Introduction to Cherry MX Switches

Cherry MX mechanical switches are a type of switch used in mechanical keyboards. They are known for their tactile feel, durability, and accuracy. Cherry MX switches are named after their manufacturer, Cherry GmbH, a German electronics company that has been producing switches since the 1950s. Since their introduction in the 1980s, Cherry MX switches have become a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and gamers. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how Cherry MX switches work, the different types of Cherry MX switches available, and what makes them unique.

Linear Switches

Linear switches, which are the simplest type of Cherry MX switches, move straight up and down without any tactile feedback or loud clicking noise. There are two common types of linear switches - Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Red.

Cherry MX Black

Cherry MX Black switches were introduced in 1984, making them one of the oldest Cherry switches. They have a medium to high actuation force of 60 cN, making them the stiffest of the four most common Cherry switches. These switches are often used in point-of-sale stations, but are not typically considered ideal for typing due to their high weighting. However, they are popular in real-time strategy (RTS) video games, where the high weighting can prevent

accidental key presses. The stronger spring also allows for fast rebound and quick actuation, although fatigue can become a factor with extended use.

Cherry MX Red

On the other hand, Cherry MX Red switches were developed by the company in 2008, making them the newest addition to the Cherry MX switch lineup. They have a low actuation force of 45 cN, which is tied with Brown switches for the lightest actuation force among the four most common switches. Cherry MX Red switches have been marketed as a gaming switch, as their light weighting enables faster actuation, and they have become increasingly popular in gaming keyboards.

Despite the decline in popularity following the release of Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, Cherry MX Red switches remain a popular choice for gamers and typists alike due to their lightweight and linear feel.

 Cherry MX Speed Silver

Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are a variation of the Cherry MX Red switches, designed to be even faster and more responsive. These switches have an actuation force of 45 cN, similar to Cherry MX Red switches, but with a shorter actuation distance of just 1.2mm (compared to the 2mm actuation distance of most other Cherry MX switches). This shorter distance allows for faster actuation times, which is particularly useful in gaming scenarios.

Cherry MX Speed Silver switches were first introduced in 2016 and have gained popularity among gamers who want the fastest and most responsive switches possible. They have a lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes, making them durable and long-lasting.

One downside of Cherry MX Speed Silver switches is that they have a shorter key travel distance, which can result in accidental key presses if the user is not used to the shorter actuation distance. Additionally, they do not have a tactile bump, which may be a disadvantage for some typists who prefer the tactile feedback of other Cherry MX switches.

Overall, Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness, but may not be as well-suited for typing or general use.

Cherry Mx Silent Black

Cherry MX Silent Black switches are a variation of the Cherry MX Black switches, but with a unique feature designed to reduce the noise produced during typing. These switches have a medium to high actuation force of 60 cN, making them a good choice for users who prefer a stiffer switch. However, they also feature a special noise-dampening system that reduces the sound of the switch when it is actuated, making them much quieter than regular Cherry MX Black switches.

The noise-dampening system in Cherry MX Silent Black switches is achieved through the use of a specially designed plunger and slider, which work together to reduce the sound produced when the switch is actuated. This can be beneficial in office or other shared environments where noise is a concern.

Like other Cherry MX Black switches, Cherry MX Silent Black switches are known for their durability and responsiveness. They have a lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes and are a good choice for point-of-sale stations and other applications where a stiffer switch is desirable.

Overall, Cherry MX Silent Black switches are an excellent choice for users who want the responsiveness and durability of a Cherry MX Black switch, but with the added benefit of reduced noise.

Cherry MX Silent Red

Cherry MX Silent Red switches are a variation of the popular Cherry MX Red switches, designed to be quieter and more discreet. These switches have an actuation force of 45 cN, making them a good choice for gamers or typists who prefer a light, responsive switch. They also feature a special noise-dampening system that reduces the sound produced when the switch is actuated, making them much quieter than regular Cherry MX Red switches.

The noise-dampening system in Cherry MX Silent Red switches is achieved through the use of a specially designed plunger and slider, which work together to reduce the sound produced when the switch is actuated. This can be beneficial in office or other shared environments where noise is a concern.

Cherry MX Silent Red switches were first introduced in 2015 and have gained popularity among keyboard enthusiasts who want a quieter, more discreet switch. They have a lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes, making them durable and long-lasting.

One downside of Cherry MX Silent Red switches is that they do not have a tactile bump, which may be a disadvantage for some typists who prefer the tactile feedback of other Cherry MX switches. Additionally, the noise-dampening system may make the switches feel slightly mushier or less responsive than other Cherry MX Red switches.

Overall, Cherry MX Silent Red switches are a great choice for users who want the responsiveness and smoothness of a Cherry MX Red switch, but with the added benefit of reduced noise.

