Cherry MX2A Red leads our linear profile at 84/100. Exact pack prices, whole-board costs and compatibility caveats.
Quick Verdict
Cherry MX2A Redleads our linear profile at84/100 (A), with a checked price of ₹39.15 per switch; ₹391.50 for 10 at Meckeys. If you want a conventional, well-documented linear switch, start with Cherry MX2A Red. If the full-board cost matters more, compare Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Akko Creamy Yellow Pro. Smoothie is the full-POM design alternative. None of these descriptions is a measurement of smoothness.
Researched, not hands-on tested.Prices and availability checked 8 November 2026. Scores are our editorial interpretation of documented specifications, Indian prices and stated warranty. We did not measure force curves, sound, latency or switch life.
A linear switch has no deliberate tactile bump. Choose by operating force, travel and PCB fit before looking at the score. The highest-rated switch is not automatically the lightest or the least expensive.
Prices change frequently. The prices on this page were correct when we wrote and checked it, but they may have changed by the time you read this. Check the current price on the retailer's page before you buy.
The shortlist and real purchase cost
Switch | Score /100 | Tier | Per switch | Pack price | 110-switch purchase | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cherry MX2A Red | 84 | A | ₹39.15 | ₹391.50 / 10 | ₹4,306.50 | |
Gateron Smoothie | 82 | A | ₹26 | ₹260 / 10 | ₹2,860 | |
Gateron Oil King | 81 | A | ₹58.50 | ₹585 / 10 | ₹6,435 | |
Akko V3 Creamy Yellow Pro | 81 | A | ₹22.20 | ₹999 / 45 | ₹2,997 | |
Akko V3 Creamy Black Pro | 80 | A | ₹22.50 | ₹225 / 10 | ₹2,475 | |
Kailh Box Red | 80 | A | ₹25 | ₹250 / 10 | ₹2,750 | |
Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow | 80 | A | ₹17.91 | ₹179.10 / 10 | ₹1,970.10 |
How we rated these switches
We researched 38 switch models and ranked 34. This profile includes 13 eligible models. Each uses the same seven row ratings, with the weights below. Scores are calculated as the sum of rating × weight divided by 10, then rounded to a whole number. Rankings use the raw score; a one-point gap is not laboratory precision.
Rating row | Weight |
|---|---|
Feel | 25 |
Smoothness & stability | 25 |
Sound profile | 10 |
Durability | 10 |
Compatibility | 10 |
Availability in India | 5 |
India value | 15 |
Original benchmarksutra research. Not a hands-on test.
Readthe full switch scoring methodfor row-rating rules, limitations and the unranked policy. No affiliate commission is an input to this calculation.
Which switch should you shortlist?
1. Cherry MX2A Red
Score:84/100 (A), raw 83.5.Price:₹39.15 per switch; ₹391.50 for 10 at Meckeys.
Documented specification:Operating force (gf): 45 cN; Pre-travel (mm): 2.0; Total travel (mm): 4.0; Rated life (million presses): 100; Mount: 3-pin (plate mount per Meckeys).
Full-board maths:110 ÷ 10 rounds up to 11 packs, giving 110 switches for ₹4,306.50 before delivery. Buy against your actual layout rather than assuming a pack covers the whole keyboard.
Fit and support:Meckeys listing states 1 year (store RMA policy https://meckeys.com/warranty/) No India warranty page from the switch maker; switches are sold in India by stores, which handle claims.
Check the exact Meckeys listing·Read the specification source
2. Gateron Smoothie
Score:82/100 (A), raw 81.5.Price:₹26 per switch; ₹260 for 10 at StacksKB.
Documented specification:Operating force (gf): 40±10; Pre-travel (mm): 2.0±0.6; Total travel (mm): 3.6±0.2; Mount: 5-pin.
Full-board maths:110 ÷ 10 rounds up to 11 packs, giving 110 switches for ₹2,860 before delivery. Buy against your actual layout rather than assuming a pack covers the whole keyboard.
