Cherry MX Switches Guide & Comparison (2025 Edition)

Cherry MX Black Clear Top Nixie

A reissue of a cult classic, the MX Black Clear Top—nicknamed “Nixie”—combines vintage vibes with modern build quality. It features a 63.5g actuation force and a smooth, linear feel, making it ideal for heavy-handed typists and classic switch enthusiasts. The clear top housing enhances RGB shine-through, while the spring weight offers a deeper, more deliberate keystroke. It’s nostalgia, but polished.

Cherry MX Black Hyperglide

A classic switch with a modern upgrade, MX Black Hyperglide delivers that signature smooth, heavy linear feel with improved durability—up to 100 million keystrokes. With a 60g actuation force and no tactile bump, it's ideal for deliberate typists and gamers who like a bit of resistance. Hyperglide tooling means less wobble, tighter tolerances, and a more refined ride for fans of the original MX Black.

Cherry MX Black

The OG heavy linear. Cherry MX Black offers a firm, consistent keystroke with a 60g actuation force, making it a favorite for precise typists and old-school gamers. There’s no tactile bump or audible click—just smooth, controlled motion. It’s a workhorse switch with a legacy, offering a no-frills typing feel that rewards accuracy and deliberate input.

Cherry MX Blue

The switch that made mechanical keyboards feel mechanical. Cherry MX Blue is loud, proud, and packed with tactile feedback. With a 60g actuation force and that signature click on actuation, it’s a favorite among typists who love audible confirmation and old-school vibes. Just maybe skip this one if you share an office—or value your housemates’ sanity.

Cherry MX Brown Hyperglide

A refined take on the classic all-rounder, MX Brown Hyperglide keeps the signature light tactile bump while boosting lifespan to 100 million keystrokes. With a 55g actuation force, it’s ideal for both gaming and typing, offering feedback without the noise of clicky switches. The Hyperglide upgrade improves consistency and reduces wobble, making it smoother and more stable than the original.

Cherry MX Brown

The go-to switch for mechanical newcomers and veterans alike, Cherry MX Brown offers a light tactile bump without the click. With a 55g actuation force, it’s versatile enough for both gaming and typing, making it a solid middle-ground choice. If you want feedback without the noise, Browns are your safe, satisfying bet.

Cherry MX Clear

A heavier, more forceful cousin to MX Brown, Cherry MX Clear delivers a pronounced tactile bump with a firmer 65g actuation force. It’s a favorite among typists who want satisfying feedback without the clickiness of Blues. Less common in prebuilt boards, but beloved in the enthusiast space for its balanced, weighty feel.

Cherry MX Ergo Clear

A community-born mod turned semi-official favorite, Cherry MX Ergo Clear combines the tactile stem of MX Clear with a lighter 62g spring for a smoother, less fatiguing feel. It delivers a satisfyingly pronounced bump without the stiffness of stock Clears, making it ideal for long typing sessions or all-day use. Loved by keyboard nerds for its balance and refined feedback.

Cherry MX Green

Think of Cherry MX Green as the heavyweight sibling of MX Blue—same sharp click and tactile bump, but with a firmer 80g actuation force. It’s loud, proud, and built for typists who like resistance and authority in every keystroke. Not for the faint of fingers (or shared spaces), but an absolute classic for those who love that old-school, high-feedback feel.

Cherry MX Grey Linear

A heavier, less common sibling to MX Black, Cherry MX Grey Linear delivers a firm, smooth press with a higher actuation force—around 80g. Designed for stability and precision, it’s great for users who like resistance and control in every keystroke. Rarely found on mainstream boards, but a sleeper favorite for custom builds and retro-style enthusiasts.

Cherry MX Grey Tactile

A heavier counterpart to MX Brown, Cherry MX Grey Tactile offers a pronounced bump with a firm 80g actuation force. Originally designed for larger keys like spacebars, it’s a solid choice for users who want tactile feedback with extra resistance. Not as common in full keyboard layouts, but a sturdy, deliberate option for those who like their switches with weight.

Cherry MX Hirose Orange

A rare vintage linear switch from the early 1980s, Cherry MX Hirose Orange was originally made for industrial keyboards and control panels. It features a light actuation force and smooth travel, with a distinctively soft, cushioned bottom-out feel that sets it apart from modern MX linears. Now a collector’s item, it's prized for its subtle smoothness and retro charm—if you can get your hands on one.

