The Cherry MX Northern Light and HMX Blackberry switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the silent linear breed. They both feature standard stem shape, 3.70 mm total travel, however, they come with different spring (barrel-shaped, gold colored vs 22 mm single-stage), actuation (45 g vs 42 g), bottom-out force (99.9 g vs 48 g), pre-travel (1.60 mm vs 2.20 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 Northern Light is a silent linear standard MX mechanical switch with top housing, bottom housing, and stem (standard shape). It features a barrel-shaped, gold colored spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 1.60mm. The 99.9g bottom-out occurs at 3.70mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Cherry. | The HMX Blackberry is a silent linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 Nylon top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POM+TPE stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage spring. The 42g actuation occurs at 2.20mm. The 48g bottom-out occurs at 3.70mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by YG. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | Cherry MX Northern Light | HMX Blackberry |
|---|---|---|
| Type | silent linear | silent linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | - | PA12 Nylon |
| Bottom housing | - | PA66 Nylon |
| Stem material | - | POM+TPE |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | barrel-shaped, gold colored | 22 mm single-stage |
| Actuation | 45 g | 42 g |
| Bottom-out | 99.9 g | 48 g |
| Pre-travel | 1.60 mm | 2.20 mm |
| Total travel | 3.70 mm | 3.70 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | - | YG |
| Manufacturer | Cherry | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that availability of the Cherry MX Northern Light and HMX Blackberry switches is exactly the same:
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Cherry MX Northern Light and HMX Blackberry 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 Northern Light force curve | HMX Blackberry force curve |
| No HMX Blackberry force curve available. |
Comments on Cherry MX Northern Light switches | Comments on HMX Blackberry switches |
In the quiet, clear nights of the North, the Northern Lights illuminate the sky with an unparalleled elegance. This unique aesthetic inspired us to create the MX Northern Light Switch — a fusion of innovative design and exceptional quality. The MX Northern Light captivates with its distinctive color palette, evoking the serene and mesmerizing beauty of the Nordic Aurora. Yet, its true highlight lies in its outstanding performance – Cherry. The MX NORTHERN LIGHT is proof to CHERRY’s neverending commitment to strife for excellence. Created by a team of in-house switch enthusiasts, the MX NORTHERN LIGHT combines the best components of existing CHERRY switches and enhances them with some new tricks, like an extra polished top housing and the new blue bottom, making this our smoothest linear switch ever – MonacoKeys. | The HMX Blackberry silent linear switches are the answer to a problem many enthusiasts know well: silent switches that are quiet, but sacrifice precision, feedback, and feel. The designer of the Blackberry switches (YG) was dissatisfied with the status quo and chose a completely different approach. The result is a silent linear switch that doesn’t aim to be completely noiseless, but instead deliberately offers a clearer, more defined typing experience without sounding intrusive. Blackberry switches deliver a smooth, controlled typing feel, combined with a precise bottom-out and a noticeably reduced—but not mushy—sound profile. Ideal for anyone who wants silent switches without compromising on tactility and confirmation! – MonacoKeys. The HMX Blackberry is silent linear that features POM + TPE stem for noise dampening. With light actuation and a gentle bottom-out, these switches provide a whisper-quiet typing experience with minimal wobble, perfect for quiet workspaces or late-night gaming – LumeKeebs. |
