Editing Cherry MX Lock

{{infobox dswitch
| image name        = Cherry MX Lock -- infobox.jpg
| manufacturer      = [[Cherry]]
| product code      = MX1A-31xx
| switch type       = [[Lock key|Latching lock]]
| contact mechanism = [[Metal leaf]]
| force             = > 60 cN?
| introduced        = 1980s
| discontinued      = 2015
| family            = [[Cherry MX]]
| lifetime          = 500 k (1994)
}}

The '''Cherry MX Lock''' switch is a stiff, linear [[Lock key|locking]] mechanical keyboard switch in the [[Cherry MX]] family.

==Description==
Cherry MX Lock is a latching action, or alternative action switch: when depressed, the switch remains locked into the down position, and the switch remains closed. When pressed a second time, it unlocks and returns to its fully up position. In order to make room for the locking wheel shaft, the [[light-emitting diode|LED]] recess is moved to the right of the switch.

===Colour===
The colour of the switch has changed with time. Hirose Cherry were using the all-black version in 1984, while the well-known two-tone grey/black shell dates has been found in a 1985 keyboard.<ref name="G80-0505">Deskthority — [https://deskthority.net/photos-f62/the-ohio-lot-story-time-photos-t14183.html The Ohio lot: story time & photos]</ref> According to Cherry, the grey material went end-of-life, and the switch design was changed to an all-black shell and colourless slider at some point.<ref>Conversation with Cherry, 2016-07-14</ref> This is the version illustrated in the 2015 product PDF.<ref>Cherry — [https://www.cherry.de/PDF/EN_CHERRY_MX1A-3xxx.pdf CHERRY MX1A-3xxx]</ref> Although this has yet to be sighted in a keyboard, MechanicalKeyboards.co.id were selling this later version.<ref>MechanicalKeyboards.co.id — [https://www.mechanicalkeyboards.co.id/products/detail/cherry-mx-lock-switch-linear-locking-plate-mount Cherry MX Lock Switch (Linear Locking - Plate Mount)]</ref>

Cherry are not aware of the all-black variant.

==Operation==
Cherry approached the locking mechanism differently to most companies. The MX Lock switch has a static axle on the side of the stem, onto which a small wheel is placed. The wheel travels within a shaft inside the upper shell; a lug within this shaft rotates the wheel as it passes, and when the wheel is rotated a certain amount, it catches on this lug and holds the stem down. The wheel has three arms, and each arm ends in a small notch, which is there to engage with the lug and hold the stem in position.

This appears to be the same design as used in [[Cherry M5/M6/M7]], as seen under [[Cherry M6 alternate action]]; the patent for this mechanism was filed in 1972.

==Key feel==
Similar to the [[Cherry MX Black]], but stays locked when pressed and unlocks when pressed again. Unlike some other latching switches, the MX Lock switch is completely linear with no audible or tactile indication.

==Availability==
The deadline for final orders for Cherry MX Lock was the 30th of September 2015; the switch is now discontinued. Supplies of the switch appear to be exhausted.

==Keyboards==
*Cherry G80-0505 (black/grey/black; 1985)<ref name="G80-0505" />
*[[Xerox Star low-profile keyboard]] (all black; 1984)

==Gallery==
<gallery widths=250 heights=187>
File:Cherry MX Lock (grey).jpg                               | Black/grey/black version
File:Cherry MX Lock -- released and locked.jpg               | Released (open) and locked (closed) states
File:CherryMX_lock_068580.jpg                                | Black/grey/black in shipping box
File:Cherry MX Lock assorted.jpg                             | Assorted MX Lock switches
File:Cherry MX Lock -- black with black slider.jpg           | Black with black slider
File:Cherry MX Lock -- black with clear slider.jpg           | Black with clear slider, and [[LED]] fitted
File:Cherry MX Lock -- grey with black slider.jpg            | Grey with black slider
</gallery>

===Full disassembly===
The following switch is from a small batch obtained from a Deskthority forum member, and is of unknown origin.

<gallery widths=250 heights=187>
File:Cherry MX Lock -- opened.jpg                            | Switch opened up
File:Cherry MX Lock -- slider removed from upper shell.jpg   | Stem removed from the upper shell
File:Cherry MX Lock -- partially disassembled.jpg            | Partially disassembled
File:Cherry MX Lock -- fully disassembled.jpg                | Fully disassembled
File:Cherry MX Lock -- locking mechanism.jpg                 | Locking mechanism
File:Cherry MX Lock -- locking wheel within slot 1.jpg       | Locking wheel within shaft (side view)
File:Cherry MX Lock -- locking wheel within slot 2.jpg       | Locking wheel within shaft (bottom view)
File:Cherry MX Lock -- slider with locking wheel.jpg         | Stem with locking wheel attached
File:Cherry MX Lock -- slider with locking wheel removed.jpg | Locking wheel removed from static axle
File:Cherry MX Lock -- base.jpg                              | Base, from below
File:Cherry MX Lock -- base inside detail.jpg                | Base inside, with contacts removed
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Cherry MX]]
[[Category:Metal contact switches]]
[[Category:Alternate action switches]]
[[Category:Production switches]]
[[Category:List of all keyboard switches]]