MX1A-11NA

1. Overview

The Cherry MX1A-11NA is the RGB plate-mount variant of the Cherry MX Black, one of the most iconic linear mechanical keyboard switches ever made. Manufactured in Germany by Cherry Americas LLC (ZF Electronics), the MX Black uses Cherry's Gold Crosspoint contact technology and a transparent housing optimized for SMD RGB LEDs. The MX Black dates to the 1980s–1990s in non-RGB form; the MX1A-11NA designation is the RGB-capable, 3-pin plate-mount variant introduced circa 2014 when Cherry launched its RGB MX line. It sits alongside the RGB Brown (MX1A-G1NA), Blue (MX1A-E1NA), Red (MX1A-L1NA), and Speed Silver (MX1A-51NA).

2. User Sentiment

The MX Black has a devoted following; community sites call it "the classic switch that started it all" (UpgradeKeyboards) and praise its smooth, direct actuation and long lifespan. Ratings on major retail platforms average 4.3/5 (Amazon SG: 4.3/5 from 459 reviews; Amazon UK 90pcs: 4.3/5 from 392 ratings), though smaller packs rate lower (UK 65pcs: 3.9/5 from 21), likely because buyers unfamiliar with the 60cN force find it heavier than expected vs. MX Red (45cN). The switch is favored by gamers wanting heavy linears to prevent accidental presses. A "Hyperglide" variant with improved stem tolerances is recognized as smoother, and vintage pre-2000s MX Black switches carry a collector cult following. A French retailer (toutvendre.fr) describes the MX1A11NA as having "excellente réputation, durabilité et capacité à offrir une expérience utilisateur exceptionnelle."

3. Real-World Applications

The MX Black is widely used in DIY custom mechanical keyboards, hot-swap gaming board builds, and enthusiast typing setups where heavy linear actuation is desired. It is sold individually (~$0.20–0.40 USD each), in packs of 10/65/90/120 via Amazon, Walmart, Newegg, and specialty retailers, and in 23-switch kits from shop.cherry.de. Cherry also offers an Experience Box (DMX1A-XC1X-2A) containing one MX1A-11NA alongside Brown, Blue, Green, Red, Silent Red, Speed Silver, Ergo Clear, and Black Clear Top variants, aimed at builders sampling switch types. Historically used in some OEM gaming keyboards; now primarily a DIY/custom market switch.

4. Technical Specifications

• Type: Linear (no tactile bump, no click)
• Part Number: MX1A-11NA (plate mount, RGB, 3-pin)
• Related SKUs: MX1A-11NN (plate, no LED), MX1A-11NW (PCB 5-pin, no LED), MX1A-11NB (PCB 5-pin, RGB)
• Actuation Force: 60 cN (initial 30 cN / final 110 cN)
• Pre-Travel: 2.0 mm
• Total Travel: 4.0 mm
• Mechanical Life: 100 million actuations (Cherry official); 50M per DigiKey datasheet
• Electrical Rating: 12V AC/DC, 10mA, SPST-NO
• Mounting: Through-hole, 3-pin plate mount
• Ingress Protection: IP40
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +70°C
• Materials: POM stem (black), Nylon housing, stainless steel spring, transparent RGB cover
• Dimensions: 16mm × 16mm × 19mm, ~10g

5. Ordering & Compatibility

Per-switch pricing: ~£0.50 (Keyboard.co.uk), ~$0.20–0.40 USD (mechanicalkeyboards.com, on sale $0.20). Pack pricing: 65pcs ~£49–50 on Amazon UK; 23-switch official kit €19.99 at shop.cherry.de (EAN 4025112081873). DigiKey lists MX1A-11NA as obsolete (PN 1644-MX1A-11NA-ND) but specialty keyboard retailers maintain active stock. Compatible with all 3-pin plate-mount MX-footprint keyboards. The PCB 5-pin equivalent is MX1A-11NW (no LED) or MX1A-11NB (RGB). Multiple international distributors stock the part (Arrow, Octopart, components-house, YIC Electronics, Ariat-Tech across 20+ countries).

6. Known Issues

The main community concern is the 60cN actuation force being polarizing — heavier than MX Red (45cN) and most budget linears (35–45cN), it suits deliberate buyers but surprises those expecting lighter feel. DigiKey marks the part "obsolete," though Cherry's own shop and keyboard specialty retailers continue active production and sale. Older vintage MX Black units are noted by enthusiasts as potentially feeling different from current production due to decades of tooling refinements, but modern MX1A-11NA production is consistent. No significant reliability defects are reported in community sources.