Another nifty feature for optical switches

Circuit design from Tech Resources

A couple of posting ago, I was wondering out loud what advantages an optical switch brings to the table that a mechanical switch cannot do or can only do so at a higher cost.  Well, I have thought that analog function might be the killer feature.

It's Computex time in Taiwan and I think I found one of the reasons optical switches might be better.  It's easier to water proof.  Gigabyte, a Taiwanese computer component maker debuted Aorus K9 keyboard.  An attendee has shot a video of it at the booth demonstrating such thing.  According to Tech Report, this keyboard is indeed outfit with an proprietary optical switch called Flaretech that is water resistant.  Gigabyte did not note any IP certification for the board.  So, we will settle on this device being water resistant rather water-proof.

Now, this is an interesting idea that I didn't think about, as I view Hall Effect switch to be better suited for this particular application.  However, it does make sense when it is thought out and I am glad people smarter than I am have thought carefully about it.  Since Gigabyte targets the gaming market with this particular board, I think being water resistance is a good feature to sell.  Accident happens, especially with an intense gaming session and drinks can spoil easily when the actions kicks into high gear.  So, it's one less thing to worry about.  If indeed there is a spoil, well, just wash it off, dry it and the board should be back for duty then.

Regarding to the Flaretech switch, no information has come out about the physical build of the switch itself, but I have a feeling that it will not wander too far from the Cherry MX design.  Hopefully Gigabyte will share some more information about this new switch in the near future.