In the past I have had a lot of luck with Cherry MX Red keys. However, I’ve been trying out a lot of Cherry 7.0 Brown keys. At this point I have a Cherry MX Brown key on one of my keyboards, a Cherry MX Red key on the second keyboard, and a Cherry MX Red on a mouse. Of course I also have a variety of other Cherry keys, all of which I use from time to time.

These days, keyboards are more than just a way to get work done—they’re an integral part of our computing experience. While there are plenty of options for membrane keyboards, most will agree the best are the MX Cherry. A favorite among gamers, MX RED is incredibly popular thanks to its speed, tactile feedback, and durability. But, while some will argue the brown MX Browns are more durable, many will argue the red version is more accurate.

Cherry recently released a new type of mechanical key switch, which is called the Brown Switch. This new keyboard switch has long been seen as the “new thing” for mechanical keyboards due to its purported ability to reach higher actuation points. Brown switches are also supposed to be more durable than Cherry MX Red switches, since they are harder to break.. Read more about cherry mx red vs brown reddit and let us know what you think.

Gaming keyboards are one of the first items I purchase when updating my PC since I’ve been a gamer for much of my life. They are addicting because of the haptic input they offer. Others may not perceive the benefit, but it may significantly improve the enjoyment of any game. The same may be said of office employment. They’re also not too expensive if you know where to search! I’ve tested both the Cherry MX Brown and RED switches, and now we’ll compare them side by side. Let’s get started without further ado!

Mechanical switch vs Membrane switch

First and foremost! I’ll start by distinguishing between mechanical and membrane keyboards. Membrane keyboards, as we all know, are now obsolete. You’ve probably heard gamers and other tech critics laud the mechanical keyboard’s praises. You, like me, may have wondered what makes a mechanical keyboard different from a membrane keyboard. They both have the same appearance. So, let’s see what we can find out.

Membrane Keyboard: Membrane Keyboard is a kind of keyboard that is

The main difference between the two keyboards is their construction. A membrane is located underneath the keys that is in touch with the circuit, as its name implies. The membrane is what activates the function by contacting the circuit when you press a key.

Pros

  • Operation that is completely silent
  • Aren’t they pricey?
  • More easily transportable

Cons

  • There was no response.
  • Less long-lasting and with a shorter lifetime
  • In the vast majority of instances, the damage is irreversible.
  • Less strong and durable

Keyboard with mechanical action:

Mechanical keyboards feature high-end mechanisms like levers and springs instead of simply a membrane. This keyboard’s keys have a distinct kick and sound. The lever, rather than the membrane, is what triggers the desired function here. 

Mechanical keyboards come in a wide range of styles. Each variant is called after a different hue and has its own set of characteristics.

Pros

  • Feedback that is tactile
  • Sturdiness and durability
  • longer life expectancy
  • Keycaps that can be changed
  • Customization is possible.
  • more consistent

Cons

  • It has a tendency to be a little pricey.
  • It also has a higher weight.

In conclusion:

When you examine the advantages and disadvantages of both terms, you’ll see that a mechanical keyboard offers more value. It isn’t enough to just like mechanical keyboards. Mechanical keyboards are available in a variety of styles. 

In this post, we will compare two of the numerous kinds available. Continue reading to find out who wins the Cherry MX brown versus red fight. 

What are Switch Mechanices and How Do They Work?

Since they were invented to make typewriters more dependable, mechanical switches have been in use for almost a century. These switches may now be found on almost every keyboard. However, not all of them function in the same manner. We’ll look at what mechanical switches are and how various kinds of them exist.

Let’s take a look at mechanical switches from a technical standpoint. Warning: this article contains spoilers. There’s a lot of technical stuff coming up!

Mechanical contacts are another name for mechanical switches. When pushed, these resilient components are typically made up of two or more sections that make contact. Either a metal leaf spring or the switch housing are the culprits. 

When you push down on the keycap, these springs and/or contacts make contact with one another, completing an electric circuit by joining conducting wires. This closes an electrical connection that transfers electricity from the controller board of the keyboard to your PC through a USB cable so that it may be recognized as a physical input button.

