The Gateron X and Cherry MX2A Black switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, POM stem material, standard stem shape, however, they come with different spring (stainless steel vs updated, barrel-shaped, stainless steel), actuation (50 g vs 60 g), bottom-out force (65 g vs 90 g). That said, they are quite 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 Gateron X 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. The operating force is 50g. The bottom-out weight is 65g. No factory lubing. Manufactured by Gateron. | The Cherry MX2A Black is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a updated, barrel-shaped, stainless steel spring. The 60g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 90g bottom-out occurs at 4mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Cherry. |
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| Name | Gateron X | Cherry MX2A Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | Nylon | Nylon |
| Bottom housing | Nylon | Nylon |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | stainless steel | updated, barrel-shaped, stainless steel |
| Actuation | 50 g | 60 g |
| Bottom-out | 65 g | 90 g |
| Pre-travel | - mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | - mm | 4 mm |
| Lube | No factory lubing. | Factory lubing? Yes! High-precision ring lubrication applied to bottom housing. |
| Designer | - | - |
| Manufacturer | Gateron | Cherry |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Gateron X is available at a single shop at the moment, while the Cherry MX2A Black can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Gateron X and Cherry MX2A Black 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!
Gateron X force curve | Cherry MX2A Black force curve |
No Gateron X force curve available. |
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Comments on Gateron X switches | Comments on Cherry MX2A Black switches |
Each bottom housing comes with an X engraving on the bottom as well as polished interiors where the stem contacts the housing. These polished areas reduce surface roughness while maintaining stem tolerances. For this initial run, Gateron X comes in the classic nylon-blend milky top, nylon black bottom, and bright yellow POM stem. These stems differ from the traditional Gateron Yellows and are from the Gateron Pro line-up. These stems were also polished prior to this production run – rectanles.store. | CHERRY Gold Crosspoint contact concept and the unprecedented production quality "Made in Germany" are unique. The MX2A series introduces a new level typing experience, setting a new standard for mechanical key switches – Cherry. |
