Cherry MX switches
Cherry MX switches (short for Mechanical X-Point) are mechanical keyboard switches made by Cherry, starting with the MX Black switch in the 1980s.
When Cherry's MX switch patent expired, companies like Gateron and Kailh cloned them, turning them into a de facto standard used by hot swappable mechanical keyboards.
Switches
| Name | Type | Feature | Operating force | Pre travel | Total travel | Factory pre-lubed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX Red | Linear | Popular | 45cN | 2.0 mm | 4.0 mm | No |
| MX Blue | Clicky | Popular | 60cN | 2.2 mm | 4.0 mm | No |
| MX Brown | Tactile | Popular | 55cN | 2.0 mm | 4.0 mm | No |
| MX Speed Silver | Linear | Fast | 45cN | 1.2 mm | 3.4 mm | No |
| MX Silent Red | Linear | Quiet | 45cN | 1.9 mm | 3.7 mm | No |
| MX Black | Linear | Heavy | 60cN | 2.0 mm | 4.0 mm | No |
| MX Black Clear Top | Linear | Popular, heavy | 63cN | 2.0 mm | 4.0 mm | Optional |
| MX Ergo Clear | Tactile | Balanced | 60cN | 2.0 mm | 4.0 mm | Yes |
| MX Green | Clicky | Heavy | 80cN | 2.2 mm | 4.0 mm | No |
| MX Grey | Tactile | Heavy | 80cN | 2.0 mm | 4.0 mm | No |
Downloads
Documentation
Patents
- "Low profile switch" Gunter Murmann, Günter Bauer, US Patents, 1983
Switches: Cherry MX switches | Gateron MX switches | Keychron switches
