Cherry MX switches - these are the differences
At first glance, there are hardly any differences between the different Cherry MX switches, but when you take a closer look, the switches differ significantly. We have summarized the differences for you and tell you which keyboard type is best suited for.
Cherry MX switches - that's what the mechanical switches bring
With a conventional keyboard, a small rubber dome creates an electrical connection and triggers the key press. But over time the rubber wears out and you have to press the button harder. The Cherry MX switches work differently. They push a small sled down that closes an electrical contact after about two millimeters and releases the button. The slide is pushed up again by a spring. As a result, the switches have an average lifespan of 50 million strokes.
MX-Brown: The keyboard all-rounder
The MX Brown switches are a mix of the black and blue switches. They have a noticeable pressure point that is not as pronounced as with the blue switches. Due to the close trigger and reset points, they are equally suitable for playing as well as for writing. Brown switches, for example, use the QPad MK-50 Brown, which is also available with other switch types on the manufacturer's side. The MX-Clear is identical to the brown switch, but has a higher resistance.
MX-Black: switch for gaming
The MX-Black is a linear switch, which means you don't feel when the pressure point is reached. When playing, this has the advantage that the button can be pressed very quickly in succession, since you do not have to overcome any resistance. If the black switch is too difficult for you, but you don't want any feedback at the same time, then you should go for the MX-Red. An example of a keyboard with black switches is the Roccat Ryos MK Glow. The MX-Red is also linear, but has a much lower resistance than the MX-Black and can therefore be pressed very easily and quickly.
MX-Blue: For prolific writers
The MX-Blue has a strongly defined pressure point and you will hear a click when it is reached. This switch is interesting for prolific writers because it can be written on such switches without fatigue. However, you need practice if you want to quickly press a key several times, since the difference between the trigger point and the switch-back point is very large. A keyboard with blue switches is, for example, the Razer Blackwidow. The MX-Green is the more difficult counterpart to the MX-Blue.
When you buy a mechanical keyboard, which is usually not cheap, your subjective feeling is what matters most. The basic principle is that you write on smooth-running switches with less fatigue, but you also have a higher risk of typing errors. Therefore, go to an electronics store before buying and test different keyboards with different switches. You can find more detailed technical details such as release force and switch-back points on Cherry's official website. We will show you how to connect your keyboard to the PlayStation 4 in another practical tip.