Cherry MX Red vs Black vs Brown – Which One Is Right for You?

Cherry MX Red vs Black vs Brown – Which One Is Right for You?
When building or upgrading your mechanical keyboard, Cherry MX switches are a top choice. At RGBKeys, we currently offer the following classic variants:
- Cherry MX Red Switches (Linear)
- Cherry MX Black Switches (Linear)
- Cherry MX Brown Switches (Tactile)
But what's the difference between them?
1. Cherry MX Red – Light & Smooth
- Type: Linear
- Actuation Force: 45g
- Feedback: No tactile bump, no click
- Best for: Gaming and fast reaction time
Red switches are buttery smooth from top to bottom with no tactile feedback. Ideal for gamers who need quick, repeated keystrokes.
2. Cherry MX Black – Heavy & Precise
- Type: Linear
- Actuation Force: 60g
- Feedback: Smooth, no tactile bump
- Best for: Heavy typists and precise input
They feel like Red switches but heavier. Great for users who prefer more resistance or tend to bottom out their keys.
3. Cherry MX Brown – Tactile, But Silent
- Type: Tactile
- Actuation Force: 55g
- Feedback: Light bump, no click
- Best for: All-round usage and typing
Browns provide a small bump during keypresses, offering feedback without being noisy. Excellent for typists who don’t want clicky sounds.
Summary
Which One Should You Choose?
If you're mainly into gaming and prefer fast, light keystrokes, then the Cherry MX Red switches are an excellent choice. Their linear feel means there's no tactile bump or audible click, allowing for smooth and responsive presses — perfect for competitive play where speed matters.
Looking for more precision and resistance while typing? The Cherry MX Black switches are also linear but require more force to actuate. This extra resistance makes them ideal for those who want more deliberate key presses, whether for detailed work or heavy typing sessions.
Not sure which one suits you best? The Cherry MX Brown switches strike a perfect balance. They provide a gentle tactile bump without the click, giving you some feedback while still being relatively quiet. They're great for both typing and casual gaming, making them a popular all-rounder.
In short:
- Red is for smooth and fast gaming,
- Black is for strength and precision,
- Brown is for comfort and versatility.
No matter your preference, there's a Cherry MX switch that fits your style.
👉 Discover the full range at RGBKeys.com