Gateron Switches vs Cherry | Compare Gateron vs Cherry Switches

Gateron and Cherry are both titans in the world of keyboards. But which is the better choice between Gateron switches vs Cherry switches? Gateron switches prioritize smoothness and value, while Cherry MX switches focus on precision and durability. 

This distinction matters because it directly impacts your typing experience, gaming performance, and long-term satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard investment. 

Whether you’re building your first custom keyboard or upgrading from a membrane keyboard, understanding these differences will help you make the right choice. If you’re ready to experience premium mechanical switches firsthand, explore GravaStar’s collection of mechanical keyboards and discover how the right switches can transform your typing and gaming experience. 

What Are Gateron and Cherry MX Switches? 

Gateron and Cherry MX switches are mechanical keyboard switches built for precision, durability, and user-specific feedback. Both brands offer a wide range of keyboard switch options for gamers, developers, typists, and hobbyists, but they differ in manufacturing location, feel, and lifespan. 

Gateron 

Gateron switches are made by Huizhou Gateron Electronic Technology Co. Ltd., founded in 2000 in Southern China. The company started by building switches based on the Cherry MX design and became known for smooth keypress feel, low resistance, and solid value. Over time, Gateron grew into one of the most popular brands in the mechanical keyboard space.

Gateron offers a variety of switch types to support custom builds and user preferences. Their main series includes Gateron Ink, Cap, Milky, Silent, Pro, and CJ. Each line comes in common switch color options like red, blue, brown, yellow, black, white, and silver. Most switches are rated for 50 million presses and work with all MX-style keyboards.

The company puts a strong focus on design and feel. Some models use clear top housings to support RGB lighting. Others use special plastics for smoother travel. These switches are built for gamers, builders, and typists who want soft keystrokes and easy mods. 

Gateron continues to grow by offering more options at a lower price point than many other brands. Its success in customization and smooth keystroke delivery has helped it secure a significant share of the mechanical switch market. 

Cherry 

Cherry AG began in 1953 when Walter Lorain Cherry founded the company in Highland Park, Illinois. In 1979, Cherry moved its headquarters to Auerbach, West Germany. The famous Cherry MX switch line was introduced in 1985 and has become the global standard for mechanical switch quality. 

In the past, Cherry manufactured sensors and parts for cars before transitioning fully to keyboard technology. Cherry was sold to ZF Friedrichshafen AG in 2008, then to GENUI Partners in 2016, and again to Argand Partners in 2020. It was listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol C3RY in 2021. Today, the company runs offices in Germany, the US, France, and China.

Cherry MX switches are known for high build quality and long lifespan. Most models are designed to last for 100 million keystrokes and are built to remain consistent over time. The Cherry switch housing is built tightly to reduce shake during use. 

Cherry offers a variety of switch types, including Red, Brown, Blue, Black, Clear, Silent, and Speed. These switches are found in both top-end keyboards and entry-level models across many brands.

How Do Gateron Switches vs Cherry Switches Compare at a Glance? 

Gateron vs Cherry switches differ in feel, construction, and user experience despite sharing MX-compatible designs. These differences affect how each switch type performs in real-world use, especially in terms of smoothness, noise, and actuation force. 

How Does Keypress Feel Differ Between Gateron Switches vs Cherry? 

Keypress feel depends on actuation force, stem glide, and internal friction, and Gateron switches usually feel lighter and smoother than Cherry MX.

Gateron uses modified housings and looser stem channels to reduce resistance during travel. This makes Gateron switches, especially Gateron Red and Gateron Ink, feel soft and fluid under the fingers. Most users describe this as a smooth glide with minimal scratchiness. Because of this, Gateron's linear switches are a favorite in the mechanical keyboard community for fast-paced gaming and quiet office builds. 

Cherry MX switches use stiffer springs and tighter internal tolerances. This creates a more rigid, deliberate press with consistent force across the key travel. Some users find this makes Cherry MX switches feel more stable and reliable, especially in models like Cherry MX Brown and Cherry Blue. The extra tension also helps reduce key wobble and supports a firmer bottom-out response.

