Oh you're absolutely right that I need to try them. I'm pretty curious to see what they feel like. Even if my theory/opinion is completely correct/incorrect I'd like to feel for myself. 'After cleaning, re-applying lube even a scratchy vintage black will be noticeably smoother than a cleaned, lubed new MX black'. Again what you are saying here is pretty much just your opinion from your experience dude. I have heard people say that they have had scratchy vintage and smooth new and that a new has been just as, if not more smooth than a vintage (I do however accept that the general consensus seems to be that if you took an average of each the vintage would have a greater 'smoothness' than a new). Hmm I looked at that and it's definitely interesting however again he doesn't give much insight into his methodology and the sample size of 4 presses on one switch of each is so ridiculously small that the data is almost irrelevant. The general assumption yes, but that is exactly what it is, an assumption. It seems strange that there is this notion that the vintage blacks are smoother but nobody can pinpoint why and Cherry have said there has been no change in the material =S. The only logical conclusion I see is the years of use and quality control =S. Sorry to keep harping on but again I have heard of a fair few cases where people have had NIB old blacks that have been scratchy like the new ones. I really fear that I'm coming across as somebody looking for an argument here/just ignoring everything you're saying. I promise I'm not, I'm just really interested to get to the bottom of it haha. Maybe I'm just a bit too cynical of people's perception and the desire there can be from people to believe something/consensus, I don't know. I should probably try and run some tests of my own.
The way I see it, you've got three options.
Option 1:
Source 1000 or so vintage blacks. Ensure that you're getting switches from multiple batches and both used and unused switches. Optionally, choose a sample size you deem acceptable.
Do the same for new switches.
Mark every switch, be sure to denote vintage unused & used/new switches.
Measure force required for each switch and sort to groups accordingly.
Obtain outside testers.
Break switches into sample groups for testers. Be certain to avoid influencing testers and keep your switch log out of their mitts.
Test the feel of each switch multiple times (perhaps 10 - 50?). Have testers keep a log of thoughts on the feel of each press for each switch.
Remeasure force required after every x switch presses (10?), logging any changes. Have testers start new log every time this is done.
Rotate switch groups between testers after each sampling is complete.
Repeat steps 7 & 8 after cleaning/lubing switches.
Compile and analyze data.
Option 2:
Buying two vintage black boards (new/unused and used) and new and used non-vintage boards. Test under similar conditions to option 1. Log keys instead of individually marking switches. Place keyboards in boxes with cutouts if concerned that it might influence testers.
Option 3:
Obtain boards as per option 2, reduce rigorous testing to casual switch pressing comparison by yourself and/or with some pals.
I have my doubts that the first is possible at this point. The second option ought to satisfy your empirical-ness while seeming more feasible. The third isn't serious business but it's easier, quicker, and probably the most relevant for finding out how you think they feel
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