[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.