Cherry MX Black (MX1A) vs Cherry MX2A Black – Classic Heavy Linear vs Modern MX2A Upgrade

The Cherry MX Black (MX1A) has long been the iconic heavy linear switch: firm, consistent, and instantly recognizable. With the release of the Cherry MX2A Black, Cherry has modernized the design with refined lubrication, improved spring geometry, and tighter tolerances. In this comparison, we break down what truly separates the classic MX Black from the new MX2A Black.

1. Construction & Materials

• Cherry MX Black (MX1A) – Traditional nylon housing, classic Cherry spring, and linear slider. Often slightly scratchy out of the box but known for robustness and longevity. Many users lube and film these switches to improve smoothness and sound.
• Cherry MX2A Black – Updated housing with improved rail geometry, a refined spring, and factory lubrication. Cherry reduced internal friction and enhanced stem guidance, making the switch smoother, quieter, and more consistent than the original MX Black.

2. Technical Specifications

Cherry MX Black (MX1A)

• Type: Linear
• Actuation: ~60 cN
• Bottom-out: ~80 cN
• Pre-travel: 2.0 mm
• Total travel: 4.0 mm
• Housing: Nylon top & bottom
• Stem: POM
• Lifespan: up to 100 million actuations
• Character: Heavy, linear, slightly scratchy stock

Cherry MX2A Black

• Type: Linear
• Actuation: ~60 cN
• Bottom-out: ~80 cN
• Pre-travel: 2.0 mm
• Total travel: 4.0 mm
• Housing: Redesigned MX2A housing with optimized rails
• Stem: POM with improved guidance
• Lifespan: up to 100 million actuations
• Character: Heavy, smooth, quieter and more consistent

3. Sound Profile & Typing Feel

Switch	Sound	Feel	Ideal For
Cherry MX Black (MX1A)	Higher-pitched “clack”, audible scratch	Heavy, linear, slightly rough stock; improves greatly with lube	Enthusiasts who want the classic Cherry experience and enjoy tuning
Cherry MX2A Black	Deeper, quieter, more focused bottom-out	Smoother, less wobble, more consistent across keys	Users who want heavy linears without extensive modding
Cherry MX Red	Brighter, lighter, less dense	Light linear feel, less fatiguing than Black	Users who want Cherry smoothness without the weight

4. Community Feedback

About Cherry MX Black (MX1A)

“Scratchy stock, but a good lubed MX Black is still fantastic.”

“Heavier than modern linears, but that weight gives control and classic character.”

About Cherry MX2A Black

“Feels like Cherry finally tuned their own switch—smoother and quieter.”

“Much less wobble and more consistent sound across the board.”

5. Pros & Cons

Cherry MX Black (MX1A)

Pros:

• Legendary classic heavy linear switch
• Large modding community (lube, films, spring swaps)
• Strong, controlled bottom-out feel

Cons:

• Slightly scratchy stock feel
• Higher, less refined sound
• Heavy for long sessions

Cherry MX2A Black

Pros:

• Much smoother out-of-the-box
• Reduced wobble and better consistency
• Retains the heavy Cherry feel with modern comfort

Cons:

• Still heavy—linears like this are not for everyone
• Factory lube may not satisfy enthusiasts
• Some prefer the “raw” vintage MX Black feel

6. When to Choose Which?

• Choose Cherry MX Black (MX1A) if you want the classic Cherry feel and plan on tuning them. Ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate the vintage character.
• Choose Cherry MX2A Black if you want a heavy linear switch that feels smooth, quiet, and consistent straight out of the box.

7. Where to Buy

• Cherry MX Black (MX1A) – RGBKeys
• Cherry MX2A Black – RGBKeys

Conclusion

The Cherry MX Black (MX1A) and Cherry MX2A Black share the same heavy linear foundation but differ significantly in refinement. MX Black is the classic original with tuning potential, while MX2A Black is the modernized, smoother, quieter evolution. If you want nostalgia and enjoy modding, choose MX1A. If you want ready-to-use comfort, choose MX2A Black.

Explore more switches in our full RGBKeys Switch Collection.