I see that the Reform Next is proposed to use the Cherry ULP switch for its trackpad buttons. This is a very welcome development that should provide a much more pleasant “clicking” experience than usual trackpad microswitches.
Previous MNT products have used the same “Choc” switch for their trackballs as for the rest of the keyboard. Does the introduction of Cherry ULP to the Reform imply a larger future role for this switch? In which case is the limited use of ULP on the trackpad is way to test its popularity with the Reform user base?
I have been active on the Framework forum agitating for discrete keyboard switches, in order that we could have unorthodox ergonomic designs. Eventually I was disappointed to find the space for the keyboard is fractionally too shallow to accommodate even the ULP. Given this history it is ironic to find myself encouraging discussion of shallower switches in MNT models.
To my mind the ULP offers a good compromise: a proper discrete switch that is almost as shallow as normal laptop membrane designs. Going with Cherry is also - as another German firm - a way for MNT to localise more of their supply chain. That said, the Choc is perhaps still superior for small batch or hand-built keyboards because it uses traditional soldering techniques rather than surface mount.
How might Cherry ULP play a wider range within the MNT range? Perhaps an Ultra-low version of the standalone Keyboard could be brought to market first and - if that was well received - a compatible laptop follow on later?