Cherry MX Red and Silent Red
Cherry MX Red is one of the most popular linear switch types with gamers due to its low actuation force of 45cN. This makes them ideal for fast paced games such as FPS and MMOs and great for typing too. The standard Red switches are just as noisy as Black switches, but there’s also a Silent Red switch too which is much quieter and have a slightly shorter travel distance.
Cherry MX Speed Silver
Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches have the same light 45cN actuation force and clicking sound of Red switches but cut the pre-travel down from 2 to 1.2mm and the total travel from 4 to 3.4mm. This means they actuate far quicker than Reds or other switches for that matter, so they could give you an edge in fast paced games. The downside to Speed Silver switches is that because the keys are so sensitive it’s quite easy to double type or even accidently press keys when your hand is resting on the keyboard.
Cherry MX Black and Silent Black
One of the oldest models of mechanical switches, Cherry MX Black linear switches are notable for their high actuation force of 60cN. This makes them one of the stiffest switches available, which can be a rude shock if you’re used to the more gentle feel of a rubber dome keyboard. Black switches are also very noisy, although there are now Silent Black versions which are much quieter and have a slightly shorter travel distance. Even so, unless you really like noisy and heavy keys we wouldn’t recommend a Black or Silent Black keyboard for gaming.
Cherry MX Brown
Cherry MX Browns are tactile switches with a 55cN operating force part-way between the linear Red and Black switches. This makes them a popular choice with typists and a good choice for playing all types of games thanks to their good balance between force, travel and noise.
Cherry MX Blue
Cherry MX Blues are another type of tactile switch, but require a high operating force of 60cN to activate compared to the lighter Brown tactile switches. Blues also have a longer pre-travel distance than Browns and can sound pretty clicky. Most people find Blues too noisy for gaming, although they are good for typists, just don’t sit too close to somebody with a keyboard with Blue switches.
|
Red |
Silent Red |
Speed Silver |
Black |
Silent Black |
Brown |
Blue |
Type |
Linear |
Linear |
Linear |
Linear |
Linear |
Tactile |
Tactile |
Operating Force (cN) |
45 |
45 |
45 |
60 |
60 |
55 |
60 |
Pre-Travel (mm) |
2 |
1.9 |
1.2 |
2 |
1.9 |
2 |
2.2 |
Total Travel (mm) |
4 |
3.7 |
3.4 |
4 |
3.7 |
4 |
4 |
Comparative Noise (0 silent, 10 noisy) |
8 |
5 |
8 |
8 |
5 |
9 |
10 |
If you’re still unsure use this decision tree to help steer you in the right direction. (click below)