They copy "physical form of switches" but have different tactile feeling. Zealio has bunch of switches with different activation force. Cherry Browns might match just one type.
You’re right. I really just meant to say they are popular because of their ubiquity in gaming keyboards. That’s the biggest market for premium keyboards.
You can buy all kind of pretty keycaps for them, which is what “gamers” care about.
Gateron, Kailh, etc. there are plenty producers of all kind of switches.