CHERRY’S SWITCHES are dependable, unwavering, and the standard by which many of us judge all other switches. So what happens when Cherry changes them? You get the MX2A Red switches inside the Cherry-made Xtrfy K5V2—a new and improved version of the Cherry MX Reds we’ve come to know and love.
The MX2A Reds are an improvement in a number of ways. First and foremost, they’re factory lubed. If you’re a regular reader of our keyboard coverage, you’ll know that lube makes for smoother switches with a satisfying clack. That’s certainly true of the MX2A Reds, too. Each key glides effortlessly with each strike from my fingers.
The MX2A switches come with 'pin point ring lubrication' applied to the new ‘socket dome’ in the bottom housing. If that sounds like jargon, it sort of is, but in effect means each switch leaves the factory floor with a big dollop of grease in it, and which should stick around for the lifetime of the switch.
Other upgrades with the MX2A switches factor into the more consistent key press, including a new barrel spring, housing socket dome, guidance ribs, and stem geometry. That last one is important, as the MX2A are significantly less wobbly than older MX Reds.