Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences are the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Cherry MX Brown. On one hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out with its unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, providing a premium typing experience. These switches offer a sharp tactile feel, characterized by a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper upstroke bump, resulting in a hypertactile sensation. The Moyu Blacks also have a satisfyingly short and punchy sound when typing, accompanied by a medium-heavy feel and an accentuated bottom-out. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Browns can be described in one word: subtlety. These switches offer a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. Their textured feel, bassy sound, and low-pitched feedback create a more subdued and nuanced typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and Cherry MX Brown switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) uses PBT for both its top and bottom housing, providing a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. On the other hand, the MX Brown features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and MX Brown share the same PBT material. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile with neither being excessively crisp nor dull. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will experience a similar bottom-out sound and feel.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the materials vary. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) uses PBT for its top housing, which contributes to a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when you let go of a key.
In conclusion, while the bottom housing materials of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and Cherry MX Brown are the same, their top housing materials differ. Both switches provide a neutral sound profile when pressed down, but the MX Brown's nylon top housing creates a unique sound when releasing the key. Thus, when it comes to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches, the housing materials play a significant role in determining the outcome.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the MX Brown's 45 grams, making the Moyu Black require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Moyu Black has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the MX Brown has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Moyu Black provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring more force to fully press down the key, while the MX Brown offers a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience.
Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals may prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. The MX Brown with its lighter actuation force of 45 grams would suit these preferences well. On the other hand, others may desire a stronger push feel, seeking a more robust typing experience. For them, the Moyu Black and its slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams would be a suitable choice.
Overall, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the Moyu Black and MX Brown differ slightly, they both fall within the medium range. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results in terms of force required for typing can opt for either of these switches. Nonetheless, those who prioritize a lighter typing experience may find the MX Brown more appealing, while those desiring a heavier and more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Moyu Black.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch are equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm distance. This ensures a consistent tactile feedback and typing experience regardless of whether you choose the Everglide Moyu Black or the Cherry MX Brown.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Cherry MX Brown switches offer different experiences. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a resonant sound profile, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean, sharp, and characterized by a satisfyingly snappy and punchy tone during the downstroke. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched sound. These switches produce a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are described as accented and sharp tactile switches. The accented tactile bump provides a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. It allows for a distinctive typing experience without being scratchy. The sharp tactile bump is strong and crisp, resulting in a high feedback intensity that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches are known for their relatively light and textured feel. They offer a subtle tactile bump that provides a gentle tactility without being too prominent or overwhelming. Some users prefer a textured experience with noticeable friction, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and Cherry MX Brown switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a resonant sound profile with a sharp, snappy, and punchy tone during the downstroke, along with an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump. The MX Brown switches, on the other hand, offer a bassy and low-pitched sound with a relatively light and textured feel. Both switches provide a tactile experience, but the Moyu Blacks have a stronger and more pronounced tactile bump compared to the MX Browns. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience. However, if you are looking for a similar medium tactile experience to the Moyu Blacks, the MX Browns can provide a comparable result with their gentle tactility.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a keyboard switch with a distinctive and impactful typing experience, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is a great choice. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and sharp tactile feel, these switches offer a premium typing experience. The Moyu Blacks feature a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation that is both satisfying and unique. The sound profile of the Moyu Blacks is resonant, with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a relatively light feel with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. The sound profile of the MX Browns is bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer tone. When it comes to feel, the Moyu Blacks are accented and sharp, providing a prominent amount of tactility. In contrast, the MX Browns are textured, offering noticeable friction when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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