The Cherry MX2A Petal and Akko x HMX Cilantro switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature standard stem shape, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different spring (stainless steel vs KOS single-stage), (44 g vs 58 g), actuation (30 g vs 36 g), bottom-out force (45 g vs 56 g), (1.20 mm vs 0.20 mm), total travel (4 mm vs 3.50 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 MX2A Petal is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with top housing, bottom housing, and stem (standard shape). It features a stainless steel spring. The tactile bump is 44g at 1.20mm. The 30g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 45g bottom-out occurs at 4mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Cherry. | The Akko x HMX Cilantro is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PA66 top housing, PA66 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a KOS single-stage spring. The tactile bump is 58g at 0.20mm. The 36g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 56g bottom-out occurs at 3.50mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Akko. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | Cherry MX2A Petal | Akko x HMX Cilantro |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | - | PA66 |
| Bottom housing | - | PA66 |
| Stem material | - | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | stainless steel | KOS single-stage |
| Tactile force | 44 g | 58 g |
| Actuation | 30 g | 36 g |
| Bottom-out | 45 g | 56 g |
| Tactile bump position | 1.20 mm | 0.20 mm |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 4 mm | 3.50 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! Mixed GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails. |
| Designer | - | Akko |
| Manufacturer | Cherry | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Cherry MX2A Petal is much more widely available, but the Akko x HMX Cilantro is also available in some stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Cherry MX2A Petal and Akko x HMX Cilantro 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 MX2A Petal force curve | Akko x HMX Cilantro force curve |
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Comments on Cherry MX2A Petal switches | Comments on Akko x HMX Cilantro switches |
Another break with tradition sees Cherry produce an ultra-light tactile. The Cherry MX Petal is Cherry trying to move into softer, more expressive territory with a light, floral-themed tactile designed to feel meaningful but gentle while still giving you that classic Cherry experience under the fingertips. Just like its name suggests, Petal leans into a gentle, airy touch. The new internal geometry gives it a cleaner glide than the traditional reds and blacks, and the updated materials help level out the travel so the switch feels light, balanced, and surprisingly elegant. Acoustically, Petal is a soft bright light tactile. It's a cheat code for light typists who want energetic sound. It's classic cherry scratch with a slightly louder expression unless you adjust down your finger speed to match the spring. It's light, characterful and a great choice for gaming for those who don't enjoy long pole switches – ThoccExchange. MX Petal reimagines tactility as softer, more graceful, more refined. The bump is smoother than traditional tactile switches, tuned for comfort that lasts. Instead of a sharp snap, it offers a gentle, flowing press that still lands with precision. The acoustics are warm and rounded, tuned for a pleasant sound profile. Visually, it speaks in quartz-rose and viva magenta. Expressive and made to stand apart. Developed with the keyboard community, MX Petal brings a new kind of feel: tactile, but smoother – Cherry. | Cilantro switches are Akko’s first deep clack tactile switches. It comes with an early bump at the very top, with strong tactile feedback. The switch comes with HMX’s latest mould, that is meticulously made with enhanced stability – Akko EU. |
