Cherry is reintroducing their prized ’80s keyboard switch

Cherry is introducing the MX Black Clear-Top (also known as the “Nixie”), a new version of an ’80s keyboard switch renowned for its typing sensation and acoustics. It was made for the German business Nixdorf (thus the moniker), which specialised in keyboards for terminals, servers, and small computers. Because the Nixie was only produced for a few years, old switches are scarce and fetch high prices, which is not likely to motivate Cherry to begin work on an improved version.

The original Nixie switch was a slightly modified version of Cherry’s MX Black switch. The actuation force was increased significantly from 60 to 63.5 centinewtons, and a diode for n-key rollover (NKRO) was added to the switch, allowing the keyboard to detect every key press, even if done simultaneously.

The new version has the same specifications and appearance, including “the iconic milky top housing, black bottom housing, and a black stem,” according to Cherry in a news statement. It features the same 63.5 centinewtons of actuation force, 2 mm of pre-travel, and 4 mm of total travel. For the spring, the business kept the same antique design.

At the same time, it’s being created using the company’s most recent manufacturing methods, so it’s up to the quality of its most recent MX switches. Cherry will sell the MX Black Clear-Top with or without grease works, the latter for enthusiasts who wish to conduct their lubrication. The switches will be available in early 2023, although Cherry has yet to set pricing.