Cherry introduces viola mechanical keys for low-cost keyboards

Cherry was at CES showing news regarding her switches for all kinds of PC keyboards. This time, they showed new keys for low-cost peripherals called VIOLA.

Cherry wants to capture the market for low-cost mechanical keyboards with its VIOLA switches

Cherry unexpectedly announced VIOLA keys, but not for the high-end keyboard industry dominated by its MX Brown, Red, Blue, or MX Speed ​​keys. Cherry is targeting the value keyboard market here (we think of keyboards under $ 100) that tend to use membrane keys or hybrid solutions. The new VIOLA keys, which currently have a single linear member, is fully mechanical and uses a novel contact method that allows Cherry to obtain a lower price without sacrificing too much quality.

Visit our guide on the best keyboards on the market

Going into more detail, Cherry VIOLA uses a V-shaped, spring-loaded bronze contact system. The switch uses an industry-standard cross stem that is compatible with a wide range of keyboards, and is housed in a precision casing. made of a plastic polymer with eight pillars. The engineering tolerance of the new switch is less than 0.01mm, helping to ensure wobble-free pulsations, a solid feel, and increased typing precision. The switch uses a POM plug, so it is frame mounted and requires no soldering.

The VIOLA somewhat resembles Cherry's MX Red when it comes to a 2mm actuation point, 4mm overall travel distance, and 45cN actuation force. Cherry promises that the switch will be 'mechanical' and 'tactile', but the company does not want to draw direct parallels with its MX series for obvious reasons.

The company declined to discuss pricing, but they say they will dominate the low-end market for mechanical keyboards, something that will be extremely beneficial for users who want a good mechanical keyboard without spending a lot of money in the process. We will keep you informed.

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