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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: TuckTuckFloof on Thu, 03 January 2019, 01:49:38

Title: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: TuckTuckFloof on Thu, 03 January 2019, 01:49:38
They good? I was thinking of getting a Vortex ViBe with MX Blacks because I like the layout and think it's cool as heck, tide me over until I achieve my endgame which is a Southpaw 65% kit so I can pimp it out with Healios and GMK keycaps n such. Unless you know somebody selling one :), I'd love to hear what you think of the Black switches!
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: appaboy on Thu, 03 January 2019, 01:54:13
Mx blacks and especially vintage mx blacks in particular are a very very popular linear swirch and unlike clones they don't die down in hype when people decide they aren't topical anymore but rather stand the test of time
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Halverson on Thu, 03 January 2019, 02:09:16
My first ever mx switch and still one of my favourites. I do like to mod them but I’ve always appreciated a nice linear switch such as a regular black mx.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: chyros on Thu, 03 January 2019, 03:08:51
Personally, I find them extremely boring (even for a linear switch) and weighted too stiffly plus being scratchy to boot. Vintage blacks are much smoother, but are also even stiffer.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: killyou on Thu, 03 January 2019, 04:28:19
I think that if one want's MX Black then Tealios should be considered instead. I personally find 67g on linear switches a bit too much and would appreciate 58-60g Tealio-like switch.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Aerizu on Thu, 03 January 2019, 06:21:33
MX black (retooled or vintage) are quite nice with lighter springs (e.g. 62g) and with thin lube.
I find the bottom-out sound to be better than Tealios due to the housing.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: JPVann on Thu, 03 January 2019, 10:44:58
MX Blacks are too heavy for me.  Much prefer the MX Nature Whites - placed directly in between MX Reds and MX Blacks.  Perfect mix of rme in both typing and gaming.  Especially the typing.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Findecanor on Thu, 03 January 2019, 11:02:38
I'm not a fan of linear switches at all. When I have used MX Blacks for any longer period of time, I have found them fatiguing.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: kgolden on Thu, 03 January 2019, 11:09:52
I use MX blacks in two of my keyboards and really enjoy them.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Entropia on Thu, 03 January 2019, 11:49:29
My two Leopolds have MX Blacks. I like them very much. I came from buclking springs, so I like the heavy springs. I had a Tesoro before also with blacks and they were much scrachier. I guess Leopold use retooled switches. They feel smooth and nice to type on. The sound is also quite pleasant, not very noisy, but I think the thick PBT keycaps also have to do with that.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: thearctican on Thu, 03 January 2019, 12:11:18
I've had mixed results buying retooled blacks. First batch I got from Arrow were v.nice. Second batch of 200 I got are pingy as hell and super scratchy (yes, they were indeed retooled). I enjoy them, but I spring swap them to something much lighter and feel I need to lube them.
Last board I built with them had 35g springs on everything but the spacebar.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: ThereminGoat on Thu, 03 January 2019, 13:13:27
Cherry MX Blacks are the classic switch in terms of their wide spread usage and acceptance. While I myself prefer lighter weighted switches (Browns/Reds/Speed Silvers), Blacks are still extremely satisfying to type on. As well, while they have morphed a bit in form and feel, my friend has been using the same MX Black board for literally 6 years of heavy usage and they are still more than usable.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: jamster on Fri, 04 January 2019, 00:14:17
Too heavy for me. And I enjoy buckling spring and 55g Topre.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: romevi on Fri, 04 January 2019, 00:29:10
MX Linears are the best MX switches. Topre is king for tactile ('cept maybe for some re-springed Alps) and IBM rules clicky. Stock blacks are too heavy for me. Gateron Yellow has the best stock linear springs, but for MX Black I like SPRiT 68g.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: noisyturtle on Fri, 04 January 2019, 02:16:50
mx blacks are the weed of the mech keyboard world, a gateway switch
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: HotRoderX on Fri, 04 January 2019, 02:38:22
I have used both re tooled blacks and Tealios along with box blacks. I gotta say the Cherry Retooled blacks are as smooth as the Tealios for half the cost. I also really like box blacks but I know box switches are taboo now days.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: MonsterZero on Fri, 04 January 2019, 05:41:25
I have used both re tooled blacks and Tealios along with box blacks. I gotta say the Cherry Retooled blacks are as smooth as the Tealios for half the cost. I also really like box blacks but I know box switches are taboo now days.

