Romer-G vs Cherry MX Switches: Which One Is Better for you?

  • Keycaps 101
  • Posted by: carson-rutz
  • Aug 4, 2022

In the vast world of mechanical keyboard switches, two prominent names have attracted interest: Cherry MX and Romer-G. Each of these technologies offers a unique set of advantages and typing experiences. Are you wondering which type will be most suitable? Let us dig into the Romer-G vs Cherry MX Switches: Which One Is Better for you?

Romer-G vs Cherry MX Switches: What are the differences?

Romer-G vs Cherry MX switches (Source: Amazon)
Romer-G vs Cherry MX switches (Source: Amazon)

It seems that Cherry MX has long become the irreplaceable standard in choosing switches for mechanical keyboards. However, the market also witnessed the appearance of many brands with unique and creative options. One of them, Logitech, has created an impression in the gaming community with its Romer-G switches. Let's take a deeper look at Romer-G switches versus Cherry MX switches.

An Overview of Cherry MX Switches

Cherry MX switches, the world's oldest mechanical keyboard switches, are widely acclaimed for their exceptional variety, durability, and superior tactile feedback. Beloved by gamers, typists, and keyboard enthusiasts, they are considered among the best in the industry.

Cherry MX switches come in several different types, each switch identified by a specific color. Below are the 3 most typical types that you can choose.

Cherry MX Brown

Cherry MX Brown switches (Source: Amazon)
Cherry MX Brown switches (Source: Amazon)

Cherry MX Brown switches are tactile switches. This type of switch is known for its ability to provide satisfying tactile feedback without creating a clicking sound. With a moderate force of 55g, they provide a comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue over long periods of time. This makes them a great choice for those looking for a flexible, comfortable, and quiet typing experience.

Cherry MX Red 

Cherry MX Red switches (Source: Amazon)
Cherry MX Red switches (Source: Amazon)

Cherry MX Red switches are switches with smooth linear keystrokes, causing no impact or sound upon contact. Featuring linear switches, these switches have a light force of 45g, providing fast, uninterrupted typing and reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming.

Cherry MX Blue

Cherry MX Blue switches (Source: Amazon)
Cherry MX Blue switches (Source: Amazon)

Cherry MX Blue, a clicky switch, is known for providing clear touch feedback and a unique clicking sound. This feature helps users know exactly when a key is pressed and when it is not. Besides, they also have moderate impact force (60g), providing a balanced typing experience. Therefore, this type of switch is suitable for both typing and gaming enthusiasts, especially those who like its unique feel and sound.

Related Articles

Cherry MX Brown Cherry MX Red Cherry MX Blue
Actuation Type Tactile Linear Clicky
Actuation Force 55g 45g 60g
Actuation point 2mm 2mm 2mm
Total travel distance 4mm 4mm 4mm
Sound Gentle Quite Clicky
Typing & Gaming Suitable for both gaming and typing More suitable for gaming More suitable for typing

An Overview of Logitech Romer-G Switches 

Logitech Romer-G Switch is a mechanical keyboard switch developed by famous technology company Logitech. They were first produced in 2014. Logitech offers a range of mechanical switches that offer different options to suit your style. Besides delivering performance, quality and reliability, Logitech G keyboards are the choice of the world's top esports athletes. With its outstanding features, Logitech is often placed on the scale with Razer to determine which gaming giant will take the leading position.

Romer-G Tactile

Specifications of Romer-G Tactile (Source: Logitech)
Specifications of Romer-G Tactile (Source: Logitech)

Romer-G Tactile with original configuration is the first product of cooperation between Logitech and Ormon. The highlight of the Romer-G Tactile is its ability to provide unique touch feedback without creating loud noise. With an actuation point of only 1.5mm and actuation force of about 50g, this type of switch provides a tactile feel. light and noticeable when typing, creating a smooth and fluid typing experience. This is a great choice for those who require easy operation, ideal for competitive gaming and PFS gaming. In addition, Romer-G Tactile is also designed for high durability with the ability to withstand millions of keystrokes.

