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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: linuxid10t on Sat, 09 March 2013, 04:44:19

Title: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: linuxid10t on Sat, 09 March 2013, 04:44:19
Got this baby on ebay for $16.  I am really loving it, and not just for the price.  I really wish there were more choices in short throw switches now.  Anyway, link below.
http://imgur.com/a/EWnbS (http://imgur.com/a/EWnbS)
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: davkol on Sat, 09 March 2013, 08:48:36
Quote
Forget what geekwhack thinks about these Cherry ML switches, because I am loving them. Every review I heard of them pretty much being short throw browns I'd say is the closest thing I can think of to describing them. The one thing would be that they feel quite a bit more tactile than browns. Perhaps not more force to pass the bump, but it definitely comes on sharper. It is interesting though, because they are quieter than browns. Hell they are even quieter than blacks. They still sound like browns though, just significantly quieter. I don't know the reason why they are like that, but I have definitely found my new keyboard to use around people whom are easily disturbed.

I'd say the tactility is somewhere between browns and clears. Peak force about 55 cN is a bit too much for me, especially in combination with switches being a bit sticky—I miss a keystroke every now and then. I'd have to smash the keys hard, and bottom out rather heavily to get rid of the stickiness, but the tactility would be irrelevant then. Maybe I should lube all switches, as someone suggested in the last thread about Cherry ML (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40553.0). I suppose the keyboard would be rather quiet as well, but not completely because of keycaps (mine are lasered&filled ABS). It isn't even close to being silent now.

Quote
Another hit and miss. I really like the layout for a sub-TKL, unfortunately, it doesn't have a super (Windows) key. For me this is a pain in the butt since Ubuntu/Unity use it for a lot of things. Really wish they would have added the super and right control key in under a function layer of the left alt and ins key respectively.

Mine (G84-4100LCMTS-2) has a Win/Meta keys (between Fn and Alt, and between AltGr and Menu).
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: linuxid10t on Sat, 09 March 2013, 08:59:58
Quote
Forget what geekwhack thinks about these Cherry ML switches, because I am loving them. Every review I heard of them pretty much being short throw browns I'd say is the closest thing I can think of to describing them. The one thing would be that they feel quite a bit more tactile than browns. Perhaps not more force to pass the bump, but it definitely comes on sharper. It is interesting though, because they are quieter than browns. Hell they are even quieter than blacks. They still sound like browns though, just significantly quieter. I don't know the reason why they are like that, but I have definitely found my new keyboard to use around people whom are easily disturbed.

I'd say the tactility is somewhere between browns and clears. Peak force about 55 cN is a bit too much for me, especially in combination with switches being a bit sticky—I miss a keystroke every now and then. I'd have to smash the keys hard, and bottom out rather heavily to get rid of the stickiness, but the tactility would be irrelevant then. Maybe I should lube all switches, as someone suggested in the last thread about Cherry ML (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40553.0). I suppose the keyboard would be rather quiet as well, but not completely because of keycaps (mine are lasered&filled ABS). It isn't even close to being silent now.

Quote
Another hit and miss. I really like the layout for a sub-TKL, unfortunately, it doesn't have a super (Windows) key. For me this is a pain in the butt since Ubuntu/Unity use it for a lot of things. Really wish they would have added the super and right control key in under a function layer of the left alt and ins key respectively.

Mine (G84-4100LCMTS-2) has a Win/Meta keys (between Fn and Alt, and between AltGr and Menu).

Mine is a G84-4100PCAUS-0.  The computer in the house with the Microsoft Ergonomic 4000 is louder than this keyboard.  Also, I find it really weird that bottoming out on these ML switches doesn't really produce an audible click like it does for MX switches.  I kind of wish the keys felt a little less gritty (and I am NOT taking it apart to fix that) but I think they will get better when they break in.  Anyway, I feel like this has been an awesome deal on a good keyboard.  It didn't help that I had other input devices come in the same day (if you call fountain pens input devices.)
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: jkercado on Tue, 12 March 2013, 13:49:44
I love my little Cherry ML. Used it for coding in the office until I went for a Unicomp Ultra Classic.

(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll236/jkercado/temporary-32.jpg)
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: Michael on Tue, 12 March 2013, 13:51:12
I lubed my ML switches at these red points, and I have to say, feels pretty awesome:

(http://i.imgur.com/3MCoTcc.jpg)
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: sth on Tue, 12 March 2013, 14:28:04
I love my little Cherry ML. Used it for coding in the office until I went for a Unicomp Ultra Classic.

Show Image
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll236/jkercado/temporary-32.jpg)

did you make that esc key?

