The Cherry MX Black and Gateron KS-33 Low Profile Red switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature Nylon bottom housing, POM stem material, - g bottom-out force, however, they come with different top housing (Nylon vs PC), stem shape (standard vs circular dust-proof), spring (stainless steel vs 13.5 mm), actuation (60 g vs 50 g), pre-travel (2 mm vs 1.70 mm), total travel (4 mm vs 3.20 mm). That said, they are not too similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The Cherry MX Black is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a stainless steel spring. As with most magnetic switches, you can freely set the actuation/pre-travel. Bottom-out is at 4mm. Designed by Cherry. Manufactured by Cherry. | The Gateron KS-33 Low Profile Red is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (circular dust-proof shape). It features a 13.5 mm spring. The 50g actuation occurs at 1.70mm. Bottom-out is at 3.20mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Gateron. |
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| Name | Cherry MX Black | Gateron KS-33 Low Profile Red |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 3-pin | 3-pin |
| Top housing | Nylon | PC |
| Bottom housing | Nylon | Nylon |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | circular dust-proof |
| Spring | stainless steel | 13.5 mm |
| Actuation | 60 g | 50 g |
| Bottom-out | - g | - g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 1.70 mm |
| Total travel | 4 mm | 3.20 mm |
| Lube | unknown | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | Cherry | - |
| Manufacturer | Cherry | Gateron |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Cherry MX Black is available at a single shop at the moment, while the Gateron KS-33 Low Profile Red can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Cherry MX Black and Gateron KS-33 Low Profile Red switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Cherry MX Black force curve | Gateron KS-33 Low Profile Red force curve |
| No Gateron KS-33 Low Profile Red force curve available. |
