What does Cherry MX compatibility mean?

One of the easiest things to upgrade or replace on your mechanical keyboard is the keycap. They usually don't require any special tools and you don't need to spend a lot of money. Just buy a new set of keycaps and attach them to your keyboard. Very simple, right?

Unfortunately, with dozens of keycap configurations and different stem designs on the market, finding the right keycap can be a bit difficult. That's where the Cherry MX compatible framework comes into play.

What does Cherry MX compatibility mean?

If you buy a new keycap, you will often come across the phrase "Cherry MX compatible". This refers to the shape of the slot the keycap has, or specifically how these specific keycaps will fit into any switch with a Cherry MX body.

The Cherry MX are the basic stem (slider that slides up and down and attaches to the keycap) that you see on most mechanical switches, shaped like a "+". You will be hard pressed to find a keycap (or switch) that doesn't follow this standard.

What does Cherry MX compatibility mean? Picture 1

However, there are exceptions, with the most common example being the Topre switch. They have a round body instead of the usual "+" we usually see. However, you can purchase a conversion kit that allows cross-compatibility between the Cherry MX and Topre keycap sets.

Keep in mind that this slot shape is different from the keycap configuration or even the key shape. Cherry MX compatibility indicates that a particular keycap set will fit any Cherry MX style switch. Things like keycap size and switch configuration are other things you need to consider based on your exact keyboard and typing preferences.

Does Cherry MX compatibility offer any benefit?

Are not. As mentioned above, the "Cherry MX Compatible" label simply indicates which switch model the keycap will fit. The stem shape does not have any inherent advantages in terms of switch performance.

Since most switches on the market use Cherry MX-style stems, purchasing a set of keycaps compatible with Cherry MX means you can be sure that the keycaps will fit your switch. The only advantages you get here are in terms of keycap options, availability, and pricing.

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All in all, you'll find a wide variety of keycaps of all shapes, sizes, styles, and configurations compatible with Cherry MX. Since this framework is used by quite a few popular manufacturers, including Gateron, Kailh, and Outemu, you can easily combine and change keycaps between different types of switches without worry.

In the end, just because a keycap fits two different types of switches doesn't mean they're the same. Mechanical switches come in all sorts of different characteristics. The Cherry MX, Kailh, and Gateron switches are different, even though they all use a Cherry MX-style stem.

Should buying Cherry MX compatible keycaps be preferred over others?

There may be some cases where you come across one set of keycaps that cost more than another just because it is labeled "Cherry MX Compatible". In such cases, just check the back of the keycap for the slot size. If it's a "+" sign, one of those two keycap sets will match your switch.

If you find two sets of keycaps that are similar and one costs more due to compatible labels, you can safely ignore that factor when making your decision.

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While keycaps are easily accessible and often get cheaper over time, it doesn't hurt to save some money by opting for a cheaper product.

Consider when buying a new keycap

However, there are some other, more important aspects that you should keep in mind when buying a new keycap. Things like the switch configuration, whether they're ABS or PBT, whether the captions are laser engraved, how well the RGB is lit (if any), and last but not least, the aesthetics and fonts on the keycaps are what will make or break the look and feel of your keyboard, more broadly your typing experience.

Most keycap sets that you find on the market, whether online or offline, will be compatible with Cherry MX, regardless of whether they have a label on the box or not. The difference in switch type is also important. If you're using low-file switches on your keyboard, chances are the traditional keycaps for regular switches won't work.

Finally, keycap size matters too. Common keycap is measured in 1 unit (u). Different keyboards have different sized keycaps. For example, the Keychron K2 V2 has 1u letter keys, but the other keys, such as the left and right Shift keys, are 1.75u and 2.25u respectively.

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So while a particularly attractive set of keycaps can have all the keys and match the configuration and stem shape of the switch, things won't be complete if the keys are the wrong size.

You should focus more on the aspects that affect typing accuracy and the aesthetics of the keyboard, like the ones mentioned above. Your keycap selection will be influenced by the keycaps you want and whether they will fit your particular keyboard size and switch.

Kareem Winters

Update 24 July 2023