it's not that they're taboo it's just their design is not very thought out and is inferior to the 80s cherry design
(typing this on a box royal board can't wait to put holy pandas in there)
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: dgneo on Fri, 04 January 2019, 05:54:55
vintage mx blacks with lube and polycarb film

(https://i.imgur.com/SE9niTH.png)
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Sup on Fri, 04 January 2019, 07:28:33
MX blacks are smooth (depends from where you get them). But way to stiff and heavy. There was a reason why they where put in terminals to avoid accident presses. Gateron Yellow 4 lyf
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: ArchDill on Fri, 04 January 2019, 07:34:30
A set of my favorite switches are modded Vin Blacks. Soooo gooooood
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Rumblehotep on Fri, 04 January 2019, 13:29:47
Waiting on some retooled mx blacks to tinker with and I keep hearing they bind on gmk profile, especially with different stem mods. 
Is there anything that can be done to counter this? Stick to SA caps or swap in different switchtops?
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: clik_clak on Fri, 04 January 2019, 13:42:35
Waiting on some retooled mx blacks to tinker with and I keep hearing they bind on gmk profile, especially with different stem mods. 
Is there anything that can be done to counter this? Stick to SA caps or swap in different switchtops?

You keep hearing this? Can you elaborate on where you keep hearing this? And what exactly are these "stem mods" you're referring to?

Btw, I'm typing this on one of my 2 keyboards with retooled blacks with GMK keycaps. I have never experienced a single bind with this combo ever.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Rumblehotep on Fri, 04 January 2019, 13:49:23
This from reddit, and hearing it on build streams with holy chickies and such, but if it's not an issue with stock stems then that's comforting!
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: clik_clak on Fri, 04 January 2019, 13:58:14
This from reddit, and hearing it on build streams with holy chickies and such, but if it's not an issue with stock stems then that's comforting!
(Attachment Link)

Holy Chickies use MX Blue housings I thought, which are different than the MX black housings. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong though. I can't remember hearing about any specialized switches that require MX black housings specifically.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: MTXjunkie on Fri, 04 January 2019, 17:03:08
Is there a database of some sort to list the “good” date codes for retooled blacks?  I’ve been eyeing some, but I’ve heard that even the retooled blacks are a batch to batch gamble. Arrow has some that are date code 1840 that I’m tempted to gamble on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: ander on Sun, 06 January 2019, 23:30:49
They're better than RDs (except maybe an RD Model M (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=17619.0)).
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: funderburker on Mon, 07 January 2019, 01:14:19
This from reddit, and hearing it on build streams with holy chickies and such, but if it's not an issue with stock stems then that's comforting!
(Attachment Link)

Holy Chickies use MX Blue housings I thought, which are different than the MX black housings. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong though. I can't remember hearing about any specialized switches that require MX black housings specifically.

Mmm, stock MX switches doesn't have this issue really, it's just the frankenswitch issue (Holy Chickies) when the stem, spring and housing combo is binding a keycap. Also I think it happens more to this frankenswitch if you use lighter springs. Now let's get back to MX Blacks my dudes.

Rumblehotep there's a reason why people prefer MX Blacks and especially vintage switches - smoothness (depends on era/batch but lubed is best anyway), reliability, sound signature (I can't get enough of those typing videos with boards like this HBCP (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws37-AUWIaI) or Velvet's OTD 360C (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz_1h8yH7Ds)) and the reasonable price/performance ratio.
For example, for the price of a Tealio (now it's $1) you can get almost 4 retooled MX Black switches from Arrow (priced at 0.278 for 100+ pcs order rn).
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Rumblehotep on Tue, 08 January 2019, 20:41:48
Ah so stock stems they're fine, that's great!
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Solotov on Tue, 08 January 2019, 21:04:03
Retooled and vintage mx blacks are very good linear. People usually swap springs to their like (eg. 55g, 62g, ...). They have a really good sound due to their housing.
But they are not the smoothest linear. I still feel them scratchy even after properly lubed.

