Switch CHERRY LINEAR
Cherry MX Black Clear-Top

Cherry MX Black Clear-Top

Series: MX1A Released: November 2022
Switch Type
Mechanical
Technology
Operating Force
63.5 gf
Actuation Weight
Total Travel
4.00 mm
Full Stroke

Switch Highlights

Feel Type : Linear
Pre-travel : 2.00 mm
Factory Lubed : No
Switch Form Factor : MX

About Cherry MX Black Clear-Top

Cherry MX Black Clear-Top is a linear mechanical switch from Cherry released in November 2022 with a 63.5 gf operating force and 2 mm pre-travel and 4 mm total travel.

Last updated: September 09, 2026

Switch Profile Scores

Three focused profiles from published switch specifications. No overall score is generated because feel and use case are personal.

Gaming Profile

54

Measures actuation, travel, and force. Shorter, lighter movement favors speed. Advanced input features add capability.

Tactile Profile

45

Measures bump or click intensity. It uses feel type and tactile-force rise. Higher scores mean stronger feedback.

Build and Durability

77

Measures published lifespan evidence. It uses documented construction details. It does not predict real-world reliability.

General Information of Cherry MX Black Clear-Top

Switch Name

Cherry MX Black Clear-Top

Brand

Cherry

Manufacturer

Cherry

Series

MX1A

Variant Color

Black Stem / Milky Clear Top / Black Bottom

Release Date

November 2022

Availability

Available

Switch Type

Mechanical

Feel Type

Linear

Switch Form Factor

MX

Mount Type

PCB Mount

Force and Travel of Cherry MX Black Clear-Top

Initial Force

Excellent

30 gf

85% of the current best Initial Force score

Operating Force

Good

63.5 gf

71% of the current best Operating Force score

Bottom-out Force

Good

110 gf

56% of the current best Bottom-out Force score

Pre-travel

Good

2.00 mm

60% of the current best Pre-travel score

Total Travel

Excellent

4.00 mm

83% of the current best Total Travel score

Compatible Keyboard Input Features of Cherry MX Black Clear-Top

Adjustable Actuation on Compatible Keyboard

No

Hall-effect Keyboard Required

No

Build and Durability of Cherry MX Black Clear-Top

Feel Type

Linear

Silent Dampeners

No

Top Housing

Milky plastic polymer

Bottom Housing

Black plastic polymer / glass-fibre composite

Stem Material

Plastic polymer

Spring Type

Gold-colored precision coil spring

Factory Lubed

No

Pin Count

Top tier

5

100% of the current best Pin Count score

Contact Material

MX Gold Crosspoint

Special Note of Cherry MX Black Clear-Top

Editor's Note: CHERRY reintroduced the legendary Nixdorf-inspired switch in November 2022 as MX Black Clear-Top (MX1A), not as an MX2A Nixie. Current properties list 30 gf initial force, 63.5 gf actuation, 110 gf final force, 2.0 mm pre-travel and 4.0 mm total travel, with a >50-million-keystroke rating.

Profile Radar Of Cherry MX Black Clear-Top

A three-axis view of compatible-keyboard input capability, tactile profile, and published durability evidence. Missing evidence remains unavailable rather than being scored as zero.

Profile Radar

Gaming capability, tactile intensity, and build durability (0 to 100)

Cherry MX Black Clear-Top

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cherry MX Black Clear-Top

The Cherry MX Black Clear-Top is a Mechanical switch from Cherry with a Linear feel, so its keypress character is primarily defined by that mechanism and feedback style.

The Cherry MX Black Clear-Top has an operating force of 63.5 gf. That is a heavier switch feel suited to users who prefer more resistance.

The Cherry MX Black Clear-Top has a pre-travel of 2.00 mm. Shorter actuation distances usually feel quicker because the key registers earlier in the press.

The Cherry MX Black Clear-Top has a total travel distance of 4.00 mm. Total travel describes the full stroke from rest to bottom-out.

The Cherry MX Black Clear-Top is listed as 5-pin, MX keycap compatibility is unknown, and hot-swap compatibility is unknown. Always match the switch pins and keyboard PCB/socket before buying.

No. The Cherry MX Black Clear-Top is listed as not factory lubed. Factory lubrication can affect out-of-box smoothness and sound, but its effect can vary with the keyboard build and keycaps.

The Cherry MX Black Clear-Top lists top housing: Milky plastic polymer, bottom housing: Black plastic polymer / glass-fibre composite, stem: Plastic polymer, contact: MX Gold Crosspoint. These parts influence feel, sound, wobble, and long-term switch consistency.

Disclaimer: Specs, pricing, and benchmarks are sourced from official manufacturer data and verified test results. While we strive for precision, product details and pricing may change. Comparigon may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases.