How to Read Keyboard Switch Force Curves

A force curve shows how the force needed to press a switch changes as the stem travels. In a Cherry-published chart, the classic CHERRY MX Red curve rises smoothly, while the MX Brown curve has a noticeable peak and dip: a useful contrast between linear and tactile designs. But these charts are from a 2018 datasheet, not the current MX2A versions, so use them to learn how to read a graph—not as definitive current measurements. The original Cherry Americas datasheet labels force against travel and marks operating, tactile and reset positions where relevant.

Start with the axes

On a force-versus-travel graph, the horizontal axis shows how far the stem has moved, usually in millimetres. The vertical axis shows the force being applied, commonly in centinewtons (cN) or gram-force (gf). Read a point by matching its position across both axes: it tells you how far the key has travelled and how much force the chart indicates there.

In the older Cherry datasheet, both the Red and Brown charts use force in cN and travel in millimetres. Their curves are presented in the same document, which makes their shapes easier to compare. The chart does not, however, explain a detailed measurement protocol, sample variation or test conditions. Treat its lines as manufacturer reference diagrams, not precision measurements of every individual switch.

What do the Red and Brown curves show?

The older CHERRY MX Red chart is labelled linear. Its force trace climbs progressively as the stem moves down, without a pronounced tactile peak. The chart marks an operating position at about 2 mm of travel. That point represents when the switch registers a press; it is not the point where the key reaches the end of its travel.The CHERRY MX Brown chart is labelled with a pressure point and marks a tactile position before the operating position. Its curve rises to a peak, falls into a dip, then rises again as the switch continues down. That peak-and-dip shape is the graph’s visible sign of a tactile event. The Brown chart marks the operating position at about 2 mm; the tactile point is shown earlier in the stroke.

These are readings from the older Cherry charts, not verified measurements for current MX2A Red and Brown switches. Cherry’s current MX2A product pages list 2 mm pre-travel and 4 mm total travel for both models, and describe Red as linear and Brown as tactile. They also show 45 cN actuation force for both in the properties section, while Brown’s highlights describe a 55 cN operating force. Since those current figures use different labels and the current pages do not provide the same force curves, don’t combine them with the older graph to infer an exact MX2A bump force or curve.Current CHERRY MX2A Red specifications and current CHERRY MX2A Brown specifications provide the product-page details; the older datasheet remains the source for the example curves above.

Tactile bump and actuation are different events

A tactile bump is a change in resistance you can feel during the keypress. Actuation is the electrical point at which the switch registers the key. A tactile switch’s bump may occur before, around or after actuation, depending on its design. If a graph labels both positions, use those labels rather than assuming the bump itself is the actuation point.

Some charts label a tactile position, an operating position and a reset position; others show only a curve or a single operating point. If a position is not marked and the curve is too coarse to locate it reliably, treat it as unknown. A visible rise or dip can suggest a tactile event, but it does not establish an exact actuation point by itself.

Why one force figure is not a force curve

A specification such as “45 cN actuation force” is one value associated with a particular event or measurement convention. It does not tell you how force changes over the rest of the press. Two switches with the same listed actuation force can have different starting resistance, tactile peaks, force drops and bottom-out behaviour.

Keep these terms distinct when comparing a graph with a product listing:

• Actuation force is the force associated with registering a keypress. Check how the manufacturer defines it; different brands may report different points or use different conventions.

• Bottom-out force is the force at the end of the stroke, if it is measured and reported. It is not interchangeable with actuation force.

• Pre-travel is the distance from the top of the keypress to actuation. Total travel is the full distance to the end of the switch’s stroke.

• A tactile-force figure may refer to the peak of a tactile event. It is not automatically the actuation force or bottom-out force.

The graph’s axes and labels matter as much as its headline number. For a broader explanation of switch measurements, see how to read mechanical switch specifications.

A practical way to compare two curves

1. Check the exact switch version and source date. Similar names can cover revised products, and a chart for an older version should not be assumed to describe a newer one.

2. Confirm the axes and units. Compare force with force and travel with travel; do not treat gf and cN as exactly identical units.

3. Find the actuation point if it is labelled. If it is not labelled, don’t infer an exact value just from where the curve appears to bend.

4. For a tactile switch, look for a peak and following drop, then check whether the manufacturer separately marks the tactile and operating positions.

5. Compare the overall shape, not just one point. A gradual rise, pronounced peak or sharp force drop can distinguish curves even when a single listed force is similar.

6. Note what the chart leaves out. Without stated test conditions, tolerances or a clear measurement method, avoid treating small visual differences as meaningful.

What a force curve cannot tell you

A force curve helps describe mechanical resistance through a press; it does not measure comfort or predict which switch you will prefer. It also cannot tell you the sound of a complete keyboard. Sound and feel depend on the full build—including the switch, keycaps, case, plate, mounting, stabilisers, modifications and typing technique. Terms such as “creamy” and “thocky” are subjective descriptions, not properties established by a force graph.

For a first shortlist, compare curves only when the switch versions, units and measurement context are clear. Then use the listed specifications to narrow your options and, where possible, try a switch sample or keyboard in person. You can explore Creamy Keyboard’s mechanical keyboard switch database to search switches and filter by type, force and travel ranges, silent status or factory lubrication where information is available. Missing specifications are best treated as unknown—not guessed from a graph or a similar model.