Cherry MX Switches
Cherry Corporation of Germany makes a series of mechanical key switches called Cherry MX.
Cherry MX series of switches are first introduced in 1983. They are the most well known switches. There are several different models, with different feel to them. These models are color coded.
| Cherry MX Switch | feel | force | pre-travel | total travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ■ Speed Silver | linear | 45 cN | 1.2 mm | 3.4 mm |
| ■ Red | linear | 45 cN | 2 mm | 4 mm |
| ■ Silent Red | linear | 45 cN | 1.9 mm | 3.7 mm |
| ■ Black | linear | 60 cN | 2 mm | 4 mm |
| ■ Silent Black | linear | 60 cN | 1.9 mm | 3.7 mm |
| ■ Brown | tactile | 55 cN | 2 mm | 4 mm |
| ■ Blue | clicky | 60 cN | 2.2 mm | 4 mm |
Linear Action: Red, Silent Red, Black
All these are linear switches. They differ by the force of the spring.
- MX Red requires the least pressure to activate the key. It's really nice. Typing on it is effortless.
- MX Silent Red is a quieter, but slightly more pressure to activate.
- Cherry MX Black is same as Red, except more force is required. I don't like MX Black at all.
Tactile Action: Brown
The MX Brown switch have a tactile bump. When you press down, after certain point, there's a bump feel.
Click Action: Blue
The MX Blue switch has a strong clicky bump. When you press down, the is a very sharp click point. Blue is very noisy. It makes a “click” sound by design.
There are many other color-coded Cherry MX switches, but less common.
