Techkeys Cherry Switches Legit+Chinese ones $.36 blues blacks $.30 reds browns

[Pacifist]

http://techkeys.us/collections/accessories/products/keyboard-switches

[whiskytango]

Are these going to be a regular stock item?

This is indeed a great find!

[Sniping]

Good deals on the blues

[Photoelectric]

The Reds and Browns are knock-offs, just in case someone doesn't read closely  

[i3oilermaker]

The Reds and Browns are knock-offs, just in case someone doesn't read closely  

That is true, but they function the same - its only the housing that is different.

[nubbinator]

I think the question is not one so much of function, but of quality.  There is some quality made Chinese stuff, but there's a reason you think cheap when you think Chinese knock off.

That wouldn't stop me from getting a few for playing around with, but I'm more inclined to stick with the real deal...if I were one who liked Reds and Browns.

[Photoelectric]

For me it's a matter of moral integrity.  It's the whole concept of a knock-off--copy of a design sold for less.

[Pacifist]

how do you open the switches when soldered? Seems like only way is through the bottom flaps. That's pretty difficult to work with

[CPTBadAss]

That wouldn't stop me from getting a few for playing around with, but I'm more inclined to stick with the real deal...if I were one who liked Reds and Browns.

I kind of want to get a few just to try out. This whole clone development has me really curious.

[nubbinator]

For me it's a matter of moral integrity.  It's the whole concept of a knock-off--copy of a design sold for less.

Well, without the threat of that happening, we wouldn't have innovation.  It's a good thing and a bad thing because it can result in lower quality products, but can also result in an increase in innovation if you want to remain competitive.

[Grr8]

The Reds and Browns are knock-offs, just in case someone doesn't read closely

MX Switch Wars: Attack of the Clones?

[SpAmRaY]

So the reds and browns are just kailh switches right?

[geniekid]

Would the red/brown switches work with the plates that allow for normal switch top removal?

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

So now I can buy both Blues and Blacks, and make Ghetto Greens and Ghetto Reds, for cheaper than it would cost for just Green switches.

Will these consistently be in stock? Will be great if they are, for future reference...

[berserkfan]

i hope some of you guys buy and try them out and review them. I suspect they're not made of lasting materials

[whiskytango]

So now I can buy both Blues and Blacks, and make Ghetto Greens and Ghetto Reds, for cheaper than it would cost for just Green switches.

Will these consistently be in stock? Will be great if they are, for future reference...

this is exactly what I was thinking about doing.

[i3oilermaker]

I have a fair amount of stock - would expect these to be around for a bit.


If anyone wants to order over 500 units PM me and I can offer better pricing.

[demik]

So we are a community that is okay with selling knock offs?

[SpAmRaY]

So we are a community that is okay with selling knock offs?

The community isn't selling them techkeys is.

[jdcarpe]

So we are a community that is okay with selling knock offs?

They're not exactly knock-offs. They are MX compatible switches. Is a QFR a knock-off of a Filco?

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

So we are a community that is okay with selling knock offs?

Nobody's forcing anyone to buy anything here, so it doesn't really matter.

If the buyer is ok with knock-offs, that's their choice.

[Candyflip]

So we are a community that is okay with selling knock offs?

Nobody's forcing anyone to buy anything here, so it doesn't really matter.

If the buyer is ok with knock-offs, that's their choice.

But is the community supporting it? Cos I certainly am not.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

So we are a community that is okay with selling knock offs?

Nobody's forcing anyone to buy anything here, so it doesn't really matter.

If the buyer is ok with knock-offs, that's their choice.

But is the community supporting it? Cos I certainly am not.

But again, why should it be the communities responsibility to say what is acceptable and what isn't? Shouldn't that be the concern of the consumer?

The only way I'd have a major issue with this is if someone tried selling a board with these "knock-off" switches and failed to mention that they were "knock-offs" in the ad.

[ideus]

So we are a community that is okay with selling knock offs?

Nobody's forcing anyone to buy anything here, so it doesn't really matter.

If the buyer is ok with knock-offs, that's their choice.

But is the community supporting it? Cos I certainly am not.

