Cherry MX Brown vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Everglide Sunset Yellow 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 Brown and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Cherry MX Browns are known for their subtlety, offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellows provide a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, thanks to their rich and bassy nature. Additionally, the Sunset Yellows boast a unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method, contributing to a distinct gliding feel. While both switches have their own merits, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Brown and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches have different housing materials, leading to contrasting sound profiles. The MX Brown features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In comparison, the Sunset Yellow switch employs a POM top housing that produces a unique and pleasing sound. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side but is relatively more muted.
Similarities can be found in the bottom housing materials of both switches. The MX Brown and Sunset Yellow switches both use nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, ultimately creating a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a consistent experience between the two switches.
It is important to note that the housing materials used in the top and bottom of a switch can influence different aspects of the sound experience. Pressing down on a switch will primarily highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Cherry MX Brown and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches may have different top and bottom housing materials, they both contribute to the overall sound experience in their respective ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is clear that both switches fall within the medium-light range. The MX Brown has a slightly higher actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 43 grams. Similarly, the MX Brown has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 51 grams. Although the differences in force are minimal, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Sunset Yellow to be a slightly better option. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the MX Brown switch would provide a slightly stronger push. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to enjoy comfortable typing for extended periods of time.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that they have different lengths. The Cherry MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Cherry MX Brown falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, providing a depthier feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow offers a shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. So, if you are looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow would be the preferable option. However, if you prefer a more substantial and deliberate key press, the Cherry MX Brown's longer travel distance may be more suitable for your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09.
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 Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtle and gentle tactility, providing a relatively light typing experience. They offer a subdued audio feedback that can be described as bassy and low-pitched. This results in a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The MX Browns have a textured feel, which means they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience.
On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. They provide a rich, bassy, and decadent sound that creates an indulgent typing experience. The Sunset Yellows have a medium-weight, making them suitable for a wide range of users. These switches have a distinct gliding feel due to the unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method. The combination of a very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, there is no specific information available about the Sunset Yellow switches' feel.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer different subjective qualities. The MX Browns provide a subtler and gentler typing experience with a textured feel and bassy, low-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellows offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding and a distinct gliding feel. Both switches have a medium-weight and can provide a satisfying typing experience, but the specific feel of the Sunset Yellows is unknown. Depending on the user's preferences, they can choose the MX Browns for a subtler and textured experience or the Sunset Yellows for a captivating sound profile and distinct gliding feel. It is worth noting that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, you should choose the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these medium-light switches offer a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding and a highly responsive typing experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is the way to go. These medium-weight switches have a bottom out force of 51 grams and provide a rich, bassy, and decadent sound. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, and it ultimately boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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