Cherry MX Black Clear-Top

It is a heavier linear at roughly 63.5cN of actuation force, with around 40cN of initial force to begin the stroke. Expect a firm keystroke that resists accidental presses and rewards a deliberate typing style.

Yes. The clear top housing is the visual giveaway, but the bigger story is the factory feel — these run noticeably smoother out of the box than older MX Blacks, with a cleaner, more consistent downstroke.

Not strictly. Stock smoothness is good for a Cherry linear, but a light hand-lube on the rails and springs removes the last traces of scratch and quiets spring ping if you want a more refined result.