Read at the top of your screen: "geekhack, keyboard enthusiasts". GH is a site for keyboard enthusiasts to share a common interest in this hobby, period. This is not a registrar, or a certification body. If you have some objections on Techkeys products contact them directly. GH does not have a rep that can speak for the "community".

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

So we are a community that is okay with selling knock offs?

Nobody's forcing anyone to buy anything here, so it doesn't really matter.

If the buyer is ok with knock-offs, that's their choice.

But is the community supporting it? Cos I certainly am not.

Read at the top of your screen: "geekhack, keyboard enthusiasts". GH is a site for keyboard enthusiasts to share a common interest in this hobby, period. This is not a registrar, or a certification body. If you have some objections on Techkeys products contact them directly. GH does not have a rep that can speak for the "community".

Thank you sir! Glad to see someone understands...

[demik]

So we are a community that is okay with selling knock offs?

Nobody's forcing anyone to buy anything here, so it doesn't really matter.

If the buyer is ok with knock-offs, that's their choice.

But is the community supporting it? Cos I certainly am not.

Read at the top of your screen: "geekhack, keyboard enthusiasts". GH is a site for keyboard enthusiasts to share a common interest in this hobby, period. This is not a registrar, or a certification body. If you have some objections on Techkeys products contact them directly. GH does not have a rep that can speak for the "community".

Whether you like it or not, it still shows it as the community supporting fakes.

Go to a sneaker community and try to promote fake shoes and we will see how long that lasts.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

So we are a community that is okay with selling knock offs?

Nobody's forcing anyone to buy anything here, so it doesn't really matter.

If the buyer is ok with knock-offs, that's their choice.

But is the community supporting it? Cos I certainly am not.

Read at the top of your screen: "geekhack, keyboard enthusiasts". GH is a site for keyboard enthusiasts to share a common interest in this hobby, period. This is not a registrar, or a certification body. If you have some objections on Techkeys products contact them directly. GH does not have a rep that can speak for the "community".

Whether you like it or not, it still shows it as the community supporting fakes.

Go to a sneaker community and try to promote fake shoes and we will see how long that lasts.

Irrelevant, as this is not a sneaker forum. And if, as you implied, someone did go on a sneaker forum and tried to sell fakes, they wouldn't advertise them as fakes to begin with. At least techkeys explained that they are knock-offs...

[demik]

How is it irrelevant? Its fakes being promoted.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

How is it irrelevant? Its fakes being promoted.

Explain to me how Techkeys stocking fake switches automatically means that GH is promoting it. Techkeys is its own, independent website, with no official ties to GH other than the fact that the site owner is a member here. As it is, it wasn't even i3oilermaker that posted this here, it was Pacifist...

[SpAmRaY]

At least techkeys website doesn't say cherry switches like the thread title, it just says keyboard switches.

[ideus]

How is it irrelevant? Its fakes being promoted.

Who is promoting them? If you feel uncomfortable with this thread you may suggest a mod to close it. But, it is not clear where is the promotion here, this is just a great find link. You can ignore it as most of us do. After all you, as part of the community, has expressed your feelings about it.

[demik]

How is it NOT being promoted? It was linked here, it is still up and by the looks of it some are okay with it. Is it because its from techkeys nobody is saying anything?

[i3oilermaker]

How is it NOT being promoted? It was linked here, it is still up and by the looks of it some are okay with it. Is it because its from techkeys nobody is saying anything?

TechKeys posted nothing of this on GH. 

If you would like to discuss the difference or morality of switch production please take it to the Off Topic section.

[demik]

I didnt say you are promoting it, so calm your fake mod attitude.

Simple question was asked and all these captains decided to reply.

So ill ask again. Are we, as a community, okay with promoting fakes?

[ideus]

This discussion has turned into something way too emotional now. Again, nobody is speaking by the community, anybody can decide what to buy, and what not. Thus, there is no ethic dilemma, here.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

I didnt say you are promoting it, so calm your fake mod attitude.

Simple question was asked and all these captains decided to reply.

So ill ask again. Are we, as a community, okay with promoting fakes?

