If you’re choosing your first mechanical keyboard, you’ve probably seen the classic trio: Cherry MX Red, Brown and Blue. But which one actually feels best for typing, coding or gaming—and which should you buy?
In this guide, I’ll compare Red vs Brown vs Blue in plain language, show you their specs and sound, and share my real‑world ranking after using all three. By the end, you’ll know exactly which Cherry MX switch fits your hands, your desk… and your neighbors’ ears.
Now let’s break down how Red, Brown and Blue actually feel, sound and perform.
Why only three switches? Because if you’re just starting your adventure with mechanical keyboards, these are the best place to begin. Although the market offers dozens (if not hundreds) of different switches, many of them differ only in small nuances that are hard to notice at the start. Some are clones of others, and some are just minor variations—such as being slightly quieter or requiring slightly more force to press.
What Are Cherry MX Red, Brown, and Blue Switches?
These three switches represent the three core types of switches made by Cherry MX:
- Red - linear
- Brown - tactile
- Blue - clicky
When we talk about switches, we usually mention the manufacturer and then the color—because the stem color determines how the switch behaves. That’s why you’ll often hear terms like “Brown switches,” “Red switches,” or “Blue switches.”
Below I’ll briefly describe each type, provide a short summary, and share my personal opinion and ranking of these switches.
Cherry MX Red - Linear
- Actuation force: ~45 cN
- Actuation point: 2.0 mm
- Total travel distance: 4.0 mm
- Sound: silent
- Feel: completely smooth—there’s no noticeable point where the key activates.
Cherry MX Red switches are perfect for gaming, where fast and effortless key presses matter most. Since there’s no tactile bump or click, you can press them quickly and repeatedly with minimal effort.
Pros:
- Light and smooth for rapid keypresses
- Quiet enough for shared spaces
- Great for fast‑paced games
Cons:
- No tactile feedback
- Can feel “empty” for heavy typists
- Easier to make accidental keypresses
Cherry MX Brown - Tactile
- Actuation force: ~55 cN
- Actuation point: 2.0 mm
- Total travel distance: 4.0 mm
- Sound: quiet, soft “thock”
- Feel: there’s a noticeable bump when the key activates, but no loud click.
Official Cherry MX Brown specs
These switches are extremely versatile—ideal for both typing and gaming. The tactile bump gives you subtle feedback, letting you feel exactly when the key activates. This makes Cherry MX Browns a great all-around switch.
Pros:
- Clear tactile bump without loud click
- Excellent for typing, coding and gaming
- Comfortable for long sessions
Cons:
- Not as silent as Reds
- Tactile bump may feel “mushy” to some
- Not as dramatically clicky as Blues
Cherry MX Blue - Clicky
- Actuation force: ~60 cN
- Actuation point: 2.2 mm
- Total travel distance: 4.0 mm
- Sound: loud and clicky
- Feel: clear tactile bump combined with a distinct click sound.
Cherry MX Blue switches are ideal for those who love the feel of old-school typewriters. They give strong tactile feedback and a satisfying click. Many writers and programmers enjoy using them. However, their sound can be bothersome to others—especially in a shared space or at home.
Pros:
- Strong tactile feedback and loud click
- Very satisfying for typewriter fans
- Excellent for focused typing sessions at home
Cons:
- Too loud for most offices and shared spaces
- The click can become tiring over long days
- Easily picked up by microphones on calls
Summary Table
| Switch Type | Feel | Actuation Force | Actuation Point | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Linear | 45 cN | 2.0 mm | Silent |
| Brown | Tactile | 55 cN | 2.0 mm | Quiet “thock” |
| Blue | Clicky | 60 cN | 2.2 mm | Loud click |
Which Switch Should You Choose?
Red switches - ideal for gaming where fast response is key.
Blue switches - perfect for typing and writing if you enjoy audible feedback.
Brown switches - a great middle ground: tactile, responsive, and quiet enough for most environments.
Which Cherry MX switch is best for gaming?
If you play fast‑paced games and want light, effortless keypresses, Cherry MX Red is usually the best choice. The linear feel helps you press keys quickly and repeatedly without fighting a tactile bump.
Which Cherry MX switch is best for typing and coding?
For long typing or coding sessions, Cherry MX Brown is my top pick. The gentle tactile bump tells you exactly when the key actuates, which can reduce bottoming out and finger fatigue over time.
Are Cherry MX Blues too loud for the office?
In most offices and shared spaces, yes. Cherry MX Blue switches are fun and expressive, but their loud click is easily heard by others and can be distracting on calls or in open‑plan environments.
My Personal Ranking
🥉 Bronze - Cherry MX Red
Personally, I didn’t enjoy this switch much. I type a lot, and I missed both the tactile feel and the sound. These switches felt a bit too soft and “empty” to me.🥈 Silver - Cherry MX Blue
A great, expressive switch. It reminded me of old typewriters, which I found enjoyable. But after a full day of use, the loud click began to bother not just me, but also my family. So eventually, I had to let it go.🥇 Gold - Cherry MX Brown
My absolute favorite. I now build all my keyboards using Brown switches. They offer the perfect balance between tactile feel and sound. You can feel exactly when the key registers, and the subtle “thock” is very pleasant without being annoying. I highly recommend them for typing, coding, and gaming. They work great in ergonomic keyboards, too - especially in Semi‑split layouts that reduce wrist strain.
Let me know which switches you use and why! And if you’re new to the world of mechanical keyboards, start with these three. They’re a solid base - and from there, you can dive deeper into other types later.
If you’re worried about RSI, wrist pain or carpal tunnel, remember that switches are only part of the equation. Pair them with a comfortable layout, good posture and regular breaks to keep your hands happy.
Cherry MX Switches - FAQ
Are Cherry MX Red switches good for gaming?
Yes. Cherry MX Red switches are linear and light, which makes them great for fast, repeated keypresses in games. There’s no tactile bump, so they feel smooth and quick.
Are Cherry MX Brown switches good for typing?
Cherry MX Brown switches are one of the best all‑rounders for typing and coding. They have a gentle tactile bump, so you can feel when a key actuates without a loud click.
Are Cherry MX Blue switches too loud for the office?
Usually yes. Cherry MX Blue switches are clicky and quite loud, which many people find distracting in shared spaces. They’re great at home if you like typewriter‑style sound and feel.
Which Cherry MX switch is the quietest?
Out of Red, Brown and Blue, Red is the quietest (smooth and linear), followed closely by Brown, which has a soft “thock” but no sharp click.
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Bartosz