When choosing what mechanical gaming keyboard to purchase, you’ve probably noticed the name ‘Cherry MX’ being thrown around a lot. Cherry MX Switches are one of the world’s leading brands of key switches for mechanical keyboards and offer a plethora of intelligent features and customisation options for you to unleash your creativity. By choosing the right Cherry MX switch, you can tailor your keyboard to suit your exact needs and enhance your performance one step further.
To tell you absolutely everything there is to know about Cherry MX key switches, Overclockers UK has compiled this handy guide. We’ve included what factors you need to consider, all the different types of switches, and even some of our top product recommendations, to help you become an expert on different Cherry MX switches.
What are Cherry MX Switches?
Cherry MX Switches utilise next-generation engineering and technology and each features a dedicated characteristic, such as precision or speed, to enhance your performance and experience.
How to Choose Which Cherry MX Switch Is Right For Me?
When it comes to selecting what type of Cherry MX is best for you, there are certain factors that you need to consider.
Some of which include:
- Actuation Force: the amount of force that is needed in order to register what key you are pressing.
- Pretravel: how far you need to press down on the switch before it registers.
- Linear switch: Linear switches are often noiseless and produce a smooth actuation force without any tactile feedback.
- Tactile switch: Tactile switches provide you with noticeable feedback, such as a bump or click, to tell you when the key press has been registered.
- Click or no click: Clicky switches are the classic mechanical switches that make a distinct ‘click’ when pressed.
What are the different types of Cherry MX Switches?
The different types of Cherry MX Switches can be split into three different sections:
- MX Standard
- MX Low Profile
- MX Special
| Switch Type | Actuation Force | Pretravel | Sound | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX Red | Linear | 45cN | 2.0mm | no click |
| MX Speed Silver | Linear | 45cN | 1.2mm | no click |
| MX Black | Linear | 60cN | 2.0mm | no click |
| MX Brown | Tactile | 55cN | 2.0mm | no click |
| MX Blue | Tactile | 60cN | 2.2mm | audible click |
| MX Silent Red | Linear | 45cN | 1.9mm | no click |
| MX Silent Black | Linear | 60cN | 1.9mm | no click |
| MX Low Profile Red | Linear | 45cN | 1.2mm | no click |
| MX Low Profile Speed | Linear | 45cN | 1.0mm | no click |
| MX ULP Click | Tactile | 65cN | 0.8mm | audible click |
| MX Green | Tactile | 65cN | 2.0mm | no click |
| MX Clear | Tactile | 65cN | 2.0mm | no click |
| MX Grey | Tactile | 80cN | 2.0mm | no click |
MX Standard
MX Red
Cherry MX Red is ideal for those who have never used a mechanical keyboard before.
Red switches are characterised by their smooth typing feel and light resistance. They don’t feature the classic ‘clicky’ noise found with most mechanical gaming key switches and are ideal for those looking to enjoy long hours spent gaming.
Key Features of MX Red
- Linear switch
- 45cN actuation force
- 2.0mm pretravel
- No audible click
Ducky One 3 Classic TKL Cherry MX Red Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Cherry MX Red switches
- TKL form factor
- UK ISO layout
- Hot -swappable PCB
- PBT double-shot keycaps
- Per-key RGB backlighting
MX Speed Silver
Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are best suited to gamers, especially fans of hard-core fast paced FPS titles.
Characterised by the short actuation force and travel time, Speed Silver switches are optimised to deliver you ultra-fast reaction times, setting you apart from your enemies. Ideal for those who enjoy playing the latest FPS games, such as Battlefield 2042.
Key Features of MX Speed Silver
- Linear switch
- 45cN Actuation force
- 1.2mm pretravel
- No audible click
Ducky One 3 Classic TKL Cherry MX Speed Silver Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Cherry MX Speed Silver switches
- TKL form factor
- PBT double-shot keycaps
- Per-key RGB backlighting
- Adjustable feet
MX Black
Cherry MX Black switches feature the same characteristics as the Cherry MX Red switches. The only difference between the two is the high actuation force.
Cherry MX Black’s are suited for both gamers and typists alike as they have a smooth feel, which is perfect for long days spent working or those intense boss battles.
Key Features of MX Black
- Linear switch
- 60cN actuation force
- 2.0 pretravel
- No audible click
Ducky One 3 Fuji USB Cherry MX Black Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Cherry MX Black switches
- Full sized mechanical keyboard
- UK ISO layout
- Hot-swappable PCB
- PBT double-shot keycaps
- Per-key RGB lighting
MX Brown
Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch, which is suited for those who have never used a mechanical keyboard before. Tactile switches feature a distinct bump that will be felt with every key press.
Cherry MX Brown switches are best suited for gamers who don’t mind the additional noise.
Key Features of MX Brown
- Tactile switch
- 55cN actuation force
- 2.0mm pretravel
- No audible click. Some noise with each keystroke.