A valid question, but as was already suggested, make a thread specifically for this discussion. Stop wasting your time by bringing it up here...

[demik]

No im fine. I got the response i figured id get

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

No im fine. I got the response i figured id get

Typical demik...

[demik]

?

I make a new topic and all of you are just going to repeat what you have said. So I got the response I figured I would get.

Dont typical demik me. If you have a problem go on and say it.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

?

I make a new topic and all of you are just going to repeat what you have said. So I got the response I figured I would get.

Dont typical demik me. If you have a problem go on and say it.

Was merely observing that you typically start arguments for the sake of getting a heated response. Wasn't implying that there was any problem...

[demik]

I asked a question. I didnt start arguments.
You guys jumped down my throat because it was questioning a vendor that is liked here.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

I asked a question. I didnt start arguments.
You guys jumped down my throat because it was questioning a vendor that is liked here.

Your question was the catalyst that started this argument. And you're right, we like techkeys. He's done a lot for this community, something that you've obviously overlooked when considering your "questions"...

[DamienG]

The Cherry MX patent has now expired. People are free to make clones of the design.

It's only a fake if it's claiming to be a Cherry MX rather than an MX-style/compatible.

[)amien

[demik]

So I cant question what he sells?

Gtfo.

[ideus]

Let the guy alone, he has given up already...


Just joking, it was a good discussion though. 

[demik]

The Cherry MX patent has now expired. People are free to make clones of the design.

It's only a fake if it's claiming to be a Cherry MX rather than an MX-style/compatible.

[)amien

THANK YOU for an actual response.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

So I cant question what he sells?

Gtfo.

What is there to question? He's selling both genuine and fake switches, which is clearly spelled out right in front of you. Not sure what else you're trying to get at here...

[dorkvader]

Wow, thanks for posting! I am trying to make a small compendium of "fake" cherry switches, and this new info will help my efforts.

This debate about the ethics of fake switches is an important one. Sadly, it is off-topic here. I will be glad to move further discussion to another forum where we can really get into the nitty gritty and discuss it in earnest. Perhaps I have some opinions of my own that I am withholding until I have the proper place to air them.

[jdcarpe]

The Cherry MX patent has now expired. People are free to make clones of the design.

It's only a fake if it's claiming to be a Cherry MX rather than an MX-style/compatible.

[)amien

THANK YOU for an actual response.

* jdcarpe goes off to cry in the corner.

So we are a community that is okay with selling knock offs?

They're not exactly knock-offs. They are MX compatible switches. Is a QFR a knock-off of a Filco?

[geniekid]

Would the red/brown switches work with the plates that allow for normal switch top removal?

Maybe I got ahead of myself.  Would the Chinese switches even let you remove the housing top regardless of whether they were in a plate or not?

[SpAmRaY]

Would the red/brown switches work with the plates that allow for normal switch top removal?

Maybe I got ahead of myself.  Would the Chinese switches even let you remove the housing top regardless of whether they were in a plate or not?

I've never had switches like these but looking at the photos you should have no problem opening them up, its just the tab is one piece and is lower on the switch.

[jdcarpe]

Would the red/brown switches work with the plates that allow for normal switch top removal?

Maybe I got ahead of myself.  Would the Chinese switches even let you remove the housing top regardless of whether they were in a plate or not?

This photo is the one from the Techkeys.us website:



Now, if you can open the switch from the top by prying the large clip piece from the opening at the center (I don't know if you can or not), then you should be able to open them without desoldering, ONLY if your plate's switch cutouts look like the cutout on the left (ignore the red lines), and NOT the cutout on the right.

[geniekid]

Thanks for the responses Ray and JD.  Maybe I'll get a handful of these switches once I have some plates to get conclusive answers.  I would definitely prefer Cherry MX switches (especially when we're talking about a 6 cent difference per switch), but it wouldn't hurt to know what other options are out there in case supply/demand goes bonkers.

[kaz]

Should the stems be compatible with genuine MX cases?

[dante]

I love how people automatically assume that since these are knock offs that they are automatically inferior to the "real thing."  If the "real thing" means random non-clicky Blues/Greens, Grindy Clears, and scratchy Linears - maybe the competition can teach Cherry a thing or two.

