Gateron vs. Cherry Switches (2026 Comparison)

"It used to be a monopoly. Now, it’s a rivalry."

If you entered the mechanical keyboard hobby before 2014, you really only had one choice: Cherry MX. They were the gold standard, the original patent holders, and the engine inside 99% of premium keyboards.

Today, the landscape is different. Gateron, once viewed as a budget alternative, has evolved into an enthusiast favorite that many argue surpasses the original.

For X-Bows users deciding how to configure their keyboard, the choice often comes down to these two giants. Here is the objective history and performance breakdown of the Gateron vs. Cherry rivalry in 2026.

TL;DR: Which Switch is Better?

• Winner for Smoothness & Gaming: Gateron. Their factory-lubed "Oil King" line and Hall Effect (Magnetic) switches dominate the enthusiast and competitive gaming markets.
• Winner for Durability & Consistency: Cherry. The new MX2A line fixes previous scratchiness issues while retaining the legendary German reliability.

1. Comparison at a Glance

For those in a hurry, here is how the two giants stack up in the current market.

2. History: The Pioneer vs. The Challenger

To understand the difference, you must understand their origins.

Cherry: The German Engineering Standard

Founded in the USA in 1953 and moved to Germany in 1967, Cherry is the grandfather of mechanical keyboards. They patented the MX Switch in the early 1980s, creating the cross-shaped stem design that 99% of keycaps use today.

• Reputation: Known for "Gold Crosspoint" technology, which uses gold contacts to prevent corrosion and ensure inputs register even in harsh industrial environments.

Gateron: The Smooth Operator

Founded in 2000 in Huizhou, China, Gateron entered the switch market in 2014. Originally seen as "clones," they quickly overtook Cherry in enthusiast circles by prioritizing smoothness.

• Reputation: They utilized smoother plastics and different molds to eliminate the "scratchy" feeling often found in older Cherry switches, earning a cult following among gamers and custom keyboard builders.

3. Product Lineup & Innovation (2026 Update)

Both brands have moved far beyond the standard Red, Blue, and Brown switches. Here is what is powering keyboards in 2026.

Gateron's Innovations

Gateron dominates the custom and gaming market with two distinct focuses:

1. Factory Lubing: Switches like the Gateron Oil King and North Pole come pre-lubed, offering a deep, satisfying sound ("thock") right out of the box without manual modification.
2. Magnetic Hall Effect (HE): Gateron has gone all-in on magnetic switches (e.g., Magnetic Jade). These allow for "Rapid Trigger" features where you can adjust the actuation point via software—a massive advantage for competitive FPS gamers.

Cherry's Modern Revival

Cherry has fought back against the "scratchy" allegations with major engineering updates:

1. Cherry MX2A: Released recently, this is a complete re-engineering of the classic MX line. It features a new barrel spring to reduce "pinging" noise and factory lubrication to compete with Gateron's smoothness.
2. Inductive (IK) Technology: Set to debut fully in late 2025, Cherry's IK switches use electromagnetic coils rather than magnets. This uses 95% less power than Hall Effect switches, making high-performance wireless gaming keyboards viable for the first time.

4. Customer Reviews & Community Consensus

What do actual users say?

5. Final Recommendation: Which Should You Choose?