CHERRY’s MX2A switches are a 2023 redesign of its full-size MX line, with new internal details intended to make typing smoother, quieter and more consistent. The changes apply to most familiar switch types—including Red, Brown and Black—but not MX Blue’s click mechanism. Whether the redesign matters to you depends on switch feel, sound, compatibility and whether the keyboard listing explicitly identifies its switches as MX2A.
What changed in CHERRY MX2A switches?
CHERRY announced MX2A on 24 August 2023 as an evolution of its full-size MX mechanical switch line. The redesign changes parts of the switch’s lubrication, spring and housing finish:
- Factory-applied lubricant: CHERRY says the switches receive premium lubricant during manufacture.
- Barrel-shaped spring: The spring is intended to reduce spring noise.
- Updated spring-centering stem: A crown of ribs helps center the spring.
- Diamond-polished sliding surfaces: The upper and lower housing surfaces where the stem slides receive a polished finish.
CHERRY says these changes are intended to improve smoothness, acoustics and consistency. Those are manufacturer claims; the sources cited here do not establish an independent, controlled comparison with earlier MX generations. CHERRY’s MX2A announcement
Which switches are MX2A?
CHERRY’s announced MX2A lineup includes the following switch families and their RGB variants:
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- 36 of your favorite CHERRY switches in one box: Customize your mechanical keyboard with your preferred CHERRY MX2A switch type and type exactly the way you like
- CHERRY MX2A RGB BLUE Switches: Tactile and audible switching characteristics with noticeable pressure point, 60 cN actuation force, 2.2 mm pre-travel, 4.0 mm total travel, with clicking sound
- Durable and reliable: CHERRY Gold Crosspoint contacts (resistant to dust and dirt), over 50 million actuations per switch without loss of quality, consistently reliable switching performance
- Improved MX2A switches: Featuring a precisely applied premium lubricant and a new, innovative spring design - for smoother operation and improved acoustics
- Completely plastic-free packaging: The box for our CHERRY Switch Kits is made of 100% cardboard - this reduces waste and promotes more sustainable shopping
- MX Red
- MX Brown
- MX Black
- MX Speed Silver
- MX Silent Red
MX Blue retains its clicky character, but CHERRY says it does not receive the new lubrication and barrel-shaped spring because of technical considerations. So, “MX2A” does not mean every switch has the same internal changes.
How do MX2A switch types differ?
Choose first by the behavior you want, not by the MX2A label alone. Linear switches move without a tactile bump; tactile switches provide a bump; clicky switches add an audible click; silent switches are designed to reduce sound; and speed switches are positioned for fast actuation. The exact feel and noise also depend on the keyboard, keycaps and typing environment.
Rank #2
- Wired, mechanical office keyboard with anodized metal plate: Equipped with our improved CHERRY MX2A switches available in 2 different variants - for an unmatched typing experience
- CHERRY MX2A BROWN switches: Precise and noticeable typing feel with tactile switching characteristics (no click) and more than 100 million actustions per key. High-quality mechanical
- Practical: Tasteful white status LEDs in the CAPS LOCK, SCROLL LOCK, and NUM LOCK keys, as well as 4 additional keys for quick access to the calculator app and volume control
- Molded keycaps for comfortable typing and useful special functions: Full N-key rollover (all keys are read simultaneously) and anti-ghosting (no incorrect entries)
- Durable and robust: 2 sturdy, non-slip fold-out feet and laser-etched, abrasion-resistant keycaps - the lettering on the keys remains perfectly legible even after years of use
| MX2A type | Behavior to consider | Buyer question |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Linear | Do you want a smooth press without a tactile bump? |
| Brown | Tactile | Do you want a noticeable press bump without a click mechanism? |
| Black | Linear | Do you prefer a linear switch with a higher actuation force than the approximately 60 cN stated for MX2A Black? |
| Speed Silver | Speed-oriented | Does the product listing state the actuation point and other specifications you need? |
| Silent Red | Silent-oriented linear | Is reduced switch noise a priority? |
| Blue | Clicky | Do you specifically want an audible click? Its click mechanism remains, and it does not receive the lubrication and barrel spring changes described for the other types. |
For MX2A Black, CHERRY lists approximately 60 cN defined-force linear actuation and 4.0 mm total travel. These figures are specific to MX2A Black, not the entire MX2A range. CHERRY MX Black product information and CHERRY MX2A Black data sheet
Are MX2A switches smoother or quieter than older Cherry MX switches?
