Cherry MX Red (MX1A) vs Cherry MX2A Red – Classic Linear vs Modern MX2A Linear

Not sure whether to choose Cherry MX Red (MX1A) or Cherry MX2A Red? Both are light linear switches without a tactile bump, but MX2A feels like the more modern, refined version of the classic Red.

Quick choice guide

• Choose MX Red (MX1A) if you want the classic Cherry Red experience: light, simple, and familiar.
• Choose MX2A Red if you want the same weight but with more smoothness, less wobble, and a calmer sound profile.

1. Construction & Materials

• Cherry MX Red (MX1A) – Classic nylon housing with a POM stem and traditional Cherry rail design. Known as a predictable linear switch, though stock feel can sometimes be slightly scratchy or hollow.
• Cherry MX2A Red – Updated MX2A housing with optimized rails, adjusted spring behavior, and factory lubrication. Designed for smoother, more consistent travel.

2. Technical Specifications

Cherry MX Red (MX1A)

• Type: Linear (no bump, no click)
• Actuation: approx. 45 cN
• Bottom-out: approx. 55–60 cN
• Pre-travel: 2.0 mm
• Total travel: 4.0 mm
• Housing: Nylon top & bottom
• Stem: POM
• Lifespan: up to 100 million keystrokes
• Character: light, direct, classic Cherry linear

Cherry MX2A Red

• Type: Linear (refined travel)
• Actuation: approx. 45 cN
• Bottom-out: approx. 55–60 cN
• Pre-travel: 2.0 mm
• Total travel: 4.0 mm
• Housing: MX2A with improved rail guidance
• Stem: POM with tighter guidance
• Lifespan: up to 100 million keystrokes
• Character: same light weight class, but smoother and more consistent

3. Sound & Typing Feel

Switch	Sound	Typing Feel	Ideal For
Cherry MX Red (MX1A)	Soft, slightly higher pitch; more noticeable top-/bottom-out	Light and linear; can feel a bit scratchy/hollow stock	Gaming, beginners, classic linear setups
Cherry MX2A Red	Slightly deeper/calmer; less friction and rattle noise	Same light spring, but noticeably smoother and more stable	Long sessions, daily driver use, modern Cherry feel
Cherry MX Brown	Soft, non-clicky	Mild tactile bump	Users who want some feedback instead of fully linear

4. Community Impressions

“MX Red is still the safe gaming choice: light and predictable.”

“MX2A Red feels like Red 2.0: same foundation, just cleaner overall.”

“For long-term use, MX2A is often more comfortable thanks to smoother travel.”

5. Pros & Cons

Cherry MX Red (MX1A)

Pros:

• Proven classic with broad compatibility
• Light and easy to get used to
• Widely available in prebuilt keyboards

Cons:

• Stock smoothness may lag behind modern linears
• Can sound a bit hollow/sharper depending on build
• Less “premium” feel without mods

Cherry MX2A Red

Pros:

• Smoother travel via improved rails + factory lube
• Less wobble and more consistent key-to-key feel
• Same light Cherry Red profile, but more refined

Cons:

• Still a light switch: heavy-linear fans may want more resistance
• Factory lube is good, but not necessarily “endgame” for modders
• If you like the raw old Red character, MX2A may feel “too clean”

6. Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose MX Red (MX1A) if you want the classic Cherry Red you already know from many gaming keyboards.
• Choose MX2A Red if you want a modern Cherry Red upgrade with more comfort, less noise, and better consistency.

7. Where to Buy

• Cherry MX Red (MX1A) – search at RGBKeys
• Cherry MX2A Red – search at RGBKeys

Conclusion

Cherry MX Red (MX1A) and Cherry MX2A Red serve the same audience: users who want a light linear switch for gaming and daily use. MX1A is the trusted classic; MX2A is the cleaned-up evolution with more smoothness, stability, and calmer sound.

If you want simple and proven, go MX Red (MX1A). If you want that same base with a more modern finish, MX2A Red is the logical step.

Also check the full Switch Collection at RGBKeys for more linear, tactile, clicky, and silent options.