Contents



There are two main types of Cherry mechanical keyboard switch known as MX and ML. Of MX type there are different varieties and these can be identified by stem colour. Partial part numbers and operating forces are included for reference.



In addition to MX and ML switches, there are the MY mechanics-over-membrane modules.





US Patent 4467160

Datasheet:

Overview of the connections between key feel and stem color: "Click Tactile" is Blue. "Soft Tactile" is Clear. "Linear" is Black and Red. "Ergonomic" is Brown.



Cherry MX switches are the most common type of Cherry keyboard switch discussed at Geekhack and are 4mm travel, rated at 50 or 20 million operations. The G80 range of Cherry keyboards have MX switches. Some Cherry Corp POS keyboards also use them. MX switches can be ordered with either a wire bridge, a diode (for NKRO boards) or red/green/blue LEDs (mainly for Caps Lock / Num Lock / Scroll Lock indicators with keycaps having a transparent section) installed in an auxiliary position.



Cherry MX switches are held together by 4 tabs that are accessed at the bottom of the switch. The parts include a base, a spring, and different colored stems.





They share a common base. The actual electrical contact is a gold/silver alloy as seen in the middle of the switch. You can also see the slight dabs of clear grease on either side. If you clean the switch with solvents you may find the switch to be grainier as a result.





A Cherry MX is a Momentary Normally Open SPST Switch. This animation shows how the "legs" of the stem normally hold the switch open. As the stem goes down the spring steel closes the switch and contact is made at that tiny gold "CrossPoint".



Courtesy of Lethal Squirrel



You can see the actual electrical legs in a diagonal pattern at the top. At the bottom are two holes where a jumper, diode, or LED can be inserted.





These are the official Cherry MX specifications

Quote: Electrical

Voltage: 12 VAC/DC max.

2 VDC min.

Current: 10mA AC/DC max.

10µA DC min.

Insulation Resistance: 100MΩ at 100V

Initial Contact Resistance: 200mΩ (25mΩ typical)

Bounce Time: ≤5msec (at 16 in/sec. actuation speed)

Capacitance: <2pF (at 1kHz)

Operating Temperature: -10°C to +70°C

Storage Temperature: -40°C to +70°C

Flammability Rating: UL94HB

Materials

Case: Thermoplastic

Contacts: Silver-Gold?? (AuAg 10)

Spring: Stainless Steel

Solderability: Wave solder, 5 seconds at 500°F Current -- 1998 -- Old -- Red " is. "" is. "" isand. "" isCherry MX switches are the most common type of Cherry keyboard switch discussed at Geekhack and are 4mm travel, rated at 50 or 20 million operations. The G80 range of Cherry keyboards have MX switches. Some Cherry Corp POS keyboards also use them. MX switches can be ordered with either a wire bridge, a diode (for NKRO boards) or red/green/blue LEDs (mainly for Caps Lock / Num Lock / Scroll Lock indicators with keycaps having a transparent section) installed in an auxiliary position.Cherry MX switches are held together by 4 tabs that are accessed at the bottom of the switch. The parts include a base, a spring, and different colored stems.They share a common base. The actual electrical contact is a gold/silver alloy as seen in the middle of the switch. You can also see the slight dabs of clear grease on either side. If you clean the switch with solvents you may find the switch to be grainier as a result.A Cherry MX is a Momentary Normally Open SPST Switch. This animation shows how the "legs" of the stem normally hold the switch open. As the stem goes down the spring steel closes the switch and contact is made at that tiny gold "CrossPoint".Courtesy of Lethal SquirrelYou can see the actual electrical legs in a diagonal pattern at the top. At the bottom are two holes where a jumper, diode, or LED can be inserted.These are the official Cherry MX specifications

[top] Regular key types

Black: linear, Actuation Force 60cN, MX1A-1 (Cherry G80-11900, Some Deck 82 and Legend, DSI SMK-88, Steelseries 7G/6Gv2, TG3 BL-82)





linear, Actuation Force 60cN, MX1A-1 (Cherry G80-11900, Some Deck 82 and Legend, DSI SMK-88, Steelseries 7G/6Gv2, TG3 BL-82) Blue: click, Actuation Force 50cN, MX1A-E (Filco Majestouch, Rosewill RK-9000, Razer Black Widow, XArmor U9BL, DAS S, Adesso MKB-125b, some G80-3000, DSI Modular Mac, Ione Scorpius M10, Dolch PAC network analyzers.)



The Cherry Blue switch has a "Mexican Jumping Bean" type mechanism to generate the click as seen here.



