
Cherry MX White Clicky Switches
The Cherry MX White is a medium-stiff, tactile switch with a soft click, featuring an actuation force of around 75 cN. Originally introduced in the 1980s, it uses a greased sliding collar to reduce click noise, offering a quieter alternative to the MX Blue.
- Switch Type: Clicky
- Actuation Force: 80g
- Mount: PCB (5-pin) or Plate (3-pin) mount
- Lubrication: Unlubed
Price Comparison
Vendor | Discount Code | Price (USD) | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() |
— | $8.58 | Buy |
![]() |
— | $0.40 | Buy |
![]() |
— | — | Buy |
Cherry MX White
Cherry MX White switches are a lesser-known clicky variant that sit between MX Blues and Greens in terms of sound and feel. Originally developed for specific applications and keyboards (including some military and point-of-sale hardware), MX Whites feature the same click jacket mechanism found in Blues and Greens — but with a slightly different spring and damping profile. The result is a switch that still clicks, but with a quieter, softer sound and a more refined feel.
Key Features
- Type: Clicky – tactile bump and audible click, but less harsh than MX Blues or Greens.
- Operating Force: ~80g – similar to MX Green, with a bit more resistance than Blue.
- Pre-Travel: 2.0mm | Total Travel: 4.0mm – standard Cherry travel profile.
- Mechanism: Click jacket design – uses the same clicky actuator system as Blues and Greens.
- Feel: Crisp and deliberate with a softened click – less sharp, more subtle.
- Lifespan: Rated for 50 million keystrokes – durable, if you can find them.
User Feedback
Cherry MX Whites aren’t commonly found in off-the-shelf keyboards, which gives them a sort of mythical status in the community. Users who’ve had the chance to try them often describe them as “Blues on mute” or “a more tolerable Green.” The click is still there, but it’s less piercing — making them more suitable for shared spaces or long typing sessions where Blues might be too fatiguing.
They’ve been praised for their smoother, more stable feel, especially in older boards that featured them in spacebars or specialized layouts. However, due to their rarity, they’re mostly known among switch collectors or retro keyboard fans who’ve stumbled across them in the wild.
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on Cherry MX Whites, you’ll find a clicky switch that offers all the satisfaction of tactile feedback — without the sonic assault. A hidden gem for collectors, or for users who want the feel of a clicky switch with a bit less volume and drama.
Specifications
Model | Cherry MX White |
---|---|
Brand | Cherry |
Manufacturer | Cherry |
Feel | Clicky |
Sound | Clicky, sharp, snappy |
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 |
SMD LED Support | Yes |
Lifespan | 50 Million |