Cherry Announces MX RGB Low Profile Switches

Cherry has announced that it will be making a modified version of the MX RGB switches, with a lower profile. That should make it easier to make mechanical keyboards that can be built into laptops.

The so-called MX Low Profile RGB switches have a height of 11.9 millimeters and are therefore about 35 percent flatter than the standard MX switch, according to the manufacturer. Furthermore, the properties of the Low Profile variant should be almost the same as typing with conventional Cherry switches, although the travel has decreased from 4.0 to 3.2 millimeters. Laptop builders can illuminate the Low Profile switches by using SMD LEDs.

Tests would show that the MX Low Profile RGB should last about 50 million strokes. In addition, the manufacturer has built in protection against rust and accumulation of dirt. Cherry tells TechCrunch that it is also considering releasing thinner versions of other switches. Whether these plans will be continued depends on the success of this first Low Profile variant.

Cherry has already started mass production of the new switches in Germany. The first applications in laptops are expected in a few months, but it is still unclear which laptop manufacturers are interested.