So, I’ve been messing around with mechanical keyboards for a while now, and let me tell you, it’s a rabbit hole. Recently, I’ve been trying to figure out which switch is my jam. I grabbed a keyboard with Cherry MX Brown switches and another with Reds, and I’ve been using them for a couple of weeks. I figured I’d share my experience, in case anyone else is in the same boat.
First off, the Browns. These things are called “tactile,” which basically means you feel a little bump when you press the key. It’s supposed to let you know when the key actually does the thing. When I started using them, it felt kinda weird. I’m used to just smashing keys, you know? But after a while, I started to appreciate that little bump. It’s like the keyboard is saying, “Hey, I got you.” My typing did feel a bit more accurate, like I wasn’t accidentally hitting keys as much. Plus, they’re not super loud. Still make a noise, of course, but it’s not that annoying clack that some keyboards have.
- Feels: Little bump when you type
- Sound: Not too noisy
- Good for: Making sure you hit the right keys
Then we have the Reds. These are “linear,” which means no bump. They just go straight down, smooth as butter. Man, these things are fast! It felt like my fingers were flying across the keyboard. I play a lot of fast-paced games, and these switches were perfect. My in-game reaction time felt snappier, like I could pull off moves a tiny bit quicker. It was definitely easier to tap a key really fast over and over again with these. If you’re all about speed, these are the way to go.
- Feels: Smooth all the way down
- Sound: Pretty quiet
- Good for: Games where you need to press keys fast and often
So, what’s the conclusion?
Honestly, it depends on what you do most. If you’re mostly typing, like writing reports or coding or whatever, I think the Browns are a solid choice. That tactile bump really does help. But if you’re a gamer, or you just want that super smooth, fast feeling, go with the Reds. You won’t regret it. I ended up sticking with the Reds for my main keyboard, just ’cause gaming is my main thing. But I kept the Browns around for when I need to do a lot of writing.
Anyway, that’s my two cents. Hope it helps someone out there!