Romer-G Linear

Specifications of Romer-G Linear (Source: Logitech)
Specifications of Romer-G Linear (Source: Logitech)

Romer-G Linear has a light actuation force of 45g and actuation point of 1.5mm, so it provides a typing experience without touch feeling and clicky sound. At the same time, with a full stroke of about 3.2mm, it ensures stability and solidity during use. Therefore, it is very suitable for double taps, continuous key presses without interruption as well as quick response. These optimized features make it suitable for those who want a smooth and quiet typing experience while ensuring performance, especially those who play action games.

Logitech GX Blue

Specifications of GX Blue (Source: Logitech)
Specifications of GX Blue (Source: Logitech)

Logitech GX Blue with actuation force (60g) and actuation point (1.9mm) delivers clear clicking sounds and realistic tactile feedback like traditional gaming switches. Besides, the tactile feeling not only makes key pressing flexible but also helps users clearly identify when the key has been activated. This makes GX Blue a suitable choice both for passionate gamers and those whose jobs require precision when typing. However, many people believe that GX Blue is inferior to Cherry MX Blue in terms of overall quality.

Romer-G Tactile Romer-G Linear Logitech GX Blue
Actuation Type Tactile Linear Clicky
Actuation Force 50g 45g 60g
Actuation point 1.5mm 1.5mm 1.9mm
Total travel distance 3.2mm 3.2mm 4mm
Sound Gentle Quite Clicky
Typing & Gaming Suitable for both gaming and typing More suitable for gaming More suitable for typing

Romer-G and Cherry MX Switches are both popular in the switch world and both offer linear, tactile and clicky switches. To choose which type is better, let's go to the direct confrontation of Roman G Tactile vs Cherry MX brown; Romer-G Linear vs Cherry MX Red; Logitech GX Blue vs Cherry MX Blue.

Roman G Tactile vs Cherry MX Brown 

Roman G Tactile Cherry MX Brown
Actuation Type Tactile Tactile
Actuation Force 50g 55g
Actuation point 1.5mm 2mm
Total travel distance 3.2mm 4mm
Sound Light and clear Small "bump" sound
Typing & Gaming Suitable for both gaming and typing Suitable for both gaming and typing

Both the Romer G Tactile and Cherry MX Brown switches don't make much noise and are suitable for both gaming and typing. However, the actuation force of Romer G Tactile is only about 50g, while the actuation force of Cherry MX Brown switches is 55g. This means that it takes less force to press a Romer-G Tactile switch than a Cherry MX Brown switch. On the other hand, Romer G Tactile also provides faster response thanks to actuation force of only 1.5mm and total travel distance of 3.2mm, shorter than 2mm and 4mm of Cherry MX.

However, Roman G Tactile offers a quite different pressing experience compared to Cherry MX. If we had to be more specific, Logitech's switches probably have a similar feel to Cherry MX Brown switches equipped with an O-ring. It feels more like pressing on a flexible surface than a mechanical switch. However, this is not a bad thing and actually makes for a quite comfortable typing experience.

Roman G Linear vs Cherry MX Red

Roman G Linear  Cherry MX Red
Actuation Type Linear Linear
Actuation Force 45g 45g
Actuation point 1.5mm 2mm
Total Travel Distance 3.2mm 4mm
Sound Gentle and smooth Clearer and sharper than Romer G Linear
Typing & Gaming More suitable for gaming More suitable for gaming

Both switches are of the linear type, providing a smooth key press with no obvious contact points. However, Roman G Linear often gives a softer typing feel while Cherry MX Red gives a sharper typing feel.

Besides, the Romer-G linear has an actuation point of 1.5mm shorter than the 2mm actuation point of Cherry MX Red. This makes Romer-G more responsive and flexible. On the other hand, both types of switches require the same light actuation force (only 45g). Therefore, they are easy to activate and do not cause finger fatigue.

