Mechanical Keyboard Sound Isn't That Simple
Figure 1: I couldn't think of a more literal way to represent this article if I tried... Looking back just a few years ago, there’s no doubt that the huge influx of people that joined the hobby at the peak of the COVID pandemic were drawn to keyboards by way of YouTube, TikTok, and other audio-visual content platforms. Even as the output from these content creators has waned in recent months, their collective impact and legacy on the keyboard hobby is rather firmly etched in the history books. As a result of all of their sound tests, build logs, and opinion videos, the message is clear to any new person joining the hobby: mechanical keyboards are all about the sound. Thock this, clack that. Whether it’s keyboards, keycaps, or even singular switches, seemingly everyone new to the hobby meticulously pores over each component of their keyboard not in an attempt to figure out how it will feel in hand, but how it will sound as they’re furiously grinding their way out from...
Mar 27, 2024
Then there's Corsair. Their TKL K65 RGB is an excellent board, featuring their typical high build quality. An aluminum chassis with floating key design and great media controls. Free software makes fully utilizing the RGB lighting a breeze.
But Corsair has repeatedly stated they believe only the Cherry MX Red switch (or very similar) is needed for this segment. On their forums, by petition, and by email... their response is the same. "We'll put a word up the line, but we don't see it as a real demand." They simply do not believe anyone wants TKL design and tactile switches... I have no idea where they got this impression.
The thing is Corsair DID produce a K65 RGB with Brown/Blue switches, but only as a small batch, and only in Germany.
This seems like a dream project that could be a HUGE get for Massdrop. Imagine how many new users would sign up for a "Corsair K65 RGB with Cherry MX Brown/Blue switches... a Massdrop exclusive!"
I'm no business executive... but this seems win win. Massdrop gets the aforementioned benefits. Corsair gets to do real market research with no risk since the units are paid for in advance.
Who do we talk to about making this happen?