Cherry MX2A Black

Quick Summary

The Cherry MX2A Black is the refreshed take on one of the longest-running linear switches ever made. It pairs a heavier 60g actuation with Cherry’s MX2A internals (factory ring lube, a polished stem, and an updated barrel spring) to deliver the firm, planted feel Blacks are known for, minus most of the old scratchiness. If you want a weighty, no-nonsense linear that’s stable and reliable, this is an easy recommendation.

Specs and Feel

This is a true linear: a smooth, bump-free travel from top to a firm 60g bottom-out, with 2.0mm of pre-travel and 4.0mm of total travel. The defining trait is weight: at 60g the Black sits at the heavy end of common linears, giving keystrokes a deliberate, controlled quality that rewards a confident press and helps prevent accidental actuations.

The MX2A redesign is where the improvements land. Factory ring lubrication on the bottom housing, a diamond-polished stem, and reworked spring guidance make stock travel noticeably cleaner than the older MX Black, with only faint residual scratch under close listening. Stem wobble is well controlled thanks to the reinforced ribs, keeping keycaps stable side to side. The sound is classic Cherry: a deep, muted bottom-out with little spring ping and none of the hollowness cheaper linears can produce.

Tuning

It performs well stock, so tuning is optional. For the best result, a light hand lube (205g0 on rails, a thinner oil on the longer springs) removes the last bit of scratch and any faint ping; switch films are largely unnecessary given how tight the MX2A tolerances already are.

Verdict

Buy the MX2A Black if you want a heavy, stable, dependable linear that asks for nothing and rarely disappoints. It’s an excellent pick for gamers, heavy typists, and anyone who finds lighter switches too easy to mis-trigger. Lighter-handed typists or those chasing a buttery boutique feel may prefer a 45-50g linear, but for sheer reliability and weight, the Black remains a benchmark.