Cherry MX Brown vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches stand out for their unique attributes, appealing to different types of users. The Cherry MX Brown switch is celebrated for its subtlety, providing a gentle tactile feedback that ensures a smooth and understated typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter, more refined approach to typing. The brown switches are characterized by a low-pitched sound, which adds to their appeal in shared workspaces or quiet environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch takes a more enthusiastic approach, offering a short, medium-strength bump that delivers a satisfying tactile response, thanks in part to its collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses. Ideal for gamers and typists who seek a more pronounced feedback with vibrant RGB features, the MX Purple RGB combines performance with style. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them based on your preferences, whether it’s for a serene typing experience with the Brown or a more dynamic feel with the Purple RGB. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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 Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches utilize a nylon top housing that shares similar characteristics, contributing to a comparable typing experience. Both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely due to the properties of nylon as a softer plastic. This material not only lends itself to an acoustically pleasant typing experience by absorbing sound more effectively than harder plastics but also results in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, despite being designed for different tactile experiences, both switches create a harmonizing auditory effect during use, making them appealing to users who appreciate a more subdued sound signature in their mechanical keyboards.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housings of the two switches, we find that the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Purple RGB also employ nylon, thus keeping their acoustic and tactile responses consistent. Just as with the top housing, the nylon material in the bottom housing enhances the overall sound profile by absorbing vibrations and sound waves, further bolstering the switches’ muted and resonant auditory characteristics. Therefore, when activating either switch, users can expect a cohesive tactile feedback experience, as both rely on the inherent qualities of nylon to deliver consistent performance.
Ultimately, while the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are designed with distinct purposes—tactile feedback in the case of the MX Browns, and a more clicky experience in the case of the MX Purples—the use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings allows for a remarkable level of similarity in their acoustic performance. This similarity ensures that both switches yield comparable sound profiles, meaning users will encounter a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice. The continuity of the nylon material across both types of switches guarantees that users will enjoy similar auditory experiences, giving them flexibility in choosing a switch that best meets their tactile preferences while still achieving sound consistency.
Weight
The Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches offer some intriguing comparisons in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making the keystroke activation feel equally responsive and manageable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, while the MX Brown has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB is unavailable. This means that, while the actuation experience is consistent between the two, the overall feel of bottoming out may differ significantly for users of the MX Purple RGB since we do not have data to quantify that resistance. In this regard, the MX Brown can be considered to provide more tactile feedback upon bottoming out, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Cherry MX Brown, with its defined forces, might be more suitable for users who enjoy a heavier feel in their switches, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB remains an uncertain option regarding its bottoming force.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, which signifies that both switches offer the same key travel experience when pressed. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and performance when using either switch, making them suitable for those who appreciate a tactile response in their typing or gaming scenarios. Since their travel distances are identical, individuals looking for a tactile switch will find that both the Cherry MX Brown and MX Purple RGB provide an equivalent feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Brown switches is characterized as bassy and low-pitched, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience during use. This sound quality contributes to a more subdued audio feedback, appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience without excessive noise interference. In contrast, there is no specific information available regarding the sound characteristics of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches. However, since the audio output can vary based on factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials, users may find a range of auditory experiences even among similar switch types.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches feature a noticeable textured sensation due to their tactile bump. This textured nature provides an engaging typing experience, enhanced by a slight friction during key presses, which some users might find more satisfying for tactile feedback. On the other hand, there is no definitive information on the tactile feel of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches. Given that both switches are tactile, users can expect to experience some level of bump when typing, but the specifics of that tactile response may differ based on the Purple's design nuances.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches deliver tactile feedback, with the Browns offering well-defined audio and sensation types. While the Browns are known for their subtlety in sound and a textured feel, the Purple switches lack detailed audio and tactile descriptions, leaving some aspects unknown. However, both switches cater to users seeking a tactile experience, which means that, despite their differences, they can yield satisfactory results for typists desiring tactile interaction during their sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches should align with your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you appreciate a subtle, light typing feel with gentle tactility and bassy sound, the Cherry MX Brown will suit you nicely—especially if you value a switch that offers a balance of performance and a more relaxed typing sound. This makes it a great option for both typing and general use, particularly in quieter office environments where you still want some feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you're seeking a slightly stronger tactile response with a medium-strength bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches might be your go-to. These switches deliver a refined tactile experience, making them perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing, which can lead to enhanced typing accuracy during fast-paced gaming or heavy typing sessions. Ultimately, it all comes down to whether you prefer the mellowness and subtlety of MX Browns or the more refined and lively tactile experience offered by the MX Purples.
Mentioned in this article
