Cherry
Germany
German manufacturer of keyboard switches, industrial input devices, and sensors. The MX series mechanical key switch is the most influential switch design in computing history.
Official websiteCompany Information
- Headquarters
- Auerbach, Germany
- Founded
- 1953
MX2A-G1NA
Cherry MX2A Red Linear (New Design)
MX1A-A1NA
Cherry MX Black Linear Heavy Switch
MX1A-E1NA
Cherry MX Blue Clicky Keyswitch
MX1A-11NA
Cherry MX Brown Tactile Keyswitch
MX1A-G1NA
Cherry MX Red Linear Keyswitch
MX3A-L1NA
Cherry MX Silent Red Linear Switch
MX1A-L1NA
Cherry MX Speed Silver Linear Switch
Leadership
Oliver Kaltner
CEO
Navigating post-IPO challenges. Stock price declined significantly from IPO highs. Focus on gaming peripherals and industrial applications.
News & Events
Cherry stock drops 80% from IPO price
Cherry SE shares fall from €32 IPO price to under €5, impacted by gaming peripheral market downturn and intense competition from Chinese switch makers.
Cherry IPO on Frankfurt Stock Exchange
Cherry SE lists at €32 per share, valuing the keyboard switch maker at approximately €800M. Stock later declines significantly.
Cherry MX patent expiry enables clone market explosion
With the core MX crossmount patent expired, Gateron, Kailh, and dozens of Chinese manufacturers begin mass-producing compatible switches at lower prices.
History
Cherry Electrical Products founded in Illinois
Walter Cherry founded Cherry Electrical Products in Highland Park, Illinois, manufacturing snap-action switches.
Cherry opens German factory
Cherry Mikroschalter GmbH established in Auerbach, Germany. This factory would become the home of MX switch production.
Cherry MX keyswitch patent filed
Cherry patents the MX-mount mechanical keyswitch design (crossmount stem). This design would become the most influential switch architecture in computing history.
Source →ZF Friedrichshafen acquires Cherry
German automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen acquires Cherry Corporation. MX switch production continues in Auerbach.
Cherry MX patent expires
The original Cherry MX crossmount patent expires, enabling Gateron, Kailh, and dozens of other manufacturers to produce MX-compatible switches. This event transformed the mechanical keyboard market.
Cherry SE re-listed on Frankfurt Stock Exchange
Cherry re-IPOs as Cherry SE on the XETRA exchange after ZF sells its stake. Valued at approximately €800M.