Cherry MX Low Profile Red

Designed for slim, modern keyboards, Cherry MX Low Profile Red offers the same smooth linear feel as standard Reds, but in a much shorter form factor. With a shallow 1.2mm actuation point and 45g actuation force, it’s fast, responsive, and perfect for low-profile builds. Ideal for gaming and fast typing, especially when space (or style) is tight.

Cherry MX Low Profile Speed

Built for rapid-fire input in a slim package, Cherry MX Low Profile Speed—also known as Low Profile Silver—features an ultra-short 1.0mm actuation point and a 45g actuation force. It’s one of the fastest switches Cherry makes, ideal for competitive gaming and low-profile keyboards where every millisecond counts. Smooth, snappy, and made for speed.

Cherry MX Nature White

Sitting between MX Red and MX Black, Cherry MX Nature White offers a smooth linear feel with a medium 55g actuation force. It’s designed for those who find Reds too light and Blacks too heavy—basically the Goldilocks switch for linear fans. No tactile bump, no click, just a controlled, balanced press ideal for both gaming and typing.

Cherry MX Northern Light

Cherry MX Northern Light is a premium linear switch that blends ultra-smooth performance with stunning RGB aesthetics. With a 45g actuation force and a polished, factory-lubed housing, it offers a quiet, frictionless keystroke ideal for fast typing and gaming. Its translucent shell maximizes lighting diffusion, making it a top pick for those who want both style and silky precision.

Cherry MX Red

One of Cherry’s most iconic switches, MX Red is smooth, light, and made for speed. With a 45g actuation force and no tactile bump, it’s a favorite among gamers who want rapid keystrokes and minimal resistance. Quiet in sound and feel, it's also a solid choice for typists who prefer a soft, uninterrupted press.

Cherry MX RGB Black

A modern twist on the classic MX Black, this variant features a clear top housing for enhanced RGB lighting without sacrificing that heavy linear feel. With a 60g actuation force and smooth keystroke, it’s built for users who prefer a bit more resistance and precision in their press. Ideal for RGB enthusiasts who want old-school weight in a modern shell.

Cherry MX RGB Blue

Cherry MX RGB Blue delivers the classic clicky, tactile feel of the original Blues with a modern clear top housing for brilliant RGB lighting. With a 60g actuation force and an audible click at actuation, it’s a top choice for typists who want strong feedback and satisfying sound. Just be warned—it’s not the most discreet switch in shared spaces.

Cherry MX RGB Brown

Cherry MX RGB Brown offers a gentle tactile bump with no click, making it a quiet and versatile option for both typing and gaming. With a 55g actuation force and a clear top housing for enhanced RGB effects, it’s a modern take on the beloved MX Brown—perfect for users who want subtle feedback without sacrificing style or silence.

Cherry MX RGB Clear

Cherry MX RGB Clear delivers a firm tactile bump with a 65g actuation force, offering more resistance than Browns while still keeping things quiet. Designed for heavy typists who want pronounced feedback without the noise of clicky switches, it features a clear top housing that lets RGB lighting shine through beautifully. It’s a tough, satisfying switch for those who like to feel every keystroke.

Cherry MX RGB Ergo Clear

Cherry MX RGB Ergo Clear blends the tactile bump of MX Clear with a lighter 62g spring, offering a smoother and more comfortable typing experience over long sessions. With a clear top housing for full RGB lighting, it’s a refined choice for users who want satisfying feedback without finger fatigue—or noise. A long-time community favorite, now with a modern twist.

Cherry MX RGB Grey

Cherry MX RGB Grey brings a heavy, deliberate tactile feel with an 80g actuation force, designed for those who prefer firm resistance and pronounced feedback. Often used for larger keys like spacebars, it’s also a solid choice for users who like a weighty press across the board. The clear top housing supports vibrant RGB lighting, blending old-school heft with modern visuals.

Cherry MX RGB Red

Cherry MX RGB Red offers the same smooth, lightweight linear feel as the original Reds, but with a clear top housing for enhanced RGB lighting. With a 45g actuation force and no tactile bump or audible click, it's a favorite for gamers and fast typists who want minimal resistance and a quiet press—now with extra visual flair.