That is CHERRY’s stated goal, not a verified guarantee of what every user will notice. The updated sliding surfaces and factory lubricant are intended to make actuation smoother; the barrel-shaped spring is intended to reduce spring noise. The announcement also describes improved acoustics and more consistent feel. The available evidence cited here does not establish an independent comparison against earlier MX switches, so treat those points as manufacturer claims rather than measured results.
Rank #3
- 36 of your favorite CHERRY switches in one box: Customize your mechanical keyboard with your preferred CHERRY MX2A switch type and type exactly the way you like
- CHERRY MX2A RGB SILENT RED Switches: Linear switching characteristics without pressure point, 45 cN actuation force, 1.9 mm pre-travel, 3.7 mm total travel, no clicking sound + quiet
- Durable and reliable: CHERRY Gold Crosspoint contacts (resistant to dust and dirt), over 50 million actuations per switch without loss of quality, consistently reliable switching performance
- Improved MX2A switches: Featuring a precisely applied premium lubricant and a new, innovative spring design - for smoother operation and improved acoustics
- Completely plastic-free packaging: The box for our CHERRY Switch Kits is made of 100% cardboard - this reduces waste and promotes more sustainable shopping
CHERRY states a lifespan of more than 100 million actuations for the MX2A line. This is a manufacturer specification, not a guarantee of how long a complete keyboard will last; the keyboard’s other components and conditions of use also matter. CHERRY’s MX2A announcement
How to tell whether a keyboard actually has MX2A switches
- Check the exact product listing or manufacturer specification. Look for “MX2A” next to the switch type, such as “MX2A Red.”
- Do not infer the generation from “Cherry MX” alone. Generic wording, or an MX1A designation, does not establish that the keyboard uses the redesigned internals.
- Check the switch variant. Confirm whether it is linear, tactile, clicky, silent or speed-oriented, and verify any force or travel figures for that specific switch.
- Confirm compatibility before buying loose switches. Check the keyboard’s socket and switch compatibility, and whether it is hot-swappable. A replacement pack is useful only if the switches fit and can be replaced in your keyboard.
- Check RGB requirements. If per-key lighting matters, verify that the keyboard and switch version support the RGB configuration you want.
Should you buy MX2A switches or a keyboard that includes them?
Buy a loose switch pack if you are replacing compatible switches or building a keyboard and have confirmed the socket, layout and desired switch behavior. For example, choose MX2A Red if you want the Red switch’s linear feel; the MX2A label alone does not make a switch suitable for every board.
Rank #4
- 10 of our most popular CHERRY switches for you to try out and get to know: Experiment with the different variants to your heart’s content and find your favorite switch
- Wide selection Color Sampler (10): MX2A BLACK, MX BLACK CLEAR TOP, MX2A BLUE, MX2A BROWN, MX2A ERGO CLEAR, MX PURPLE, MX NORTHERN LIGHT, MX2A RED, MX2A SILENT RED, MX2A SPEED SILVER - each switch is included once
- Linear, tactile, and clicky: All 3 switch types are included in this box, so you can try them all out and find out which mechanical switch type you prefer for typing
- Durable and reliable: CHERRY Gold Crosspoint contacts (resistant to dust and dirt), at least 50 million actuations per switch without loss of quality, consistently reliable switching performance
- Worry-free ordering: Switches are securely held in the box, which prevents the contact pins from bending during shipping - another plus: All-cardboard packaging for reduced waste
Choose a complete keyboard if you want a ready-to-use setup and have confirmed the exact switch generation and type in its specifications. CHERRY identified the XTRFY K5V2 as the first keyboard equipped with MX2A switches. On 21 November 2023, it announced the KC 200 MX as its first keyboard built on the new MX2A switch generation. These are examples, not a complete or current list of keyboards available in every region. CHERRY’s MX2A announcement and CHERRY’s KC 200 MX announcement
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