Cherry MX vs Gateron: Which Switches Are Best for You?

Cherry MX and Gateron are the two dominant names in mechanical keyboard switches, and the debate between their fans is as lively as any rivalry in the tech world. Cherry invented the modern mechanical switch and built its reputation on decades of reliability. Gateron entered the market later, learned from Cherry’s designs, and in many respects surpassed them on smoothness and value. This guide gives you an honest, detailed comparison to help you choose.

A Brief History of Each

Cherry GmbH, a German company, has been manufacturing keyboards since 1953 and developed the MX switch series in the 1980s. Their patents dominated the market for decades, which is why nearly every switch type — linear, tactile, clicky — is still described using Cherry colour codes as reference points, even when discussing competitor products.

Gateron is a Chinese manufacturer that emerged as a serious competitor after Cherry’s key patents expired. They produce a wide range of switches that are compatible with Cherry MX footprints, meaning they work in the same keyboards. Their manufacturing quality has improved dramatically over the years, and their switches are now widely regarded as among the best in the market.

Smoothness: Gateron Wins

On linear switches, Gateron consistently outperforms Cherry MX in smoothness. Cherry linears have a slightly scratchy feel that many users find noticeable, particularly on Cherry MX Red. Gateron Yellows and Reds feel noticeably silkier straight out of the box. For typists who prioritise feel above all else, this difference is meaningful. Lubing either switch reduces the gap, but stock-for-stock, Gateron linears are smoother.

Durability: Cherry Wins

Cherry MX switches are rated for 100 million keystrokes. Gateron standard switches are rated for 50 million, with their premium Gateron G Pro line rated for 100 million as well. For most users, both are effectively lifetime switches — at 200 keystrokes per minute during a one-hour typing session, it would take over 400 years to hit 50 million strokes. But for institutional buyers or heavy industrial use, Cherry’s track record of reliability in demanding environments gives them an edge.

Price: Gateron Wins

Gateron switches typically cost 30 to 50% less than equivalent Cherry MX switches, both in keyboards that use them and as individual switches for DIY builds. For a budget-conscious buyer, Gateron delivers most of the Cherry experience at a significantly lower price. See our roundup of the best mechanical keyboards for fast typing for our top picks using both switch families.

Tactile Feel: It Depends

Cherry MX Brown is the world’s most popular tactile switch, largely because it ships in so many pre-built keyboards. However, the Brown’s tactile bump is notoriously subtle — critics call it a scratchy linear rather than a true tactile. Gateron Brown has a similarly mild bump. For a more pronounced tactile experience, both brands offer alternatives: Cherry MX Clear and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown both deliver a stronger, more satisfying tactile response.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Cherry MX if you value proven long-term reliability. Whichever switch you choose, run our CPS Test to see how your new board affects your click speed, buy keyboards from brands that only offer Cherry switches, or work in an environment where a known brand name provides peace of mind. Choose Gateron if you want the best possible smoothness on a linear switch — see our best mechanical keyboards guide for boards that use Gateron switches out of the box, are building or buying a custom keyboard, or want to spend less without sacrificing feel. For most typists shopping today, Gateron offers the better value proposition — especially the Gateron G Pro and Gateron Oil King lines, which compete with the finest switches available at any price.

Trying Before You Buy

One of the most common regrets in the mechanical keyboard hobby is buying switches without testing them first. Before committing to a full board, try to get your hands on a switch tester — a small board that contains one of each switch type — to feel the difference between Cherry and Gateron options in person. Many keyboard retailers and enthusiast meetups have these available. The difference between a switch that feels right for your hands and one that does not is significant enough to matter over years of daily use, and no amount of online review reading fully substitutes for thirty seconds of hands-on testing.

Final Thoughts

Improvement in any skill follows a predictable pattern: rapid early gains, a plateau, a breakthrough, another plateau. Typing is no different. The typists who reach their goals are not always the most naturally talented — they are the ones who practice consistently, adjust their approach when they plateau, and do not give up during the frustrating middle stages. Use Monkey Typing Test to track your progress, identify your weak points, and celebrate every milestone along the way. The journey from where you are to where you want to be is made one session at a time, and every session counts.