Cherry MX2A Northern Light is a silent linear mechanical switch from Cherry released in April 2025 with a 45 gf operating force and 1.6 mm pre-travel and 3.7 mm total travel.
Three focused profiles from published switch specifications. No overall score is generated because feel and use case are personal.
Measures actuation, travel, and force. Shorter, lighter movement favors speed. Advanced input features add capability.
Measures bump or click intensity. It uses feel type and tactile-force rise. Higher scores mean stronger feedback.
Measures published lifespan evidence. It uses documented construction details. It does not predict real-world reliability.
Cherry MX2A Northern Light
Cherry
Cherry
MX2A
Black Stem / Polished Clear Top / Blue Bottom
April 17, 2025
Available
Mechanical
Silent Linear
MX
PCB Mount
33 gf
45 gf
100 gf
1.60 mm
3.70 mm
No
No
Silent Linear
Yes
Transparent plastic polymer
Translucent plastic polymer / glass-fibre composite
Plastic polymer
Single-stage gold-plated coil spring
18.00 mm
Yes
5
MX Gold Crosspoint
Editor's Note: CHERRY introduced the MX Northern Light on April 17, 2025. It is a silent linear MX2A-derived switch with 33 gf initial force, 45 gf actuation, 100 gf final force, 1.6 mm pre-travel and 3.7 mm total travel. CHERRY also specifies improved premium-grease lubrication and an 18 mm single-stage gold-plated spring.
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.
Gaming capability, tactile intensity, and build durability (0 to 100)
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The Cherry MX2A Northern Light is a Mechanical switch from Cherry with a Silent Linear feel, so its keypress character is primarily defined by that mechanism and feedback style.
The Cherry MX2A Northern Light has an operating force of 45 gf. That sits in the common middle range for everyday typing and gaming.
The Cherry MX2A Northern Light has a pre-travel of 1.60 mm. Shorter actuation distances usually feel quicker because the key registers earlier in the press.
The Cherry MX2A Northern Light has a total travel distance of 3.70 mm. Total travel describes the full stroke from rest to bottom-out.
The Cherry MX2A Northern Light 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.
Yes. The Cherry MX2A Northern Light is listed as 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 MX2A Northern Light lists top housing: Transparent plastic polymer, bottom housing: Translucent 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.