Known for their tactile feedback and relatively quiet operation, Brown switches strike a balance between the linear and clicky switches. However, the debate surrounding their suitability for gaming or typing is a hot topic among keyboard enthusiasts. Are brown switches good for gaming or typing, or do they fall short in either domain? Let's delve into the realm of Brown Switches to uncover the secrets behind their functionality.
Brown switches, a compromise between red and blue switches, are basically tactile. They can give you a noticeable bumpy typing feedback when you hit the actuation point (often 45–50g) which can improve typing accuracy. Moreover, they also generate a moderate amount of noise, but it's nonetheless satisfying to type with.
This makes it an excellent choice if you frequently use a mechanical keyboard (whether for typing or playing video games).
YES. Brown switches are designed to be quiet. As they aren’t clicky, you won't make a lot of noise while typing or playing games. Therefore, you can be confident that you won't be annoying anyone around.
With silent sound generated, Brown switches have become a powerful helper for any late-night gaming battle. They are also far more suitable for a workplace or study setting where need an environment for high concentration.
So, if you're searching for silent switches, Brown switches will get your back. Let’s hear how quiet they are in comparison with their Red and Blue counterparts in this video:
If you are wondering, are brown switches good for gaming? The answer is yes. The brown switches are often considered good for gaming due to their tactile feedback and relatively quiet operation.
Brown switches are renowned for their tactile nature, featuring a subtle bump with each keystroke. This tactile feedback makes them highly suitable for typing and programming, as it enhances precision and helps prevent bottoming out. Brown switches are not the best choice for all gamers, even though they can still be used effectively.
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Brown switches are often considered a popular choice for gaming due to their unique characteristics. Here are some reasons that explain the question “Are brown switches good for gaming?”.
Tactile Feedback
Brown switches are popular for gaming because they have light tactile feedback and moderate actuation force, which provides a balance of speed and comfort. The tactile bump in brown switches confirms key activation, helping gamers type faster and more accurately. In contrast, red switches lack a tactile bump, offering a smooth and fast keystroke experience that is better suited for rapid and repetitive commands in gaming and typing.
Quiet operation
Brown switches are renowned for their tactile feedback, which proves advantageous in gaming, especially for users who don't want to disturb others with loud keystrokes. In contrast to Red switches, Brown switches feature a notable tactile bump that generates a slightly deeper click and produces a modest amount of noise.
This tactile feedback adds a distinct feel to each keystroke. Conversely, Red switches provide a smooth and quiet keystroke experience, making them a preferred choice for individuals who prioritize a noiseless environment.
Actuation force
Brown switches have a slightly higher actuation force of 55g, meaning they require a bit more pressure to register a keystroke. They can be seen as a middle ground between Red and Blue switches, providing a responsive typing experience without being excessively loud or requiring excessive force to actuate.
In contrast, Red switches have a lower actuation force of 45g, making them lighter and easier to press compared to Brown switches. This lighter actuation force in Red switches is advantageous for gaming, as it allows for faster actuation without the tactile bump getting in the way.
Versatile
Brown switches offer exceptional versatility, making them an excellent choice for gaming across a wide range of genres. Whether you're engaged in fast-paced first-person shooters or strategy games that demand precise inputs, Brown switches provide the responsiveness and accuracy needed to excel. Their adaptability allows them to cater to various gaming needs, making them a versatile option for gamers.
On the other hand, Red switches are specifically tailored for gamers seeking rapid keypresses. They are widely acclaimed as one of the top choices for gaming keyboards due to their remarkable tactile feedback. With each keystroke, you'll experience a satisfying click, which significantly enhances the gaming experience. The tactile feedback of Red switches ensures that your inputs are registered swiftly and accurately, giving you a competitive edge in gaming.
Brown switches are a popular choice for gaming because they offer a good balance of features, but they also have some drawbacks.
Distracting tactile bump
Brown switches provide a gentle tactile bump that strikes a balance between responsiveness and accuracy in gaming. The tactile feedback helps gamers react quickly without sacrificing precision. However, the tactile bump in Brown switches can be distracting during rapid key presses, affecting keystroke accuracy. Brown switches have a more noticeable tactile bump than red switches, but the difference is small for some users.
