Cherry MX Brown switches have long held a cherished place in the hearts of typists, gamers, and professionals alike. Renowned for their delicate balance of tactile feedback and subdued acoustics, Cherry MX Browns have become synonymous with versatile excellence.
In this article, we unveil the best mechanical keyboards of 2023 that have harnessed the prowess of Cherry MX Brown switches. Each keyboard is a masterpiece of design, functionality, and innovation, built to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of our digital age.
We will delve deep into the world of these mechanical keyboards, exploring the standout features, ergonomic designs, and cutting-edge technologies that make these keyboards the best companions for your computing adventures in 2023.
Best Mechanical Keyboards That Use Cherry MX Brown Switches – Our Top Picks
You're probably eager to find out which Cherry MX Brown mechanical keyboards made our top picks. Well, you're in luck! Here are our choices of best mechanical keyboards:
Additional Features: Fully programmable keys, detachable magnetic wrist rest, aluminum top case, customizable macros
Overview of Cherry MX Brown
Cherry MX Brown switches are a type of mechanical keyboard switch, known for their tactile feedback and relatively quiet operation. They are produced by Cherry Corporation, a German company with a long history of manufacturing high-quality mechanical switches for keyboards. Cherry MX Brown switches are particularly favored by typists and gamers who prefer a balance between typing comfort and gaming performance.
Characteristics of the Cherry MX Brown Switch
Cherry MX Brown switches are often a popular choice for individuals who want a versatile keyboard switch that can perform well in different scenarios without being overly loud or requiring excessive force to press. Here are the key characteristics of Cherry MX Brown switches:
Tactile bump: Cherry MX Brown switches have a noticeable tactile bump that occurs halfway through the key press. This bump provides feedback to the user, indicating that the keypress has been registered. It's a gentle bump compared to some other tactile switches, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
No audible click: Unlike some other mechanical switches, Cherry MX Brown switches do not produce a loud audible click when pressed. This makes them quieter and less distracting in shared workspaces or quiet environments.
Linear actuation: After the tactile bump, the keypress continues with a linear actuation until it bottoms out. This means the resistance remains consistent throughout the keypress, which can be beneficial for gaming where rapid and consistent keypresses are important.
Actuation force: Cherry MX Brown switches typically have an actuation force of around 45 to 55 grams. This means you don't need to press the keys too hard to register a keypress, making them suitable for both typists and gamers.
Versatility: Cherry MX Brown switches are versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, including typing, programming, and gaming. They strike a balance between the tactile feedback preferred by typists and the relatively smooth keystrokes desired by gamers.
Durability: Cherry MX switches are known for their durability, often rated for tens of millions of keypresses. This longevity ensures that your keyboard will last for years of heavy use.
Pros and Cons of Cherry MX Brown Switches
Cherry MX Brown switches are a well-rounded choice for those who want a tactile switch with a comfortable actuation force and quiet operation. They are suitable for a variety of tasks, making them a popular choice for both typists and gamers. However, individuals with specific preferences for louder switches or more pronounced tactile feedback may want to explore other options within the Cherry MX lineup.
Pros
Tactile feedback: Cherry MX Brown switches provide a noticeable tactile bump during the keypress, giving users feedback that the keypress has been registered. This tactile feel is appreciated by typists as it helps reduce typing errors and improves typing speed.
Quiet operation: Cherry MX Brown switches are relatively quiet compared to switches with audible click sounds (like Cherry MX Blue switches). This makes them suitable for shared workspaces or quiet environments where loud typing can be disruptive.
Versatility: These switches are versatile and well-suited for a wide range of tasks, including typing, programming, and gaming. The tactile feedback is beneficial for typing, while the linear actuation is favored by gamers.
Balanced actuation force: With an actuation force typically ranging from 45 to 55 grams, Cherry MX Brown switches strike a balance between being easy to press and requiring enough force to prevent accidental keypresses. This force is comfortable for most users.
Durability: Cherry MX switches, including Cherry MX Browns, are known for their durability and longevity, often rated for tens of millions of keypresses.
