The gold standard for keyboard switches is getting an upgrade. German company Cherry is building on its existing tech with a new “MX2A” switch that promises to be better in every way.
Although Cherry’s MX switches are often considered among the best in the industry, the company says it had to improve on the formula to stay ahead of the curve. The result is the MX2A, which the company calls a "revolution in mechanical switch technology" that sets a new industry standard.
“While the outside of the switch may look the same, the internal mechanics have been revamped to provide smoother actuation and improved acoustics for a much more enjoyable typing experience,” Cherry says.
The MX2A is designed to supersede the full-size MX1A. The company says each aspect of the new switch “has been precisely refined with targeted improvements.” This includes redesigning the spring, the socket dome shape, and the spring guidance in the switch’s stem.
A premium-grade lubricant has also been applied to the socket dome to help create the smoother actuation, which can also reduce spring noise.
According to Cherry, the changes have also created a more durable switch, which can last over 100 million actuations—which previous MX1A switches were also capable of. The spring design changes from “cylindrical to barrel geometry for near-contactless linear movement,” which can reduce spring deformation and scratching to create a longer-lasting switch, the company says.
“The new Cherry MX2A is rounded off by an improved stem guidance system with diamond-polished sliding surfaces in both the lower and upper housing sections for increased smoothness during actuation,” Cherry adds.
We’ll need to try out the new switch, so stay tuned for our review. But one question left unanswered is how much the MX2A will cost. If there's a significant increase, a price bump could drive consumers to rival keyboards, despite the touted performance enhancements.
In the meantime, Cherry is already making the MX2A switch available to keyboard makers. The MX2A will also arrive through various configurations via Cherry’s existing switch lineup: the MX Red, MX Brown, MX Black, MX Speed Silver, MX Silent Red, along with the RGB variants.
“We made sure not to change the technical specifications in order to maintain the unique characteristics of each switch,” Cherry adds. “Our goal is always to improve without compromising the integrity of the product.”
For consumers, the company is packing the new switch into Cherry’s own XTRFY K5V2 keyboard, which will go on sale later this year. But if you’re a fan of the existing MX1A switch, don’t worry, it’s not going away, at least not yet. “For the moment, the MX1A and MX2A will both be available as the standard and premium switches, respectively,” the company says.