Both Gateron and Cherry MX switches produce a distinct typing experience. Some users prefer Gateron for its smoothness, while others prefer Cherry for its control and precision. If you’re choosing between Gateron switches vs Cherry, your ideal switch type depends on whether you value soft glide or stable feedback.

How Do Housing and Stem Fit Affect Key Feel?

Housing precision and stem fit directly affect wobble, smoothness, and bottom-out control across switch types. Both Gateron and Cherry MX switches use the same MX-style cross stem and are compatible with standard keycaps. That design, along with support for hot-swap sockets and compatibility with a switch puller, allows users to compare stem fit side by side when testing for feel. 

Gateron 

Gateron switches have more internal play, which contributes to their smoother glide. Models like Gateron Ink and Gateron Cap use different plastic blends that lower friction and give the stem more motion freedom. 

This makes them feel softer during press and return, especially in Gateron Red and Gateron Brown. While some users report slightly more wobble in standard Gateron switches, others find that this makes their keyboards feel more fluid and responsive.

Cherry 

Cherry switch housing uses tighter mold tolerances to lock the switch stem more firmly in place. This reduces lateral movement and gives a more stable keypress, which is especially noticeable in switches like Cherry MX Brown and Black switches. 

The Cherry switch housing is engineered for long-term durability, supporting a consistent feel over millions of presses. For typists who need accurate rebound and low variability, this tight construction is one reason many users prefer Cherry.

Which Switches Are Quieter or Louder? 

Gateron switches are generally quieter than Cherry MX due to smoother stems and reduced friction. Models like Gateron Red and Gateron Brown produce less noise during actuation, making them a popular choice for low-noise mechanical keyboard builds. The softer travel in Gateron’s linear switches also minimizes bottom-out sound.

Cherry switches, especially Cherry Red and Cherry MX Brown, sound louder because of tighter housings and firmer press force. This leads to a sharper, more pronounced keystroke. Users who prefer Cherry often favor the extra audio feedback.

Both brands offer clicky switches like Gateron Blue and Cherry Blue, as well as silent variants designed to dampen sound. The sound level of Gateron switches vs Cherry models depends on the switch type, case design, and keycap material.

Are Gateron Switches vs Cherry Switches Easier to Modify? 

Both Gateron and Cherry switches can be lubed, filmed, and spring-swapped, but Gateron switches are easier to open and modify due to looser top housing tension. 

Standard Gateron switches open cleanly with a switch puller and use softer plastic housings that flex slightly during disassembly. This makes them easier for users to mod without damaging the housing clips. 

They also have less factory-applied lubrication, so the stems can accept custom lubrication without requiring full pre-cleaning. For most keyboard modding setups, this reduces prep time and lowers the risk of housing deformation.

Cherry MX switches, including Cherry Clear and Cherry MX Brown, use more rigid plastics and tighter tolerances. While this increases press stability, it also makes the housings more resistant to opening. 

After repeated opening and filming cycles, Cherry’s housing fit tends to maintain its shape better than standard Gateron. For modders who frequently rebuild their keyboards, Cherry switches retain consistency across mod sessions. 

How Do Gateron and Cherry Compare Switch by Switch? 

Gateron switches feel smoother and lighter, while Cherry MX switches are firmer, tighter, and more consistent over time. Gateron excels in linear switch feel and variety, making it popular for speed and comfort. 

Cherry offers a tighter stem fit, higher durability, and more stable press response, especially in tactile and clicky types. Each switch color shows distinct differences in sound, feel, and feedback between the Gateron switches vs Cherry switches. 

Red (Linear) 

Gateron

Gateron Red switches have a 45g actuation force with 2.0 mm pre-travel and 4.0 mm total travel. They feature low internal resistance and polished stems, which reduce friction and create a fluid press. 

Many keyboard enthusiasts claim that Gateron Red feels lighter and smoother, making it a popular choice in custom builds designed for speed and comfort. Their factory application has minimal lube, and the housing fit offers less drag across the stroke. This is why Gateron switches are the best option for users who prefer frictionless action. 

Cherry

Cherry Red switches match the same actuation force and travel as Gateron Reds but use a tighter cherry switch housing and higher resistance springs. The press has a slightly scratchier start, especially out of the box, though that friction smooths out with use. 