Tealios is the smoothest linear switch, but the sound is less appealing compared to mx black due to its housing. So, it's kind of trade off depending on which aspect you prioritize more.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: ArchDill on Tue, 08 January 2019, 21:24:48
I just realized that I do not think I have tried a recent MX Black.


I have tried Vin Blacks and Silent Black stems in Zealio housings.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: chyros on Wed, 09 January 2019, 01:12:52
Tealios is the smoothest linear switch
Have you tried contactless switches?
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Gampela on Wed, 09 January 2019, 03:46:01
I keep hearing people praising retooled Cherry Mx Blacks but not once have I heard anything about newer Mx Red switches. And how about the silenced versions of these switches? I love my fc980m with silenced reds but I don't have much to compare them with.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: menuhin on Fri, 18 January 2019, 16:39:26
MX Linears are the best MX switches. Topre is king for tactile ('cept maybe for some re-springed Alps) ...

Ultimate truth in the universe of mechanical keyboard, full-stop.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: ander on Mon, 21 January 2019, 21:43:19
They'll never be one of my fave switches (those being buckling springs, Topre and Noppoo capacitive (https://deskthority.net/wiki/Noppoo_capacitive), Kailh Box, Cherry MX Green).

The main reason, for me, is that they're linear (no click, no bump). So they're not only less stimulating, it's harder to type on them without bottoming out. (I know many of you are big bottoming-out fans, and that's fine... However, I consider past its actuation point, and whacking it into the plate, a waste of time, effort and comfort. And are you sure you're not doing it just to get some kind of feedback from linear switches? LOL)

BUT—and that's a big but—MX Blacks are a well-made, major switch. So as with all other mechanical switches (except turkeys like Futaba and Peerless), I enjoy typing on them for a while, just for variety. And because Blacks are stiffer than the mainstream MXs (Red, Blue, Green), at least there's some resistance to work with.

To sum up: No, I'll never use them every day, but they're solid and consistent enough to enjoy using them from time to time.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: yuppie on Mon, 21 January 2019, 22:57:18
They're a bit too loud for me. I've grown to love silent linears. First, the Zilent Black (Silent Black stem, Zeal housing, 67g Zeal spring).

Now, I'm a fan of the Healio by Zeal, although I'm still trying to figure out the best way to lube them.

A smooth, silent linear is really a great typing experience.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 13 February 2019, 20:05:07
I like most heavier switches, blacks included.

Can't stand reds.

My second or third mech kb has MX blacks, and it still gets rotated in every now and again.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Rob27shred on Wed, 13 February 2019, 20:49:31
Vintage & re-tooled MX blacks are pretty nice linear switches IME. They're fairly smooth stock, don't have to much spring ping/crunch in their stock state, & have a really nice sound signature. Not much to not like with them TBH. Personally I prefer Gateron linears to Cherry linears in their stock forms, but Gateron switches aren't an option with Vortex boards AFAIK. Then to get any better than stock Cherry or Gateron linears you're looking at pretty much doubling the price per switch. All in all I would say a Vortex Vibe with MX blacks would make for a nice entry board. :thumb:
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Puddsy on Wed, 13 February 2019, 21:00:21
they are good
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: macclack on Thu, 14 February 2019, 00:44:07
I like MX Blacks I agree with comments that they can be a little fatiguing. Gateron Blacks r good too and seem to be a little smoother stock.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Geroximo on Thu, 14 February 2019, 08:37:47
They're a good entry switch into mechanical keyboards, but they stand no chance vs custom weighted Tealios, Vintage Blacks or even Gaterons.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: macclack on Thu, 14 February 2019, 11:43:59
They're a good entry switch into mechanical keyboards, but they stand no chance vs custom weighted Tealios, Vintage Blacks or even Gaterons.

