Cherry M11
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 | |
| Manufacturer | Cherry |
|---|---|
| Product code | M11-0101 |
| Introduced | 1979? ≤ x ≤ 1984? |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Supersedes | Cherry M10? |
| Switch type | Linear |
| Sense method | Metal leaf |
| Actuation force | ? |
| Peak force | ? |
| Keycap mount | ? |
| Switch mount | Plate mount |
Cherry M11 is a family of linear switches manufactured by Cherry. This switch has only been found on the HP 4953A protocol analyzer keyboard[1]. The heat sealing used to attach the shell to the base is very weak and is prone to tearing off when pulling a keycap. This is likely the reason the switch is so rare, because when the heat seal fails the switch falls apart.
The M11-0101 schematic[2] indicates that the initial switch design was completed late 1979. Modifications were done in 1980 and was marked complete in 1981. The HP 4953A keyboard was introduced sometime 1984[3]. The switch does not appear in the 1982 Keyboards and Switches catalogue.[4]
The M11 switch used different slider colours to represent weightings. Black for (TODO weight) and white for (TODO weight).
The switch's identity is not proven. The M11-0101 schematic does not cite the family name, and based on other Cherry switch part numbers it stands to reason that "M11" means "M1, subtype 1". However, based on the dates found on the schematic, and the clear similarity to Cherry M8 and M9, which were not listed in the 1973 and 1974 catalogues, it could be considered reasonable to assume that "M11" does in fact mean "M-eleven". The confirmed switch types introduced after M9, are MX, MY, and ML, which sidestep the issue of dealing with two digit series numbers.
Description
TODO
Parts
The switch consists of 6 parts:
- Shell
- Slider
- Return spring
- Solid metal contact
- Contact leaf spring
- Base
Operation
TODO
Design
TODO
Keycap mounts
TODO
Gallery
Parts view shell
Parts view, shell reversed
Base and leaf spring, notice the gold cross point
Gold cross point
Spring comparison, notice the extra loop
PCB mounting, notice the two small black pegs that secure each switch
Open switch with slider
Open switch no slider
Slider comparison
Switch bottom
Switch top
Switch, side view
Switch, side view
References
- ↑ HaaTa @ Flickr — HP 4953A Keyboard Retrieved 2015-07-23.
- ↑ Cherry — M11-0101 (File:Cherry M11-0101.pdf)
- ↑ HP Museum — 4953A Protocol Analyzer Retrieved 2015-07-23.
- ↑ File:Cherry Keyboards and Switches Catalogue 1982.pdf