Cherry MX Red switches are favored by users who value accurate actuation feel and long-term consistency. The tighter switch stems reduce lateral wobble, resulting in a more stable return and a firmer feel across key rows.

Blue (Clicky) 

Gateron

Gateron Blue switches provide a pronounced click and light tactile bump, with activation around 55g. Their sound profile is sharp and loud, delivering snappy feedback that is ideal for users who enjoy strong auditory cues. These clicky switches are commonly found in enthusiast boards that lean toward expressive typing. Their lighter press also reduces finger fatigue over time.

Cherry

Cherry Blue switches activate slightly heavier at 60g and produce a cleaner, more muted click. While still classified as clicky switches, the tighter housing and heavier spring create a dampened, more stable press. This makes them a better choice for shared workspaces or mixed-use boards where loud switches are disruptive.

Brown (Tactile) 

Gateron

Gateron Brown switches are 45g tactile switches that feature a softer, less pronounced bump than Cherry Browns. The keystroke feels smooth and consistent with almost no audible click, making it a quiet middle ground between red and blue switches. They’re a go-to choice in custom silent builds or general-purpose mechanical keyboards.

Cherry

Cherry Brown switches also activate at 45g but offer a sharper, more defined tactile bump with slightly more friction before actuation. The tight switch stem fit reduces wobble and adds firmness to each keypress. 

Users who need feedback without the noise of blue switches often prefer Cherry for its sharper tactility and overall control. These switches are also present in many prebuilt keyboards with Cherry stock configurations.

Clear Switches (Tactile)

Gateron Clear

Gateron Clear switches are classified as light tactile switches, but they behave more like linear switches in practice due to their low 35g actuation force. These keyboard switches are designed for ultra-light presses, making them popular among typists who need minimal resistance. 

Although they offer a slight tactile bump, many users find it barely noticeable. Gateron switches are smoother out of the box, and the Clears reflect that with their near-frictionless keystroke. 

They’re hot-swappable and compatible with most mechanical keyboard layouts using MX-style sockets. Beginners often prefer Gateron Clears for custom builds that prioritize speed and reduce finger fatigue. 

Cherry Clear

Cherry Clear switches are true tactile switches with a higher actuation force of about 65g. The tactile bump is prominent, and there’s no audible click. These switches are built for deliberate keypresses, offering a firm and defined resistance that favors focused typing over speed. 

The Cherry switch housing uses a tighter stem fitment to reduce wobble and preserve switch integrity under extended use. Switches require consistent downward force across the travel path, which appeals to those who prefer Cherry for stability. 

Although less common than Browns or Blues, Cherry Clear switches are a popular switch among typists who prioritize precision and build quality.

Black Switches (Linear)

Gateron Black

Gateron Black switches are smooth linear switches with a 60g actuation force. Designed for users who want more resistance than Red switches, they provide a firm yet silent keystroke without tactile bumps or clicks. 

The stem design ensures a consistent glide, and the housing facilitates smooth downward travel. In stock form, Gateron switches offer less friction and a quieter sound profile, making them ideal for gaming and low-noise office setups. 

Gateron produces these switches as part of its standard and Pro series lines. The Blacks are widely used in custom builds where a heavier switch type is required for controlled keypresses.

Cherry Black

Cherry MX Black switches are heavy linear switches with a 60g actuation force and no tactile bump. Known for their firmness and durability, they deliver a solid downstroke with minimal spring bounce. Unlike some lighter models, Black requires a full press to register, making it a reliable choice for users who want to avoid accidental inputs. 

These Cherry MX switches are pre-lubed at the factory, which improves smoothness and reduces wear over time. Using Cherry switches, like the Blacks, is common in vintage keyboards, and they remain a favorite among users who require long-term consistency in mechanical input devices.

Silver Switches (Linear)

Gateron Silver

Gateron Silver switches are fast-response linear switches designed for competitive gaming and speed typing. With a low actuation point of 1.1 mm and an actuation force around 45 g, these switches are optimized for rapid keystrokes with minimal travel. 

They’re often part of the Gateron Ink or Cap series, offering a smoother glide thanks to refined stem tolerances and polished housing. Gateron switches are the ideal choice for users seeking fast actuation and low resistance without compromising comfort. 