I need to get me some good vintage blacks so I can find out what all the hype is about.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: fer.real on Thu, 14 February 2019, 12:03:13
I just received an order of retooled blacks from Arrow this morning and they are very scratchy.  So scratchy they're loud, even with lube.

My only previous experience with Cherry Blacks were vintage blacks from a WY-350 terminal keyboard and I like those.  Maybe I got a bad batch.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: funderburker on Thu, 14 February 2019, 14:12:37
I just received an order of retooled blacks from Arrow this morning and they are very scratchy.  So scratchy they're loud, even with lube.

My only previous experience with Cherry Blacks were vintage blacks from a WY-350 terminal keyboard and I like those.  Maybe I got a bad batch.

Because retooled has turned to ****. Earlier batches are what you were after but the newest ones are known to be scratchy. It's now a hit or miss so it's extremely hard to know what you getting.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: wholypantalones on Thu, 14 February 2019, 14:33:24
I just received an order of retooled blacks from Arrow this morning and they are very scratchy.  So scratchy they're loud, even with lube.

My only previous experience with Cherry Blacks were vintage blacks from a WY-350 terminal keyboard and I like those.  Maybe I got a bad batch.

Because retooled has turned to ****. Earlier batches are what you were after but the newest ones are known to be scratchy. It's now a hit or miss so it's extremely hard to know what you getting.

Can confirm. I have two batches in my drawer, one from earlier last year and one from later in the year after the restock. The earlier batch has a gold colored spring and they're pre-lubed and awesome. Later batch has a galvanized looking spring that sounds like ****, no lube and scratchy as hell.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: wholypantalones on Thu, 14 February 2019, 14:34:17
heh, quoted myself..
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: macclack on Thu, 14 February 2019, 17:35:06
What's everyone's experience with Gat blacks? I bought a batch about a month ago and they're nice and smooth.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Puddsy on Thu, 14 February 2019, 21:42:59
What's everyone's experience with Gat blacks? I bought a batch about a month ago and they're nice and smooth.

i like em

prefer yellows tho, i like the stock weight of them
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: fer.real on Thu, 14 February 2019, 21:59:00
I just received an order of retooled blacks from Arrow this morning and they are very scratchy.  So scratchy they're loud, even with lube.

My only previous experience with Cherry Blacks were vintage blacks from a WY-350 terminal keyboard and I like those.  Maybe I got a bad batch.

Because retooled has turned to ****. Earlier batches are what you were after but the newest ones are known to be scratchy. It's now a hit or miss so it's extremely hard to know what you getting.
I just received an order of retooled blacks from Arrow this morning and they are very scratchy.  So scratchy they're loud, even with lube.

My only previous experience with Cherry Blacks were vintage blacks from a WY-350 terminal keyboard and I like those.  Maybe I got a bad batch.

Because retooled has turned to ****. Earlier batches are what you were after but the newest ones are known to be scratchy. It's now a hit or miss so it's extremely hard to know what you getting.

Can confirm. I have two batches in my drawer, one from earlier last year and one from later in the year after the restock. The earlier batch has a gold colored spring and they're pre-lubed and awesome. Later batch has a galvanized looking spring that sounds like ****, no lube and scratchy as hell.


That's really a shame.  These came without lube and with a dull steel spring.  Why spend the money to retool if they're just going to let quality slide back to what it was?

What's everyone's experience with Gat blacks? I bought a batch about a month ago and they're nice and smooth.

I use Gateron Blacks and like them, very smooth.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: anantonton on Fri, 15 February 2019, 00:56:46
I recently built a custom with MX RGB Black. My PCB does not have SMD LED nor underglow so there goes led for me (I didn't check if it supports 2x3x4 led until all the switches are soldered, stupid me, no key led no underglow, just like hhkb).

I find it too tiring and I kind of regret soldering them on my better PCB. I got 3 ping-y switches and accidentally soldered one on to my enter key.

