Cherry MX Black vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Cherry MX Black and Gateron Weightlessness can significantly affect your typing experience. The Cherry MX Black, a linear switch, stands out for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes and iconic deep sound profile. With Cherry's Hyperglide tooling enhancing its design, users benefit from a reliably polished feel that is perfect for those who favor rapid keypresses without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a tactile experience, delivering a subtle to moderate bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke. Its balanced sound profile further enriches the typing experience, making it appealing for individuals who enjoy a more engaged interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, while Cherry MX Black is ideal for speed and precision, Gateron Weightlessness caters to those who appreciate tactile cues in their typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Black Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$4.00 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Cherry MX Black and Gateron Weightlessness switches, one notable aspect is the housing material used for both the top and bottom portions, which is nylon. This commonality ensures that both switches share similar acoustic properties, particularly a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material's softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a rounded and mellow auditory experience. Therefore, users can expect a comparable auditory feedback during typing, regardless of which switch they choose.

Both the MX Black and Gateron Weightlessness feature nylon for their bottom housings as well, which further reinforces the similarity between them. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. As a result, when pressed down, both switches deliver a consistent tactile feedback that resonates through the nylon material, enhancing the overall typing experience. The use of nylon across both switch housings means that the essence of their sound profiles remains intact, allowing for a cohesive feel whether you are using Cherry or Gateron.

While the housing materials of both switches are the same, individual design choices and variations in spring tension can still create subtle differences in the typing experience. However, because both the MX Black and the Weightlessness maintain the same nylon composition, many users will find that they provide an analogous auditory input, with the characteristics of sound delivery being primarily shaped by their shared material properties. Thus, those who prioritize sound dampening and a muted typing experience will appreciate the consistent performance offered by these two switch options.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation force emerge. The Cherry MX Black features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier switch that may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who favor a softer typing experience for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness remains unknown, which means we cannot directly compare that aspect to the Cherry MX Black's defined bottom out force. Consequently, if you desire a lighter switch, the Gateron Weightlessness would be the preferable choice, while the Cherry MX Black caters to those seeking a heavier feel.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the MX Black offers a more substantial travel feel, which some users may appreciate for its depth and tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Weightlessness switch may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, those who choose the MX Black will experience a deeper keystroke, whereas the Gateron Weightlessness provides a more immediate feel. Therefore, if you value a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Cherry MX Black is the better option, while the Gateron Weightlessness may be preferable for those prioritizing responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Black switches produce a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that creates a deep audio profile when typing. This mellow quality is often appreciated by users who favor a more subtle auditory experience in their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches, while having a balanced sound profile that complements their tactile characteristics, do not have a specific sound descriptor provided here. However, given their design, one might expect them to offer an agreeable auditory experience, though it may not be as prominent or defining as that of the MX Blacks.

In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black switches have been recognized for their iconic smoothness, especially with Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling enhancing their performance. This leads to a fluid and consistent keystroke that many users find satisfying. The Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile feel, offering some feedback during typing without being overly pronounced. This tactile nature creates a different typing sensation that can appeal to those who enjoy a bit of resistance and feedback without the stiffness of a more tactile switch.

In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Black switches are characterized by their low-pitched sound and smooth feel, the Gateron Weightlessness switches present a more tactile quality combined with a balanced auditory experience. Each option offers distinct advantages depending on user preferences, with the MX Blacks leaning toward a deeper sound and more fluid typing experience, while the Weightlessness switches cater to those seeking tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and the specific audio and tactile sensations a user desires.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your preferences and typing style. If you favor a heavier key press for a more deliberate typing experience, or if you enjoy a robust and classic typing sound, the Cherry MX Black would be an excellent choice. Its bottom-out force of 80 grams may suit you if you appreciate the resistance that comes with heavier switches, leading to a more secure feel as you type. On the other hand, if you prefer a more nuanced tactile feedback without the weightiness of the MX Black, the Gateron Weightlessness may be your ideal switch. Its subtle to moderate tactile feel can provide you with a satisfying experience that doesn’t demand as much force, allowing for quicker typing with a gentler sound profile. In summary, choose the MX Black for a substantial and classic typing sensation, while the Weightlessness can cater to those seeking a lighter, more tactile response with balanced acoustics. Selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard can greatly enhance your typing enjoyment, so consider what aspects matter most to you as you make your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Black Linear

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more