Cherry MX Red (MX1A) vs Cherry MX2A Red – Klassieke Linear vs Vernieuwde MX2A Linear

Cherry MX Red (MX1A) has been one of the most popular linear switches for years: light, predictable and ideal for both gaming and typing. With Cherry MX2A Red, Cherry has redesigned the internal geometry, lubrication and stability. In this comparison, we look at how the modern MX2A Red differs from the classic MX Red in feel, sound and control.

1. Construction & Materials

  • Cherry MX Red (MX1A) – Classic nylon housing with a linear slider and standard Cherry spring geometry. Key travel is light and linear, but can feel slightly scratchy stock, especially on larger boards or older batches.
  • Cherry MX2A Red – Updated MX2A housing with optimized rail guidance, revised spring and factory lubrication. The switch is designed to feel smoother, more stable and more consistent, with less wobble and less variation between keys.

2. Technical Specifications

Cherry MX Red (MX1A)

  • Type: Linear (no tactile bump, no click sound)
  • 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 actuations
  • Character: Light, linear, classic Cherry feel

Cherry MX2A Red

  • Type: Linear (optimized, smooth travel)
  • Actuation: approx. 45 cN
  • Bottom-out: approx. 55–60 cN
  • Pre-travel: 2.0 mm
  • Total travel: 4.0 mm
  • Housing: MX2A housing with improved rails
  • Stem: POM with tighter guidance
  • Lifespan: up to 100 million actuations
  • Character: Same weight, but noticeably smoother, quieter and tighter linear travel

3. Sound & Typing Feel

Switch Sound Typing feel Ideal for
Cherry MX Red (MX1A) Soft, slightly higher-pitched; audible bottom-out and top-out on the plate Light, fully linear travel; can feel slightly scratchy or hollow stock Gamers and users who want a light linear without tactile bump
Cherry MX2A Red Slightly deeper and calmer, less friction and rattle noise Same light spring, but smoother, more stable and more consistent across the board Users who want a modern, comfortable linear switch for long sessions
Cherry MX Brown Soft, lightly tactile Mild tactile bump, non-clicky Users who prefer some feedback instead of a fully linear feel

4. Community Impressions

About Cherry MX Red (MX1A)

“A classic for gaming – light, predictable and available everywhere.”
“Decent linears, but a bit scratchy compared to more modern linear switches.”

About Cherry MX2A Red

“Feels like an updated MX Red: same weight, clearly smoother.”
“Great if you want Cherry, but something more modern than the standard MX Red.”

5. Pros & Cons

Cherry MX Red (MX1A)

Pros:

  • Well-known, light linear switch – easy to get used to
  • Widely available in prebuilt gaming keyboards
  • Suitable for both gaming and casual typing

Cons:

  • Stock feel can be scratchy or hollow, especially without lube or foam
  • Less smooth than many modern linears in the same price range
  • Not very exciting for switch enthusiasts

Cherry MX2A Red

Pros:

  • Smoother, quieter travel thanks to improved rails and factory lube
  • More consistent feel and less wobble across the keyboard
  • Keeps the light Cherry feel, but more modern and refined

Cons:

  • Still quite light – users who prefer heavy linears may want more resistance
  • Factory lube is not perfect; some users will relube for maximum smoothness
  • Fans of the “old” MX Red sound may find MX2A a bit too clean or subdued

6. When to Choose Which?

  • Choose Cherry MX Red (MX1A) if you want the classic light Cherry linear found in many gaming keyboards, or if price and availability matter most.
  • Choose Cherry MX2A Red if you want the same light linear spring, but smoother, quieter and more consistent. Ideal for users who both game and type a lot and want a more comfortable experience without a tactile bump.

7. Where to Buy

Conclusion

Cherry MX Red (MX1A) and Cherry MX2A Red are aimed at the same audience: users who want a light, linear switch without tactile bump. MX Red is the proven classic you see everywhere; MX2A Red feels like the modern upgrade with more smoothness, less noise and a cleaner sound profile.

If you simply want the familiar “Cherry Red” experience, Cherry MX Red (MX1A) still does the job. If you want a more refined linear Cherry with extra comfort for the long term, Cherry MX2A Red is the better choice.

Also check out our other linear, tactile and clicky switches in the full Switch Collection at RGBKeys.

Cherry MX Brown (MX1A) vs Cherry MX2A Brown – Classic Tactile vs Modern MX2A Tactile

Next Post