[Michael]

http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/photo/8246956

[jabar]

At least techkeys website doesn't say cherry switches like the thread title, it just says keyboard switches.

shill spotted

[jdcarpe]

http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/photo/8246956

Now THOSE are clones. Someone made a mold from MX stems and produced a bunch in different colors. I didn't read the text, but I assume that's about what it said?

[nubbinator]

They're a slightly different tactile bump.  It's supposed to be between a Brown and a Clear.

[SpAmRaY]

At least techkeys website doesn't say cherry switches like the thread title, it just says keyboard switches.

shill spotted

Not sure what you meant with your comment, to be very clear, I will not be buying them regardless of what people want to call them.

Cheap Chinese switches with a no-named maker is exactly what they are, if people want that then that is up to them to decide.

I'm perfectly happy paying ~$0.50 switch to mechanicalkeyboards.com OR buying cheap boards off ebay and tearing them apart 

[Grr8]

[Zeal]

http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/photo/8246956

Are those the same stems from the "I'm not bootleg" thread a couple months ago?

[xmagusx]

Not sure what you meant with your comment, to be very clear, I will not be buying them regardless of what people want to call them.

Cheap Chinese switches with a no-named maker is exactly what they are, if people want that then that is up to them to decide.

I'm perfectly happy paying ~$0.50 switch to mechanicalkeyboards.com OR buying cheap boards off ebay and tearing them apart 

From what it looked like to me, the blues and blacks *were* Cherry switches, and just the reds and browns were no-name "MX-compatible" (and listed as such). So if you want less expensive blues or blacks, this seems like a reasonable place to get them. I don't know the market for MX-compatible switches well enough to know if that's a good price.

However, it is unfair to declare the MX-compatible switches "fake", "knockoff", or anything else indicating that they are fraudulent in any way. They are not labeled as Cherry switches nor does Cherry have an active patent on that mechanism. The design is in the public domain and anyone is free to make them. If you have used these particular MX-compatible switches before and know them to be of bad (or good, though I admit that's less likely) quality, that's fine, but that still doesn't make them fraudulent.

[SpAmRaY]

At least techkeys website doesn't say cherry switches like the thread title, it just says keyboard switches.

shill spotted

Not sure what you meant with your comment, to be very clear, I will not be buying them regardless of what people want to call them.

Cheap Chinese switches with a no-named maker is exactly what they are, if people want that then that is up to them to decide.

I'm perfectly happy paying ~$0.50 switch to mechanicalkeyboards.com OR buying cheap boards off ebay and tearing them apart 

However, it is unfair to declare the MX-compatible switches "fake", "knockoff", or anything else indicating that they are fraudulent in any way. They are not labeled as Cherry switches nor does Cherry have an active patent on that mechanism. The design is in the public domain and anyone is free to make them. If you have used these particular MX-compatible switches before and know them to be of bad (or good, though I admit that's less likely) quality, that's fine, but that still doesn't make them fraudulent.

No clue how that has anything to do with my reply, and yes I said in a previous post they were not called cherry switches. The browns and reds are cheap ($0.30) and techkeys website says they are chinese...so I'm just relaying info.

I was simply replying to the person calling me a shill, and the comment that guy quoted was me saying the title of this thread should probably not say cherry, especially since the rule about saying mx-compatible was passed.

[xmagusx]

No clue how that has anything to do with my reply, and yes I said in a previous post they were not called cherry switches. The browns and reds are cheap ($0.30) and techkeys website says they are chinese...so I'm just relaying info.

I was simply replying to the person calling me a shill, and the comment that guy quoted was me saying the title of this thread should probably not say cherry, especially since the rule about saying mx-compatible was passed.

It doesn't, sorry. Just the first bit (with regard to value/pricing) related back to your comment, since the TechKeys Cherry switches were still markedly less expensive than their mechanicalkeyboards counterparts. The bit you quoted was just a general comment pointing out to the other folks how railing against the non-Cherry switches as being "fakes" was rather silly.