Ducky One3 Matcha USB Cherry MX Brown Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Cherry MX Brown switches
- Full sized mechanical keyboard
- UK ISO layout
- Hot-swappable PCB
- Per-key RGB backlighting
- PBT double-shot keycaps
MX Blue
Cherry MX Blue switches are the traditional ‘clicky’ key switches that mechanical keyboards are renowned for.
Characterised by the tactile bump and audible click with each key press, Cherry MX Blue switches are perfect for gamers who love the classic ‘clicky’ noise and don’t mind annoying the neighbours at 2 am with intense pressing and clicking during long hours of gameplay.
However, fans of fast-paced FPS games, might not want to invest in MX Blue switches. The strong tactical feedback and actuation force means you can’t quickly press multiple keys simultaneously.
Key Features of MX Blue
- Tactile switch
- 60cN actuation force
- 2.2 pretravel
- Audible click
Ducky x DOOM 65% USB Cherry MX Blue Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Officially licensed design by Bethesda
- Cherry MX Blue switches
- 65% form factor
- UK ISO layout
- Hot-swappable PCB
- Per-key RGB backlighting
MX Silent Red
The defining characteristic of a Cherry MX Silent Red switch is the virtually inaudible operation.
Thanks to patented damping technology, Silent Red switches are perfect for those who want to use a mechanical keyboard for working or those who find the traditional ‘clicky’ sound a distraction whilst gaming.
Key Features of MX Silent Red
- Linear switch
- 45cN actuation force
- 1.9mm pretravel
- Soft, quiet operation. No loud audible click
Ducky One 3 Classic USB Cherry MX Silent Red Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Cherry MX Silent Red switches
- UK ISO layout
- Hot-swappable PCB
- Per-key RGB backlighting
MX Silent Black
Similar to Cherry MX Silent Reds, Silent Blacks feature intelligent noise-dampening technology to deliver you incredible typing action but with a virtually silent operation.
Key Features of MX Silent Black
- Linear switch
- 60cN actuation force
- 1.9mm pretravel
- Soft, quiet operation. No loud audible click
MX Low Profile
MX Low Profile switches have been expertly crafted for low-profile keyboards.
A low-profile keyboard is typically shorter than a regular keyboard and the key switches sit on top of the body of the keyboard rather than inside the case. These keyboards are usually more ergonomic and comfortable as you aren’t having to lift your fingers up to type and are often extremely lightweight and portable. Perfect for those looking to game or work on the go.
MX Low Profile Red
Designed specifically for low profile keyboards, MX Low Profile Red switches, utilise all of the benefits and features of the MX Red switches, but with a small form factor.
Key Features of MX Low Profile Red
- Linear switch
- 45cN actuation force
- 1.2mm pretravel
- No audible click
MX Low Profile Speed
Similar to the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, MX Low Profile Speed are perfect for those looking to take advantage of superior speed and precision, but with a low-profile form factor.
Key Features of MX Low Profile Speed
- Linear switch
- 45cN actuation force
- 1.0mm pretravel
- No audible click
MX ULP Click
Incredibly thin and with a small form factor, MX ULP Click switches are characterised by the low actuation force and pretravel for ultra-fast response times with each key press.
MX ULP Click switches feature the traditional click when each press is registered and include a tactile feedback feel.
Key Features of MX ULP Click
- Tactile switch
- 65cN actuation force
- 0.8mm pretravel
- Audible click
MX Special
MX Green
Similar to MX Blue switches, Cherry MX Greens feature an audible and tactile feedback when each keypress is registered.
However, MX Greens have a heavier overall feel and required more actuation force than standard MX Blues. MX Greens are not that great for gamers who enjoy playing FPS titles or typists who need to press multiple keys at once and are skilled fast typists.
Key Features of MX Green
- Tactile switch
- 80cN actuation force
- 2.2mm pretravel
- Audible click
MX Clear
MX Clear switches feature similar tactile feedback to that of MX Browns, but with a larger actuation force. This makes MX Clear switches ideal for typists who want the extra support, but isn’t suited to those with a light keystroke as you may find MX Clear switches uncomfortable to use.
Key Features of MX Clear
- Tactile switch
- 65cN actuation force
- 2.0 pretravel
- No audible click
Ducky One 3 YClassic 65% USB Cherry MX Clear Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Cherry MX Clear switches
- 65% form factor
- UK ISO layout
- Hot-swappable PCB
- Per-key RGB backlighting
MX Grey
An enhanced version of the MX Brown, Cherry MX Grey switches feature all the characteristics of Brown switches, but with increased tactile feedback and virtually no noise. This results in a greater actuation force.
Key Features of MX Grey
- Tactile switch
- 80cN actuation force
- 2.0mm pretravel
- No audible click
Other Types of Key Switches
Cherry MX Switches are not the only type of key switch available on the market. In fact, you can find plenty of high-quality switches from both Ducky and Glorious. You can read more about Glorious and Ducky key switches in our blog posts below.
Do You Use Cherry MX Switches?
Does your keyboard utilise Cherry MX? What switches do you use? Let us know in the comments.
- 9 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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