MX1A-G1NA
ActiveCherry MX Red Linear Keyswitch
Cherry MX Red — the original linear mechanical keyswitch.
Common Applications
The switch that started it all. Used in gaming keyboards, industrial keypads, POS terminals, and medical input devices. Linear action with no tactile bump. 100 million cycle rating. The MX crossmount stem design was patented in 1984, expired in 2014, enabling clones from Gateron and Kailh.
Specifications
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Actuation Force
The force needed to press the button. Lower = more sensitive. Sanwa ~65g (light), Seimitsu ~85g (medium), Happ ~130g (heavy).
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45cN (45g)
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Certifications
Third-party safety certifications. UL = required for US NEC installations. CE = EU compliance. CSA = Canadian standards.
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UL, CE
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Color
Button/actuator color. Green = start/go, Red = stop/emergency, Yellow = caution, Blue = reset (per IEC 60204-1).
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Red stem
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Mechanical Life
How many press cycles before mechanical failure. Higher is better — 10M cycles at 100 presses/day = 274 years.
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100,000,000 cycles
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Mounting Type
How the button attaches to the panel. Panel mount is standard — installs through a cutout from the front.
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PCB mount / plate mount
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Travel Distance
How far the button moves when pressed. Shorter = faster response. Sanwa 0.85mm is extremely short for competitive gaming.
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2mm actuation, 4mm total
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Installation Quick Reference
Panel cutout: 22mm. Insert from the front of the panel, secure with mounting nut from behind (tighten to 2-3 Nm).
Contact block: Snap or screw the contact block onto the rear of the button body. Ensure the contact block orientation matches the wiring diagram — NO terminals are usually marked.
Wiring: Use 0.5-2.5mm² stranded wire with ferrules. Tighten screw terminals to 0.8 Nm. Test the button function before energizing the circuit.
Dimensions
Troubleshooting
Button doesn't respond when pressed
Check the contact block first — it's the most common failure point. Test continuity across the NO or NC terminals with a multimeter. If no click is felt, the return spring in the head may be broken.
Works intermittently
Contact block contacts are pitted or burned. Replace the contact block — don't try to file the contacts. Check if the rated cycle count has been exceeded.
Button feels mushy or doesn't click
The spring return mechanism in the button head is worn. Replace the head. The contact block can usually be reused if it tests OK.
Where to Buy
Price range
$8.3 — $12.32
across 2 distributors
Quick Specs
- Actuation Force
- 45cN (45g)
- Certifications
- UL, CE
- Color
- Red stem
- Mechanical Life
- 100,000,000 cycles
- Mounting Type
- PCB mount / plate mount
What People Are Saying
“Cherry MX switch is well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community. Rated for 100,000,000 cycles cycles. The MX-compatible stem works with all standard keycaps.”