Cherry MX Brown vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Red are popular options that offer distinct typing experiences. The Cherry MX Brown switch is characterized by its subtle tactility and light typing feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch provides a slightly heavier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a more robust typing experience with responsive feedback. While the MX Brown is known for its quiet and smooth operation, the MX Red is favored for its satisfying auditory depth and tactile feedback. 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
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
Both the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Red switches utilize nylon as a housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material means that the overall typing experience between the two switches may feel quite similar in terms of sound feedback.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the specific design of the top and bottom housings can impact the overall typing experience. The qualities brought by the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in the distribution of housing qualities can lead to slightly different typing experiences between the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Red switches.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Red switches offer a similar typing experience due to their shared nylon housing material. The softer nature of nylon in both the top and bottom housings allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, creating a pleasant typing experience overall. While subtle differences may exist in the distribution of housing qualities between the two switches, users can expect a consistent level of comfort and acoustics regardless of their choice between the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Red switches.
Weight
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the MX Brown has a slightly heavier force of 55 grams compared to the MX Red, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that while both switches have the same actuation force, the MX Brown provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. In terms of weight, the MX Brown would be considered the heavier option between the two. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer usage periods, the MX Red may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference based on individual typing style and desired feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a balanced amount of key travel, providing a satisfying typing experience for users. Despite any other differences between the two switches, their travel distance remains consistent, resulting in comparable results for those who use them.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Brown switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switches also produce a low-pitched sound, characterized as thocky, which delivers a satisfying and robust tone with each key press. Both switches offer similar low-pitched characteristics, resulting in a comparable sound experience overall.
Moving on to feel, both the MX Brown and MX Red switches are described as textured, meaning they may have noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can vary depending on personal preferences, with some users enjoying the subtle friction for added tactility while others prefer a smoother typing experience. In terms of feel, users can expect a consistent level of texture and feedback from both switches.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and a bass-heavy sound profile, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch provides a slightly heftier feel with a thocky sound profile. Both switches feature a textured feel that may appeal to users looking for a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Cherry MX Brown tactile switches and Cherry MX Red linear switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light typing experience with gentle tactile feedback and subdued sound, opt for the Cherry MX Brown switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile and a more robust typing experience, go for the Cherry MX Red switches. Both options offer different characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so choose based on your personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, the decision between MX Brown and MX Red switches boils down to whether you prioritize subtlety and light tactility or a more pronounced feel and sound profile in your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
