Author Topic: Durability of non original cherry switches  (Read 740 times)

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Offline dragonken

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  • Posts: 105
  • Location: Hong Kong
Durability of non original cherry switches
« on: Wed, 11 June 2025, 02:36:30 »
In the old days, a keyboard with original Cherry switches (red, blue, brown, black, and white switches) could last for years without any issues.
After the expiry of the MX cherry switch patent, the market is flooded with so many cheap OEM switches
They look prettier, better switches feel, and better sound profile....
I built 5 boards with these new non-original Cherry MX switches, and none of these can last over 6 months without issues like key chattering or not registering keystrokes.
I built a 61-key 60% board with a set of famous tactile switches.
It started malfunctioning (missing keystrokes/chattering) after 3 months of use.
I replaced the problematic switches (re-soldering) whenever I found one, and later, I found I had to repair the broken switches every week.

I have Orion TKL and lightsaver with 62g white / red switches for over 10 years, and they still work great right now without any key issues.

I would like to know is it a common issue with non-original MX switches?
Is it switch brand specific? or switch type specific(tactile/linear)?
or lubricant specific (205g0/Tribosys 3203)?






 


« Last Edit: Wed, 11 June 2025, 02:39:36 by dragonken »

Offline zegonix

  • Posts: 92
Re: Durability of non original cherry switches
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 11 June 2025, 03:04:30 »
i had a similar problem last year, when various switches started to activate twice, or miss the press every now and then. my keyboard use qmk firmware and my fix was to increase the debouncing filter.
(if you don't know what switch bounce is: https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/technical-articles/switch-bounce-how-to-deal-with-it/)

if changed the filter to 8 ms, haven't had a problem since. my oldest switches have around 1 to 1.5 years of extensive use (i am a programmer).

Offline jcoffin1981

  • Posts: 867
Re: Durability of non original cherry switches
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 21 June 2025, 22:05:10 »
I feel the durability of switches is a non-issue.  Whether a switch is rated for 10 million, 20 million, or 50 million actuations I really don't care.  I guess most switches nowadays are "cheap Chinese," but I most often use Khail, Gateron, or Cherry.  I RARELY have to replace a switch, and in fact it is more common for me to have to repair a solder joint instead than the switch.  If you are having issues with key chattering, I wonder if it's more of a problem with the firmware/controller in the keyboard than it is the switches themselves. 

Years ago I had an issue with a KBParadise V60, and I had so many of the switches chattering.  Sure I messed with the debounce interval, but ultimately it was a problem with the board itself instead of the actual switches.  I think they were Cherry switches, Cherry or Gateron. 
KPB V60 Gateron Browns and Leopold Keycaps.  Poker 3 with Gateron Browns and Poker keycaps.  Poker 3 with Cherry MX Browns, ABS keycaps and white LED's.

Leopold FC660M- my new favorite, right out of the box.