I Think My Switch Is Stuck! - The Tale of Cherry MX Locks
Over the years of collecting mechanical keyboard switches, I’ve been lucky enough to have encountered dozens upon dozens of rare and unique ones that have stuck in my mind to this day. Prototypes, factory errors, and even a few switches so rare that there is literally zero documentation about them anywhere in the world all fill that personal list from top to bottom. However, I realize that talking about switches so far outside of most people’s reaches, and even sometimes my own grasp, doesn’t make for the most exciting of articles about switches. To this newest generation of keyboard enthusiasts, though, there is one pretty rare MX-style switch which has made its way to the top of everyone’s “must try” lists – Cherry MX Locks. These often undiscussed and even more rarely seen switches are something that few people have seen and even fewer have had the chance to try at a meetup before. However, the list of people who really know how these unique Cherry switches work is even shorter...
Jul 23, 2024
Iconic Creations and Inspirations:
- Capslock Key: A play on words, replacing "caps" with the Sorting Hat used by Harry Potter when entering Hogwarts for the first time.
- Left Shift Key: If you want to semi-automate your Potions class, why not purchase the wizard cauldron invented by Gaspard Singleton in Diagon Alley?
- Right Shift Key: Potions created from the cauldron.
- Backspace Key: Depicting Dumbledore's wand with a coiling snake, symbolizing the clearing and eradication of Voldemort, a crucial tool in defeating the dark wizard.
- Tab Key: Represents the flying broomsticks used in the wizarding school.
- "|\” Key: On the other side of the broomsticks is the golden snitch from Quidditch matches.
- Enter Key: When entering the magical world, press "Enter" to reach Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
- Esc Key: Incorporates the symbol of the Deathly Hallows, with the Harry font ESC symbol below, echoing the story of Harry Potter.
- R4 Height Keycaps: A hidden Easter egg: "You Know Who."
- Space Key: Features the Slytherin pattern.
- Ctrl/Win/Alt Keys: Depict Nagini, Voldemort's serpent.
- R1-R4 Unique Icons: Includes 1U icons of Snape, Pansy Parkinson, Astoria, and Voldemort.
- Directional Keys: Depict Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, with the first step of their emotional connection portrayed as a paper crane from the Philosopher's Stone. Harry's wand crosses Draco's wand above, symbolizing their intertwined destinies.
- R3 Nine and Three-Quarters Key: Can be replaced with the number 9 in the numeric area (based on popular demand).
- Characters: Ancient-style English letters in the alphabetical area.
Specifications: Number of Keys: 144 keys Material: PBT Dye-Sublimation Profile: Cherry Thickness: 1.5mm Light transmittance: No Compatible: Works with Cherry MX switches and MX-style switches Compatible with 100%, 80%, 75%, 65%, 60% layouts