Description
The Cherry MX2A RGB series represents the most significant evolution of the classic MX switch architecture in decades. Engineered in Germany, these switches introduce a diamond-polished socket surface and a unique barrel spring geometry that ensures near-contactless linear movement. By integrating high-performance factory lubrication and gold crosspoint technology, Cherry has created a switch that delivers a consistent, wobble-free typing experience with a lifespan of up to 100 million actuations.
This product is for:
- Competitive Gamers: The MX2A Silver and Aurora variants feature shortened actuation points (1.2mm to 1.6mm) for rapid-fire inputs and minimal latency.
- Professional Typists: The MX2A Brown and Ergo Clear (Jade) provide tactile feedback that improves typing accuracy during extended writing sessions.
- Office Professionals: The MX2A Silent Red utilizes integrated dampeners to minimize bottom-out noise, making it ideal for shared workspaces.
- Custom Keyboard Builders: The 3-pin plate-mount design ensures universal compatibility with the vast majority of hot-swappable mechanical keyboard PCBs.
- Heavy-Handed Users: The MX2A Black (Ink) variant offers a 63.5cN actuation force, providing a weighted feel that prevents accidental keypresses.
Detailed specifications:
- Quantity: 35 switches per can
- Mounting Type: 3-Pin (Plate Mount)
- Contact Technology: Gold Crosspoint
- Lubrication: Factory-applied precision lubricant
- Lifespan: 50 million to 100 million keystrokes (variant dependent)
- Actuation Force: 40cN (Ergo Clear) to 63.5cN (Black)
- Total Travel: 3.4mm to 4.0mm
- Compatibility: Standard MX-style keycaps and hot-swap PCBs
Transitioning to the MX2A series offers a tactile and auditory refinement over standard mechanical switches. The "Diamond Polished" internal housing reduces friction to negligible levels, particularly noticeable in the linear Black and Silver models. The updated barrel spring design effectively eliminates the metallic "ping" sound, while the enhanced stem guidance system significantly reduces keycap wobble. This results in a more stable, acoustically pleasing keystroke that feels premium right out of the box.
Compared to the legacy Cherry MX series, the MX2A provides superior smoothness due to the automated factory lubing process, which was previously a manual task for hobbyists. While competitors like Gateron or Kailh offer various enthusiast switches, the Cherry MX2A maintains the industry-leading durability and strict tolerances of German manufacturing. The new Ergo Clear (Jade) variant specifically bridges the gap between the light Brown and heavy Clear switches, offering a medium tactile bump that is more pronounced than a standard Brown but less fatiguing than a traditional Clear.
Q&A:
- Are Cherry MX2A switches compatible with my keyboard? These are 3-pin switches compatible with any hot-swappable mechanical keyboard that supports MX-style stems.
- Do I need to lube these switches myself? No, the MX2A series comes pre-lubricated from the factory using a high-precision process for optimal performance.
- What is the difference between the Silver and Aurora switches? Both are speed switches, but the Aurora variant is optimized for specific RGB lighting diffusion and unique travel characteristics.
- How many cans do I need for a full keyboard? A standard 60% keyboard requires 2 cans (70 switches), while a full-size 104-key keyboard requires 3 cans (105 switches).
- What is the benefit of the barrel spring? The barrel spring design ensures the spring remains centered during compression, reducing internal friction and spring noise.