Cherry MX RGB Silent Black

Cherry MX RGB Silent Black combines the smooth, heavy feel of standard MX Blacks with built-in dampening for quieter keystrokes. With a 60g actuation force and internal noise reduction pads, it’s ideal for those who like firm linear switches without the clack. The clear top housing ensures full RGB compatibility, making it perfect for powerful setups that need to stay quiet.

Cherry MX RGB Silent Red

Cherry MX RGB Silent Red delivers a smooth, light linear feel with built-in dampening for ultra-quiet keystrokes. With a 45g actuation force and soft landing pads, it’s perfect for shared spaces, late-night gaming, or stealthy office setups. The clear top housing allows full RGB lighting to shine through, blending silence and style in one sleek package.

Cherry MX RGB Speed Silver

Cherry MX RGB Speed Silver is built for speed, with a short 1.2mm actuation point and a 45g actuation force—perfect for competitive gaming and rapid-fire input. It’s smooth, light, and responsive, with no tactile bump or audible click. The clear top housing supports vivid RGB lighting, making it a top choice for performance-focused setups with style.

Cherry MX Silent Black

Cherry MX Silent Black offers the weighty, smooth feel of standard MX Black switches with the added benefit of internal dampening for quieter operation. With a 60g actuation force and noise-reducing pads, it's a great choice for heavy-handed typists or gamers who want a silent setup without sacrificing resistance. Ideal for stealthy workspaces or late-night sessions.

Cherry MX Silent Red

Cherry MX Silent Red combines the smooth, light feel of standard Reds with built-in dampening to hush both press and release. With a 45g actuation force, it’s perfect for fast-paced gaming or quiet typing in shared spaces. If you want a soft, stealthy switch that doesn’t sacrifice speed, this one’s a top-tier pick.

Cherry MX Speed Silver

Cherry MX Speed Silver is engineered for fast action, featuring a short 1.2mm actuation point and a light 45g force. It’s a smooth, linear switch with zero tactile bump—ideal for competitive gamers and fast typists who want quick, precise input with minimal travel. No noise, no friction—just pure speed.

Cherry MX White

Cherry MX White is a stiffer, less common clicky switch that offers a tactile bump and a more subdued click than MX Blue or Green. With a heavier actuation force around 80g, it's designed for users who want audible feedback without the sharp snap of traditional clickies. Rare in modern boards, but a solid choice for fans of firm, deliberate clicks.

Cherry MX2A Black

Cherry MX2A Black takes the classic heavy linear feel of the original MX Black and smooths it out with updated tooling, reduced stem wobble, and improved consistency. With a 60g actuation force and no tactile bump, it’s ideal for users who prefer a firm, deliberate keystroke. The MX2A upgrade brings a quieter, more refined experience—perfect for typists who love that classic weight, now with modern polish.

Cherry MX2A Blue

Cherry MX2A Blue brings the signature clicky, tactile experience of the original Blues into the modern era. With a 60g actuation force and that classic audible click, it’s a go-to for typists who love sharp feedback. The MX2A refresh improves smoothness, reduces stem wobble, and tightens manufacturing tolerances—delivering a cleaner, more satisfying click with every keystroke.

Cherry MX2A Brown

Cherry MX2A Brown keeps the beloved light tactile bump of the original while upgrading the internals for a smoother, more consistent feel. With a 55g actuation force and no audible click, it’s perfect for users who want gentle feedback without the noise. Thanks to the MX2A refinements—like improved stem fit and factory lube—it’s more stable, more polished, and still the go-to switch for balanced everyday use.

Cherry MX2A Orange

Cherry MX2A Orange offers a smooth, medium-weight linear feel with a 55g actuation force—slotting neatly between Red and Black. Designed for those who want a balanced, all-purpose switch, it combines a gentle press with the upgraded smoothness and reduced wobble of the MX2A line. Ideal for gaming or typing, it’s a versatile pick for users who want a softer touch without going ultra-light.

Cherry MX2A Purple

Cherry MX2A Purple is a new enthusiast-grade tactile switch co-developed with Glarses, offering a distinct, refined bump that sits between MX Brown and MX Clear. With a 55g actuation force and upgraded MX2A internals—including factory lube and reduced wobble—it delivers a smooth, satisfying keystroke with more presence than Browns but without the stiffness of Clears. A stylish, performance-focused option for tactile lovers.