Courtesy of Lethal Squirrel



Also there is QWERTER's clinic Flash Animation.









click, Actuation Force 50cN, MX1A-E (Filco Majestouch, Rosewill RK-9000, Razer Black Widow, XArmor U9BL, DAS S, Adesso MKB-125b, some G80-3000, DSI Modular Mac, Ione Scorpius M10, Dolch PAC network analyzers.) The Cherry Blue switch has a "Mexican Jumping Bean" type mechanism to generate the click as seen here. Courtesy of Lethal Squirrel Also there is QWERTER's clinic Flash Animation. Brown: soft tactile (ergonomic), Actuation Force 45cN, MX1A-G. Some asian websites refer to this as the "Tea Axis" Cherry switch. Filco Majestouch, Das S, Compaq MX11800, some Cherry Corp G80-3000, iRocks KR-6230.







Courtesy of Lethal Squirrel

soft tactile (ergonomic), Actuation Force 45cN, MX1A-G. Some asian websites refer to this as the "Tea Axis" Cherry switch. Filco Majestouch, Das S, Compaq MX11800, some Cherry Corp G80-3000, iRocks KR-6230. Courtesy of Lethal Squirrel Clear: soft tactile, Actuation Force 55cN, MX1A-C (although these LOOK white technically they are referred to a Clear according to Cherry Corp to distinguish them from the White MX switches). Some Deck full size Legends, Some Cherry Corp G80-3000.

Quote: C Momentary, single pole, tactile feel, 2.3 oz, clear keystem





Courtesy of Lethal Squirrel

soft tactile, Actuation Force 55cN, MX1A-C (although these LOOK white technically they are referred to a Clear according to Cherry Corp to distinguish them from the White MX switches). Some Deck full size Legends, Some Cherry Corp G80-3000. Courtesy of Lethal Squirrel Red: linear, Actuation Force 45cN, MX1A-L (Cherry G80-3494, Cherry G80-3600LYC)







Courtesy of Lethal Squirrel



Note: This Red Cherry has always been rare and available only in Asia. Cherry announced it will be obsoleted in 2010.







[top] Space bar types

Green: click, Actuation Force 65cN, used for space bar in Cherry keyboards with blues, MX1A-F



click, Actuation Force 65cN, used for space bar in Cherry keyboards with blues, MX1A-F Light Grey (grey 39): tactile, Actuation Force 80cN, used for space bar in Cherry Corp keyboards with clears and browns, MX1A-D (Compaq MX 11800), G80-8955HPDUS (POS)



tactile, Actuation Force 80cN, used for space bar in Cherry Corp keyboards with clears and browns, MX1A-D (Compaq MX 11800), G80-8955HPDUS (POS) Dark Grey (grey 37): linear, Actuation Force 80cN, used for space bar in Cherry Corp keyboards with blacks, MX1A-2







Black with grey upper housing: alternate action, 60cN, MX1A-3

This switch appears to act like the ALPS capslock switch, as it incorporates a latching mechanism. Toggles state each time it's pressed (aka push-on, push-off). Link to more pictures here.





alternate action, 60cN, MX1A-3 This switch appears to act like the ALPS capslock switch, as it incorporates a latching mechanism. Toggles state each time it's pressed (aka push-on, push-off). Link to more pictures here. Grey: tactile, Actuation Force 105cN, used for space bar, MX1A-B *

tactile, Actuation Force 105cN, used for space bar, MX1A-B * Orange: linear (NCR F020)

linear (NCR F020) White: click. This is a rare older switch. Link to Sandy55's description and pictures.



click. This is a rare older switch. Link to Sandy55's description and pictures. White: tactile, 80cN, MX1A-A. (information source )

- must be rare since Sandy55 has not seen this switch.

From the old Cherry MX Datasheet:

Quote: MX1A-Momentary single Pole with Tacticle Feel, 80cN Standard, Movement Differential, white keystem

tactile, 80cN, MX1A-A. (information source ) - must be rare since Sandy55 has not seen this switch. From the old Cherry MX Datasheet: Transparent Case/Black Stem: Linear. This is also a rare older switch. Reportedly like a Cherry black but a bit lighter. Also on the Nixdorf keyboard came with an O-ring to dampen the sound installed on the key. Source.



