Cherry Viola Switch



CHERRY unveiled the VIOLA switch at CES 2020, no-doubt ahead of an expected rush of orders from clients. It is pitched as a mainstream value-oriented alternative to their MX-class switches that will compete against counterparts from Kailh and Gateron, offering the benefits of mechanical without the complexity of the MX.

The innovation at the centre of this fully mechanical design is a bronze blade-style contact switch that, along with the spring, housing and stem, is one of only four pieces to the assembly. To put that in context CHERRY MX switches have eight; this simplicity is key to the switch’s reduced cost, but there are ramifications.



The blade switch introduces a unique force-travel dynamic. Pre-travel is very similar to MX Reds, with a linear pre-travel and actuation point at 45cN. After actuation the linear action is more heavy, requiring 75cN in the end position rather than the ~60cN typical of Reds. This gives it a relatively fast reset compared to MX Reds, though not quite as heavy as MX Blacks.

VIOLA switches have a full profile of 2mm pre-travel and 4mm total travel distance, identical to the rest of the MX line. Although Corsair have opted for the linear style, CHERRY are planning to release others such as Tactile ‘MX Blue’ equivalents. They might be rolled into the K60 RGB PRO options in the future, but that likely depends on demand.