The reason they did this is simple. It is cheaper and since the Razer name is more popular among the casual, they are able to capitalize on acting as if they created the switch.
Directly from the keyboard product description "Introducing the all new Razer Mechanical Switches, designed from the ground up for gaming".
To go with the marketing angle, I've also heard rumors that Cherry has been hard to source switches from lately. With their own switches, Razer gets to control its manufacturing chain and production times a bit more.
I feel the same as you do
And that's one of the reason why mx compatible switches are popping out in china
Becuz it's too hard for them to get cherry switches and there's no way for them to survive if they don't try to work something out
What I have heard from china is that th production line of mx switch is occupied by some big company
Extending the lead time, and cherry hk cannot provide any switch to china
After I tried to source switches in all over the world, I talked to some of the manufacturers in china and tried to ask them to share the MOQ with me if I can possibly get them cherry switches
I am pretty sure what u said the rumors are true
and its really hard for me to get switches even i ask for 100k or higher MOQ .. all lead time > 6 months
Back to the topic
I do no think razer marketing department would be that stupid to get something everyone hate to be their flagship product
Making keyboard that's not of cherry switch may show that razer is facing similar situation what Chinese manufacturer do
But the price is really really stupid . With the kailh switch, it shouldn't be so expensive
unless they really poured a lot of money to improve quality and qc, which I don't not think they would