Photo courtesy of Sixty









Additional pictures of the most common types of MX switches disassembled:

http://park16.wakwak.com/~ex4/kb/tech_cherry_mx.htm

Some more...

http://bbs.kbc-china.com/thread-2571-1-1.html

Additional pictures of the most common types of MX switches disassembled:



As of 1998, black switches were rated at 50 million operations, while the tactile blue and clear types had a 20 million operations rating. In more recent times this was



It be noted, however, that the tactile types are more easily disturbed by debris that finds its way into the switch. This is usually the cause when blues lose their click; some compressed air tends to remedy the problem.



As of 1998, black switches were rated at 50 million operations, while the tactile blue and clear types had a 20 million operations rating. In more recent times this was revised to 50 million for all types.It be noted, however, that the tactile types are more easily disturbed by debris that finds its way into the switch. This is usually the cause when blues lose their click; some compressed air tends to remedy the problem.



A copy of the MX click switch exists. It can be identified by the

Black: click (Macally ADB numpad)

click (Macally ADB numpad) White (translucent): click (Qtronix KT-305, Ione / Qtronix Scorpius 32 / Qtronix Scorpius 305)

click (Qtronix KT-305, Ione / Qtronix Scorpius 32 / Qtronix Scorpius 305) Yellow:





A copy of the MX click switch exists. It can be identified by the lack of Cherry logo and cutaway for LED on upper housing . It is known to some as "Taiwan's white axis". Here is an auto-translated article about this switch: http://translate.google.com/translat...iteswitch.html A black stem variation also exists.



The Cherry part numbers for MX switches are made up of 'MX' plus six characters indicating variations, in the format "MXab-cdef".

This information has been collated from the various Cherry

Any text that is not a straight copy from any datasheet is surrounded by curly brackets e.g. {click}.

These tables list the options for each character:



a = Contact Material 1 : AuAg10 10mA/12V max

: AuAg10 10mA/12V max 2 : 

:  3 : 

:  4 : 

:  5: Special



b = Contact Config. A : SPSTNO

: SPSTNO B : 

:  C : Special

: Special D: 



c = Operating Characteristics, Actuating Force and Key Style 0 : Special

: Special 1 : Momentary, single pole, {linear}, 2.1 oz / 60cN, standard, black keystem

: Momentary, single pole, {linear}, 2.1 oz / 60cN, standard, keystem 2 : Momentary, single pole, {linear}, 2.8 oz / 80cN, spacebar, {dark} grey 37 keystem

: Momentary, single pole, {linear}, 2.8 oz / 80cN, spacebar, {dark} keystem 3 : Alternate action, single pole, 2.1 oz / 60cN, {grey upper housing, black keystem}

: Alternate action, single pole, 2.1 oz / 60cN, {grey upper housing, black keystem} 4 :

: A : Momentary single pole with tactile feel, 80cN standard, {click} Movement differential, white keystem {obsolete}

: Momentary single pole with tactile feel, 80cN standard, {click} Movement differential, keystem {obsolete} B : Momentary single pole with tactile feel, 105cN space bar, {click} Movement differential, grey 36 keystem {obsolete}

: Momentary single pole with tactile feel, 105cN space bar, {click} Movement differential, keystem {obsolete} C : Momentary, single pole, tactile feel, 2.3 oz / 65cN, clear keystem

: Momentary, single pole, tactile feel, 2.3 oz / 65cN, keystem D : Momentary, single pole, tactile feel, 2.8 oz / 80cN, spacebar, {light} grey 39 keystem

: Momentary, single pole, tactile feel, 2.8 oz / 80cN, spacebar, {light} keystem E : Momentary single pole, tactile feel 2.1 oz / 60cN, click differential movement, blue keystem

: Momentary single pole, tactile feel 2.1 oz / 60cN, click differential movement, keystem F : Momentary, single pole, tactile feel, 2.8 oz / 80cN, click differential movement, space bar, green keystem

: Momentary, single pole, tactile feel, 2.8 oz / 80cN, click differential movement, space bar, keystem G : Momentary single pole with tactile feel (ergonomic), 55cN standard, brown keystem {special order only?}

: Momentary single pole with tactile feel (ergonomic), 55cN standard, keystem {special order only?} L: {Momentary, single pole, linear, 45cN, standard, red keystem} {special order only?}



d = Keystem Configuration 1: Std straight for cylin & std keycaps



e = LED Diode N : No LED, No diode

: No LED, No diode R : Red LED, no diode

: Red LED, no diode G : Green LED, no diode

: Green LED, no diode Y : Yellow LED, with diode

: Yellow LED, with diode D : No LED, with diode

: No LED, with diode J: with jumper wire, no LED, no diode



f = PCB Mounting Pins N : No pins (metal frame req)

