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When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, Red vs Brown switches offer two distinct experiences. Reds provide a smooth, consistent feel, making them ideal for the gaming keyboard. However, browns have a small bump with each keystroke, which helps prevent mistakes and boosts typing speed. This blog will dive deeper into their differences and how they affect your typing and gaming experience.
The Cherry MX Brown switches, introduced in 1994, are well-loved for their soft tactile feel, perfect for both gaming and typing. In contrast, Cherry MX Red switches were created in 2008 as the latest in the Cherry MX lineup.
Red and brown switches are both popular choices for mechanical keyboards, but they have some key differences in their tech specs.
| Factors | Cherry MX Red
|
Cherry MX Brown
|
|
Types |
Linear
(Seamless and steady with no tactile feedback) |
Tactile
(A slight tactile feedback with every keystroke) |
|
Actuation Force |
45g | 55g |
| Actuation Point | 2 mm |
2 mm |
| Total Travel Distance | 4 mm |
4 mm |
| Rated Lifespan | > 100 million actuations |
> 100 million actuations |
In one corner, the Cherry MX Red switches, renowned for their lightning-fast actuation and smooth linear feel, perfect for gamers. In the other corner, the Cherry MX Brown switches, offering a subtle tactile bump and quieter operation, ideal for typists seeking precision.
As with many products, the main choice lies in the purpose of use, your profession, and your personal preferences. So, with 2 lines of Cherry MX Red and Brown, the following differences will help you make a reasonable decision.
Winner: Tie
The feel of a keyboard switch is all about how it reacts when you type, including whether it has a tactile bump or a clicking noise.
Cherry MX Red switches have a smooth, linear design, offering a quiet typing experience without any bumps or clicks. They use lighter springs, needing just 45g of force to press down, which is great for light typists seeking to prevent finger fatigue. In contrast, Cherry MX Brown switches are slightly heavier, requiring 55g of force, providing a bit more feedback while still being comfortable.
On the other hand, Cherry MX Brown switches provide a tactile feel with a small bump when you press a key, though they don’t make a clicking sound. This little bump can help you know when a key has registered, which can improve your typing speed and reduce mistakes.
Many people find this feedback satisfying and enjoy the overall typing experience with Brown switches. If you're used to Brown switches, it might take a bit of time to adjust to the Cherry MX Reds since they’re so light and sensitive, making them harder to control.
Winner: Tie
When comparing sounds to choose between Brown or Red switches, Cherry MX Red switches are nearly silent, making very little noise when they're pressed. So, are brown switches louder than red? Indeed, Cherry MX Brown switches are somewhat louder than the linear Red and Black switches due to their tactile bump, which creates more vibration and noise.
With such different characteristics, choosing the right switch for typing or gaming really comes down to personal preference. Some people enjoy the loudness of Brown or even louder Blue switches, while others prefer the quiet smoothness of Red switches.
If you're looking for something even quieter for the office, Gateron switches are a fantastic choice. They feature noise-reducing pads to keep the sound down while you type. Plus, Gateron comes in a variety of colors, giving you more customization options with our Gateron mechanical switch color guide here.
Winner: Tie
Cherry MX Red switches have an actuation force of 45g, the lightest among all Cherry MX options. This low force means that typing feels easier on the fingers and wrists, making it a comfortable choice for longer sessions.
In contrast, Cherry MX Brown switches require a bit more effort with an actuation force of 55g, which provides a firmer feel.
Cherry MX Reds offer a smooth, uninterrupted press, making them perfect for gamers who need fast key presses. Cherry MX Browns, however, provide tactile feedback when a key registers, helping with accuracy. This makes Browns a great option for typists who want more precision and a bit of feedback while typing.
Winner: Tie
The key travel of the two lines of Cherry MX red and brown keys are the same - 2mm. This distance helps users not to get tired when typing. Each key press will not make you feel like your finger is missing.
Besides, the feeling of typing will be more comfortable because the shallowness is very low.
