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Cherry MX Brown Keyboard Switch Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed Nov 06, 2023 at 12:55 pm
Cherry MX Brown Picture
  1. Updated Nov 06, 2023: Review published.

Compared To Other Keyboard Switches

Gateron G Pro Brown

Cherry MX Brown and Gateron G Brown Pro are switches with a small tactile bump to overcome during actuation. The Gateron switches feel a bit smoother out of the box as they're pre-lubed from the factory, while the Cherry switches aren't. Additionally, the Gateron switches have a clear upper housing for better RGB illumination.

Razer Green Gen 3

Cherry MX Brown switches are tactile and have a small bump to overcome during actuation. On the other hand, the Razer Green Gen 3 switches are clicky switches. They're noticeably heavier-feeling and loud, making a signature click sound on the downstroke. Both switches offer the same level of latency performance.

Kailh Box Brown V2

Cherry MX Brown and Kailh Box Brown V2 are very similar, medium-weight, tactile switches. They have a fairly small but satisfying bump to overcome before actuation. The Cherry bump is in the middle of the keystroke, while the Box Brown switch bump comes earlier and feels a bit heavier. The Kail switches also have a box design, which means they're typically more stable and durable in the long run. However, there's also a bit of inconsistency in switch-to-switch performance as they're more mechanically complex.

Cherry MX Silent Red

Cherry MX Brown switches have a small tactile bump to overcome before actuation, while Cherry MX Silent Red switches are linear switches with smooth actuation throughout the keypress. The Silent Red switches are also noticeably quieter.

Kailh Speed Copper

Cherry MX Brown and Kailh Speed Copper switches have small tactile bumps to overcome during actuation. The MX Brown switches are designed for everyday typing and gaming. In contrast, the Kailh Speed Copper switches are designed specifically for gaming and have a much shorter pre-travel distance and significantly better latency performance.

Outemu Brown

Cherry MX Brown and Outeumu Brown are very similar switches with a small tactile bump to overcome before actuation. The Outemu switches are a bit smoother out of the box and have a clear top housing, allowing for better RGB illumination.

Razer Orange Gen 3

Cherry MX Brown and Razer Orange Gen 3 are tactile switches with a small bump to overcome during actuation. While the Cherry switches are suitable for typing and gaming, the Razer switches are designed specifically for gaming. They're considerably smoother feeling from the factory with slightly better latency performance. They're also a bit more lightweight, and while they have the same amount of pre-travel distance, the tactile bump happens much sooner during the Razer's keypress.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
9.0
Design
Compatibility
Cherry MX PCB Pinout
Yes
Pin Count
3
Keycap Mount
MX Style
5.0
Design
Illumination
Upper Housing Color
Black
Upper Housing Finish
Opaque
Performance
Performance
Keystrokes
Feel
Tactile
Operating Force
55 gf
Actuation Force
44 gf
Pre-Travel Distance
2.1 mm
Total Travel Distance
4.0 mm
6.0
Performance
Factory Smoothness
Scratchy Factor
22.8
Mid Actuation Peak Noise
-59.6 dB
Mid Actuation Peak Frequency
2,542 Hz
7.2
Performance
Latency
Press Average
2.1 ms
Press Std Dev
±0.16 ms
Release Average
6.3 ms
Release Std Dev
±0.08 ms