Cherry MX Keyboard Switches: Should You Buy Red, Brown, Or Blue?

Mechanical keyboards are experiencing a renaissance. Whether potential buyers are on the hunt for the best PC gaming keyboard or simply the best keyboard for productivity and work, there’s a good chance a mechanical keyboard will make its way onto the list. One of the first decisions those buyers have to make is which kind of switch to buy — and it’s not as simple a decision as it might seem. Cherry has been the leading manufacturer of keyboard switches for years, and of its most popular options, red, brown, and blue, what exactly is the best mechanical keyboard switch anyway?

Poll any group of mechanical keyboard fans and their answers will likely vary. Switches are the mechanical buttons that live under the keycaps on any mechanical keyboard, and though they might look similar (albeit differently colored and designed), they can both feel and sound drastically different. As a result, the best switch often comes down to what a user wants from their mechanical keyboard, both in feel and in sound.

The important thing to know about Cherry MX key switches is that color represents certain characteristics, and those characteristics will determine which is the best fit for each type of user. Red switches are lightweight and linear with smooth travel all the way through the keypress. These switches are often popular with gamers due to their smoothness and light actuation. Blue switches, on the other hand, are tactile and clicky. When a key is activated, it can be felt in the fingers and heard by everyone around. They’re a good fit for typists and people nostalgic for old-school typewriters. They’re not a good fit for quiet environments, however, as their noise can often disturb co-workers and roommates. Brown switches, on the other hand, are a middle ground between Red and Blue switches, offering the lightweight travel of a Cherry MX Red and a tactile bump that can be felt in the finger when the key actuates. They do not have an audible click, so are better for quiet environments, and are often enjoyed for gaming and productivity alike.

Choosing Between Types Of Keyboard Switches

With those basics in mind, most users will be able to determine the type of switch they want, but getting started with mechanical keyboards can be surprisingly overwhelming. Upon shopping, many users will find that there are far more switches than Cherry MX Red, Blue, and Brown and that those from other manufacturers can often cost less. Since switches typically break down into linear, tactile, or clicky, most of the same rules apply, but there are some important things to keep in mind while shopping.

First, newcomers will be best served by keeping things simple and starting with the type of switch they’re looking for: linear, tactile, or clicky. Cherry MX switches are a good place to begin because they are well known, reliable, and the most popular on the market, so most users will be able to find an option they enjoy. Second, avoid some of the less common options to start. Cherry MX Black, Clear, or Silver switches are well-loved in certain circles but many users find them too heavy or too sensitive to comfortably use. Another thing to keep in mind is that other brands, like Kailh or Gateron, offer their own versions of these switches at reduced prices. Though there are subtle differences in how they feel or sound, they will be minor and likely lower the price of the whole keyboard.

Finally, for users still on the fence, it’s worth investing in a switch tester or sampler pack. Keyboard vendors understand the struggle and many sell standalone sets of various switches for customers to try before making a final decision. Drop, for example, caters to keyboard enthusiasts but offers a sample pack of 20 different switches to try. Trying a single switch isn’t the same as trying a full keyboard equipped with those switches, but being able to feel and hear the differences between switches can often be the most helpful thing one can do.

Source: Cherry, Drop

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