Audible sound
While Brown switches are relatively quiet, they may not be as silent as certain other mechanical switches like membrane or dome switches. Gamers who play in shared spaces and prefer a quiet environment may find brown switches too noisy. On the other hand, Red switches are linear, providing a smooth and quiet keystroke experience. Overall, Red switches are considered quieter due to their linear nature.
Durability
Brown switches are known for their durability, with a lifespan of over 50 million keystrokes. However, Red switches have an even higher lifespan of up to 80 million actuations. Both switches offer durability, but Red switches have a longer lifespan.
Speed
Brown switches are designed for gaming and offer a balance between speed and control. They require less force to operate, allowing for faster keystrokes. However, they prioritize control and accuracy over sheer speed. On the other hand, Red switches are known for their speed and are commonly used in gaming keyboards. They provide a light and smooth keystroke experience, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming.
While the choice of switch may not have a substantial impact in non-competitive games, it can make a difference in games like Fortnite that demand rapid and precise actions. Opting for a Brown switch in such scenarios could potentially hinder speed. Consequently, it becomes crucial to carefully consider the individual needs and preferences of each gamer when selecting the most suitable mechanical switches for gaming.
In addition to the commonly posed question, “Are brown switches suitable for gaming?”, many users are also interested in their effectiveness for typing tasks.
Yes, Brown switches are generally considered good for typing. They offer tactile feedback that provides a satisfying feel when typing, helping users to accurately register their keystrokes. The tactile bump in Brown switches gives typists a sense of confirmation when a keypress is registered, aiding in typing accuracy.
Additionally, Brown switches are often preferred by individuals who want a balance between gaming and typing performance, as they offer a good compromise between speed and tactile feedback.
Brown switches offer a moderate noise level that is generally well-tolerated in most typing environments, although they do not provide the same level of quietness as clicky switches. However, they remain a favorable choice for typists who value a tactile typing experience that offers a balance between feedback and noise.
Brown switches are often highly regarded for programming due to their tactile feedback, which can help reduce errors and increase typing speed. They also produce a moderate amount of noise, making them well-suited for office environments.
In comparison to other switch types, linear switches (such as Red) offer a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance but can result in unintended keypresses if not careful. Clicky switches (such as Blue) provide a distinct click noise and tactile feedback but may be too noisy for some individuals.
Brown switches offer a versatile choice that strikes a balance between the smoothness of Red switches and the tactile feedback of Blue switches. This unique combination makes Brown switches suitable for a wide range of applications, including programming and gaming. However, the optimal switch for you ultimately depends on your personal preference and typing style.
If you’re looking for the best brown switches for mechanical keyboards, here are some top recommendations:
| Types of Brown Switches | Actuation Force | Total Travel Distance | Actuation Distance | Noise level | Price |
| Cherry MX Brown Switches | 55g | 4mm | 2mm | Moderate | $1.03 |
| Gateron Brown Switches | 55g | 4mm | 2mm | Moderate | $0.70 |
| Gateron Optical Brown Switches | 45g | 4mm | 2mm | Moderate | $0.66 |
| Gateron G Pro Brown Switches | 55g | 4mm | 2mm | Moderate | $0.20 |
| Kailh Box Brown Switches | 50g | 4mm | 2mm | Moderate | $0.53 |
| Kailh Speed Copper | 50g | 3.5mm | 2mm | Moderate | $0.50 |
| Outemu Brown Switches | 55g | 4mm | 2mm | Moderate | $0.49 |
Specifications
The very first Brown switch was developed by Cherry. The design of Cherry MX Brown served as the inspiration for numerous copycat and similar variants.
Cherry MX Brown is designed with exceptional build and quality. All of the parts of the Cherry MX Brown are composed of high-quality materials, including the housing and stems, which are made of solid, thick plastic. Thanks to that, these switches have a lifespan of 100 million keystrokes.
