Open Steno Project: Quiet Linear Mechanical Keyboard Switch

[JackMills]

It seems that the Open Steno Project is crowdfunding a Quiet Linear Mechanical Keyboard Switch:

https://www.crowdsupply.com/open-steno-project/mechanical-keyboard-switch

It is based on Matias switches, but with a low actuation force of 35cN

Specification taken from Crowd Supply website:

    Action: linear, non-click
    Actuation force: 35 centi-Newtons
    Longevity: 50,000,000 cycles
    Key cap mount: Alps-style rectangular post
    Backlighting: from below through clear housing
    Housing: standard Matias body
    Electrical contact: both sides gold-plated
    PCB layout: footprint already added to KiCad standard library

[JackMills]

More information from the website:

Non-click

Our target users (stenographers) place an extreme emphasis on working with a quiet keyboard. After all, stenography often takes place right in the middle of free flowing conversation, such as in a courtroom or classroom, and the noise of rapid typing on a normal keyboard would be too distracting. Even the so-called “quiet click” keyboards are much too loud. Our key switch was specifically designed not to have any click mechanism.
Low Activation Force

Stenographers often find themselves typing for many continuous hours. Every extra effort to depress a key quickly adds up and can lead to serious injury. Our key switch has, as far as we can tell, the lowest actuation force (35cN) of any mechanical key switch on the market. This is 22% less force than required by the nearest comparable switch, the Cherry MX Red.

So a very light, linear and quiet Matias switch

[Dihedral]

What is the weight of matias linears for comparison?

[Merranza]

I'm interested I'll follow up the project. One more proof that typing on linears has advantages and can be done by professionals.

I have one question though: Why is the comparison chart stating MX red is out of common circulation? Reds can be found everywhere. Maybe it was the case a few years ago but you can find them on most line of keyboards.

[JackMills]

What is the weight of matias linears for comparison?

I'm not sure actually, I've read that the spring in the Quiet Linear is the same as those in the Quiet Click switches, which  are 60cN, I believe.

[Dihedral]

Are gateron clears 35 or 30

[Oobly]

I don't see how this is going to be any quieter than Matias Quiet Click switches, since the 'click' mechanism in them is altered so it doesn't make any sound, but still gives tactility. And wouldn't it be useful in stenography to have tactility?

IMHO, Matias Quiet Click with light springs would be fine, as would Gateron Clears with trampoline and latex mods.

Also, aren't Matias themselves releasing a linear switch soon?

[howardbeware]

I don't see how this is going to be any quieter than Matias Quiet Click switches, since the 'click' mechanism in them is altered so it doesn't make any sound, but still gives tactility. And wouldn't it be useful in stenography to have tactility?

The Matias Quiet Click switches do produce sound, just not as much as the regular Matias click switches, and much more than the new Matias Quiet Linear switches.

Regarding tactile feedback, stenography avoids it because it causes more hand fatigue. Of course, the absolute difference difference in force needed is small per keystroke, but it quickly adds up over many keystrokes.

[Huxley2500]

Why not O rings?

[jdcarpe]

From what I understand, these ARE the Matias Quiet Linear switches.