Cherry MX key preference

[dfnr2]

I'm looking into the possibility of building up some ASCII keyboards for those who prefer not to build their own. The options for keys are Futaba MD-series keys and the various Cherry MX options.

For those of you who have tried out different Cherry MX keys, I'm interested to hear your key switch preference for an ASCII parallel keyboard for retrocomputing (OSI, Apple I/II, S-100, etc.).

I while ago I got a sampler keypad with the various Cherry MX types, and I thought that the Cherry MX Red was a good feel, and closest to what I expect for the era. I've tried the Brown keys and they also seem fine.

What keys do you prefer, and why?

Dave

 

[alank2]

I've recently tried 3 variations:

MX1A-11NW, Standard force, linear, PCB mount = feels like a standard push button switch with spring resistance only
MX1A-C1NW, Standard force, soft tactile, PCB mount = has a tactile feel, but no clicky noise
MX1A-E1NW, Standard force, click tactile, PCB mount = has more tactile feel with clicky noise

I prefer the C1 over the E1, but the E1 over the NW. I felt that C1 gave me a tactile feel without the noise.