More information surfaced about Cherry MX silent key switches

More information are now surfacing around tech news sites such as Anandtech about the new Cherry MX silent switches.  Apparently not only the MX Red switch is getting a silent treatment, so is the MX Black version.  So, the linear switches are the first ones to get the noise reduction technology.  Based on the descriptions thus far, it's a new double shot injected plastic part that dampens the down stroke as well as the upstroke.  I am guessing that the technology is similar to Matias's doggy bone design, except Cherry's version is integrated via double shot manufacturing method rather as a discreet part.  It's probably some sort of rubber material and according to Anandtech, it's indeed a rubbery thermoplastic elastomer.  This part will likely do the same job as some of the custom O-rings or dampening pads, which have to be inserted manually.  As anticipated, Corsair will have a 6 month timed exclusive to these new silent switches.

One thing to note is the key travel has reduced slightly down to 3.7mm rather than the traditional 4mm.  This is likely to accommodate the silencing module.  0.3mm difference is not likely to be picked up by someone like me.  However, some gaming pros or high speed typists may notice the change.  Other than that, there's supposedly no difference.  I wonder if the MX brown will get the silencing feature in the future.  It probably won't make sense for the clicky switch like the MX blue, but you never know.....