These tactile switches are most frequently seen in prebuilt keyboards at fairly high prices. Cherry MX Brown switches frequently sell for around $1 per piece. It could be hard to sell compared to the less expensive alternatives.
There are two Cherry MX Brown models: one has a transparent top housing and a black bottom housing and the remaining has a brown stem design with all-black housing colors.
In terms of ergonomics, Cherry MX Brown tactile switches outperform other key switches. Once users are familiar with tactile feedback, it greatly improves their typing performance.
In terms of sound, Cherry MX Brown can produce a moderate typing sound and a little bit of rough typing feel. Since they have responsiveness that is not excessively responsive, it can reduce typing errors. This means they are an ideal choice for daily usage and typing.
After all, if you want super-durable switches and are willing to pay any price, Cherry MX Browns are a great choice.
When buying switches from the Cherry brand, you may be confused between Red switches (a common choice) with Brown ones (special use). Please read Cherry MX Red Vs Brown: What’s actually the difference to distinguish these two switch types.
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Specifications
Gateron Brown switch is a tactile switch type that is frequently found in prebuilt keyboards such as Keychron keyboards with quite affordable price tags.
Although they are clone switches, Gateron switches are rated as mid-tier. While not the cheapest, they are still much less expensive than Cherry MX.
Gateron Browns, like other brown switches, are quieter than blue clicky switches and louder than silent red linear switches. About its shape, the Gateron Brown switch features a brown stem shape with a clear top housing and a bottom housing that is colored either black or cream.
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Additionally, these switches feel quite smooth and are light enough to use. Typing feedback generated is exceptionally smooth but somewhat bumpy, which makes typing sound fairly loud.
For gaming, the Gateron Brown is efficient and helpful since it provides responsive clicks.
For typing, the Gateron Browns have excellent tactile feedback and are noise-free, which is suitable for office spaces.
With a 60 million keystroke lifespan for each switch, Gateron Browns are not as durable as Cherry MX Browns. However, you can use these switches for a long time before they begin to wear out.
Ultimately, the Gateron Browns offer a wonderful experience while using longer stretches and seem readily clickable, comfortable, have a lot of tactile input, and are not very loud.
Therefore, Gateron Browns are probably an affordable option while yet having a high-quality switch.
If you are interested in this brand, check out this post: Master Guide to Gateron Switches.
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Specifications
Another great tactile-made switch from Gateron is Gateron Optical Brown switches which operate using both mechanical motion and light. This makes these switches pretty interesting.
Instead of the traditional mechanical switch, which is activated when the electrical plates meet, this switch is activated when the stem passes a certain position.
Besides, thanks to the quicker actuation, Gateron Optical Brown are an excellent "partner" for games to raise your competitiveness in every gaming session. Indeed, you need to have a lightning-fast reaction time and those additional milliseconds might be crucial.
Compared to mechanical switches, optical switches feel different, which makes them feel weird to operate. They frequently have a hollow, fake feeling.
On the other side, because there are fewer parts in contact with one another, they are sturdy and long-lasting and can withstand 100 million keystrokes.
There may be some wondering about the difference between optical and mechanical switches. If it is the case, check out this article: Optical vs Mechanical Switches – which is better? .
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Specifications
Gateron G Pro Brown switches offer a harmonious combination of tactile feedback, moderate actuation force, and smooth key travel (Source: tplab)
The Gateron G Pro Brown Switches are an upgraded version of the traditional Gateron Browns, providing a smoother and more satisfying typing experience. These switches seamlessly blend the characteristics of both red and blue switches, providing a smooth vertical press accompanied by a discernible bump. They deliver tactile feedback without excessive noise, resulting in a relatively quiet typing experience. This feature helps minimize disturbance in the surrounding environment.
One notable feature of the Gateron G Pro Switches is their optimized mold, which ensures precise positioning and reduces wobbliness. This enhances the stability of the switches during use. The Gateron G Pro Brown Switches are compatible with most 3-Pin PCB keyboards, making them versatile and widely usable.
