Cherry MX2A Red is a linear mechanical switch from Cherry released in August 2023 with a 45 gf operating force and 2 mm pre-travel and 4 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 Red
Cherry
Cherry
MX2A
Red Stem / Black Housing
August 24, 2023
Mechanical
Linear
MX
PCB Mount
30 gf
45 gf
100 gf
2 mm
4 mm
No
No
No
Plastic polymer
Plastic polymer / glass-fibre composite
Plastic polymer
Barrel spring
Yes
5
MX Gold Crosspoint
As the modernized successor to the world's most ubiquitous linear switch, the MX2A Red finally addresses the biggest historical complaint about classic Cherry switches: scratchiness and spring crunch. In review teardowns, enthusiasts highlight the new barrel-shaped spring and automated socket-dome Krytox lubrication, which completely eliminate metallic ping and spring crunch. The stem glides smoothly across diamond-polished rails, retaining the traditional full 4.0mm travel depth that mechanical switch purists love. Sound tests demonstrate a much more cohesive, clean mid-range clack that avoids the hollow rattle of vintage unlubed batches. It delivers bulletproof German manufacturing durability with the modern out-of-the-box smoothness that today's typists expect.
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)
Compare Cherry MX2A Red with another keyboard switch to see differences in feel, force, travel, and compatibility.
Explore switches with similar technology, feel, form factor, operating force, and travel.
The Cherry MX2A Red 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 MX2A Red has an operating force of 45 gf. That sits in the common middle range for everyday typing and gaming.
The Cherry MX2A Red has a pre-travel of 2 mm. Shorter actuation distances usually feel quicker because the key registers earlier in the press.
The Cherry MX2A Red has a total travel distance of 4 mm. Total travel describes the full stroke from rest to bottom-out.
The Cherry MX2A Red 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 Red 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 Red lists top housing: Plastic polymer, bottom housing: 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.