Their popularity has grown among keyboard enthusiasts building low-latency setups, and the Gateron Red feels lighter and smoother compared to other switches, often extending to Silver switches as well. 

Cherry Silver

Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are engineered for quick, uninterrupted input with an actuation point of just 1.2 mm and an actuation force of 45 g. These Cherry switches have shorter total travel than standard Reds or Blacks and are widely used in high-speed mechanical keyboard builds. 

Their tight switch stems and solid Cherry switch housing deliver a crisp linear motion with minimal wobble, making them a favorite switch for gaming where reaction time is key. Compared to Gateron, Cherry’s Silver variant emphasizes consistency over feel, but some users still prefer Cherry for its proven reliability and higher switch lifespan rating.

Gateron Switches vs Cherry: Which Switch Should You Choose? 

Choosing Gateron vs Cherry switches depends on how you type, game, and what feel you prefer. Gateron is a better option if you want smoother keypresses and a wider variety of switches at a lower cost. Cherry is better if you need long-lasting switches with firmer, more controlled feedback.

Each brand offers switches better suited to specific tasks: 

Gamers 

Gateron Red and Gateron Silver are two of the best switches for gaming. Gateron Red offers a lighter 45g actuation with a smoother stroke, making it easier on the fingers during rapid input. It’s ideal for fast-paced genres where fatigue matters. Gateron Silver reduces the actuation point to 1.1 mm, giving players a competitive edge with quicker key registration. 

Cherry MX Speed Silver is the best match from Cherry’s lineup. With a 1.2 mm actuation and pre-lubed housing, it delivers fast input and a consistent feel under pressure. The Cherry MX Red, while still a linear switch with a 45 g force, has a stiffer return and a slightly scratchier feel. It suits players who prefer a controlled, deliberate keypress, but it’s slower than Gateron Silver and less smooth than Gateron Red. 

If you’re looking for a premium gaming keyboard, browse through GravaStar’s collection of 75% gaming keyboards, made for speed and precision. 

Typists 

Gateron Brown is a tactile switch that provides soft feedback without a loud click, offering a quiet yet responsive feel ideal for typing. It has a gentle tactile bump at 55 g actuation force, making it a popular switch for long writing sessions. Gateron Clear, a lighter linear option at 35 g, can also appeal to typists who prefer low-force, silent keystrokes with minimal finger fatigue. 

Cherry Brown and Cherry Clear are tactile switches with stronger bump feedback and tighter switch housing. Cherry MX Brown has a more defined tactile feel and less key wobble than Gateron Brown, making it popular among professionals who prefer consistency. 

Cherry Clear, with a 65g actuation, offers the most resistance of the bunch and is favored by users who type heavily or frequently bottom out. 

Developers 

Gateron Ink Black is a smooth, 60g linear switch favored by developers who type for hours and want a quieter, frictionless feel without tactile bumps. Its pre-lubed housing, transparent shell, and solid bottom-out make it a premium choice for coding setups. The Gateron Ink series offers less wobble than standard Gateron switches and is popular in custom builds aimed at daily productivity.

The Cherry MX Black is another 60g linear switch, but with a firmer press and a tighter stem fit. It’s pre-lubed from the factory and praised for its longevity, especially under heavy typing loads. The switch produces more resistance across the stroke, which some programmers find more deliberate and controlled. 

Gateron Switches vs Cherry | FAQs 

What is the difference between Cherry MX clones and original Cherry switches?

Cherry MX clones are copies made by brands like Gateron, Kailh (used in GravaStar keyboards), and Outemu. They match Cherry’s stem and mounting design but use different materials and factory lubrication. 

Do Gateron switches work with Cherry keycaps?

Yes, Gateron switches are fully compatible with Cherry keycaps because they use the same MX-style cross stem. This allows users to install any standard Cherry-profile or MX-compatible keycap set on Gateron switches without modification. 

Which switches have more options for RGB lighting: Gateron switches vs Cherry?

Gateron switches offer more RGB-friendly variants than Cherry. Most Gateron models come in transparent or milky housings that allow better light diffusion, especially in their Cap, Pro, and KS series. Cherry has limited clear-top options, such as MX RGB models, but their standard switches use opaque housings that block light more effectively.