> They’re just popular because literally no one else makes cheap linear “gaming” switches.

Gateron, Kailh, etc. there are plenty producers of all kind of switches.

Both of those are clones[1] of Cherry.

[1] https://deskthority.net/wiki/Category:Clones_of_Cherry_MX_sw...

They copy "physical form of switches" but have different tactile feeling. Zealio has bunch of switches with different activation force. Cherry Browns might match just one type.

You said "no one else makes" them...

You’re right. I really just meant to say they are popular because of their ubiquity in gaming keyboards. That’s the biggest market for premium keyboards.

You can buy all kind of pretty keycaps for them, which is what “gamers” care about.

While I won't take away from your opinion, I want to warn others to be aware that this is a hotly debated topic, and YMMV.

There's no accounting for preference when it comes to switches or keyboards. Some people quite like Cherry switches.

Cherry switches sound and feel like they have sand in them. In fact if I put actual sand or dirt into my white Alps keyboard it will sound and feel like that. The only exception are blue MX which somehow manage to perfectly replicate the nerve twisting experience of nails scratching on a chalkboard.

I refuse to believe there’s anyone that actually prefers Cherry switches. Most people just don’t realize there are better options.

I think they meant "high-quality cherry-switched keyboard," referring to the quality of the keyboard, not the switches.

Regardless, Cherry switches are absolutely high quality - they are manufactured out of premium materials to tight specifications.

You may not prefer their feel for your purposes, but as others have said, that's a different story.

I'd also say that I've got a Ducky Shine 3 TKL with Cherry Browns as well as a cheaper generic TKL with Gateron Browns, and the latter are at least as good to me - always worth getting a switch tester, but you can shave a decent amount off by choosing non-Cherry clones.

I actually prefer the feel of the Gateron Browns. Several reviewers have commented on the smoother, less gritty feel compared to MX Browns.

Same here. Gat Browns are much smoother and I feel the tactile bump is more noticeable.