MX Keyboard Switches: What They Are and How to Choose
DashanYuan
"MX" is the most common term in mechanical keyboards and one of the most misunderstood. It does not mean a switch is made by Cherry — it means the switch follows the Cherry MX form factor: a cross-shaped (+) stem, a standard housing footprint, and a standard pin layout.
That standard is why you can pull a Cherry switch out of a hot-swap board and drop in an HMX, Gateron or Keygeek switch and have it just work.
What Makes a Switch "MX Style"
- Cross stem — the + shaped mount that MX keycaps push onto.
- Standard housing — fits standard plate cutouts.
- 3-pin or 5-pin — 3-pin fits any board; 5-pin adds two plastic legs for stability and needs a 5-pin PCB (or you clip the legs off).
Practically every switch we sell is MX-style. That includes all HMX, Keygeek, Gateron, BSUN and Cherry MX switches.
MX Switch Types
The MX standard describes the shape, not the feel. Within it you get every switch family:
| Family | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Linear | Smooth, no bump | Gaming, fast typing |
| Tactile | Bump at actuation | Typing, coding |
| Clicky | Bump plus click | Sound lovers |
| Silent | Dampened | Offices |
Cherry MX vs Other MX-Style Switches
Cherry invented the standard, but the market has moved on. Modern Chinese manufacturers routinely produce smoother, better-lubed switches at lower prices. Cherry remains the reference point for compatibility and consistency; brands like HMX and Keygeek win on feel and sound.
Full comparison: is Gateron better than Cherry? and the complete guide to Cherry MX switches.
Do MX Switches Fit My Keyboard?
If your keyboard takes MX keycaps (cross stem), it takes MX switches. If it is hot-swappable, you can change them without soldering. If it is soldered, you will need a soldering iron and desoldering tool.
Detail: what switches are compatible with Cherry.
How to Choose an MX Switch
| You want | Choose |
|---|---|
| Speed and smoothness | HMX Yogurt S |
| Typing feedback | HMX Firecracker |
| A quiet office board | Lichicx Silent Yogurt |
| To try before committing | Switch tester |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MX mean on a keyboard switch?
It means the switch uses the Cherry MX form factor — a cross-shaped stem and standard housing. It is a compatibility standard, not a brand.
Are all MX switches made by Cherry?
No. Most MX-style switches today are made by other manufacturers such as HMX, Gateron, Keygeek and Kailh. They are MX-compatible, not Cherry-made.
What is the difference between 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches?
5-pin switches have two extra plastic legs for stability and need a 5-pin PCB. You can clip them off to fit a 3-pin board.
Are MX switches hot-swappable?
The switch is not — the keyboard is. Any MX switch works in a hot-swap socket.