In addition, Romer-G also has better lighting effects with LED lights in the middle of the keycap, allowing lighting of the entire top of the key instead of only half of it like Cherry MX keys. Thus, both provide a good gaming experience but Roman G Linear will be better than Cherry MX Red

Roman G Clicky vs Cherry MX Blue 

Roman G Clicky Cherry MX Blue
Actuation Type Clicky Clicky
Actuation Force 60g 60g
Actuation point  1.9mm 2mm
Key Travel Distance 4mm 4mm
Sound Clicky Clicky
Typing & Gaming More suitable for typing More suitable for typing

Both provide a pleasant typing experience with a distinctive clicking feel and distinct "clicking" sound. However, Roman G Clicky has a sensitive clicky feel and strong clicking sound, providing a more unpleasant experience. Meanwhile, Cherry MX Blue delivers both tactile and audio feedback that is sharper, clicker and more satisfying.

The Romer-G clicky and Cherry MX Blue have very similar specifications. If there is, there is only a really small difference in the actuation point when the Romer-G clicky actuation point is 1.9mm and the Cherry MX Blue is 2mm. Overall, in terms of parameters, both types probably have similar experiences. But in reality, Romer-G clicky is just a rebranded Kailh switch (Cherry MX imitation brand), so its experience is really quite sad compared to the original (Cherry MX Blue).

Overall, it's hard to choose whether Romer-G Switches vs Cherry MX linear switches or tactile switches are better. Both do well in terms of delivering an optimal and satisfying user experience. Therefore, the final choice will depend on your personal preferences. However, if you are using Cherry MX Blue and want to try the Roman G Clicky experience, this idea is not recommended. Roman G Clicky isn't bad but it's not good enough compared to Cherry MX Blue.

Romer-G Switches vs Cherry MX – Which one you should go for?

Detailed comparison between Romer-G Switches and Cherry MX
Detailed comparison between Romer-G Switches and Cherry MX
Romer-G Switches Cherry MX Switches
Accessibility Limited to Logitech keyboards Available on many keyboards from various brands
Durability Rated for 70 million keystrokes Rated for 50 million keystrokes
Versatility  Less versatile Offers a wide range of different switch types
Pricing Generally more expensive Suitable price
Typing Performance Smoother, faster, quieter, but less satisfying and responsive Not significantly slower, better typing feeling
Gaming Performance Faster, more responsive, better lighting effects Slower response, weaker light
Sound Test Dampened sound that reduces bottom-out noise Crisp, clear sound
Uniqueness Proprietary stem design, centered LED, exclusive partnership with Logitech High-quality and consistent production, wide variety of switch types, standard stem design

Romer-G switches deliver unique, quiet, fast responses and have great lighting effects. This is the perfect and only choice for Logitech keyboards. However, if you are looking for a switch brand with a variety of options that still offers good sound, comfort, and works well with many keyboards, Cherry MX will be the optimal choice. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences.

Accessibility 

Cherry MX is highly compatible and accessible
Cherry MX is highly compatible and accessible

Romer-G switches are switches manufactured exclusively for Logitech mechanical keyboards. Therefore, they are not widely available nor are they compatible with any other brands' keyboards and keycaps. 

In contrast, Cherry MX switches are the most common and popular switch type in the mechanical keyboard market and are widely used in keyboards from many different manufacturers. The Cherry MX switch also has a traditional cross-shaped body, so it is compatible with many types of keycaps on the market.

Durability  

Both Romer-G and Cherry MX switches are highly rated for their durability and longevity, but Romer-G switches are rated higher. 

According to Logitech's announcement, Romer-G switches provide impressive durability with 70 million keystrokes, or even up to more than 90 million keystrokes. Meanwhile, Cherry MX typically provides 50 million keystrokes. This shows that Romer-G is 1.4 to 1.8 times more durable than Cherry MX. 

However, actual durability may vary depending on specific usage and work environment.

