Cherry MX Red
Linear Cherry
The Cherry MX Red is the industry's reference 45g linear, the default gaming switch in countless prebuilt keyboards since its 2008 reintroduction.
Cherry MX Red specs
| Type | Linear |
|---|---|
| Actuation force | 45g |
| Bottom-out force | n/a |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 4 mm |
| Stem | POM |
| Top housing | nylon |
| Bottom housing | nylon |
| Spring | single-stage |
| Factory lube | none |
| Pins | 5-pin |
| Typical price | $0.35 / switch |
| Sound profile | neutral, slightly scratchy |
| Released | 2008 |
Spec fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers rather than guesses.
Switches similar to the Cherry MX Red
Cherry MX2A Red Linear The Cherry MX2A Red is the 2023 overhaul of the MX Red with factory lube, a barrel spring, and polished rails that finally address the scratchiness of the original. Gateron G Pro Red Linear The Gateron G Pro Red is a light pre-lubed 45g linear that ships stock in many Keychron boards and works as a cheap, dependable gaming switch. Kailh Box Red Linear The Kailh Box Red is a light linear whose IP56 dust- and moisture-resistant box stem design makes it a favorite for gaming setups that need durability.
Which keyboards can use it?
Any hot-swap board with standard MX sockets accepts the Cherry MX Red (5-pin: check that your plate or PCB supports 5-pin, or clip the legs). Use KeebScout finder to shortlist hot-swap boards that fit your budget and size, or browse the keyboard database.