Cherry AG has made some significant enhancements to its CHERRY MX mechanical switch for keyboards, first introduced in 1983, with a new spring design and an improved stem guidance system. Called the best MX full-size switch, the new MX2A, manufactured in Germany, claims a smoother actuation for a more responsive and improved typing experience, improved acoustics and a guaranteed lifespan of more than 100 million actuations.
Called a transformative upgrade, the MX2A is raising the standard for mechanical switches, Cherry said. The new switch introduces a new socket dome with a high-precision ring lubrication, new stem guidance ribs and updated spring geometry.
The MX2A guarantees 100 million actuations, depending on the switch variant, thanks to Hyperglide technology, but now with a smoother actuation, achieved via a factory-applied premium-grade lubricant on the newly shaped, radius-convexed and diamond-polished socket dome. The automated and high-precision ring lubrication process also is reported to minimize spring noise for an improved typing experience.
The spring design also is upgraded, shifting from a cylindrical to barrel geometry for near-contactless linear movement, Cherry said, reducing spring deformation and scratching. In addition, an updated, unique spring-centering stem with a “crown” of ribs is reported to ensure a more precise and consistent feel and sound, reducing “scratchiness” and improving sliding properties.
Another upgrade is the improved stem guidance system with diamond-polished sliding surfaces in both the lower and upper housing sections for increased smoothness during actuation.
The MX2A mechanical switch introduces a new socket dome with high-precision ring lubrication (left), new stem guidance ribs (center) and an updated spring geometry (right). (Source: Cherry AG)
As with all MX switches, the MX2A continues to use the Gold Crosspoint Contact System. This feature delivers a debounce time of less than 1 millisecond.
The MX2A line will include the full-size variants, including MX Red, MX Brown, MX Black, MX Speed Silver, MX Silent Red and their respective RGB variants, so users can find a switch that meets their preferences, said Cherry. In addition to the overall MX2A enhancements, Cherry said the “MX Blue variant will maintain its distinct clicky character without the lubrication and barrel spring due to technical considerations.”
Cherry also announced that the new CHERRY XTRFY K5V2 customizable gaming keyboard, which is the first model to use the CHERRY MX2A switches with the hot-swappable CHERRY MX2A Red switches.
The K5V2 is a compact gaming keyboard in a 65% format. It builds on the popular K5 keyboard, said Cherry. Everything from the switches, stabilizers and keycaps to cable, frame and logo plate is swappable for ultra-customization.
Key features of the K5V2 include super-scan technology, which scans all keys every half a millisecond for faster detection of keystrokes, strip LED RGB lighting for better illumination and a metal plate construction with double layers of sound-dampening foam and pre-lubed PCB-mounted stabilizers. It also offers a range of per-key customization, including RGB illumination, macros and media controls. No software is needed with all settings made using the keys.
The CHERRY MX2A is available now for B2B orders and will later be sold to end customers and DIY enthusiasts. The K5V2 is expected to be available later this year.
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