Cherry MX Switches: A Complete Guide to Types, Feel and How to Choose
DashanYuan
Cherry MX is the switch design the entire mechanical keyboard hobby is built on. The cross-shaped stem, the housing footprint, the colour-coding convention — all of it originated with Cherry, and nearly every switch made today still follows that standard.
This guide covers what each Cherry MX colour means, how they feel, and — honestly — whether Cherry is still the right buy in 2026.
Cherry MX Switch Colours Explained
| Colour | Type | Actuation | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Linear | 45g | Smooth, light | Gaming |
| Black | Linear | 60g | Smooth, heavy | Deliberate typing, gaming |
| Brown | Tactile | 45g | Light bump | Typing, mixed use |
| Blue | Clicky | 50g | Bump plus loud click | Sound lovers |
| Silent Red | Silent linear | 45g | Dampened, smooth | Offices |
| Speed Silver | Linear | 45g | Short travel | Competitive gaming |
The Colour Convention Is Now Industry-Wide
Because Cherry set the standard, "red = linear, brown = tactile, blue = clicky" now applies across almost every manufacturer. A Gateron Red and a Cherry MX Red are different switches, but they belong to the same family.
Detail: red switch keyboards and brown switches.
Is Cherry MX Still Worth Buying in 2026?
Honestly: for most enthusiasts, no.
Cherry's strengths are consistency, availability and durability — they remain excellent industrial products. But the modern Chinese manufacturers have overtaken them on the things enthusiasts actually care about: smoothness, sound, and factory lubing. An HMX or Keygeek switch typically feels smoother out of the bag than a Cherry does after modding, and usually costs less.
Cherry still makes sense if you want a known quantity, need guaranteed compatibility, or are buying a pre-built board that ships with them.
Full comparison: is Gateron better than Cherry?
Modern Alternatives by Cherry Colour
| If you wanted | Try instead |
|---|---|
| Cherry MX Red | HMX Yogurt S |
| Cherry MX Brown | HMX K01 Light |
| Cherry MX Silent Red | Lichicx Silent Yogurt |
| A stronger tactile | HMX Firecracker |
Or browse Cherry MX switches if you want the originals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cherry MX switches?
Mechanical keyboard switches made by Cherry, using the cross-stem MX design that has become the industry standard. The colour of the stem indicates the switch type.
Which Cherry MX switch is best for gaming?
Cherry MX Red or Speed Silver — both linear, both light.
Which Cherry MX switch is quietest?
Cherry MX Silent Red. For a quieter option overall, see our silent keyboard switches.
Are Cherry MX switches compatible with other keycaps and boards?
Yes — they define the standard. See what switches are compatible with Cherry.