Why not Cherry or MX switch knockoffs or MX style switch? A knockoff is an imitation or copy of something, so calling them MX switch knockoffs covers the whole scope from the exact clones to the ones that are different, but MX compatible. MX style switches also covers the whole range of switches since it's saying they can be exact replicas or similar style and compatible switches.
I bring this up because I've found an Alps-style knockoff switch on Taobao recently that, following the proposed MX compatible terminology would fit under that term and Alps compatible since the base appears to have the same exact bottom layout as an MX switch, complete with PCB stabilizers, but has an Alps slider (
switch in question). So technically, it's both MX and Alps compatible.
Does anyone actually make these 'clones' other than kailh?
I'm assuming so, judging by the fact that the "clones" featured on Techkeys don't have any branding on them whatsoever, and Kailhs usually have either their branding or their logo on their switches.
I've also found knockoffs with the Cherry logo on them, so take that as you will. I think some others may be making them aside from Kailh/Kaihu since I've seen some other body styles in my Taobao searches.