Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch to the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon and UMPE in the top housing, UMPE in the bottom housing, and a touch of Silicon for a creamy and lightweight feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is known for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While the Keygeek Raw is ideal for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing their switches, the Cherry MX Brown offers a more understated typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and Cherry MX Brown both feature nylon as the material for their top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made with harder plastics. However, the Keygeek Raw goes a step further by incorporating a blend of Nylon & UPE in its top housing, which adds a unique quality exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches. This blend likely enhances the sound profile in a distinct way when compared to the Cherry MX Brown.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Keygeek Raw and Cherry MX Brown differ in material composition. The Keygeek Raw features a UMPE & Si blend in its bottom housing, providing another exclusive feature to its switches. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Brown utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, still offering a deeper and fuller sound like the top housing. With the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the Keygeek Raw's unique blend may contribute to a different tactile experience compared to the Cherry MX Brown.
In conclusion, while both the Keygeek Raw and Cherry MX Brown use nylon in their top housing for a similar sound profile, the Keygeek Raw stands out with its exclusive blends for both the top and bottom housing. These unique combinations likely offer a different typing experience compared to the Cherry MX Brown, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Keygeek Raw requires none grams of force to actuate, while the Cherry MX Brown needs 45 grams. This makes the Cherry MX Brown the lighter of the two switches in terms of actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force of around 57.5 and 55 grams, respectively, making them similar in terms of bottom out force. The Keygeek Raw can provide a more consistent typing experience due to its consistent force requirements, while the Cherry MX Brown offers a tactile bump for feedback during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter actuation force for extended typing periods or a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch at 4 mm. The Keygeek Raw would be the better option for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation, as the longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on individual preference for typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Raw linear switch is known for its neutral profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level suitable for various settings and user preferences. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer audio feedback during key presses. The sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycap material used, resulting in varying sound experiences for the user.
Moving on to feel, the Keygeek Raw linear switch is described as having a textured sensation with a slightly scratchy feel that some users may find appealing. Additionally, it offers a mild and subtle typing experience with a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. On the contrary, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch also provides a textured feel, offering noticeable friction upon key presses. This scratchy feel can be preferred by some users while others may lean towards a smoother typing experience. Overall, both switches deliver a comfortable and approachable typing feel that falls within the middle ground of mechanical keyboard switches.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw switch provides a neutral sound profile and a textured typing feel, the Cherry MX Brown switch delivers a bassy sound and a scratchy tactile sensation. Depending on individual preferences and usage scenarios, users may find one switch more appealing than the other. However, both switches are reliable choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a balanced combination of sound feedback and typing comfort. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience with either switch, based on the information provided.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a unique material blend and a slightly textured feel right out of the box, the Keygeek Raw linear switch may be the better choice for you. Its creamy yet lightweight characteristics make it a great starting point for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback for a relatively light typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer different typing experiences based on their sound and feel profiles, so consider your preferences and needs when making a decision between the two.
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