: No pins (metal frame req) W: With pins





Examples of part numbers for currently available switches



Blacks: MX1A-11NW = no jumper or diode, PCB mounting

MX1A-11NN = no jumper or diode, faceplate mounting

MX1A-11JW = with jumper, PCB mounting



Blues: MX1A-E1NN = no jumper or diode, faceplate mounting

MX1A-E1JW = with jumper, PCB mounting

MX1A-E1DW = with diode, PCB mounting



Clears: MX1A-C1JW = with jumper, PCB mounting



Browns: MX1A-G1DW = with diode, PCB mounting



The Cherry part numbers for MX switches are made up of 'MX' plus six characters indicating variations, in the format "MXab-cdef".This information has been collated from the various Cherry datasheets Any text that is not a straight copy from any datasheet is surrounded by curly brackets e.g. {click}.These tables list the options for each character:Blacks:Blues:Clears:Browns:



The



PCB mount (stabilizing pins at bottom): Black : MX1A-11NW

: MX1A-11NW Blue : MX1A-E1NW

: MX1A-E1NW Clear: MX1A-C1NW



Faceplate mount (no plastic pins at bottom) Black : MX1A-11NN

: MX1A-11NN Blue : MX1A-E1NN

: MX1A-E1NN Clear: MX1A-C1NN



They are



The Cherry part numbers are:PCB mount (stabilizing pins at bottom):Faceplate mount (no plastic pins at bottom)They are available from Mouser or from DigiKey or in the UK Newark . Unfortunately Cherry Brown Switches (Cherry part number MX1A-G1NW) do not appear to be available except by special order. More places where you can buy Cherry Swiches are listed in the Stocklists Of Cherry Switches Wiki. They're about $1 each, with about $2 for USPS first class mail (there are a ton of shipping options).





US Patent 5488213

Datasheet:



ML type is a low profile switch with 3mm travel, rated at 20 million operations with an operating force of 45cN. The G84 range of Cherry keyboards have ML switches. There are some pictures of the switch disassembled here:





pictures from Qwerter's Clinic





Opened





Force Diagram





Cherry ML-4100, G84-4100, G84-4400, G84-4700

Datacomp DFK65U

Filco FKB-65EU-MM



Current -- 1998 ML type is a low profile switch with 3mm travel, rated at 20 million operations with an operating force of 45cN. The G84 range of Cherry keyboards have ML switches. There are some pictures of the switch disassembled here: http://park16.wakwak.com/~ex4/kb/tech_cherry_ml.htm pictures from Qwerter's ClinicOpenedForce DiagramCherry ML-4100, G84-4100, G84-4400, G84-4700Datacomp DFK65UFilco FKB-65EU-MM





In addition to MX and ML there are the MY mechanics-over-membrane modules ("FTSC technology") in the G81 range of Cherry keyboards. These are based around a leaf spring over membrane switch design (with an additional helical spring which contributes most of the force) and are felt by many to be stiff, probably due to the force quickly rising with travel.







More pictures of the MY switch (

http://www7.ocn.ne.jp/~hisao/image/g81hbu.htm

MY force displacement diagram as of 1991

Early black stem type



In addition to MX and ML there are the MY mechanics-over-membrane modules ("FTSC technology") in the G81 range of Cherry keyboards. These are based around a leaf spring over membrane switch design (with an additional helical spring which contributes most of the force) and are felt by many to be stiff, probably due to the force quickly rising with travel.More pictures of the MY switch ( US patent 4800245 ) can be seen here:

[top] Older Cherry keyboard switches



An earlier version of MX type can be seen here:

http://sandy55.fc2web.com/keyboard/old_cherry_mx.html



There are two other types of Cherry keyboard switch known as M81 and M84. These are super low profile with 2.54mm travel and operating force of 2.5oz (approximately 70cN). Both M81 and M84 are available in linear or tactile feel. Datasheets can be found here:



The EPSON HC-20 (or HX-20) has a variant of the M81/M84 switch:

http://www7.ocn.ne.jp/~hisao/image/hc20.htm





An earlier version of MX type can be seen here:There are two other types of Cherry keyboard switch known as M81 and M84. These are super low profile with 2.54mm travel and operating force of 2.5oz (approximately 70cN). Both M81 and M84 are available in linear or tactile feel. Datasheets can be found here: http://www.greendich.com.tw/products/cherry/switch.htm The EPSON HC-20 (or HX-20) has a variant of the M81/M84 switch:

[top] Keyboard Model Numbering



For more details about the Cherry "Model numbers", check the





For more details about the Cherry "Model numbers", check the Dating Cherry Keyboards wiki.