Cherry MX Black Linear Switch
The original Cherry MX Black is a heavy linear switch with a 60g actuation force, offering a smooth, no-click keystroke ideal for gaming and typing with a firm feel. Known for its vintage roots and long-lasting reliability, it remains a staple in the mechanical keyboard world.
- Type: Linear
- Actuation: 60g
- Mount: 5-pin or 3-pin
- Factory Lubed: No
Price Comparison
| Vendor | Discount Code | Price (USD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
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— | $0.42 | View Deal |
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— | $0.20 | View Deal |
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Key Features
The Cherry MX Black is a linear switch designed for users who prefer a heavier press. With a 60g actuation force, this switch is ideal for those who want more resistance and precision compared to lighter linears like MX Reds. The absence of tactile bumps or audible clicks makes it perfect for quiet, consistent input without distractions. Whether you're gaming, typing, or working in a shared space, the MX Black provides a solid, stable feel under your fingers. And with its durable construction, it's built to handle heavy use and intense gaming marathons.
- Type: Linear – smooth, uninterrupted keypress with no tactile bump or audible click.
- Operating Force: 60g – heavier than MX Reds for a more deliberate feel, great for precision.
- Pre-Travel: 2.0mm | Total Travel: 4.0mm – standard Cherry MX travel profile.
- Sound: Quiet – linear switches are inherently quieter than clicky switches, making them perfect for quiet environments.
- Spring: Linear barrel spring – smooth, consistent force with a snappy return.
- Lifespan: Rated for 50 million keystrokes – designed to endure even with heavy use.
User Feedback
MX Blacks are known for their durability and solid feel. Gamers who prefer a firmer press love them for their precision and control, particularly in strategy games or FPS titles where accidental keypresses can ruin your day. Typists who enjoy more resistance to help reduce fatigue also prefer the MX Black, as it helps avoid bottoming out too quickly. It’s also a solid choice for people who need a switch that’ll hold up under pressure without feeling too light or too heavy.
While some users find the actuation force a bit much for extended typing sessions, others swear by the increased control it offers. Compared to MX Reds, the heavier force means you won’t press a key unless you really mean it. However, it also requires more finger strength, which may be tiring for some, especially during long periods of use. That being said, for gamers and typists who like a little more resistance to help them focus, MX Blacks provide a stable, reliable experience.
If you want a heavier, more deliberate feel in a linear switch with low noise, the Cherry MX Black is the right choice for you. It’s reliable, precise, and a staple in the linear switch category, ready to take on your most intense gaming or typing sessions without flinching.
Specifications
| Brand | Cherry |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cherry |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Sound | Scratchy, loud-ish, vintage |
| Actuation Force | 60g |
| Bottom-Out Force | - |
| Pre-Travel | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel | 4.0mm |
| Lubrication | Unlubed |
| Stem Type | MX |
| Stem Material | POM |
| Top Housing Material | Nylon |
| Bottom Housing Material | Nylon |
| Mount | 5-pin (PCB) or 3-pin (Plate) |
| LED Support | |
| Lifespan | 50 Million |
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