Cherry MX switches have a storied past and are considered some of the best-in-class key switches for mechanical keyboards, revered by writers, gamers, programmers, and Esports pros for their performance, comfort, and durability. Originally founded in Illinois in 1953, Cherry moved to Auerbach in der Oberpfalz, Germany in 1979, and in 1983 the first MX Switch (the MX Black) was introduced. Cherry currently makes several different keyboard switches, each with a unique combination of resistance, tactile and auditory feedback that caters to different uses and preferences. The following guide details the differences between Cherry MX switches so you can select the best switch for your next keyboard.
Cherry MX Switches Quick Comparison
This table compares some of the most popular Cherry MX switches being produced today. Scroll down for more detailed explanations.
| Switch | Type | Actuation Rating | Best For |
| Cherry MX Red | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 100 million keystrokes | Gaming |
| Cherry MX Speed Silver | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 100 million keystrokes | Speed |
| Cherry MX Black | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 100 million keystrokes | Gaming with heavier keys |
| Cherry MX Brown | Tactile (soft bump, no click) | > 100 million keystrokes | All-purpose use |
| Cherry MX Blue | Clicky (soft bump and audible click) | > 50 million keystrokes | Typing |
| Cherry MX Silent Red | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 50 million keystrokes | Noiseless gaming |
| Cherry MX Low Profile Speed | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 100 million keystrokes | Low profile desktop gaming |
| Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile | Clicky (soft bump and audible click) | > 15 million keystrokes | Notebook gaming |
| Cherry MX Green | Clicky (soft bump and audible click) | > 50 million keystrokes | Typing with heavier keys |
Cherry MX Switches: Engineered for Performance
Designed and manufactured in Germany, Cherry MX switches are engineered for superior performance. Each switch is comprised of five components.
1. Upper housing: On the top of the switch is a piece of housing that makes up the top of the switch. It clips into the bottom housing, also known as the housing base. The upper housing is made from plastic polymer and is a CAD high-precision component that allows for next to no tolerance (less than 0.01 mm) with the switching slide, for more precise keystrokes.
2. Switching slide/stem: When pressed, the keycap pushes down a certain amount of pre-travel distance on the stem when it slides inside the body of the switch. On some switches, this mechanism actuates audible and tactical feedback.
3. Gold crosspoint contact: When the stem begins to move, it immediately makes a connection with the gold crosspoint which has two pins that go through the bottom of the switch and are soldered to the PCB (printed circuit board), transmitting the keystroke as an electrical impulse. Designed for precision, gold electrical contacts are used as the crosspoint for registering each keystroke and are the foundation of Cherry MX switch reliability and durability. They’re self-cleaning, non-corrosive, and most are rated for up to 100 million actuations.
4. Precision coil spring: The spring provides resistance and returns the key to its unpressed position after a keystroke is made.
5. Housing base: Made from plastic polymer and glass fiber, the housing base mounts Cherry MX switches to either the PCB (printed circuit board) or the plate of the keyboard. In both a PCB-mounted Cherry MX switch, and a Plate-mounted Cherry MX switch the two pins from the gold crosspoint stick out the bottom, the only difference between the two housings is that a PCB-mounted housing base will only have one additional pin (for a total of three pins), and a Plate-mounted housing base will have three additional pins (for a total of five pins).
Note that Ultra Low Profile Cherry MX switches also feature gold crosspoint contacts and precision coil springs, but they swap the other components for stainless steel tension wings, metal base frames, and actuator/polymer sockets that register clicks and keep the contacts in position. Denoted by colors such as blue, red, and brown, each type of Cherry MX switch features a different combination of characteristics with unique performance benefits.
Cherry MX Switch Characteristics
There are several ways to compare Cherry MX switches, although these characteristics are the most helpful ways to compare these mechanical switches:
Actuation Type
The actuation type dictates how keys feel and sound when pressed. Cherry MX offers three actuation types:
- Clicky: Tactile feedback with an audible click sound.
- Tactile: Tactile feedback with a dampened click.
- Linear: A smooth, typically quieter keystroke that can be silent.
Resistance
Resistance is the force required to depress each key, measured in centinewtons (cN), which is the equivalent of 1 gf (gram-force) to 0.98 cN. A higher cN requires more force, while switches with a lower cN are easier to press. Most Cherry MX switches run between 45 and 80 cN.
