
Once the switch is actuated, the bump registers tactile feedback. Tactile switches have a slanted leg on the stem, which results in a bump around halfway through the keystroke. Tactile MX switches include MX Browns, MX Clears, and MX Tactile Greys. The travel distance of the key has been shortened from 4.0mm (Cherry MX Reds) to3.4mm, technically allowing for faster actuation. Cherry MX reds are favored among the competitive gaming community, registering a keypress quicker than most other switch types.Ĭherry MX Speed Silvers have grown in popularity with gamers thanks to the reduced travel time during a keypress. The heavy actuation is great for those that have a habit of making typos or making accidental keypresses mid-game.Ĭherry MX Red switches work in much the same way the Black variant does except with quicker actuation thanks to the low actuation force of 45 cN. Black switches have the responsiveness for gaming and are superb to type with, but they are considerably “heavier” than the alternatives. Out of all the standard Cherry MX switches they are one of the stiffest, with an actuation force of 60 cN.
Linear tactile or clicky update#
The Cherry MX Black switches were one of the first produced by the company back in the 1980s, receiving an update since then (obviously). Linear switches are great for both typing and gaming. They are also usually the quietest of the three. Linear switches have a consistent, uninterrupted keystroke, smooth from the top to bottoming-out. Linear MX switches include MX Reds, MX Blacks, MX Linear Greys, MX Nature Whites, and MX Speed Silvers. Let’s take a look at the different types.

However, there are a plethora of other different MX-switch types. MX Blues, Browns, and Reds are most common in gaming keyboards due to the lower actuation force. There are three types of MX switches – Tactile, Linear, and Clicky variants. MX switches have a “plus” like stem design (+), which can fit almost all of the third party keycap sets on the market. Cherry MX switches are actuated when the stem pushes the contact leaves apart, breaking off the connection. On a mechanical keyboard, switches actuate prior to bottoming out, allowing for shorter key travel and faster actuation.įirst produced in 1983, MX switches are comprised of switch housing, a stem, spring, and internal contact leaves.

Traditional membrane/rubber dome switches actuate or register a keypress when the dome is fully compressed and reaches the bottom, where finally the contacts meet. Mechanical switches utilize a stem and moving contacts, actuating a keypress when the current is broken between the metal contacts. For those of you wondering about the most popular Cherry MX Switches, head over to our Cherry MX Blue vs Red guide for a more in-depth battle between those switches What Is A Mechanical Switch? You might even want to ask ‘what is a mechanical switch, and which is best for gaming?’ This guide aims to answer all your questions, and more. Even overly ergonomic boards such as split keyboards have begun to feature genuine Cherry MX Switches by now. When searching for a new gaming keyboard, some may be a little overwhelmed by the number of options on offer from manufacturers. Cherry MX switches are the most popular mechanical switch in the world, and there is a huge variety of them too, ensuring every gamer’s keyboard is custom-tuned to their liking.