I much prefer gat yellow for linear.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: fer.real on Fri, 15 February 2019, 09:18:11
What do people think of Cherry Silent Blacks?  Are they any less scratchy than regular blacks?
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: Sintpinty on Sun, 17 February 2019, 20:06:35
Blacks are cool and fine, but i think they're just a heavier version of cherry mx red. I think they're the ultimate work keyswitch and definitely not for gaming due to them being a bit heavy.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: derpdederp on Mon, 25 May 2020, 11:29:29
They're a bit too loud for me. I've grown to love silent linears. First, the Zilent Black (Silent Black stem, Zeal housing, 67g Zeal spring).

Now, I'm a fan of the Healio by Zeal, although I'm still trying to figure out the best way to lube them.

A smooth, silent linear is really a great typing experience.

A set of my favorite switches are modded Vin Blacks. Soooo gooooood

Hoping I can pick your brains since you've both messed with these more... Can you silence a vintage black as much as the MX Silent Black is?

Can you expand on your mod? The "Zilent Black" means you buy new MX Silent Blacks, replace the spring and the housing? Are they quieter than the stock MX Silent Black? I'll likely add o-rings too, in order to reduce the actuation distance a bit (and noise).
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: treeleaf64 on Mon, 25 May 2020, 19:11:57
Thanks for necro  ;D

With lube and because of the heavy spring weight, vintage MX black are pretty quiet... my dad told me he used them in the office with no complaints.
Yes, both MX black and this "Zilent Black" you're talking about (also called MX Zilent) lubed are going to be quieter than the non silent switches, because they have rubber dampeners in the switch that absorb the bottom out and reduce the noise.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: derpdederp on Wed, 27 May 2020, 04:41:58
Thanks for necro  ;D

With lube and because of the heavy spring weight, vintage MX black are pretty quiet... my dad told me he used them in the office with no complaints.
Yes, both MX black and this "Zilent Black" you're talking about (also called MX Zilent) lubed are going to be quieter than the non silent switches, because they have rubber dampeners in the switch that absorb the bottom out and reduce the noise.

Thanks - I think necroing is most efficient when it is on topic...
So: using the modern MX Silent blacks to make the Zilent mod vs using the vintage MX blacks to make it? Is the Zilent mod only for the modern blacks or vintage blacks too?
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: typo on Wed, 27 May 2020, 05:02:55
Why is there constantly the same kind of posts like Blacks are thought of as no good? Many people like them fine. If you don't like them move on.....
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: derpdederp on Wed, 27 May 2020, 07:28:34
Why is there constantly the same kind of posts like Blacks are thought of as no good? Many people like them fine. If you don't like them move on.....

If you're talking about my posts, then it isn't true. I'm merely probing for info about the best mods & black switches from this guy who seems to have more experience.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: derpdederp on Wed, 27 May 2020, 19:14:49
Thanks for necro  ;D

With lube and because of the heavy spring weight, vintage MX black are pretty quiet... my dad told me he used them in the office with no complaints.
Yes, both MX black and this "Zilent Black" you're talking about (also called MX Zilent) lubed are going to be quieter than the non silent switches, because they have rubber dampeners in the switch that absorb the bottom out and reduce the noise.

I also noticed this thread about adding GMK QMX dampening:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=95312.0
Any idea if the QMX brackets can be used in combination with o-rings and your Zilent black mod? I assume you I'm not going overboard :)
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: typo on Wed, 27 May 2020, 23:43:00
I did not mean any malice. I was just wondering why Blacks are of so much interest. They have been around forever already. I used to really like them. I am too old and feeble. I lack the strength to use them. The board I now use honestly has switches under 20 grams.  When I was strong they were one of my favorites. I liked them because you do not need to bottom out. Lubing them I would think would negate their very purpose. Making them lighter. Not sure.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: derpdederp on Thu, 28 May 2020, 03:29:11
Lubing them I would think would negate their very purpose. Making them lighter. Not sure.