Versatility

Versatility of Cherry MX switches
Versatility of Cherry MX switches

Cherry MX switches offer greater versatility than Romer-G switches thanks to a variety of switch types that cater to a variety of preferences and usage scenarios. Cherry MX comes in four main flavors: linear, tactile, clicky, and silent. Each type comes with many different variations in pressing force, travel distance and noise level. Meanwhile, Romer-G switches come in only three types: tactile, linear, and click. All have the same actuation force of 45g and a travel distance of 2 mm.

Pricing

Romer-G switches are typically more expensive than Cherry MX switches because they are made exclusively for Logitech keyboards. Logitech keyboards with Romer-G switches are usually sold in sets for around $100 to $200, depending on model and features. Meanwhile, typically, a set of switches can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 or more, depending on variation and quality. 

Additionally, Cherry MX switches can be purchased separately for around $0.50 to $1 per switch, allowing users to customize the keyboard or replace faulty switches.

Typing Performance

Cherry MX Blue switches have better typing experience
Cherry MX Blue switches have better typing experience

Cherry MX Blue switches are the switches with the best typing experience of Cherry MX. It offers a great typing experience with a tactile feel and an audible click, providing feedback to the user when pressing the keys.

Cherry MX Blue has a higher actuation force of 60g than Romer-G Tactile (50g), so tapping will require more force and be more difficult to press.

On the other hand, the Romer-G Tactile switches have a subtle raised edge that provides tactile feedback to the user when pressing the key. However, this raised edge can make users feel scratched, rough and easily press the wrong key when using. Another drawback of the Romer-G is the mushy and unstable feeling when bottoming the switch.

Additionally, they do not produce audible sound, which may not be ideal for some users. So Cherry MX Blue will offer a better experience, but of course the choice is still yours.

Gaming Performance

Both Cherry MX Red switches and Romer-G Linear switches are ideal for gaming. Because they both have actuation force equal to 45g, both provide a smooth linear experience, helping players perform operations quickly without obstacles. Besides, the good continuous pressing ability of both makes them a popular choice for games that require fast reaction and speed.

Choosing between Cherry MX Red and Romer-G Linear often comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the cleaner feel of the Cherry MX Red, while others may prefer the Romer-G Linear for its shorter travel distance.

Sound Test 

When testing the sound, both Cherry MX and Romer-G switches emit different sounds when pressed. If you love the clicky sound when pressing keys, Cherry MX Blue will be the perfect choice because it provides a sharp, clear clicking sound like the sound of a typewriter. Therefore, the sound produced by Cherry MX Blue is truly satisfying for those who like strong feedback as well as clear sound.

On the contrary, if you are a lover of quiet, Romer-G Tactile and Linear will be more suitable. Unlike the Cherry MX's tendency to produce a distinct clicking sound, these two produce a softer, smoother, and quieter impact.

Uniqueness 

Romer-G’s exclusive design with full-key lighting
Romer-G’s exclusive design with full-key lighting

Romer-G switches are more unique than Cherry MX switches because they have several features that differentiate them from other mechanical switches. Some of these features are:

  • Exclusive design and therefore only available with Logitech keyboards.
  • Beautiful full-key LED  lighting effects
  • Specially designed switch reduces bottom-up noise and makes the switch quieter.
  • Shorter travel distance and higher actuation point make the switch respond faster.
  • The size under the key surface is smaller than some other types of switches
  • Incredible durability, being able to withstand 70 - 90 million keystrokes

Cherry MX switches are less unique than Romer-G switches because they are traditionally designed and have been widely copied and duplicated by other manufacturers. However, some of their features are still unmatched by other switches, such as:

  • Top quality switches provide a guarantee of reliability and durability.
  • Many types of switches cater to different preferences and use cases.
  • Standard body design allows compatibility with most keycaps and semi keys on the market
  • The design mechanism helps users press keys evenly and accurately, helping to increase typing efficiency.
  • Clear sound helps users feel each key press.

Overall, Romer-G switches and Cherry MX switches are both great options for mechanical keyboards. However, they still have different strengths and weaknesses, depending on your preferences and needs, you may find one type of switch more suitable than the other.