When utilizing mechanical key mechanisms, most contemporary keyboards use one of two methods: tactile or non-tactile (linear). It is mainly a matter of personal taste as to which kind you like. Both provide a distinct typing experience, but linear has fewer moving components and is more durable over time. 

Mechanical Tactile Switch

When a user presses down on a tactile mechanical switch, they will feel a significant “bump” or “click.” In contrast to non-tactile switches, this helps typing seem more natural since you know precisely when your key has been pushed and can completely depress it with less mistake. However, the keyboard becomes louder as a result of this! 

Mechanical Switch That Isn’t Tactile

Non-Tactile is a smooth, linear mechanism with no bumps. Instead, each keystroke descends in a straight line until it reaches the bottom, with no other events occurring in between. Because of its delicate and sensitive function, tactiles are preferred for gaming over linear kinds.

Another less well-known kind of mechanical switch is the toggle switch. These are known as Clicky switches, and they are sensitive but do not provide feedback. They’re very light to push and aren’t designed for typing. 

Why are cherry MX switches one of the most used mechanical key switch types?

Cherry MX switches are one of the most used mechanical key switches on the market today. Cherry Corporation, a well-known manufacturer and inventor, was the first to offer this switch type to the general market in 1981.

When pushed, Cherry MX switches offer auditory and tactile feedback, as well as a considerably greater actuation force than conventional keyboards. To fully depress one button, you’ll need 60cN on average. Greater recoil and feedback are associated with higher actuation force. As if that wasn’t enough, Cherry MX switches come with a 50-million-operation warranty. It is unrivaled in terms of convenience, durability, and functionality. 

To put things in perspective, dome key switches (membrane keyboard switches) are activated with a force of 25cN or less. This is due to the fact that they take up less actual area under the keycap (about 0.125 inches).

Other features, such as LED lighting, programmable keys, and USB, were added to these key switches throughout time.

Cherry MX features a number of different switches, each of which is separated and called after a different hue. The graph below depicts the features of each kind.

Mechanical Switch Orientation Feedback Actuation Force (force needed to fully depress the button)cN
Red Linear No 45
Red Quiet Linear No 45
Grey Linear Linear No 80
Black Linear No 60
Black is a silent film. Linear No 85
White Nature Linear No 80
Silver’s Speed Linear No 45
Blue Clicky Hard 60 
White Clicky Moderate 80
Green Clicky Hard 60
Grey Tactile Tactile Moderate 80
Brown Tactile Soft 55
Clear Tactile No 65
       

The following two Cherry MX switches are the most often utilized. To make your purchasing simpler, we’ve put up a thorough comparison of these two switches.

Cherry MX Red vs. Cherry MX Brown! Which is the best option?

Both of these changes have advantages and disadvantages. Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Brown are fundamentally nearly identical. There is a minor distinction.

Every keystroke on the Cherry MX brown comes with a little bump that prevents any erroneous or false touches. When you’re typing at a pace of 60 words per minute, this function comes in useful. 

Cherry MX Red, on the other hand, does not have this function. It has very smooth and responsive keystrokes. 

A little bump may not seem to make much of a difference, but trust me when I say it does. We’ve broken out how this apparently little bump may have such a significant effect on your keyboard experience.

Feel:

These switches are from two distinct classes. The one on the left is tactile (brown), while the one on the right is red (Linear). As a result, it’s only natural that their “feel” would be very different.

Because the brown one has a little hump, it requires a bit more actuation effort (55cN). As a result, the keystrokes may seem tight. 

Cherry MX Red, on the other hand, is easy to use. In this instance, the actuation force is 45 cN, which is one of the lowest of all Cherry MX switches. Keystrokes are quite sensitive, so you won’t have to exert much effort to register them. Depending on the person and circumstance, this may be beneficial or detrimental.

The weight of the springs also affects how these switches feel. The springs in Cherry MX Brown are a little heavier. The greater the force required to push a particular key, the heavier the springs. Another reason Cherry MX brown looks rigid is because of this.

In the case of Cherry MX red, however, the situation is totally different. Its springs are more lightweight, requiring less force to activate the function.

Important Travel:

The phrase “key travel” refers to the minimum distance a key must drop in order to record a keystroke. Both gamers and typers want as little key travel as feasible.