I don't think so... Friction vs resistance. The first slows you down and generates a nasty feel, the second slows you down and increases return rate.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: envyy24 on Thu, 28 May 2020, 09:26:15
They are nice but they require some efforts. First you need to make sure you don't buy the ****ty batch. Then most likely you need to film + lube + spring swap them. I find it easier to go buy Gateron and after lubing they are relatively the same.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: derpdederp on Thu, 28 May 2020, 10:40:50
They are nice but they require some efforts. First you need to make sure you don't buy the ****ty batch. Then most likely you need to film + lube + spring swap them. I find it easier to go buy Gateron and after lubing they are relatively the same.

And what is a reliable source (for a good batch)? And have you modded vintage blacks or only modern ones? Are you referring to GMK QMX dampening?
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: envyy24 on Thu, 28 May 2020, 15:16:54
They are nice but they require some efforts. First you need to make sure you don't buy the ****ty batch. Then most likely you need to film + lube + spring swap them. I find it easier to go buy Gateron and after lubing they are relatively the same.

And what is a reliable source (for a good batch)? And have you modded vintage blacks or only modern ones? Are you referring to GMK QMX dampening?

No i don't refer to GMK QMX dampening. That is a foam to mute the sound of your keyboard. Film is some sort of plastic to put between your top and bot housing so the switch does not/ does less wobble. Lube is ... lubricant to make the switch smoother. And spring swap is buying new spring and swap them in.
I only mod old black, vintage black, and retooled black. Let me explain a bit what i mean by those type of black, because that sort of answers your first question.

So gathering from reading numerous posts, threads about vint black and also hunting for vint black myself, I draw these conclusions to my own:
1. Vintage black is said to be undisputed champion of of linear switches, and they are made prior to 1994. 1994 is often the point of segregation due to some information on the internet about how Cherry change their tooling in making switches there. However some also argues that Cherry gradually changed their production over the year so it is not 1994 cut and dry. So the ideal way is to acquire a board made in the late 80s for gurantee vint black. You can rely on the date code of the board or any date on the pcb to identify the year of production.
2. The other important mark is sh it black. These are the scratchiest hell you can encounter. Buy any board from the early 2000s until 2017, you will see. This is what made people hated mx black because it is hailed like industry standard during this time but it is literally crap.
3. Old black: so these basically are made after 1994 but not like sh it black. They are the switches in these period that some strongly discount them as vint black and some believes that they are just as good as vint black. Personally I think both vint black and old black are good BUT you must cherry pick them (no pun intended ;) ). Yes, the quality is very inconsistent with vint black and old black, you can get like 100 from the same board and 20 would be bad while 80 are good.

To tell the different between sh it black vs old & vint black is easy if you can a- try them next to each other or b-open them. The stem on good blacks are much shinier smoother than sh it black, becasue they are made from better material.

4. Retooled black: in 2018 Cherry made changes to their equipment, and the retooled black came to life. They are very smooth linear switches. However, after just mere of few years, people start complaining that there are scratchy retooled mx blacks. So the quality of production is rapidly deteriorating as you can see.

Well, from this long post i guess the reliable source for good batch would be getting very old board, 1997 and before. Or getting keyboards from a very specific date: early 2018. That is all I have for you. After so much effort I acquire the batch that I like and they are in my board now and I just stop and move on from hunting this ****. My info therefore might be incorrect in some parts or lacking important updates, please be aware of that.

Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: typo on Thu, 28 May 2020, 15:24:08
I guess I am not so picky. Or I was just "green" back then. I used to like them just stock on a Cherry POS board. The one with those clear keycap covers to customize. Well there were many, but one like that. Long time ago. Now I am so picky I have switches I cannot even identify. I think they are one of a kind built just for this board. Totally OT here though. About less than 20 grams. I can see being picky about a good black though. As I said I really liked them since you don't have to bottom out. I see some fine boards with them.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: envyy24 on Thu, 28 May 2020, 15:40:50
By pos board with clear caps for customization i think you are talking about tipro board with relegendable keycaps.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: derpdederp on Thu, 28 May 2020, 18:25:31
They are nice but they require some efforts. First you need to make sure you don't buy the ****ty batch. Then most likely you need to film + lube + spring swap them. I find it easier to go buy Gateron and after lubing they are relatively the same.