Cherry MX2A Red

Cherry MX2A Red refines the classic lightweight linear switch with smoother travel, improved consistency, and tighter stem tolerances. With a 45g actuation force and no tactile bump, it’s perfect for gamers and fast typists who prefer effortless, silent keystrokes. The MX2A enhancements make this popular switch feel even more fluid and responsive—ideal for high-speed, low-resistance setups.

Cherry MX2A RGB Black

Cherry MX2A RGB Black delivers the familiar weighty linear feel of classic MX Blacks with modern refinements from the MX2A series. With a 60g actuation force, it offers a firm, smooth press ideal for precision typists and heavy-handed users. The clear top housing supports vivid RGB lighting, while internal upgrades—like reduced stem wobble and factory lubing—bring a more polished, consistent experience to this classic favorite.

Cherry MX2A RGB Blue

Cherry MX2A RGB Blue pairs the iconic clicky feedback of the original Blues with the smoother, more refined feel of the MX2A series. With a 60g actuation force, it delivers a satisfying click and tactile bump for typists who crave audible confirmation. The clear top housing enhances RGB lighting, while MX2A upgrades improve consistency, reduce wobble, and give the click a cleaner, more premium feel.

Cherry MX2A RGB Brown

Cherry MX2A RGB Brown brings the familiar light tactile bump of the original Browns into the next generation. With a 55g actuation force, it’s ideal for users who want gentle feedback without the noise of a click. The MX2A enhancements—like factory lubrication and reduced stem wobble—make the keystroke feel more stable and polished, while the clear top housing ensures brilliant RGB lighting. A quiet, reliable all-rounder for both work and play.

Cherry MX2A RGB Orange

A new addition to the Cherry lineup, MX2A RGB Orange is a medium-weight linear switch with a smooth, refined feel thanks to the MX2A internals. With an actuation force around 55g, it bridges the gap between Reds and Blacks, offering a balanced typing and gaming experience. The clear top housing makes it ideal for RGB builds, while the updated tooling ensures tighter tolerances and less stem wobble.

Cherry MX2A RGB Purple

Cherry MX2A RGB Purple is a standout tactile switch co-designed with Glarses, featuring a distinctive, snappy bump that’s more pronounced than Browns but smoother than Clears. With a 55g actuation force and MX2A upgrades—like factory lubing and tighter tolerances—it delivers a clean, satisfying press with minimal wobble. The clear top housing showcases vibrant RGB lighting, making it a top-tier pick for tactile fans who want both feel and flair.

Cherry MX2A RGB Red

Cherry MX2A RGB Red refines the lightweight linear experience with a smoother keystroke, reduced stem wobble, and tighter build quality. With a 45g actuation force, it’s ideal for fast-paced gaming or effortless typing. The clear top housing allows vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, while the MX2A upgrades make this classic switch feel more stable, polished, and ready for 2025 and beyond.

Cherry MX2A RGB Silent Red

Cherry MX2A RGB Silent Red blends a soft, quiet linear press with all the smoothness of the MX2A upgrades. With a 45g actuation force and internal dampening pads, it’s perfect for silent setups—whether you're working late, sharing a space, or just prefer peace and quiet. The clear top housing supports vivid RGB lighting, while the updated internals deliver reduced wobble and a more refined, consistent keystroke.

Cherry MX2A Speed Silver

A lightning-fast linear switch built for competitive gaming. The MX2A upgrade brings smoother travel and tighter tolerances, improving consistency over the original Speed Silver. With a shallow 1.2mm actuation point and 45g actuation force, it’s perfect for twitchy reactions and rapid keystrokes—just don’t expect much feedback or resistance. Silent in feel, not in performance.

Cherry MX2A Silent Red

Cherry MX2A Silent Red upgrades the beloved stealthy linear with smoother travel, reduced stem wobble, and internal dampening for ultra-quiet keystrokes. With a 45g actuation force, it’s light, responsive, and perfect for quiet environments or late-night gaming. The MX2A refinements make each press feel more polished—bringing silence and precision together in one sleek package.

Cherry MX2A Speed Silver

Cherry MX2A Speed Silver is built for speed and precision, featuring a short 1.2mm actuation point and a 45g actuation force. The MX2A upgrade brings smoother keystrokes, reduced stem wobble, and tighter manufacturing tolerances, making this lightning-fast switch even more responsive. Ideal for competitive gaming or rapid typing, it’s all about speed with no tactile bump to slow you down.