Cherry MX switches are mechanical keyboard switches manufactured by Cherry Corporation. Cherry MX switches are considered to be the gold standard of modern mechanical keyboards. First invented back in 1983, the Cherry MX mechanical switch has been in production for over three decades, but has only recently seen a resurgence due to the increased popularity of mechanical keyboards in the past few years. Currently, Cherry’s MX mechanical switch patents have expired leading to many companies such as Kailh, Gateron, Greetech, and others to produce “clones” of the iconic mechanical switch.
Common Cherry MX Mechanical Keyboard Switches
Cherry MX Blue
Actuation Force (g): 50
Actuation Distance (mm): 2.2
Full Travel Distance (mm): 4
Lifespan: 50 Million
Other Characteristics: Tactile bump, Clicky
Cherry MX Brown
Actuation Force (g): 45
Actuation Distance (mm): 2.2
Full Travel Distance (mm): 4
Lifespan: 50 Million
Other Characteristics: Tactile bump
Cherry MX Red
Actuation Force (g): 45
Actuation Distance (mm): 2.2
Full Travel Distance (mm): 4
Lifespan: 50 Million
Other Characteristics: Linear (Silent)
Cherry MX Black
Actuation Force (g): 60
Actuation Distance (mm): 2.2
Full Travel Distance (mm): 4
Lifespan: 50 Million
Other Characteristics: Linear (Silent)
Cherry MX Clear
Actuation Force (g): 55
Actuation Distance (mm): 2.2
Full Travel Distance (mm): 4
Lifespan: 50 Million
Other Characteristics: Tactile bump
Cherry MX Green
Actuation Force (g): 80
Actuation Distance (mm): 2.2
Full Travel Distance (mm): 4
Lifespan: 50 Million
Other Characteristics: Clicky
Cherry MX Speed
Actuation Force (g): 45
Actuation Distance (mm): 1.2
Full Travel Distance (mm): 4
Lifespan: 50 Million
Other Characteristics: Linear (Silent)
