiest stems I've ever had.  I won't even use them they are so bad.  Yet, there are people reporting that their silent blacks are very smooth.  So either something has changed very recently, or there are different "batches", possibly from more that 1 tooling process, or no one knows what they are talking about.

FWIW, I have bought both Silent Red and Black from the recent Doyu GBs, and both packs were very very smooth

Does this mean the latest revision is guaranteed to be smooth?

Or is it alternated between batches?

Nobody here really knows it is all anecdotal up to this point.

[Puddsy]

But this is the issue.  I have silent reds, and they are the scratchiest stems I've ever had.  I won't even use them they are so bad.  Yet, there are people reporting that their silent blacks are very smooth.  So either something has changed very recently, or there are different "batches", possibly from more that 1 tooling process, or no one knows what they are talking about.

FWIW, I have bought both Silent Red and Black from the recent Doyu GBs, and both packs were very very smooth

Does this mean the latest revision is guaranteed to be smooth?

Or is it alternated between batches?

Nobody here really knows it is all anecdotal up to this point.

Pretty much

[Giorgio]

But this is the issue.  I have silent reds, and they are the scratchiest stems I've ever had.  I won't even use them they are so bad.  Yet, there are people reporting that their silent blacks are very smooth.  So either something has changed very recently, or there are different "batches", possibly from more that 1 tooling process, or no one knows what they are talking about.

FWIW, I have bought both Silent Red and Black from the recent Doyu GBs, and both packs were very very smooth

I can confirm. Very smooth!

[duynguyenle]

But this is the issue.  I have silent reds, and they are the scratchiest stems I've ever had.  I won't even use them they are so bad.  Yet, there are people reporting that their silent blacks are very smooth.  So either something has changed very recently, or there are different "batches", possibly from more that 1 tooling process, or no one knows what they are talking about.

FWIW, I have bought both Silent Red and Black from the recent Doyu GBs, and both packs were very very smooth

Does this mean the latest revision is guaranteed to be smooth?

Or is it alternated between batches?

Nobody here really knows it is all anecdotal up to this point.

Perhaps if this GB moves forward George can shed more light on this in terms of switch smoothness (48k switches will no doubt provide a lot of opportunity for observation and empirical data)

[sdothum]

I am in for a pack (or two) -- ship to Canada.

[VicareyG]

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=90801.msg2466815#msg2466815 

THE GB IS NOW LIVE!

[Giorgio]

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=90801.msg2466815#msg2466815 

THE GB IS NOW LIVE!

Link is broken.

[Hokabuki]

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=90801.msg2466815#msg2466815 

THE GB IS NOW LIVE!

Any idea when Novelkeys will have it up for US customers?

[nmur]

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=90801.msg2466815#msg2466815 

THE GB IS NOW LIVE!

Link is broken.

thread hasn't been approved yet

https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/6qbfr7/gb_cherry_mx_silent_black_swicthes/

[VicareyG]

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=90801.msg2466815#msg2466815 

THE GB IS NOW LIVE!

Link is broken.

ALL GB posts need to be approved by a moderator before they can be seen. There is a direct link in the OP.

[VicareyG]

GB thread: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=90801.msg2466815#msg2466815 waiting on mod approval. until then here's direct link https://opticboards.com/group-buys/mx-silent-black
US Proxy: https://www.novelkeys.xyz/product/group-buy-cherry-mx-silent-black-switches/

[TalkingTree]

waiting on mod approval

Well, meanwhile, I bought myself three packs. Thanks for running this.

[VicareyG]

waiting on mod approval

Well, meanwhile, I bought myself three packs. Thanks for running this.

Thanks for taking part!

[dorf]

In for two packs. Thanks!

[T0mb3ry]

Went in for 4. Thanks for running this GB! 

[Chromatrope]

I was planning on buying one but then I realised if I end up building an on-the-way board and liking it better than my browns, then I'd want to build something bigger as well and I wouldn't be able to do that. So 2 packs it is I guess. This is where the rabbit hole begins.

[romevi]

In for a pack! SO excited!

[Sempre]

In for twoo!

[xantiema]

Bought two packs. Europe shipping is tracked I presume? There wasn't any other options than the standard.

[VicareyG]

Bought two packs. Europe shipping is tracked I presume? There wasn't any other options than the standard.

It isn't tracked as standard, just because tracked shipping varies vastly depending on where it's too even just to different places within the EU. I do add limited tracking to raise the insurance to the price of the package however i think that only tracks while it is inside the UK.

[kawasaki161]

In for two, but don't have enough boards for them... yet  ) )

[iamtootallforthis]

Bought two packs. Europe shipping is tracked I presume? There wasn't any other options than the standard.

It isn't tracked as standard, just because tracked shipping varies vastly depending on where it's too even just to different places within the EU. I do add limited tracking to raise the insurance to the price of the package however i think that only tracks while it is inside the UK.

Yeah it seems it was slightly cheaper for me to go straight from you than through the proxy at least at this time.

[VicareyG]

Anyone know how to contact the mods? To try and get the GB thread approved?

[iamtootallforthis]

Anyone know how to contact the mods? To try and get the GB thread approved?

Send a private message

[Doluded]

Anyone know how to contact the mods? To try and get the GB thread approved?

Might be a different system, but what I did to get my Classified approved, was to report the pending thread and write a little note asking someone to take a look at it. I don't know if that is unadvised for GB threads however.

[VicareyG]

Anyone know how to contact the mods? To try and get the GB thread approved?

Might be a different system, but what I did to get my Classified approved, was to report the pending thread and write a little note asking someone to take a look at it. I don't know if that is unadvised for GB threads however.

Sounds like a tactic that may work

[romevi]

Anyone know how to contact the mods? To try and get the GB thread approved?

Abuse a thread and write at the bottom, "BTW approve the new thread."

[Diventus]

Hi Vicary, I will commit to one pack of 120 please.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[duynguyenle]

Hi Vicary, I will commit to one pack of 120 please.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Its already live, go buy it on his site!

[rioc]

Hi Vicary, I will commit to one pack of 120 please.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Its already live, go buy it on his site!

or novelkeys if you're from the US

[VicareyG]

The Group Buy is now at over half the MOQ! (53.75%)

[rioc]

The Group Buy is now at over half the MOQ! (53.75%)

great, looking forward to these


I'm sure I overlooked it somewhere in this thread, but is there an ETA on when they're gonna be shipped?

[VicareyG]

The Group Buy is now at over half the MOQ! (53.75%)

great, looking forward to these


I'm sure I overlooked it somewhere in this thread, but is there an ETA on when they're gonna be shipped?

There's a 10-12 week lead time after the groups order is submitted. A very rough guess is November 10th-ish.

[rioc]

The Group Buy is now at over half the MOQ! (53.75%)

great, looking forward to these


I'm sure I overlooked it somewhere in this thread, but is there an ETA on when they're gonna be shipped?

There's a 10-12 week lead time after the groups order is submitted. A very rough guess is November 10th-ish.

oh good, that'll most likely be early enough before I get the moon... guess where they'll go

[KaosJ]

Make this happen fams! I'm in for 3   

[byker]

GB Link: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=90801.0

Locking IC thread now.