Cherry MX Red Mechanical Keyboard Switches

Cherry is a computer peripheral-device maker who manufactures high-quality mechanical keyboard switches. Their mechanical keyboard switches are used by many people who expect their keyboards to meet or surpass specific expectations.
cherry mx red key switches

Cherry MX Red

Cherry MX Red switches are linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer a light, smooth, and linear feel. The Cherry MX Red switch has minimal spring force and no audible click but it will still make noise if you bottom out the keypads while typing. The lack of an audible click is a high note for gamers who use voice communication services.

Cherry MX Red Specs

Style Linear
Feel Light, Smooth, Fast
Actuation Force 45g
Release Point 2mm
Total Travel Distance 4mm
Click No
Lifespan 50 million keystrokes per key

One of the most popular mechanical keyboard switches from Cherry is the Cherry MX Red switch (also called Cherry Red). The Cherry Red switch is often used by gamers who are looking for a linear keyboard switch with low resistance. The switch is nearly identical to the Cherry MX Black switch but feels lighter due to its linear action.

Typists may want to stay away from Cherry MX Reds because it lacks a tactile bump like Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Blue switches. The linear switch can be too light to type with which can make typists mistype. However, preferences vary by individual and Cherry MX Red switches might be your favorite switch to type with.

Are Cherry MX Red switches right for you?

Keyboards are not one-size-fits-all. The way they feel when you type and the action they provide is important to gamers and typists who expect nothing but the best from their keyboards. When choosing the right switch or mechanical keyboard your preference should be the only thing that matters. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you want your keyboard to make a clicking noise when you type? If you like to hear a click when you press a key down, Red switches may not be the right switch for you. A popular Cherry switch with an audible click is the Cherry MX Blue.
  • Do you like feeling a bump when you press a key down? If you like to feel a bump when you press a key down, Red switches may not be the switch for you. Popular Cherry switches that provide a tactile bump are the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Blue switches.
  • Do you like pressing keys all the way down? If you like pressing keys all the way down when you type, Red switches may not be the right switch for you. A popular Cherry switch with a higher actuation force (65g > 45g) that requires more force when pressing a key is the Cherry MX Clear. However, Cherry switches have a flexible spring that encourages bottom out. If you are seeking mechanical keyboard switches with tougher springs, you may want to look at another brand with special springs such as Hako mechanical switches.

9 key cherry switch tester

If you’re not sure which switch to use maybe it’s best to try them out before you shell out cash to buy a new keyboard. Buy a switch tester to test and compare different keyboard switches. Switch testers are small tools that contain multiple individual switches. They provide you with a way to sample and compare different switches and O-rings. Switch testers can be found in many shops online.

Product in the image: 9 Key Cherry Switch Tester



Sean Doyle

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