MX1A-F1NA

1. Overview

The Cherry MX1A-F1NA is the MX RGB Green mechanical key switch, part of Cherry's original MX1A legacy switch line — distinct from the newer MX2A (2023 redesign) and MX3A families. It is a clicky switch with both tactile and acoustic feedback, functionally a heavier variant of the MX Blue: Cherry's own documentation describes it as "a slightly modified version of the CHERRY MX BLUE" with increased actuation force. Manufactured in Germany by Cherry (a ZF Friedrichshafen company), it features a green stem with a clear RGB-compatible housing and gold crosspoint contacts. The kit form factor (DMX1A-F1NA-1A) ships 23 switches in an eco-friendly paper box. As of 2025–2026, the kit part number DMX1A-F1NA-1A is listed as obsolete/no longer manufactured at DigiKey, though remaining stock is available through distributors.

2. User Sentiment

Geekboards.de describes the MX RGB Green as "heavy switches with tactile feedback and a loud click — suitable for those who are already well familiar with switches and are not afraid to disturb others," clearly positioning it as a niche enthusiast choice for typists who want maximum tactile and acoustic feedback. Provantage markets it as "Clicky, Robust and Noticeable," emphasizing its strong sensory profile. The switch occupies a similar role to the MX Blue but with a significantly stiffer feel at 70 cN actuation (vs MX Blue's 45 cN), making it a deliberate, opinionated choice rather than a beginner switch. No significant negative reviews or complaints surfaced from the available sources, though its loud click character naturally limits its appeal in office or shared environments.

3. Real-World Applications

The Cherry MX Green is primarily used in mechanical keyboards by enthusiasts who prefer heavy, tactile, and clicky feedback — particularly for typists who want pronounced keystroke confirmation. It appears in Cherry's Experience Box Switch Kit (DMX1A-XC1X-2A) alongside nine other MX variants, making it a standard reference switch for keyboard hobbyists exploring the MX range. Its through-hole (plate/PCB mount) 3-pin format is compatible with the vast majority of standard mechanical keyboard PCBs. The RGB-compatible clear housing makes it suitable for illuminated/backlit keyboard builds. Distributors include industrial electronics channels (DigiKey, Mouser, RS Online) as well as keyboard-specialist retailers (Geekboards.de) and enterprise IT suppliers (Zones.com, DirectDial).

4. Technical Specifications

• Type: Clicky (tactile + acoustic switching characteristic)
• Color/Stem: Green stem, clear/transparent RGB housing
• Actuation Force: 70 cN
• Peak (Tactile Point) Force: 80 cN
• Pre-Travel: 2.2 mm
• Total Travel: 4.0 mm
• Lifespan: 50 million actuations (per Cherry official datasheet; note: The Button Index catalog lists 100M — see Known Issues)
• Pin Count / Mount: 3-pin (plate mount)
• Contact Technology: Gold Crosspoint contacts
• LED Compatibility: RGB-compatible (illuminated, clear housing)
• Package Quantity: 23 switches per kit (DMX1A-F1NA-1A)
• GTIN/UPC: 0840183607487
• Manufacturing Origin: Made in Germany
• Switch Series: MX1A (original/legacy Cherry MX line)
• Kit Status: OBSOLETE (DMX1A-F1NA-1A no longer manufactured per DigiKey)
• Compliance: REACH compliant

5. Ordering & Compatibility

The individual switch PN is MX1A-F1NA; the kit PN (23-pack) is DMX1A-F1NA-1A. Pricing across US distributors ranges from ~$13.99 (Zones.com) to $35.95 (Neobits) for the 23-switch kit — typical going price ~$14–$23. The switch is available via DigiKey (PN 1644-DMX1A-F1NA-1A-ND), Mouser, RS Online (stock #74980053), OneRiver Electronics, CompSource, and Provantage. European availability confirmed via Geizhals.de (€19.99), PickTheDeal.at, and Mouser France. The 3-pin format is plate-mount compatible; for 5-pin PCBs, pins can typically be clipped, but the 5-pin MX1A-61NW Black Clear-Top is the 5-pin sibling. Standard MX-compatible keycaps (cross stem) are compatible. The switch also appears in Cherry's MX Experience Box (DMX1A-XC1X-2A), which includes 10 different MX variants (1 of each), and the larger 23-unit single-switch kit.

6. Known Issues

The Button Index catalog (product 238) lists this switch as having 100,000,000 (100M) cycle lifespan, but Cherry's official datasheet repeatedly states 50 million clicks for the MX1A-F1NA — this is a data discrepancy that should be reviewed and corrected. The "Green Clicky Heavy Switch" catalog name is otherwise accurate (color, clicky type, and heavy/high-force descriptor are all confirmed). The DMX1A-F1NA-1A kit is now listed as obsolete at DigiKey, suggesting supply may be tightening, though remaining stock is broadly available. No reports of premature failure or quality issues found.