Cherry MX2A Black vs Blue vs Brown vs Red – Which MX2A Switch Is Right for You?

Cherry MX2A is the updated generation of Cherry’s classic MX switches. The lineup includes MX2A Black, Blue, Brown and Red – four variants with their own weight, sound and typing feel. Thanks to improved rail guidance, optimized spring geometry and factory lubrication, MX2A switches generally feel smoother, quieter and more consistent than their predecessors.

In this comparison, we put the four core MX2A switches side by side so you can quickly see which one fits your setup best.

1. Construction & MX2A Improvements

• MX2A platform – Updated housing with improved rails, subtle factory lube and refined spring finish for less ping and friction.
• MX2A Black – Heavy linear switch with a deep keypress, focused on control and a weighty stroke.
• MX2A Red – Light linear switch, offering the classic Cherry experience but smoother and quieter than the old MX Red.
• MX2A Brown – Mild tactile switch without click, ideal as an all-round choice for both work and gaming.
• MX2A Blue – Clicky tactile switch with a clear click and bump, designed for maximum audible feedback.

2. Technical Specifications per Switch

Cherry MX2A Black

• Type: Linear (no tactile bump, no click)
• Actuation: approx. 60 cN
• Bottom-out: approx. 80 cN
• Pre-travel: 2.0 mm
• Total travel: 4.0 mm
• Housing: MX2A housing with improved rails
• Stem: POM, tight guidance
• Character: Heavy, controlled, deep linear stroke

Cherry MX2A Red

• Type: Linear (light, 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, light and stable
• Character: Light, classic Cherry linear but more modern and smoother

Cherry MX2A Brown

• Type: Tactile (mild bump, no click)
• Actuation: approx. 45 cN
• Bottom-out: approx. 55–60 cN
• Pre-travel: 2.0 mm
• Total travel: 4.0 mm
• Housing: MX2A housing with optimized rail guidance
• Stem: POM with a soft but clearly defined bump
• Character: Subtle tactility, easy on the fingers for long days

Cherry MX2A Blue

• Type: Clicky (tactile bump + audible click)
• Actuation: approx. 60 cN
• Bottom-out: approx. 60–65 cN
• Pre-travel: 2.0 mm
• Total travel: 4.0 mm
• Housing: MX2A housing with click mechanism
• Stem: Clicky stem with a distinct tactile step
• Character: Bright click, classic “typewriter” vibe

3. Sound Profile & Typing Feel

Switch	Type	Sound	Feel	Ideal for
Cherry MX2A Black	Linear	Deeper, damped, low-pitched (board/foam dependent)	Heavy, controlled linear stroke with a clear bottom-out	Heavy typists, linear fans who want control and weight
Cherry MX2A Red	Linear	Soft, relatively quiet, slightly higher-pitched than Black	Light, smooth, fully linear; very accessible	Gamers, all-round users, anyone wanting a light keypress
Cherry MX2A Brown	Tactile	Soft, non-clicky; subtle tactile noise	Mild bump around the actuation point, fairly linear afterwards	Home office, workplace, users who want feedback without click
Cherry MX2A Blue	Clicky	Audible click, sharp and clearly present	Distinct bump + click at actuation, light spring feel	Enthusiast typists who want a loud, mechanical sound

4. Community Impressions (Summary)

About Cherry MX2A Black

“Feels like a more serious, heavier MX2A – perfect if you don’t mind hard bottom-outs.”

“Heavy but controlled, great if you want linears without accidental keypresses.”

About Cherry MX2A Red

“Exactly what I expect from a Cherry Red, just less scratchy and a bit quieter.”

“A great daily driver for gaming and typing, feels more modern than old MX Red.”

About Cherry MX2A Brown

“Same mild bump as Brown, but the travel is clearly smoother and more consistent.”

“Nice compromise between linear and clicky – ideal for long workdays.”

About Cherry MX2A Blue

“Classic Cherry Blue sound, but a bit less harsh; still very clicky.”

“Not ideal for the office, but amazing if you love audible feedback.”

5. When to Choose Which MX2A?

• Choose Cherry MX2A Black if:
  • You want a heavier linear with a lot of control.
  • You don’t mind hard bottom-outs and like a deeper sound.
  • You have a strong typing style and want to avoid accidental presses.
• Choose Cherry MX2A Red if:
  • You want a light, smooth linear for gaming and general use.
  • You want fast repeated inputs without much resistance.
  • You like the classic Cherry Red experience, but want it smoother and more modern.
• Choose Cherry MX2A Brown if:
  • You want a subtle tactile bump without click noise.
  • You type a lot for work or study and need a quiet, comfortable switch.
  • You’re torn between linear and clicky and want a safe middle ground.
• Choose Cherry MX2A Blue if:
  • You love audible click feedback and a clear tactile event.
  • You’re in an environment where sound is not a problem.
  • You want to emphasize the classic “mechanical keyboard” sound.

6. Where to Buy?

• Cherry MX2A Black – search on RGBKeys
• Cherry MX2A Red – search on RGBKeys
• Cherry MX2A Brown – search on RGBKeys
• Cherry MX2A Blue – search on RGBKeys

Conclusion

Cherry MX2A Black, Red, Brown and Blue share the same improved MX2A platform but target different users:

• MX2A Black for heavy, controlled linear keypresses.
• MX2A Red for light, fast linear input and gaming.
• MX2A Brown as a quiet, mild tactile all-rounder.
• MX2A Blue for typists who want maximum audible feedback.

Whichever you choose, the MX2A series clearly feels more modern than the classic MX1A: smoother, more consistent and more refined. Use this comparison as a starting point and try one or two sets to discover which MX2A switch becomes your new daily driver.

Also explore our full Switch Collection at RGBKeys for more linear, tactile and clicky options.