German switch manufacturer Cherry announced the launch of a new switch, Viola, during CES 2020. It claims to use fewer switch parts while maintaining a certain operating feel. It is expected to be used in entry-level keyboard products priced between US$50 and US$100.
According to Cherry, the Viola features an easily replaceable design. Even if one of the key switches fails, the user can remove the original switch and replace it with a new one in seconds. The keycaps are also compatible with those used on regular keyboards, allowing keyboard manufacturers to provide users with more key switch options without changing the original keycap design.
As for the key switches' feel, they utilize a two-stage CrossLinear actuation design, which is somewhat similar to the straight-down, straight-up linear feel of the Red switches, though there are still some differences. As for lifespan, the Viola switches are advertised as being rated for up to 1 million keystrokes. Compared to previous switches that claimed a lifespan of 5000 or 6000 million keystrokes, the new Viola switches clearly offer a longer lifespan.
In addition, Cherry has also applied SMB LED lighting design to the Viola key switches. Through the transparent mechanism, the key switches themselves can provide sufficient lighting effects, so that the printed text on the keycaps can be displayed brightly, and even RGB lighting effects can be introduced.
Cherry has applied for a patent for the Viola key switch design and expects to supply it to the public this year. It is expected that various manufacturers will begin to launch keyboard products using the Viola key switch design.
