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