Winner: Tie
Cherry MX switches are known for their high quality and long lifespan. Both red and brown switches have a rated lifespan of 100 million keystrokes per key. This means that they can last for years without losing their performance or functionality. However, the longevity of a switch can also depend on other factors, such as maintenance, cleaning, usage frequency, and environmental conditions.
Winner: Cherry MX Brown
Cherry MX Brown switches are often considered the best option for typing tasks like writing documents, emails, or even coding. These switches provide a comfortable typing experience thanks to their tactile bump, which gives you a clear indication that a key has been pressed. This feature helps reduce errors because once you feel that bump, you can confidently move on to the next key.
In contrast, Cherry MX Reds usually require you to fully press the key down before knowing it's activated, which can sometimes slow you down. For those new to linear switches, adjusting to the lighter touch of a Red switch can take some time and may even lead to finger fatigue.
Winner: Cherry MX Red
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard Red vs Brown for gaming, many players lean towards Cherry MX Red switches.
The reason is simple: Reds offer a smooth, linear feel without any tactile bump, which can be distracting during fast-paced gameplay. This smoothness as well as a linear WASD cluster allows for rapid key presses, making it easier to perform combos and commands without mistakes, especially in competitive settings like first-person shooters. Players appreciate the instant feedback and satisfying sound of the Reds, which can enhance the gaming experience.
Although the Cherry MX Red switches technically win this category, Brown switches are still a solid option and can perform well in most basic games. If you’re into strategy games or MOBAs where precision is key, Browns can be great for that extra feedback.
Note: If you’re into fast-paced gaming, consider using Romer-G switches along with Cherry MX Reds. Romer-G switches are designed for speed, featuring a shorter travel distance and a low actuation point, increasing responsiveness by 25%, and giving you an edge in games. Check out our article for more on how Romer-G vs Cherry MX switches compare!
Linear | 45g | 2mm actuation point
Officially launched in 2008, Cherry MX Red has quickly become a "hot" name for technology lovers. Especially for those who like to play games. The Cherry MX Red series mechanical typing gives users the best experience.
It is no coincidence that Cherry MX Red is popular with everyone. Because it not only has linear characteristics, but its actuation force is also 45g. This helps users feel a lot lighter and less tired than other models.
For those who do high-precision work such as programmers or gamers, it is not recommended because it will take time to get used to the fast speed of the keyline.
Tactile| 55g | 2mm actuation point
Officially launched earlier than Cherry MX Red, in 1994, the name Cherry MX Brown was announced by the firm to everyone. Brown is no stranger to technology lovers, and although it has been produced for a long time, Brown still retains its attraction.
Cherry MX Brown attracts users by the smooth feeling of typing and extremely good tactile feedback.
If you are interested in other Cherry MX Switches, check out this article.
Overall, the most obvious difference between the two lines of mechanical keys Cherry MX Red and Brown lies in the feel and sound when using them. Cherry MX Brown will have better haptic feedback, so it is suitable for playing games or doing tasks that require accuracy. And if you are a speed lover, Cherry MX Red was born for you.
Above is an article comparing the differences between the two lines of Cherry MX Red and Brown mechanical keys. Hopefully, this information will give you the most overview of the two famous mechanical key lines. For now, the choice is up to you.
Cherry MX Red switches are quieter than Brown because they don't make a sound and don't have haptic feedback.
Cherry Brown switches are better for gaming because it helps players integrate their senses and easily control their hands.
Cherry MX Red will be more suitable for typists because of its smoothness and quietness.
No, because when playing the game you will need to have good control of your hands. So having the keys respond to your fingers will make you more focused. You should use Cherry MX Brown.
Yes, this is its pros.
No, its sound is both pleasant.
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, Red vs Brown switches offer two distinct experiences. Reds provide a smooth, consistent feel, making them ideal for the gaming keyboard. However, browns have a small bump with each keystroke, which helps prevent mistakes and boosts typing speed. This blog will dive deeper into their differences and how […]