Pre-Travel Distance
This is the distance the key travels before it registers the keystroke, measured in millimeters (mm). The Cherry MX Red has a 2.0 mm pre-travel distance, while the Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile switch features a 0.8 mm pre-travel distance. The shorter the pre-travel distance, the faster keystrokes register.
Total Travel Distance
This is how far the key travels before it bottoms out on the keyboard. A shorter total travel distance returns the key to its normal position faster, potentially increasing reaction time (especially for repetitive keystrokes). The total travel distance for Cherry MX switches ranges between 1.8 and 4.0 mm.
Actuation Rating
The actuation rating refers to a switch’s total lifespan, measured in keystrokes or actuations. Several Cherry MX switches boast an actuation rating of more than 100 million keystrokes, including the Cherry MX Red, Speed Silver, Black, and Brown.
How to Choose the Right Cherry MX Switch
Most Cherry MX switches are denoted by color, making it easy to compare their features to find the right fit for your needs. Consider which characteristics will help you achieve your goals, whether you want to become a faster typist or a more skillful gamer.
For example, if you want a smooth, quiet typing experience with minimal feedback, you should choose a linear switch with a short pre-travel distance and low resistance. If you want tactile and audible feedback and enjoy a little more “heft” to your keystrokes, you should choose a clicky switch with greater resistance.
Compare the following Cherry MX switch models to see which has the right combination of features for you.
Cherry MX Brown: Best All-Purpose Switch
Cherry MX Brown switches are by far the most popular switch on the market today. They produce a tactile, mechanical typing sound and experience that people enjoy for any type of use such as gaming, working, writing, or coding. When you press a key you’ll feel a soft bump when the keystroke registers, and hear an audible, mechanical keystroke. This switch has become the perfect all-purpose switch that works well for typing and gaming. There is an RGB version of the Cherry MX Brown switch, and the non-RGB switch will accommodate a led pipe for a single color of backlighting per switch. With 55 cN resistance, 2.0 mm pre-travel, and 4.0 mm total travel distance, the Cherry MX Brown is a good option if you prefer a quiet keyboard switch that still delivers real-time feedback. It’s also rated for more than 100 million actuations. Listen to the Cherry MX Brown switch here.
Cherry MX Brown Specs
- Switch type: Tactile
- Resistance: 55 cN
- Pre-travel: 2.0 mm
- Total travel: 4.0 mm
Cherry MX Blue: Best for Typing
This switch is a popular option for typists who prefer both tactile and louder audible feedback. Press a key, and you’ll feel and hear the click quite loudly, which is why this switch is not a good choice for open space offices or coffee shops. The Cherry MX Blue features 60 cN resistance, has a slightly longer pre-travel distance at 2.2 mm, and is rated for more than 50 million keystrokes. It’s well-suited for programmers, writers, and others who spend long hours typing, but gamers may prefer switches that take less force and have less travel distance. There is an RGB version of the Cherry MX Blue switch, and the non-RGB switch will accommodate a led pipe for a single color of backlighting per switch. Listen to the clicky Cherry MX Blue switch here.
Cherry MX Blue Specs
- Switch type: Clicky
- Resistance: 60 cN
- Pre-travel: 2.2 mm
- Total travel: 4.0 mm
Cherry MX Green: Best for Typing with Heavier Keys
The Cherry MX Green is a specialty clicky switch modeled after the Cherry MX Blue, with one distinction: the MX Green has a high 80 cN resistance, 15 cN higher than the MX Blue, which lends a heavier feel to each keystroke. Otherwise, the specs are identical at 2.2 mm pre-travel distance, 4.0 mm total travel distance, and 50 million-plus actuation rating.
Cherry MX Green Specs
- Switch type: Clicky
- Resistance: 80 cN
- Pre-travel: 2.2 mm
- Total travel: 4.0 mm
Cherry MX Red: Best for Gaming
The “standard” Cherry MX switch is ideal for gaming with a fast 2.0 mm pre-travel distance and light 45 cN resistance. Those features make this switch an excellent choice for rapid firing in First Person Shooter (FPS) games. It’s a linear switch, which means it offers a smooth, quiet (but not silent), no-click experience that’s rated for 100 million actuations. You can hear this switch on the Cherry MX website.
Cherry MX Red Specs
- Switch type: Linear
- Resistance: 45 cN
- Pre-travel: 2.0 mm
- Total travel: 4.0 mm
Cherry MX Speed Silver: Best for Speed
Designed for gaming speed, the Speed Silver is the fastest full-height switch in the Cherry MX lineup. It features a short 1.2 mm pre-travel and 3.4 mm total travel distance, no-click linear operation, and 45 cN resistance. Like Cherry MX Reds, Speed Silver switches are rated for 100 million actuations. You can hear what the Cherry MX Speed Silver sounds like here.
