Do the ML4100's use the linear switches as well?
The stems on my MLs are black, and they may be the linear switches you are talking about. I do like them though. There is no click when you register the keystroke, and the force seems equal throughout, but it does feel nice to type on.
Lets see here, I just busted out the Apple with Alps switches to check this out and these have a light click when you register the keystroke. And the pressure seems to increase slightly as the key gets depressed farther. A better switch to be sure. The character is generated 3/4 of the way through the stroke, about the same as the Cherry.
(It's nice to be able to pull out keyboards with different mechanisms according to mood and for reference)
Damn, I think I'll use this one for a bit. As I've said before, I like the Alps switches the best overall.