i knew it had gotten bad when i was concerned about whether the transparent, rgb friendly cherry material was changing the key action. now i just buy leopold. i don't understand how they make the same switches feel so much better

I haven't bought a Leopold but when I transitioned away from Cherry switches several years ago I couldn't help but notice how rough they felt. It's a changing moment. Been mostly loyal to Kailh switches when they stopped being just a cheap Cherry clone. Their BOX switches are awesome. Gateron also do incredibly smooth switches. This is my future target as I've gotten into linears recently.

Kailhswitch

Kailh Box Blueberry ice cream all pom pro switch linear switch fast triggering switches