Cherry MX Speed Silver Specs
- Switch type: Linear
- Resistance: 45 cN
- Pre-travel: 1.2 mm
- Total travel: 3.4 mm
Cherry MX Black: Best for Gaming with Heavier Keys
The Cherry MX Black switch is similar to the Cherry MX Red. One notable difference is that the Cherry MX Black has greater resistance (60 cN) that adds heft to each keystroke and quickly returns keys to their original positions. Cherry MX Blacks are also rated for 100 million keystrokes. Visit Cherry to hear the sound of the MX Black.
Cherry MX Black Specs
- Switch type: Linear
- Resistance: 60 cN
- Pre-travel: 2.0 mm
- Total travel: 4.0 mm
Cherry MX Silent Red: Best for Noiseless Gaming & Typing
The Cherry MX Silent Red switch incorporates a patented dampening system for a quiet, no-click, linear keystroke that’s ideal if you need to game or work without producing a lot of noise. It features a short 1.9 mm pre-travel and 3.7 mm total travel distance with low 45 cN resistance for high-speed typing and minimal noise. The Cherry MX Silent Red switch is rated for more than 50 million actuations. Visit the Cherry website to hear the sound of the MX Silent Red.
Cherry MX Silent Red Specs
- Switch type: Linear
- Resistance: 45 cN
- Pre-travel: 1.9 mm
- Total travel: 3.7 mm
Cherry MX Low Profile Red: Best Low Profile Switch for Typing & Coding
Now rated for more than 100 million keystrokes, the Cherry MX Low Profile Red switch is one of the most popular low-profile switches on the market. A close relative of the Cherry MX Low Profile Speed, the Low Profile Red has slightly more pre-travel with 1.2 mm vs. 1.0 mm on the Low Profile Speed. As one of the best switches with a low profile design for typing and aesthetics, the keycap height will be 35% less than a standard Cherry MX switch. This linear switch has a short 1.2 mm pre-travel and 3.2 mm total travel for quick reaction times and is rated for more than 100 million keystrokes. The switch is engineered to work with both laptops and low-profile desktop keyboards, although is not currently being used in a laptop’s keyboard.
Cherry MX Low Profile Speed Specs
- Switch type: Linear
- Resistance: 45 cN
- Pre-travel: 1.2 mm
- Total travel: 3.2 mm
Cherry MX Low Profile Speed: Best for Low Profile Desktop Gaming
The Cherry MX Low Profile Speed switch packs the lightning-fast features of the Speed Silver in a low profile design that reduces keycap height by 35%. This linear switch boasts a short 1.0 mm pre-travel and 3.2 mm total travel distance for quick reaction times and is rated for more than 100 million keystrokes. The switch is engineered can be used on laptops or low-profile desktop keyboards.
Cherry MX Low Profile Speed Specs
- Switch type: Linear
- Resistance: 45 cN
- Pre-travel: 1.0 mm
- Total travel: 3.2 mm
Cherry MX Ultra-Low Profile: Best for Notebook Gaming
As the newest switch on the market by Cherry, the Ultra-Low Profile switch is a revolutionary switch made for rapid-fire reactions on gaming laptops. The Cherry MX Ultra-Low Profile is the only butterfly-type switch by Cherry and features the shortest keystrokes with a pre-travel of just 0.8 mm with a total travel distance of 1.8 mm. The Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile switch is currently available in Dell Alienware m15 and m17 laptops, making them two of the few laptops with truly mechanical keyboards. Precision engineering enables both tactile and audible feedback, perfect if you find the soft bump and clicky noise satisfying while you game. It’s rated for more than 15 million keystrokes.
Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile Specs
- Switch type: Clicky
- Resistance: 65 cN
- Pre-travel: 0.8 mm
- Total travel: 1.8 mm
Cherry MX switches are among the most celebrated key switches for mechanical keyboards. They deliver the precision performance, comfort, and reliability desired by writers, gamers, programmers, and productivity professionals. Each Cherry MX switch model offers a unique combination of features that cater to different uses and users, so you can compare popular models to identify which is best for you. Whether you’re interested in keyboard switches for work or gaming, you can enhance your performance and enrich your experience with a mechanical keyboard that uses Cherry MX switches.