Cherry MX2A Purple Tactile Switches

This tactile mechanical switch is designed for users who want noticeable feedback without excessive force. It suits typists and office workers seeking a clear tactile bump at a moderate actuation force. The switch offers a balanced feel with a 2.0 mm actuation point and a total travel of 4.0 mm, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.

Feel & Sound

• Delivers a tactile bump that provides clear feedback on key activation.
• Actuation force of 45 cN offers moderate resistance, reducing accidental presses.
• Bottom-out force of 55 cN adds firmness at the end of the keypress.
• Sound profile is not explicitly described, but nylon housing and POM stem typically produce a quieter, less sharp sound.

Actuation Characteristics

• Pretravel of 2.0 mm allows for responsive key registration without feeling too sensitive.
• Total travel of 4.0 mm provides a standard depth suitable for both typing and gaming.
• Force variance of 20 cN indicates some variability in actuation force across units, which may affect consistency.

Build Quality

• Stem made from POM, a low-friction material that can reduce scratchiness and improve smoothness.
• Housing constructed from nylon, contributing to durability and a muted sound.
• Spring is stainless steel with gold coloring, featuring a unique spring-centering design for stable keypresses.
• Gold crosspoint contacts support reliable electrical performance over time.

Compatibility

• PCB mount with five pins, compatible with most standard mechanical keyboard PCBs.
• Supports single LED lighting, suitable for keyboards with basic backlighting.
• Uses the same mold as Cherry MX2A Ergo Clear switches, allowing for similar keycap compatibility.

Modification Potential & Trade-offs

• Recommended to use a stem trimmer before installation to prevent keycap cracking, indicating a tighter stem fit.
• Unknown factory lubrication quality; additional lubing may improve smoothness and reduce scratchiness.
• Potential trade-off includes a break-in period due to the unique spring-centering stem design.
• Force variance could lead to slight inconsistencies in feel across multiple switches.