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Specifications
Kailh BOX Brown Switch is the best option for custom keyboard fans in this list.
With the unique shape of the stem, Kailh Box Brown switches can be a stylish option for anyone who likes cool things. These tactile Brown switches are extremely dust-safe because the stem is built like a box with no spaces for the dust to get into.
Additionally, this "box" makes the keyboard more solid and less wobbly when typing. The typing feedback offered by Kailh BOX Brown Switches is quite light, smooth, and bump-free, and it generates a pretty prominent typing sound.
Digging into smoothness, when keys are gently pushed, only a few switches show small amounts of scratchiness, which is typical for on-center keypresses. Whereas, off-center keypresses produce noticeably scratchier keystrokes, with the majority of switches showing uniform amounts of scratchiness, especially typing at typical speeds.
About the look, besides a brown box-shaped stem, these switches also have a cream-colored bottom housing and clear top housing.
However, these switches are barely tactile, it has a very thin tactile feel and feels like a light linear switch. In spite of that, this boosts gaming performance as they are consistent and fast, which provides for a decent gaming experience.
After all, Kailh BOX Brown Switches are the switches you should take into consideration if you want a brown switch that is very dust-safe and robust.
You may find both Kailh Brown andGateron Brown switches great for your keyboard. So how to choose from them? This post: Kailh Brown vs Gateron Brown – how different are they? Will help you.
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Specifications
This option will give you the fastest experience. The fastest and most responsive brown switch on the market right now is Speed Copper. For anyone who desires a very trustworthy switch for gaming, Kailh Speed Copper is here to help.
In terms of appearance, Kailh Speed Copper has a brown stem design with black bottom housing and clear top housing.
As mentioned, this switch is actuated extremely quickly with a short actuation distance.
The tactile typing experience offered by Kailh Speed Copper can be quite responsive and enjoyable for both gamers and typists. Even though the ensuing typing noise is quite loud, it doesn't bother you or people nearby.
Kailh Speed Copper is the ideal option for you if you're looking for the best brown switch for gaming.
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Specifications
The last option in this list of the best Brown switches will be one of the cheapest Brown switches, the Outemu Browns.
It is formed like a box with spaces on both sides and includes a brown stem. Additionally, it features a cream-colored bottom housing and a translucent top housing style.
The OUTEMU Brown Switch requires an actuation force of 59 and a travel distance of 4mm to function. Since it is light enough to use, this tactile switch standard works well for the majority of users.
When typing, OUTEMU Brown Switch's typing feedback has a slightly bumpy feel but is still pretty smooth. The following typing sound is not too loud and satisfying.
A small downside is that Outemu switches just have a little rattling sound when typing. But you can't moan too much about this if you're aiming for cheap brown switches price.
Outemu may be less desirable than the other choices on the list, but you pay for what you get. These switches have a 50 million keystroke lifespan, much like Gateron switches.
Overall, the Outemu Brown Switch is one of the affordable brown switch choices that you should take into consideration.
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Keyboard enthusiasts highly regard several available keyboards equipped with Brown switches. Here are five popular options for brown switches keyboard:
| Keyboards | Tech specs | Price |
| Logitech G513
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$149.99 |
| Durgod Taurus K320
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$141.78 |
| Keychron K6
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$217.35 |
| Ducky One 2 Mini
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$109 |
| Mistel X-VIII
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$109.99 |
One of the greatest full-size keyboards for gamers with a brown switch is the Logitech G513 Carbon LIGHTSYNC.
The GX brown switch, one of the tactile switches renowned for its dependable quality and reliability, is used in the Logitech G513.
Thus, you will experience responsive and bumpy typing. GX brown switch also makes a thocky sound and is not very loud.
Moreover, the OEM profile keycaps on the Logitech G513 are equipped. They are made of solid and premium ABS plastic to provide your fingers with a reasonable amount of grip.
The Logitech G513 also comes with features like a comfortable and sturdy wrist rest, a stylish RGB backlight with different motions, and superb build quality.
With all top-notch features, Logitech G513 is undoubtedly one of the best keyboards with brown tactile switches available now.
