Show HN: I spent 2 years designing a mechanical Magic Keyboard

Re:Show HN: I spent 2 years designing a mechanical Magic Key... by allenc on Thursday August 06, 2026 @02:00PM (#49200096)

I've built about 10 mechanical keyboards so far, including a bunch of split ergo ones and low profile variants too. From that, I know the layout matters a lot, as well as the switches themselves; the programability and other features to me are nice but ultimately can be worked around.

I'm curious about the switches you're using. On the tech specs it says: "Dual steel arm scissor switch w/ retention spring, 40gf actuation force"

Are they custom switches then? If so, are they most similar to current Magic Keyboard switch feel, or something Choc or MX low profile, or their own thing altogether?

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Re:Show HN: I spent 2 years designing a mechanical Magic Key... by aemerson_ on Thursday August 06, 2026 @02:42PM (#49200619)

The switches feel like a M-Series MacBook with a decent amount more travel and more "snappy", tactile feeling. They feel quite different to, for example, Choc switches (which we used on our previous keyboard).

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Re:Show HN: I spent 2 years designing a mechanical Magic Key... by allenc on Thursday August 06, 2026 @04:28PM (#49202046)

That's really interesting. Hmm... it's too bad that there's no easy way to try out the keyboard and its unique switches before committing. But it's intriguing nonetheless.

Can you share how long you're looking to run the preorder/early bird special?

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Re:Show HN: I spent 2 years designing a mechanical Magic Key... by crote on Thursday August 06, 2026 @09:03PM (#49204701)

They are almost certainly the Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile[0], or else an almost 1:1 clone of them. Identical design, identical height and actuation distance. The actuation force is a bit off, but those numbers are more of a suggestion anyways.

[0]: https://www.cherry.de/en-us/product/mx-ulp-tactile

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