OP: way to insult the whole board... not all of us hate ML :P
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: dorkvader on Tue, 12 March 2013, 14:53:06
I love my little Cherry ML. Used it for coding in the office until I went for a Unicomp Ultra Classic.

Show Image
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll236/jkercado/temporary-32.jpg)

did you make that esc key?

OP: way to insult the whole board... not all of us hate ML :P
I like my ML keyboard, but not as much as sth.

Bytheway, I do believe SP sells ML keycaps.
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: Binge on Tue, 12 March 2013, 15:20:09
these would be awesome out of the box if cherry pre-lubed.
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: Hyde on Tue, 12 March 2013, 22:40:14
For those that find the missing window key annoying, ctrl + esc = shortcut for window key.  Problem solved  :D

Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: sth on Tue, 12 March 2013, 22:43:39
For those that find the missing window key annoying, ctrl + esc = shortcut for window key.  Problem solved  :D


not as a modifier, and only in windows
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: ComradeSniper on Tue, 12 March 2013, 22:50:46
For that price I'm really tempted to pick one of these up.
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: eth0s on Tue, 12 March 2013, 23:42:54
Your G84-4100PCAUS-0 has pad printed ABS keycaps.  The "P" signifies pad printing.

G84-4101LCAUS has lasered ABS keycaps:

(http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o580/eth0sz/CherryG84-4101LCAUS-02-1.jpg)

G84-4101SPAUS has dye sub PBT

(http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o580/eth0sz/keyboardpics2-20-13008.jpg)
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: daerid on Wed, 13 March 2013, 00:48:05
I love this board, but the lack of a Windows key is kind of a deal breaker in Windows 8.
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: tricheboars on Wed, 13 March 2013, 01:04:37
I love this board, but the lack of a Windows key is kind of a deal breaker in Windows 8.
(http://allemalice.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/dealbreaker.jpg)
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: linuxid10t on Wed, 13 March 2013, 04:58:30
Your G84-4100PCAUS-0 has pad printed ABS keycaps.  The "P" signifies pad printing.

G84-4101LCAUS has lasered POM keycaps:

Show Image
(http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o580/eth0sz/CherryG84-4101LCAUS-02-1.jpg)


G84-4101SPAUS has dye sub PBT

Show Image
(http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o580/eth0sz/keyboardpics2-20-13008.jpg)


These keys are definitely NOT pad printed.  Look at the darn article.  I have macro shots of the keys.  It is definitely laser or dyesub.  My guess being laser now.
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: Demofly on Wed, 13 March 2013, 06:23:23
I'd like to try out ML switches, but that layout would make me kill myself.
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: poxeclipse on Wed, 13 March 2013, 06:43:11
Hundreds of replacements here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-CHERRY-G84-4137TAAIT-KEYBOARDS-/281064559680?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item4170c0d440
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: linuxid10t on Wed, 13 March 2013, 06:57:17
Hundreds of replacements here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-CHERRY-G84-4137TAAIT-KEYBOARDS-/281064559680?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item4170c0d440

Hundreds of replacements for laptops that never used them...  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: eth0s on Wed, 13 March 2013, 17:58:56
I read your article.  And it is a very good review.  Except the part about the product codes.

You said your keyboard is a G84-4100PCAUS-0.

We know the type of keycaps that are on that keyboard from the Cherry product codes.  Each letter signifies something. 

The first letter in a three or five-letter letter code always signifies keycap type and quality*:

    L = Lasered PBT or POM
    P = Pad-printed ABS
    H = Double-shot ABS (Hochdruck Spritzguss)
    S = Dye-sublimated PBT (Sublimationsdruck)

* Quoted from: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_article_numbers

So you definitely have pad-printed ABS.  Which are perfectly good keycaps. 
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: sth on Wed, 13 March 2013, 18:24:58
I love this board, but the lack of a Windows key is kind of a deal breaker in Windows 8.
i have one with a winkey that i got on ebay. it's qwertz but since all the keys are the same you can just swap them
Title: Re: Cherry G84-4100 (ML Switch) Review and Pics
Post by: linuxid10t on Thu, 14 March 2013, 07:54:19
I read your article.  And it is a very good review.  Except the part about the product codes.

You said your keyboard is a G84-4100PCAUS-0.

We know the type of keycaps that are on that keyboard from the Cherry product codes.  Each letter signifies something. 

The first letter in a three or five-letter letter code always signifies keycap type and quality*:

    L = Lasered PBT or POM
    P = Pad-printed ABS
    H = Double-shot ABS (Hochdruck Spritzguss)
    S = Dye-sublimated PBT (Sublimationsdruck)

* Quoted from: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_article_numbers

So you definitely have pad-printed ABS.  Which are perfectly good keycaps.

Yeah, found out last night.  I had never seen pad printing like that that covers the whole key.