Cherry MX part number schema
This page summarises the Cherry MX part number schema including MX Low Profile and MX Ultra Low Profile. See common schema for a more detailed look at the Cherry part number schema. All data on this page refers to the MX range proper (not the low profile types) unless otherwise noted.
Contents
Sources
- Cherry MX datasheet (July 1985)
- Cherry MX numbering schema (March 1988)
- Current Cherry MX datasheets
Positions
1: Keymodule
Value |
Meaning |
M | Keymodule |
2: Series
Value |
Meaning |
X | Cherry MX, MX Low Profile and MX Ultra Low Profile |
Value |
Definition |
1 |
AuAg 10, 10 mA and 12 V maximum |
2 |
As 1 but with factory lubrication applied (known only from MX2A-61NW “Nixie” recreation) |
3 |
As above, but with dampening integrated into the slider |
5 |
Special |
6 |
“High-quality Gold Alloy” (MX Ultra Low Profile) |
4: Switch characteristics
Value |
Meaning |
A | SPST-NO |
B | Cherry MX Low Profile |
C | Special (historical usage) |
| MX Ultra Low Profile |
5: Force and behaviour
The colours indicated in the following table refer to German MX switches. Japanese MX switches are very poorly understood, and American MX switches did not use a different colour for space bar.
Value |
Action |
Type |
Weight (actuation) |
Travel |
Keystem colour |
Notes |
0 |
Momentary |
Linear |
50±17 g |
4 mm |
Unknown |
Hirose MX |
1 |
Momentary |
Linear |
60±20 cN |
4 mm |
Black |
|
|
Damped linear |
3.7 mm |
Grey |
MX Silent Black |
2 |
Momentary |
Linear |
80±25 cN |
4 mm |
Grey 37 |
For space bars |
3 |
Alternate |
Linear |
60±20 cN |
4.2 mm |
Black (older) |
|
|
Colourless (newer) |
|
4 |
Momentary |
Linear |
52±15 cN |
4 mm |
Colourless |
|
5 |
Momentary |
Linear, reduced travel |
45±15 cN |
3.4 mm |
Silver |
|
|
3.2 mm |
MX Low Profile |
6 |
Momentary |
Linear |
63.5 cN |
4 mm |
Black |
|
A |
Momentary |
Tactile with hysteresis |
70±20 cN (previously 75±20 cN) |
4 mm |
Colourless (older) |
|
|
White (current) |
|
B |
Momentary |
Tactile with hysteresis |
105 cN |
4 mm |
Grey 36 |
For space bars |
C |
Momentary |
Tactile |
55±20 cN |
4 mm |
Colourless |
|
D |
Momentary |
Tactile |
80 cN |
4 mm |
Grey 39 |
For space bars |
E |
Momentary |
Tactile and clicky with hysteresis |
50±15 cN |
4 mm |
Blue |
|
F |
Momentary |
Tactile and clicky with hysteresis |
70±20 cN |
4 mm |
Green |
For space bars |
G |
Momentary |
Tactile |
45±20 cN |
4 mm |
Brown |
|
H |
Momentary |
Tactile |
55 cN |
4 mm |
Clear |
MX Ergo Clear |
K |
Momentary |
Tactile and clicky |
52 cN |
1.8 mm |
Clear |
MX Ultra Low Profile |
L |
Momentary |
Linear |
45±15 cN |
4 mm |
Red |
|
|
Damped linear |
3.7 mm |
Pink |
MX Silent Red |
|
Linear, reduced travel |
3.2 mm |
Red |
MX Low Profile |
6: Keystem
Value |
Meaning |
1 | Standard straight for cylindrical and 8 mm keycaps |
2 | Enclosed cylindrical stem (MX Low Profile) |
3 | Chiclet attachment (MX Ultra Low Profile) |
G | German-made custom types |
N | Hirose MX |
7: Standard features
These options have little if any relevance to the low-profile types.
Value |
Designation |
N |
No LED, diode or jumper |
R |
Red LED |
G |
Green LED |
Y |
Yellow LED |
D |
Internal diode |
J |
Internal jumper |
These options have little if any relevance to the low-profile types.
Value |
Fixing pins |
Shell |
N |
No pins |
Black (fits monochrome through-hole LED) |
W |
With pins |
Black (fits monochrome through-hole LED) |
A |
No pins |
Translucent/transparent with lens for RGB SMD LED |
B |
With pins |
Translucent/transparent with lens for RGB SMD LED |
See also