Our Recommendations 

Name Switches Price
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT

Cherry MX Red/Blue/Brown $164 - $218
Logitech G Pro X

Logitech G Pro X

Romer-G $100 - $120
Corsair K70 MK.2 Rapidfire

Corsair K70 MK.2 Rapidfire

Cherry MX Speed $177 - $180
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro

HyperX Alloy FPS Pro

Cherry MX Red/Blue $50 - $70
Ducky One 2 Mini

Ducky One 2 Mini

Cherry MX Red/Blue/Brown $147 -$160
Vortexgear Cypher 65%

Vortexgear Cypher 65%

Cherry MX Red/Blue/Brown $130 - $140
Durgod Taurus K320

Durgod Taurus K320

Cherry MX Red/Blue/Brown $62 - $109
Logitech G513 Carbon

Logitech G513 Carbon

Romer-G $41 - $79
Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum

Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum

Romer-G $136 - $147

*Note: Prices updated on October 14, 2023.

Number 1 - Logitech G513 Carbon

G513 Carbon Mechanical Keyboard
G513 Carbon Mechanical Keyboard

Special features:

  • Logitech GX Blue mechanical switches
  • Customizable 16.8 million RGB effects
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy body
  • Full-function keys

Number 2 - Logitech G Pro Gaming Romer-G

Logitech-G Pro Gaming Keyboard
Logitech-G Pro Gaming Keyboard

Special features:

  • Romer-G keyswitches
  • Tenkeyless layout 
  • Compact and portable design
  • RGB lighting program with Logitech HUB G
  • Detachable USB cache

Number 3 - HyperX Alloy Elite

Hyper X Alloy Elite Mechanical Keyboard
Hyper X Alloy Elite Mechanical Keyboard

Special features:

  • Cherry MX Blue, Brown, or Red switches
  • Long-last steel frame
  • Programmable lighting effects and macros with HyperX NGenuity

Number 4 - Logitech K840

Logitech K840 Mechanical Keyboard (Source: Rtings)
Logitech K840 Mechanical Keyboard (Source: Rtings)

Special features:

  • Romer-G mechanical switches
  • Aluminum body
  • 26-key rollover
  • Programmable keys

Number 5 - Corsair K95 RGB Platinum

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Gaming Keyboard
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Gaming Keyboard

Special features:

  • Cherry MX Speed switches
  • 6 dedicated macro keys
  • LightEdge technology for full RGB
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum frame

Number 6 - Corsair K70 MK.2 RapidFire

Corsair K70 RapidFire Mechanical Keyboard
Corsair K70 RapidFire Mechanical Keyboard

Special features:

  • Cherry MX Speed, Silent, or Red switches
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum frame
  • Programmable keys

You might wonder why those keyboards are called mechanical keyboards and also what makes them successful tech products for both professional and non-professional users. To satisfy your curiosity, we have here an article ‘The Secret of Mechanical Keyboard Switches’ for you to dig deeper into.

Before getting to compare Romer-G vs Cherry switches, we will take a quick look at both candidates first. The first one will be the Cherry MX switches.

Final Thoughts

The breathtaking confrontation between Romer-G vs Cherry MX Switches has just ended. It's hard to determine which type of switch is the champion. Therefore, the final choice depends on your personal needs and preferences. If you seek optimal response, Romer-G may be the right choice. Meanwhile, if you need flexibility and customization of the experience, Cherry MX will be a great choice.

FAQs

Are Romer-G switches equivalent to Cherry MX switches?

Romer-G Tactile is equivalent to the Cherry MX Brown switch and Romer-G Linear is similar to the Cherry MX Red switch. Note that we are talking about the specs. In terms of typing feel, Romer G is different and unique.

Which is more durable: Cherry MX vs Romer-G?

Overall, Cherry MX is more durable with 100 million keystrokes. However, while Cherry MX Blue clicky switch can last for 50 million, Romer-G clicky can be up 10 70 million keystrokes.

Can you change Romer-G switches with Cherry MX switches?

No, they are not. Romer-G switches have a different stem design so you can not exchange them with Cherry MX or vice versa.