Fit and support:StacksKB: switches covered against manufacturing defects (period not stated); DOA/missing claims within 7 days; opened/lubed switches excluded (https://stackskb.com/warranty/) No India warranty page from the switch maker; switches are sold in India by stores, which handle claims.
A maker-confirmed numerical lifespan is not established in our record; the durability rating does not assume one.
Check the exact StacksKB listing·Read the specification source
3. Gateron Oil King
Score:81/100 (A), raw 81.25.Price:₹58.50 per switch; ₹585 for 10 at Meckeys.
Documented specification:Operating force (gf): 55±5; Pre-travel (mm): 2.0; Total travel (mm): 4.0; Rated life (million presses): 60; Mount: 5-pin.
Full-board maths:110 ÷ 10 rounds up to 11 packs, giving 110 switches for ₹6,435 before delivery. Buy against your actual layout rather than assuming a pack covers the whole keyboard.
Fit and support:Meckeys listing does not state a period; store RMA policy https://meckeys.com/warranty/ says "refer to product page" No India warranty page from the switch maker; switches are sold in India by stores, which handle claims.
Check the exact Meckeys listing·Read the specification source
4. Akko V3 Creamy Yellow Pro
Score:81/100 (A), raw 80.75.Price:₹22.20 per switch; ₹999 for 45 at StacksKB.
Documented specification:Operating force (gf): 50±10; Pre-travel (mm): 2.0±0.6; Total travel (mm): 3.3; Mount: 5-pin.
Full-board maths:110 ÷ 45 rounds up to 3 packs, giving 135 switches for ₹2,997 before delivery. Buy against your actual layout rather than assuming a pack covers the whole keyboard.
Fit and support:StacksKB: switches covered against manufacturing defects (period not stated); DOA/missing claims within 7 days; opened/lubed switches excluded (https://stackskb.com/warranty/) No India warranty page from the switch maker; switches are sold in India by stores, which handle claims.
A maker-confirmed numerical lifespan is not established in our record; the durability rating does not assume one.
Check the exact StacksKB listing·Read the specification source
5. Akko V3 Creamy Black Pro
Score:80/100 (A), raw 80.0.Price:₹22.50 per switch; ₹225 for 10 at Meckeys.
Documented specification:Operating force (gf): 50±5; Pre-travel (mm): 2.0±0.5; Total travel (mm): 3.6±0.2; Mount: 5-pin.
Full-board maths:110 ÷ 10 rounds up to 11 packs, giving 110 switches for ₹2,475 before delivery. Buy against your actual layout rather than assuming a pack covers the whole keyboard.
Fit and support:Meckeys listing states 1 year (store RMA policy https://meckeys.com/warranty/) No India warranty page from the switch maker; switches are sold in India by stores, which handle claims.
A maker-confirmed numerical lifespan is not established in our record; the durability rating does not assume one.
Check the exact Meckeys listing·Read the specification source
6. Kailh Box Red
Score:80/100 (A), raw 80.0.Price:₹25 per switch; ₹250 for 10 at Cosmic Byte.
Documented specification:Operating force (gf): 45±10; Pre-travel (mm): 1.8±0.4; Total travel (mm): 3.6±0.3; Rated life (million presses): 80; Mount: 3-pin.
Full-board maths:110 ÷ 10 rounds up to 11 packs, giving 110 switches for ₹2,750 before delivery. Buy against your actual layout rather than assuming a pack covers the whole keyboard.
Fit and support:Cosmic Byte product-specific switch policy: no warranty; switches cannot be exchanged or returned. This overrides the generic site-wide warranty banner.
The product-specific retailer policy says these switches have no warranty and cannot be exchanged or returned. The general site-wide warranty banner does not override it.
Check the exact Cosmic Byte listing·Read the specification source
7. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
Score:80/100 (A), raw 79.5.Price:₹17.91 per switch; ₹179.10 for 10 at Meckeys.
Documented specification:Operating force (gf): 50±15; Pre-travel (mm): 2.0±0.6; Total travel (mm): 4.0 max; Mount: 3-pin or 5-pin.
Full-board maths:110 ÷ 10 rounds up to 11 packs, giving 110 switches for ₹1,970.10 before delivery. Buy against your actual layout rather than assuming a pack covers the whole keyboard.