Cons
Lack of audible feedback: While many users appreciate the quiet operation of Cherry MX Brown switches, some prefer switches with audible click sounds (e.g., Cherry MX Blue switches) for the satisfaction of hearing each key press. If you enjoy the audible feedback, Cherry MX Browns may feel somewhat dull in comparison.
Not the best for rapid typing: While Cherry MX Browns are suitable for typing, some dedicated typists may prefer switches with a more pronounced tactile bump, such as Cherry MX Blue or MX Green, to improve their typing speed and accuracy.
Other Alternatives to Cherry MX Brown Switches
You're not limited to Cherry MX Brown switches, there are tons of other alternatives that might tickle your fancy. There are several other mechanical switch options available from various manufacturers, each with its unique characteristics and feel. Here are some popular alternatives:
Cherry MX Blue Switches : These switches are known for their distinctive clicky sound and tactile feedback, similar to Browns but with a more pronounced click. They are favored by typists who enjoy audible feedback.
Cherry MX Red Switches: Cherry MX Red switches are linear switches with no tactile bump or audible click. They are often preferred by gamers for their smooth, uninterrupted keypresses and lower actuation force.
Cherry MX Black Switches: These are linear switches like Cherry MX Reds but with a higher actuation force. They provide a heavier keypress, which can help prevent accidental keypresses but may be less suitable for typists.
Cherry MX Green Switches: Similar to Cherry MX Blue switches, these are clicky switches with a tactile bump. However, they require more force to actuate, making them more suitable for typists who prefer a heavier keypress.
Cherry MX Clear Switches: These switches provide a pronounced tactile bump and require more actuation force than Cherry MX Brown switches. They are favored by typists who like a tactile response without the noise of clicky switches.
Gateron Brown Switches: Gateron Brown switches are similar to Cherry MX Browns but are often smoother in feel. They have a tactile bump without the audible click, making them a popular choice among typists.
Kailh Box Brown Switches: These switches offer a tactile bump and a smoother keystroke. They are known for their durability due to the "box" design that protects against dust and debris.
Razer Orange Switches: These switches are similar to Cherry MX Browns, offering a tactile bump without the click. They are commonly found in Razer's gaming keyboards.
SteelSeries QS1 Switches: These low-profile switches are linear and known for their short actuation distance, making them suitable for fast-paced gaming.
Topre Switches Switches: These are electrostatic capacitive switches known for their unique feel, combining elements of rubber domes and mechanical switches. They provide a tactile bump and are favored for typing and productivity tasks.
Zealios Switches: Zealios switches are enthusiast-grade switches known for their smooth, tactile feel. They come in various weights (actuation forces) to suit different preferences.
Holy Panda Switches: A popular custom switch created by combining the housing of a Halo switch and the stem of a BSUN Brown switch, resulting in a unique tactile experience.
Cherry MX Silent Red/Brown Switches: These are Cherry MX Red and Brown switches with dampened keypresses to reduce noise. They are suitable for those who want a quieter mechanical keyboard.
When choosing an alternative switch to Cherry MX Browns, consider your typing or gaming preferences whether you prefer tactile feedback, audible clicks, or a smooth linear feel, and the actuation force that feels most comfortable to you.
As you've seen, Cherry MX Brown switches offer the best of both worlds for gaming and typing---tactile feedback without the noise.
Cherry MX Brown switches remain a steadfast choice, and the keyboards of 2023 have harnessed their potential to deliver a remarkable typing and gaming experience. Whether you're a hardcore gamer, a coding genius, or a casual typist, there's a perfect keyboard with Cherry MX Brown Switches out there for you.
Chris Greiner, a Mechanical Keyboard specialist, boasts a solid educational background with dual bachelor's degrees in Computer Science and Business Management from Lewis University. His additional certification in Mechanical Keyboard Design showcases his dedication to staying on the forefront of keyboard technology. Chris primarily writes for keyboard enthusiasts and has been featured on platforms like Jestik, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the mechanical keyboard community.
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