Tactile Switches

Tactile switches provide users with noticeable feedback when the key is pressed down. This type of switch has a bump that lets users know when the key has been activated.

Cherry MX Brown

The most popular type of tactile, non-clicky switch is the Cherry MX Brown. Originally introduced as an "ergo soft" switch in 1994, it quickly gained popularity and is now widely used in both gaming and typing keyboards. Cherry MX Brown switches are considered a versatile, middle-of-the-road option that works well for both purposes. They are also ideal for office environments where a clicky switch might be disruptive to coworkers.

Cherry MX Brown switches have been historically the best-selling type of switch in the Cherry MX lineup. Their popularity is due to their versatile nature and unique feel, which makes them a great choice for both gaming and typing.

Cherry MX Clear

Cherry MX Clear switches were first introduced in the 1980s as a heavier version of the popular Cherry MX Brown switches. They feature a tactile bump and a heavier actuation force of 65 cN, making them a good option for typists who prefer a stiffer switch.

Cherry MX Clear switches were originally developed for the Japanese market and were not widely available outside of Japan until the mid-2010s when they gained popularity among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Today, they are a sought-after switch and can be found in a variety of high-end mechanical keyboards.

In recent years, some keyboard manufacturers have started producing their own versions of Cherry MX Clear switches, with varying actuation forces and levels of tactile feedback. Despite this, the original Cherry MX Clear switch remains a popular option for those who prefer a stiffer, tactile switch.

 Clicky switches

Clicky switches are designed to produce a deliberately loud 'click' sound in addition to the tactile feedback when the key is pressed down. This results in greater feedback when typing, allowing users to easily discern when the activation point has been reached.

The mechanism behind clicky switches is more complex than other switch types. They feature a blue plunger and a white slider that work together to produce the distinct clicking sound. When the activation point is reached, the slider is propelled to the bottom of the switch, producing the click noise. This unique mechanism is what sets clicky switches apart from other Cherry MX switches.

Cherry Mx Blue

Cherry MX Blue switches are the most common type of clicky switch and were introduced in the early 2000s. These switches feature a tactile bump and an audible click, making them a favorite among typists who appreciate the tactile feedback and satisfying sound.

However, due to their relatively high actuation force of 50 cN and the release point being above the actuation point, Cherry MX Blue switches may not be as well-suited for gaming, particularly for fast double-tapping. Additionally, they are significantly louder than other types of mechanical switches, which are already louder than rubber dome switches. This can make them a bit disruptive in close working conditions.

Interestingly, the Cherry MX Blue switches were first made available in Filco keyboards in 2007, which helped to popularize these switches among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Despite being one of the oldest Cherry MX switches, they remain a popular choice for typists who value the tactile feedback and distinct clicking sound.

Cherry Mx Green

Cherry MX Green switches are a variation of the Cherry MX Blue switches and were designed to provide a stiffer, more tactile feel. These switches have an actuation force of 80 cN, making them the heaviest of the Cherry MX switches. They also feature a tactile bump and an audible click, similar to Cherry MX Blue switches.

Cherry MX Green switches were originally developed for use in specialized keyboards, such as those used in industrial and military settings. However, they have become increasingly popular among keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate their heavy weighting and satisfying tactile feedback.

One key difference between Cherry MX Green and Blue switches is that the actuation point and release point are closer together, making double-tapping easier. Additionally, Cherry MX Green switches originally had a longer lifespan than some other Cherry MX switches, with a rated lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes.

Due to their heavier weighting and louder clicking sound, Cherry MX Green switches are often preferred by typists who prefer a stiffer, more tactile feel, but may not be as well-suited for gaming.

Cherry MX RGB

Cherry RGB switches are a line of mechanical switches that feature customizable RGB lighting. They were introduced in 2014 and have become increasingly popular among gamers and keyboard enthusiasts who want to personalize the look and feel of their keyboard.

Cherry RGB switches are available in a variety of types, including Red, Blue, Brown, and Silent Red, among others. The performance and characteristics of the Cherry RGB switches are similar to their non-RGB counterparts. For example, a Cherry MX RGB Blue switch will feel and actuate the same as a non-RGB Cherry MX Blue switch.

One notable difference between Cherry RGB switches and their non-RGB counterparts is the clear housing used on Cherry RGB switches, which allows the RGB lighting to shine through. This can give keyboards with Cherry RGB switches a unique and eye-catching look.

Overall, Cherry RGB switches offer the same quality and performance as non-RGB Cherry MX switches, with the added benefit of customizable RGB lighting. This makes them an excellent choice for users who want a high-quality mechanical switch with the ability to personalize the look of their keyboard.