Sure, there are some (mostly) redundant variants of the same switch, but that set has a lot of entirely separate variants to play with as well, and even some switches that aren't MX-compatible. The point of a tester is to help narrow down your tastes, and (if possible) identify a switch you really like. in the box clicky family, if all I ever tried was box whites, I might abandon all MX-compatibles entirely and stick with only my 1980s keyboards.
The box-only tester on Amazon is a lot less bang for your buck, than the KPRepublic one, but if someone knows they want to get into box clickies, that's a great start. What's worse? Spending a chunk of change on one relatively-comprehensive tester, or buying 2-3+ sets of switches (and possibly even soldering them all to boards) before finding exactly what you're looking for? You save money in the long run.
I previously accidentally commented, I’ll explain further, I generally agree with you.
And I’ll be honest and say that I haven’t used Cherry MX switches in a board, I do own the basic switch tester (red,brown,blue,black) and actually find the switches to be nice.
I just think some switches give the point across and instead of another almost same set of it, you could have a boutique switches instead.
I think vendors could put a little more thought into those switch testers.
Smoothness can be described/tested/compared, sound can be recorded (to a certain degree), but some switches can only be understood when using, which are mostly tactiles.
Which also happens to be the one you would have to either get a whole pack (HP), half a pack (GP) or get them individually for $5 for 1 switch or minimum 10 pack..
Btw BOX clickbars are godsend to us, dirt cheap and phenomenal, and even if you can’t get your hands on a tester it’s much easier to choose from based on reviews/tests.
But tactiles? besides the fact that people tend to only praise and barely describe, tactile feeling can’t really be describe.
I personally would have dropped some repeats, keep 1 sample of each set, and get couple more boutique switches instead.
In the end I’m not trying to **** on this, just think vendors could offer a lot more variety with their testers for entuathists and beginners alike, unless it’s also a collection thing, which makes it completely different.
This is just my opinion, if it’s someones thing by all means s/he should go for it, it’s a very cool thing to own and mess around with.
Also if it's a waste of money, why are you in this hobby?
That is definitely not what I’ve meant.