MX1A-C1NA

DATA QUALITY ALERT

FLAG 1 — BOGUS SUFFIX: The catalog part number "MX1A-C1NA-rpt" is FABRICATED. The base PN "MX1A-C1NA" is a genuine Cherry part (see below), but the "-rpt" suffix does not exist in Cherry's part numbering scheme. Cherry MX suffixes follow a strict positional format (e.g., NN = non-RGB plate mount, NA = RGB plate mount, NW = non-RGB PCB mount). No "-rpt" designator is documented in any Cherry datasheet, distributor catalog, or keyboard community reference. This matches the same fabrication pattern seen in other catalog entries (e.g., ABB ML1-100Y-RPT). Correct PN: MX1A-C1NA (drop the "-rpt").

FLAG 2 — WRONG SLUG / MISLEADING "ERGO" LABEL: The slug "cherry-mx1a-c1na-ergo" incorrectly associates MX1A-C1NA with the "Ergo Clear." These are two DISTINCT Cherry products: MX1A-C1NA = standard Cherry MX Clear (65cN actuation); the Ergo Clear = MX1A-H1NA / MX2A-H1NA series (40cN actuation, lighter spring, factory lubed). The "Ergo Clear" WAS originally a community mod (2011, Geekhack user "mtl") but has since been officially released by Cherry in October 2022 under the H1 series. MX1A-C1NA is not an Ergo Clear; it is a standard MX Clear RGB variant.

1. Overview

The Cherry MX1A-C1NA is a genuine Cherry-manufactured mechanical keyboard keyswitch from the MX Clear family. It is the RGB-compatible (SMD LED), 3-pin plate-mount variant of the MX Clear series, distinguished by a translucent housing with SMD lens that allows backlighting without an integrated LED or diode. The MX Clear line dates to 1988 and is one of Cherry's oldest tactile offerings, produced at their Auerbach, Oberpfalz facility in Germany. It carries Cherry's proprietary MX Gold Crosspoint contact system and is rated for over 50 million actuations.

2. User Sentiment

Keyboard enthusiasts consistently rate the Cherry MX Clear as a heavy, satisfying tactile switch with a pronounced bump — significantly more noticeable than the MX Brown (45g) and better suited to deliberate typists. Community scoring on sites like Keebworks rates the force profile "10/10: perfect." A recurring complaint is that the 65cN actuation force causes finger fatigue during extended sessions for lighter typists, which historically drove the DIY "Ergo Clear" mod (lighter spring, same Clear stem). The MX Clear is considered rare in OEM keyboards, making it a niche enthusiast choice. The RGB-capable C1NA variant specifically appears less commonly discussed than the non-RGB C1NN, but no negative quality reports have been identified.

3. Real-World Applications

Cherry MX Clear switches — including the C1NA RGB variant — are used primarily in enthusiast-built mechanical keyboards for typing-focused applications. Their heavy tactile feel makes them popular with touch-typists who benefit from the distinct bump to prevent accidental keypresses. They are not commonly found in mass-market prebuilt boards; the C1NA's RGB capability makes it suitable for backlit custom keyboard builds. The switch is occasionally specified in professional typing environments and has niche use in kiosks or specialized input devices.

4. Technical Specifications

• Type: Tactile (non-clicky), SPST-NO momentary
• Series: Cherry MX Clear (C1 family)
• Part Number: MX1A-C1NA (genuine; "-rpt" suffix is bogus)
• Mount: 3-pin plate/faceplate mount (no fixing pins)
• LED/Diode: No integrated LED, no diode; SMD lens for RGB backlighting
• Actuation Force: 55–65 cN (sources vary between 55cN and 65cN; Cherry's own page states 55cN, community sources often cite 65cN operating force with 95cN bottom-out)
• Pre-Travel: 2.0 mm
• Total Travel: 4.0 mm
• Electrical Rating: 10 mA / 12 V AC/DC
• Contact: MX Gold Crosspoint (AuAg alloy)
• Durability: 50+ million keystrokes
• Housing: Nylon top and bottom; stem POM material; clear stem color
• Origin: Manufactured in Germany (Auerbach, Oberpfalz)

5. Ordering & Compatibility

The MX1A-C1NA does not appear to be stocked by major electronics distributors (Mouser, DigiKey) — those channels carry the non-RGB C1NN and PCB-mount C1NW variants. The C1NA RGB variant is sold primarily through Cherry's own storefront (cherry.de / cherry-world.com) and specialty mechanical keyboard retailers. Per-switch pricing for MX Clear (all variants) typically ranges from $0.32 to $2.30 depending on quantity. Compatible with standard MX-footprint PCBs and plates; uses Cherry's universal stem compatible with all MX keycaps. Related genuine part numbers: MX1A-C1NN (non-RGB, plate), MX1A-C1NW (non-RGB, PCB), MX1A-C1DN (with diode). Do NOT confuse with Ergo Clear variants MX1A-H1NA / MX2A-H1NA (lighter spring, different PN family).

6. Known Issues

The primary documented issue is that the 65cN actuation force causes fatigue for lighter-handed typists — this is well-documented in community reviews and was the original driver for the Ergo Clear modification. The MX1A-C1NA specifically (RGB variant) has limited authorized-distributor presence; it is not listed on Mouser or DigiKey, which may explain the 0 authorized-distributor hits in the catalog probe. No manufacturing defects or quality issues specific to the C1NA variant have been documented. Catalog entry must be corrected: remove "-rpt" suffix and decouple from "Ergo Clear" branding.