1. Introduction
The MMD Cream Switch V4 is a linear mechanical keyboard switch designed for gaming and extended typing sessions. Featuring a POM stem and housing, these switches offer a smooth, compression wear-resisting typing experience with a long operating life of 60 million cycles. They are compatible with RGB SMD lighting and are designed for 5-pin PCB mounting, suitable for keyboards like the BM60, BM65, and 87-key layouts.
Figure 1: Top view of an MMD Cream Switch V4.
2. Key Features
- Linear Type: Provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without a tactile bump or audible click.
- POM Stem + POM Housing: Durable materials for compression wear resistance and a 'good feeling' typing experience.
- Selected Spring: Anti-oxidation spring for better rebound and consistent force.
- Long Operating Life: Rated for 60 million keystrokes, ensuring durability and stability.
- RGB SMD Compatible: Designed to work with RGB surface-mounted diodes for illuminated keyboards.
- 5-pin Design: Ensures secure mounting on compatible PCBs.
- Factory Lubed: Pre-lubricated for optimal performance out of the box.
Figure 2: Visual representation of key features.
3. Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | POM |
| Bottom Housing Material | POM |
| Stem Material | POM |
| Spring Specification | Selected Spring |
| Spring Length | About 21 mm |
| Operating Force | 45 ± 5gf |
| Bottom Force | 55 ± 5gf |
| Pretravel | 1.3 ± 0.3mm |
| Total Travel | 3.6 ± 0.3mm |
| Operating Life | 60 Million Cycles |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
| Pin Configuration | 5-pin |
| RGB Compatibility | SMD RGB |
Figure 3: Detailed product specifications.
Figure 4: Additional switch travel and lifespan specifications.
4. Setup and Installation
These switches are designed for hot-swappable mechanical keyboards or for soldering onto a PCB. Ensure your keyboard PCB supports 5-pin MX-style switches.
4.1 Hot-Swap Installation
- Prepare your keyboard: Ensure your keyboard is powered off and unplugged. Remove any keycaps from the area where you intend to install the switches.
- Align the switch: Carefully align the three metal pins and two plastic pegs on the bottom of the MMD Cream Switch with the corresponding holes on your keyboard's PCB. The two smaller plastic pegs help with alignment and stability.
- Insert the switch: Gently push the switch straight down into the socket until it clicks into place. Do not force the switch, as this can bend the pins. If resistance is met, remove the switch, check the pins for bends, straighten them if necessary, and try again.
- Test the switch: After installation, reattach a keycap and test the switch to ensure it registers correctly.
4.2 Soldered Installation
- Prepare your PCB: Ensure your PCB is clean and ready for soldering.
- Align and insert: Place the switch into the PCB, ensuring the pins pass through the correct holes.
- Solder the pins: Solder each of the three metal pins to the PCB. Use appropriate soldering techniques to ensure a strong, clean connection.
- Test the switch: After soldering, test the switch to ensure it registers correctly.
Figure 5: MMD Cream Switches, showing the pins for PCB mounting.
Video 1: Demonstration of MMD Cream Switches in action, showcasing their sound and feel.
5. Operating the Switches
Once installed, the MMD Cream Switches provide a consistent linear feel. The 45gf operating force and 55gf bottom force offer a medium-light actuation, ideal for rapid key presses in gaming and comfortable typing over long periods. The factory lubrication ensures a smooth travel from the initial press to the bottom-out point.
Figure 6: Benefits of the MMD Cream Switch V4 for user experience.
6. Maintenance and Lubrication
While MMD Cream Switches come factory-lubricated, some users prefer to re-lube or hand-lube their switches for a customized feel. KPrepublic offers a hand-lubed service, which involves a meticulous process to enhance typing experience.
6.1 Hand-Lubrication Process (KPrepublic Service Example)
- Day 1-2: Disassembly and Cleaning: Switches are disassembled, and original grease is thoroughly cleaned using professional cleaner. If switches are not factory pre-lubed, this cleaning step is crucial.
- Day 3: Drying: Cleaned switches are allowed to air dry naturally for an entire day to ensure no moisture remains.
- Day 4-9: Lubrication: Individual parts of each switch are meticulously hand-lubed with an exclusive formulated lubricant. This process aims to deliver a maximized touching and typing experience.
- Day 10-11: Assembly and Typing Test: Each batch of switches is tested and assembled at a dedicated lube station. After reassembly, they undergo an initial typing test.
- Day 12-14: Complete Switch Test: After lubrication has settled for 24 hours, switches are tested on active PCBs to ensure the highest level of quality assurance and control, including QC and typing tests.
Figure 7: Disassembly and cleaning process for switch lubrication.
Figure 8: Drying and lubrication stages.
Figure 9: Assembly and final testing phases.
7. Troubleshooting
- Switch not registering:
- For hot-swap keyboards, ensure the switch is fully seated in the socket. Remove and reinsert, checking for bent pins.
- For soldered keyboards, check solder joints for cold joints or bridges. Re-solder if necessary.
- Verify that the PCB is compatible with 5-pin switches.
- Inconsistent feel/sound:
- This can sometimes occur if lubrication is uneven. Consider disassembling and re-lubricating the switch.
- Ensure the switch is not damaged or has foreign particles inside.
- Bent pins during installation:
- Carefully remove the switch. Use fine-tipped tweezers to gently straighten any bent pins. Reinsert the switch with caution.
8. User Tips
- Compatibility with Outemu Sockets: MMD Cream Switches are MX-style switches with a 5-pin configuration. While they are generally compatible with most MX-style hot-swap sockets, some users report that Outemu hot-swap sockets can be tighter. If installing into Outemu sockets, proceed with extra caution to avoid bending pins. It is recommended to verify compatibility with your specific keyboard model.
- Lubrication Preference: Although factory-lubed, some enthusiasts prefer to apply their own lubricant (e.g., Krytox 205g0) for a custom feel. This can further reduce friction and alter the sound profile.
- Keycap Compatibility: These switches feature a standard MX stem, making them compatible with a wide range of MX-compatible keycaps.
9. Warranty and Support
For specific warranty information, please refer to the seller's policy at the time of purchase. For technical support or inquiries regarding the MMD Cream Switch V4, please contact KPrepublic Store directly through their official channels.