Cherry MX Switches
Cherry MX Switches
Cherry Corporation of Germany makes a series of mechanical key switches called Cherry MX.
Cherry MX series of switches came out in 1983. They are the most well known switches, up to about 2020, and since then there is a explosion of new switch types by Chinese companies.
Key Switch Structure
Notice the spring. It is the spring that determines resistance of the key.
Electric Contact Mechanism
Color Coded Switch Models
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 Models (Red, Silent Red, Black)
Linear Action means when pressing the key feels smooth. There is no bump feel or click noise.
Linear Action Models include: Red, Silent Red, Black. 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 require slightly more force to activate.
- Cherry MX Black is same as Red, except more force is required. I don't like MX Black at all.
Tactile Action Models: Brown
The MX Brown switch have a tactile bump. When you press down, after certain point, there's a bump feel.
Click Action Models: 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.