Both the red and brown Cherry MX keys have the same key travel. They are just structurally different. Both of their main travel values are 2mm, which is excellent.

Feedback:

The primary reason most of us moved from membrane keyboards to mechanical keyboards is because of feedback. However, some people want a completely seamless typing experience.

In terms of feedback, there is a significant difference between these two switches. Because the Cherry MX red is from the Linear lineage of MX switches, it has no feedback. You won’t feel anything since the keys are so delicate and smooth. 

Cherry MX brown, on the other hand, is a totally other breed. Their response isn’t thunderous, but it is perceptible. Cherry MX brown is one of the most sensitive and low feedback systems. It’s ideal for those who are bothered by the clinking sound of keys and need to know whether or not their keystroke is activated. It combines the finest of both worlds for you.

Sound:

Gamers value sound as one of the most important features of a keyboard. The sound of keys clinking adds to the adrenaline rush of a fast-paced game. 

Not everyone, however, has the same tastes. But don’t panic, we have some good news for both groups.

Neither of the switches mentioned above may be called loud. The MX switch Red offers a totally quiet operation. You won’t be able to hear or feel your keystrokes because you won’t be able to hear or feel them. Depending on the individual, this may be beneficial or detrimental. 

MX Switch Brown, on the other hand, is a little louder. It isn’t quite as loud as the MX blue key switch, but it is loud enough. The existence of a bump in MX brown is mainly responsible for this. This bump and the hefty spring cause vibrations, which create sound.

Head to Head: Cherry MX Red vs. Cherry MX Brown!

Now we’ll take a look at a few alternative situations and see which one works best. This will offer you a more accurate and definite idea of which is the best option.

Gaming:

You will have to swap multiple keys at the same time while gaming. It’s actually your (character’s) life on the line. So you want a keyboard that has no resistance and allows you to push a key with only a light touch?

A tactile bump is the last thing you’ll need in this situation. The Cherry MX brown is quite firm due to the presence of a tactile bump. It may be difficult to register the keystroke. One misplaced keystroke may be fatal in a ruthless fight.

As a result, we selected Cherry MX Red as the gaming category winner. They have no resistance and will make your gaming experience as smooth as butter. 

Typing:

When it comes to typing, the most important factor is accuracy. Every keystroke must be fully under your control. In gaming, a few missed or incorrect keystrokes have little bearing on your performance. Coming back and modifying after each line you type is, however, the most vexing aspect of typing.

This is why, when it comes to typing, Cherry MX brown reigns supreme. Its haptic bump will alert you if you miss or type the incorrect keystroke. 

In addition, if you work in a quiet workplace, it may be uncomfortable if your typing is audible from every direction. As a result, Cherry MX brown is the finest keyboard to use. One of the major switches with the weakest sound is this one. You can kill two birds with a single stone this way.

Conclusion:

Which switch is the most suitable for you? That is a difficult question to answer. When choosing which kind of mechanical key switches is best for your keyboard, bear in mind that various types of mechanical key switches have distinct typing and gaming styles. 

Cherry MX keyboards’ Brown keys have greater resistance than their Red counterparts. While the brown color may not be as pleasant for heavy typists, it is ideal for gamers who desire a greater sense of control over their characters with each stroke. In a nutshell, it is dependent on your choices!

Cherry MX keyboards: Red: Cherry MX Brown: The Cherry MX switches are one of the most commonly used switches in the world. The MX Red and MX Brown switches are the most common versions of these switches, and they’re very similar in physical characteristics. However, they differ in their feel. If you’re looking to buy a new keyboard, you need to know the differences between the two.. Read more about gateron red vs brown and let us know what you think.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better red or brown switch?

Brown is better.

Whats the difference between Cherry MX Red and Brown?

The difference between the two is that the Brown switches are designed for a more tactile feel, while the Red switches are designed for speed.

Is Cherry MX Brown better than Cherry MX speed?

No, they are both the same.

Author

Holly is the smartest person you will ever know (Or so she tells us lol). She's a gamer by heart, and an author by soul. Writing for the website g15tools is a dream come true for her - she loves being able to share her thoughts and insights with others who love gaming as much as she does. When she's not writing or gaming, Holly can be found spending time with her friends and family.