Another pick for the greatest keyboard with brown switches available now is the Durgod Taurus K320 TKL. When you purchase this keyboard, the Durgod Taurus K320 TKL offers the Cherry MX Brown option.
You can enjoy the smooth, responsive, and a little bumpy feel when using this keyboard. In addition, it also doesn't generate a pretty quiet sound.
Not to mention, this keyboard boasts a superb case design, incredibly smooth stabilizers, and PBT keycaps that provide an outstanding typing experience. So, the Durgod Taurus K320 is a no-brainer.
Let's move to a feature-rich option, Keychron K6!
This keyboard is extremely feature-rich and has a wide range of applications. The keyboard features choices for an aluminum case, wireless and wired connectivity, and compatibility with Mac and Windows.
Furthermore, Keychron K6 is installed with Gateron Brown switches and allows for hot-swapping. Therefore, you can begin with Gateron Brown switches and swap to another switch type if you really do not like them.
Not to mention, Keychron K6 is incredibly fun to use, and the RGB lighting stands out. However, this keyboard is just for people who want a 65% compact layout. If not, we don't suggest using this keyboard.
Another option for a 60% compact keyboard layout is Ducky One 2 Mini. When you purchase this keyboard, the Ducky One 2 Mini offers the Cherry MX Brown switch choice.
Ducky One 2 Mini has already revolutionized the gaming keyboard industry when it was first introduced several years ago.
With Cherry MX switches, interchangeable PBT keycaps, and a firmware that is jam-packed, the keyboard established the standard. As a result, it provides a responsive typing experience, a slightly bumpy feel, and a mild thocky sound.
Besides, the Ducky One 2 Mini also has some exciting features, such as a cool RGB backlighting and a hot-swappable PCB that makes it simple to swap out the switch without soldering it to the PCB.
The last keyboard we want to recommend to you is Mistel X-VIII, a high-end option with custom keycaps.
Gloaming, or the colors of the sky at sunset or twilight, is a motif that is brought to the board using a variety of accessories (with blacks, whites, oranges, and olive green).
The keyboard can be compatible with different Cherry MX switches, such as Cherry MX Browns and Blues.
In addition, there is absolutely no flex in the keyboard, which is especially strong. If you choose, you may adjust the board's tilt to a higher angle using the two kick-up feet on the rear of the board.
This board has stabilizers that are pre-lubed and buttery smooth. No key rattles and they do make gratifying sounds when you type.
Unquestionably, Brown switches are very flexible that adapts to any environment whether it is in a gaming session or office.
Thanks to their moderate sound, they are perfect for working without disturbing other people, or even if you play games all night lòn, your family won't be waked up.
After all, no matter which brands or keyboards Brown switches are attached to, they always perform greatly. The choice ultimately depends on you!
No, brown switches are not typically described as “thocky”. In the mechanical keyboard community, the term "thock" is commonly employed to describe a deep, resonant sound that arises from specific keyboard switches, keycap materials, and keyboard constructions. Brown switches, including Cherry MX Browns or Gateron Browns, are tactile switches celebrated for their gentle bump and comparatively quiet sound profile. Unlike other switches such as Topre or certain linear switches paired with heavy keycaps, Brown switches do not generate the deep, thocky sound frequently associated with them.
Brown switches generate a moderate noise when typing.
The brow switches are not too loud and have a moderate sound.
Yes. Brown switches are quiet during typing.
The best keyboard with brown switches are:
Known for their tactile feedback and relatively quiet operation, Brown switches strike a balance between the linear and clicky switches. However, the debate surrounding their suitability for gaming or typing is a hot topic among keyboard enthusiasts. Are brown switches good for gaming or typing, or do they fall short in either domain? Let's delve […]
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People who prefer the tactile feeling must have heard of Kailh Brown vs Gateron Brown switches. They are both prospective candidates after the Great Cherry MX Brown that allow you to buy guilt-free when thinking of the price. The only problem now is deciding between the Kailh and Gateron switches. To find out, let’s discover […]
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