Fit and support:StacksKB: switches covered against manufacturing defects (period not stated); DOA/missing claims within 7 days; opened/lubed switches excluded (https://stackskb.com/warranty/) No India warranty page from the switch maker; switches are sold in India by stores, which handle claims.
A maker-confirmed numerical lifespan is not established in our record; the durability rating does not assume one.
Check the exact Meckeys listing·Read the specification source
All eligible scores
Switch | Score /100 | Tier | Per switch | Pack price | 110-switch purchase | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cherry MX2A Red | 84 | A | ₹39.15 | ₹391.50 / 10 | ₹4,306.50 | |
Gateron Smoothie | 82 | A | ₹26 | ₹260 / 10 | ₹2,860 | |
Gateron Oil King | 81 | A | ₹58.50 | ₹585 / 10 | ₹6,435 | |
Akko V3 Creamy Yellow Pro | 81 | A | ₹22.20 | ₹999 / 45 | ₹2,997 | |
Akko V3 Creamy Black Pro | 80 | A | ₹22.50 | ₹225 / 10 | ₹2,475 | |
Kailh Box Red | 80 | A | ₹25 | ₹250 / 10 | ₹2,750 | |
Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow | 80 | A | ₹17.91 | ₹179.10 / 10 | ₹1,970.10 | |
Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red | 79 | B | ₹20 | ₹200 / 10 | ₹2,200 | |
Gateron Milky Yellow Pro | 79 | B | ₹17.91 | ₹179.10 / 10 | ₹1,970.10 | |
Akko V3 Silver Pro | 79 | B | ₹31.09 | ₹1,399 / 45 | ₹4,197 | |
Akko V3 Piano Pro | 78 | B | ₹24.42 | ₹1,099 / 45 | ₹3,297 | |
Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver | 78 | B | ₹24.75 | ₹247.50 / 10 | ₹2,722.50 | |
LEOBOG Nimbus (AULA) | 75 | B | ₹23.42 | ₹2,342 / 100 | ₹4,684 |
Check these before ordering
Check that the keyboard has hot-swap sockets for the exact electrical technology. A soldered board needs soldering work; magnetic switches require a compatible Hall-effect keyboard.
Count all the switches you intend to replace and add spares. A 45-pack may be enough for neither a full-size board nor a complete replacement on its own.
Check the PCB’s three-pin or five-pin support and the LED arrangement. Physical MX-style keycap fit alone does not prove electrical or magnetic compatibility.
Check the exact variant, lubrication option, seller, pack size and current stock. A low headline price on a multi-variant page may belong to a different colour or generation.
Read the switch-specific return and warranty clause. The Cosmic Byte switch policy excludes warranty and returns for the affected listings, despite the site’s general warranty banner.
If feel or noise matters strongly, start with a small sample or one pack rather than treating a researched score as a substitute for personal preference.
Related on benchmarksutra
Frequently asked questions
Did benchmarksutra test these switches?
No. These are researched editorial ratings. We did not measure sound, force curves, smoothness, latency or lifespan.
Does the highest score mean I should buy it?
Use the score to narrow the list, then check technology, PCB compatibility, force preference, noise tolerance, pack cost and return terms. A strong score cannot make an incompatible switch fit your board.
Why do prices differ from another guide?
This refresh uses exact-variant retailer prices checked on 8 November 2026. We do not mix a standard version with a pre-lubed version or a different pack size. Retailer sale prices can change after the check.
Does this include shipping and discounts?
The table uses the displayed product price and pack size. Delivery, membership rewards, payment offers and optional coupons are not subtracted from the score price.
Related buying guides
Choosing a complete keyboard? Seeour mechanical keyboard guideandthe keyboard scoring method.
Sources and editorial note
Data checked as of 8 November 2026. Manufacturer specifications are claims, not our measured results. Retailer-only information is identified as such. Prices include the displayed tax treatment; shipping and optional promotions are excluded. We compare exact variants and whole-pack costs. Commercial relationships do not determine scores or ordering.