And what is a reliable source (for a good batch)? And have you modded vintage blacks or only modern ones? Are you referring to GMK QMX dampening?

No i don't refer to GMK QMX dampening. That is a foam to mute the sound of your keyboard. Film is some sort of plastic to put between your top and bot housing so the switch does not/ does less wobble. Lube is ... lubricant to make the switch smoother. And spring swap is buying new spring and swap them in.
I only mod old black, vintage black, and retooled black. Let me explain a bit what i mean by those type of black, because that sort of answers your first question.

So gathering from reading numerous posts, threads about vint black and also hunting for vint black myself, I draw these conclusions to my own:
1. Vintage black is said to be undisputed champion of of linear switches, and they are made prior to 1994. 1994 is often the point of segregation due to some information on the internet about how Cherry change their tooling in making switches there. However some also argues that Cherry gradually changed their production over the year so it is not 1994 cut and dry. So the ideal way is to acquire a board made in the late 80s for gurantee vint black. You can rely on the date code of the board or any date on the pcb to identify the year of production.
2. The other important mark is sh it black. These are the scratchiest hell you can encounter. Buy any board from the early 2000s until 2017, you will see. This is what made people hated mx black because it is hailed like industry standard during this time but it is literally crap.
3. Old black: so these basically are made after 1994 but not like sh it black. They are the switches in these period that some strongly discount them as vint black and some believes that they are just as good as vint black. Personally I think both vint black and old black are good BUT you must cherry pick them (no pun intended ;) ). Yes, the quality is very inconsistent with vint black and old black, you can get like 100 from the same board and 20 would be bad while 80 are good.

To tell the different between sh it black vs old & vint black is easy if you can a- try them next to each other or b-open them. The stem on good blacks are much shinier smoother than sh it black, becasue they are made from better material.

4. Retooled black: in 2018 Cherry made changes to their equipment, and the retooled black came to life. They are very smooth linear switches. However, after just mere of few years, people start complaining that there are scratchy retooled mx blacks. So the quality of production is rapidly deteriorating as you can see.

Well, from this long post i guess the reliable source for good batch would be getting very old board, 1997 and before. Or getting keyboards from a very specific date: early 2018. That is all I have for you. After so much effort I acquire the batch that I like and they are in my board now and I just stop and move on from hunting this ****. My info therefore might be incorrect in some parts or lacking important updates, please be aware of that.

Wow, thanks for all of that. Do the parts/methods exist to make vintage blacks as quiet as modern mx silent blacks? Ah, so when someone is talking about "finding a good source" for switches, the reason they don't link to a store to buy switches is because they're talking about getting them off of keyboards! Thanks :)
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: typo on Thu, 28 May 2020, 20:10:54
envyy24, exactly. Did not know what it was called.
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: envyy24 on Fri, 29 May 2020, 02:31:37

Wow, thanks for all of that. Do the parts/methods exist to make vintage blacks as quiet as modern mx silent blacks? Ah, so when someone is talking about "finding a good source" for switches, the reason they don't link to a store to buy switches is because they're talking about getting them off of keyboards! Thanks :)

Yes, that is why i said it takes a lot of effort getting into this vintage black business. I admit part of it was the thrill of the hunt. Retooled black occasionally is available on arrow if you want. But again, just buy gateron lol
Title: Re: What do you guys think of MX Black Switches?
Post by: derpdederp on Fri, 29 May 2020, 06:08:25

Wow, thanks for all of that. Do the parts/methods exist to make vintage blacks as quiet as modern mx silent blacks? Ah, so when someone is talking about "finding a good source" for switches, the reason they don't link to a store to buy switches is because they're talking about getting them off of keyboards! Thanks :)

Yes, that is why i said it takes a lot of effort getting into this vintage black business. I admit part of it was the thrill of the hunt. Retooled black occasionally is available on arrow if you want. But again, just buy gateron lol

Well first priority is silence - and as far as the reviews I've seen, MX silent black are more silent than any other 50+g linear switch (and of course they can be made more quiet from there, which I will do).