
Cherry MX Grey Tactile Switches
The Cherry MX Grey is a tactile switch with an 80g actuation force, providing a firm and noticeable bump without an audible click. It's favored by enthusiasts who prefer a robust typing experience.
- Switch Type: Tactile
- Actuation Force: 80g
- Mount: PCB (5-pin) or Plate (3-pin) mount
- Lubrication: Unlubed
Price Comparison
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Cherry MX Grey
Cherry MX Grey switches are the big cousins of MX Browns and Clears, designed with a stiffer spring and built to withstand high-impact keypresses. While they’re most often used in spacebars or numpads due to their firmness, Greys are fully featured linear and tactile switches that can be used across an entire board if you’re into a more resistant, deliberate typing experience. They come in two variants — tactile (standard) and linear (found mostly in vintage boards) — but it's the tactile one you'll see most commonly in modern builds.
Key Features
- Type: Tactile (standard variant) – similar to MX Clear, but with a heavier spring. There is also a linear variant, though it's rare.
- Operating Force: 80g – very firm, often used in stabilizer-heavy keys for a consistent feel.
- Pre-Travel: 2.0mm | Total Travel: 4.0mm – same travel distances as other MX switches.
- Feel: Strong tactile bump with high resistance – great for avoiding accidental presses and getting that chunky, confident feel.
- Use Case: Commonly found in spacebars or larger keys, but can be used as a full typing switch by the strong-fingered few.
- Lifespan: Rated for 50 million keystrokes – built for durability and abuse.
User Feedback
MX Greys are best known as the spacebar switch — but some adventurous users have built full boards with them and lived to tell the tale. They’re described as tactile tanks — incredibly sturdy, with a pronounced bump and a very firm spring that almost dares you to bottom out. Ideal for people who type like they’re angry at their keyboard (or just have strong fingers and a preference for heavy switches).
Compared to MX Clears, the tactile Grey delivers a similar bump, but with extra resistance. Some users find them too heavy for extended use, while others love the fatigue-fighting benefits of needing to press keys more intentionally. You’re unlikely to double-tap anything by accident with these bad boys.
They don’t offer much in the way of RGB or enthusiast flair, and they’re often overlooked for flashier switches. But if you want raw durability, heavy actuation, and a tactile bump you’ll definitely notice — Cherry MX Greys are your sleeper pick.
Specifications
Model | Cherry MX Grey |
---|---|
Brand | Cherry |
Manufacturer | Cherry |
Feel | Tactile |
Sound | Stiff, muted |
Spring | Stainless steel |
Actuation Force | 80g |
Bottom-Out Force | - |
Pre-Travel | 2.0mm |
Total Travel | 4.0mm |
Lubrication | Unlubed |
Stem Structure | MX |
Stem Material | POM |
Top Housing Material | Nylon |
Bottom Housing Material | Nylon |
Mount | 3-pin Plate or 5-pin PCB |
SMD LED Support | Yes |
Lifespan | 50 Million |