Cherry MX Black vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Black and the Cherry MX Brown. The Cherry MX Black is a linear switch, known for its smoothness and deep sound profile. It offers a low-pitched and textured typing experience, making it appealing for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch that stands out with its subtlety. With a relatively light typing experience and gentle tactility, it provides a more subdued audio feedback. Categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the MX Brown switch offers a different feel compared to its linear counterpart. Both switches have their merits and may suit different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Cherry MX Brown switches share a common characteristic in that they both utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housing. Nylon is chosen as a classic switch housing material due to its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is due to nylon's softer nature compared to harder plastics, as it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles when using both the MX Black and MX Brown switches.
However, despite the shared material, there might be subtle differences in the sound and feel of the MX Black and MX Brown switches due to the distribution of the housing materials. In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the sound and feel when a key is bottomed-out, providing a distinct tactile feedback and audible keystroke sound. Conversely, the top housing has more impact on the sound when a key is released, possibly resulting in a slightly varied sound profile between the MX Black and MX Brown switches.
Ultimately, while the MX Black and MX Brown switches receive the benefits of utilizing nylon as their housing material, the differences in sound and feel may come down to the distribution of the housing materials. The MX Black's nylon top and bottom housings may contribute to a particular bottom-out sound and a rounder sound when releasing keys. Meanwhile, the MX Brown's nylon top and bottom housings may offer a similar typing experience but potentially with slight variations in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The MX Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the MX Brown's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that a slightly firmer push is needed to register a keystroke on the MX Black. Similarly, the MX Black also has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, while the MX Brown has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams. In terms of weight, the MX Black is considered heavier overall, making it suitable for users who prefer a substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the MX Brown is lighter, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing, which can be beneficial for work or extended gaming sessions. Despite these differences, it is worth noting that both switches offer a tactile typing experience, although the MX Brown provides a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Brown switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled for both switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $4.00. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the MX Black and MX Brown.
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 MX Black switch offers a low-pitched and deep sound profile. With Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, these switches have a smooth and textured feel when typing, enhancing the overall auditory experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch provides a bassy sound profile during key presses, with a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches have a low-pitched quality to their sound, creating a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, both the MX Black and MX Brown switches have a textured characteristic. Textured switches refer to those with noticeable friction when pressed, offering a tactile feedback that some users prefer. This subtle texture can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of resistance in their switches. Additionally, the MX Black switch is described as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. This can provide a more intentional and precise typing experience, but it may also require more effort from the user. The MX Brown switch, on the other hand, does not have this stiffer quality, offering a relatively lighter typing experience while still retaining the textured feel.
Taking into account the information provided, the Cherry MX Black and MX Brown switches have distinct subjective qualities. The MX Black switch is characterized by its deep and low-pitched sound profile, along with its textured and stiff feel. This combination creates a typing experience that some users may find satisfying, particularly those who prefer a smooth and deliberate keystroke with a mellow sound. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch offers a subtler and less pronounced tactile experience, with subdued audio feedback. Its textured feel still provides a satisfying typing experience, but without the added stiffness of the MX Black. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different preferences, ensuring there is an option for every typist. If a similar sound and feel is desired, opting for MX Brown switches with Hyperglide tooling can provide a comparable result to MX Black switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is a good choice. With its 80 grams bottom out force, these switches offer a classic textured smoothness and a familiar deep sound when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is a better option. With its 55 grams bottom out force, these switches offer a relatively light typing experience with a subtle texture when pressed. Ultimately, the decision between the MX Black and MX Brown switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing force and sound profile.
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