Cherry MX2A Purple
Cherry MX2A Purple (V1NW) is a 45g tactile switch with a crisp bump, spring-centered POM stem and nylon housing. Our full review and verdict.
How it feels
How it sounds
clackyFull review
Quick Summary
The Cherry MX2A Purple, sold under the V1NW code as a Cherry x Glarses collaboration, is a lightweight tactile switch built on the refreshed MX2A platform. It pairs a roughly 45g actuation and 55g bottom-out with a crisp, well-defined bump that lands sharper than a typical brown without feeling heavy. It’s a strong pick for anyone who wants a clean, snappy tactile on a clacky-leaning board but doesn’t need per-key RGB.
Specs and Feel
This is a true tactile, not a scratchy gimmick. The bump is the headline: short pre-travel of about 2.0mm, a defined tactile event near the top, then a quick drop to a 4.0mm bottom-out. Compared to common browns it reads slightly heavier with a more noticeable, crisper snap, which makes typing feel deliberate rather than mushy.
The POM stem in a nylon housing gives the switch a fuller, rounder sound profile that leans clacky on a stiffer plate. The stainless-steel, gold-plated spring is spring-centered against the stem, which keeps stem wobble in check and contributes to consistent, repeatable tactility key to key. Smoothness out of the box is good for a stock tactile. There’s a faint texture on the downstroke, but no harsh scratch fighting the bump. Wobble is well controlled in both axes.
One practical note: these are tight on some keycap mounts. A stem trimmer before installation is worth using to avoid stressing thinner caps during seating.
Tuning
Stock is genuinely usable here. The tactility is the point, so heavy lubing risks dulling the bump. If you want refinement, a light film of thin lube on the rails and housing (keeping it well clear of the legs) smooths the travel without softening the snap. Switch films are largely unnecessary given the already-tame housing wobble.
Verdict
Buy the MX2A Purple if you want a light-to-medium tactile with a crisp, consistent bump and a satisfying clacky signature on a stock-friendly switch. The spring-centered stem and controlled wobble make it feel more premium than its budget pricing suggests. Skip it only if you need SMD per-key lighting from this PCB-mount variant, or if you specifically prefer a heavier, more rounded tactile. For most tactile fans, it’s an easy recommendation.
Frequently asked
How heavy is the Cherry MX2A Purple?
It actuates around 45g and bottoms out near 55g, so it sits in lightweight tactile territory. The bump feels a touch heavier than a standard brown, with a more defined snap rather than extra spring weight.
Is the Cherry MX2A Purple the same as an Ergo Clear?
It shares the MX2A Ergo Clear mold and the spring-centered POM stem, so the housing and travel character are very similar. The Purple is tuned as a lighter, sharper tactile rather than the heavier Ergo Clear feel.
Does the Purple support SMD/per-key RGB?
This PCB-mount V1NW variant has an opaque housing and no SMD LED cutout, so it does not pass through south-facing per-key LEDs. Choose a clear-top plate-mount variant if underglow per key matters to you.
Compare Cherry MX2A Purple against another switch
Stack specs, sound profiles, and feel side by side.