Blue keyboard switch.

Work with text Mechanical keyboards

have already firmly established themselves in the gaming market and not only peripherals. Yes, they are not cheap, but they have a number of significant advantages. Also, very often manufacturers produce the same keyboard model with several types of switches - and users naturally have a question about which type of keys to choose for themselves. To clear up some of this confusion, we have prepared this material for you, and as an example we will use the HyperX Alloy FPS model, kindly provided by Kingston. The reason for writing this article was the appearance on sale of new modifications of the HyperX Alloy FPS keyboard. As you remember, this model

we really liked it (you can read the review of the keyboard). It went on sale only with Cherry MX Blue switches, which could stop those who prefer not only high-quality “mechanics”, but also silence, from purchasing. The keyboard is now also sold with Cherry MX Brown and Red switches. Structurally, the new products do not differ from the model with which we have already become acquainted; the difference lies only in the type of switches.

What is it about Cherry switches and why should you pay attention to mechanical keyboards?

If you have only used membrane keyboards, you may have noticed that the keys over time lose their properties that they had at first after purchase. This is due to the fact that the silicone membrane that underlies such keyboards dries out over time or, conversely, stretches, which leads to a change in tactile sensations during operation. Mechanical keyboards do not have this drawback, and the moment when the mechanical switch loses its original properties will occur much later - and it is not a fact that you will be able to catch it. This is especially important for those who are involved in typing large amounts of text and intense gaming sessions.

So, there are several types of switches in the Cherry MX line, with only four main and most popular ones: Blue, Brown, Red and Black. They are named because of the color in which the base of the mechanism is painted. There are more of them, but the ones most frequently used by manufacturers are the ones listed. Each of them has its own properties that directly affect comfort during play or work.

Cherry MX Blue

This type of key is characterized by the presence of a tactile response approximately in the middle of the stroke. When pressing the key, halfway through you will feel a slight stop, and after it passes, the key will make a fairly loud click. The last point will be a disadvantage for many, since when typing quickly, the keyboard will sound like a typewriter from the early 20th century, which will negatively affect acoustic comfort. But if the sound does not bother you or those around you and you need to type a lot and regularly, then pay attention to the “blue” switches. The force required to press is approximately 45 grams, which is quite a bit even for not very strong fingers. In this case, you do not have to press the key all the way to trigger; the press is registered in the middle of the stroke. This also applies to other switches considered today

Cherry MX Brown

We placed the “brown” switches next for a reason, since they are very similar in their characteristics to MX Blue. With the exception of one feature - they are almost silent in operation. The only sound they can make is the impact of the cap on the base of the keyboard, but this is not necessary, since pressing, as in the MX Blue, occurs approximately in the middle of the key stroke. The switch has a tactile response at the moment of operation, but not as pronounced as “blue switches” have. Cherry MX Brown are, in our opinion, the most balanced switches, as they are well suited for both typing and gaming, and at the same time they will not piss off others.

Cherry MX Red

This type of switch has the most significant difference from the above: it is devoid of tactile and sound feedback when pressed and its stroke is linear along its entire length. However, it still requires 45 grams of force to press and the actuation also registers around the middle of the stroke. In the author’s personal opinion, this type of key is very well suited for games, especially active shooters, since due to the lack of tactile feedback, maximum smoothness and speed are achieved. But these switches are also quite good for typing thanks to this feature. At the same time, like MX Brown, the “red” ones are absolutely silent in operation.

Cherry MX Red has a sibling called MX Black, which has the same properties, with one exception - the force required to press is 60 grams, and personal experience It's worth noting that black switches are only good for gaming, not typing, no matter how strong your fingers are. Increased spring stiffness requires more force when pressing, and typing large amounts of text, unfortunately, is not a comfortable experience. Model HyperX Alloy FPS is not available for sale with this type of switch, but we couldn’t help but talk about it.

Results

We hope that in this material we have clarified some issues related to mechanical keyboards. Of course, “mechanics” is not a panacea for games and work, but it has its advantages. As for the question of which mechanical switches to choose, it is impossible to answer it unequivocally, but you can try. If you play more than type, pay attention to Cherry MX Red\Black. If typing is a priority, then Cherry MX Brown is worth a look. In addition to all the advantages of “blue” switches, they have one undeniable advantage - quiet operation.

− this is an important and mandatory equipment on the battlefield of the last computer games FPS, legendary MOBAs and epic MMO worlds. HyperX™ keypads are equipped with Cherry® MX switches, which provide significant benefits for responsiveness and durability. Manufactured in Germany, mechanical switches guarantee more than 50 million keystrokes, which, of course, directly affected the price of the finished product.

Whether you like the audible click of every keystroke or prefer quiet typing, Cherry has switches to suit every need. They feature minimal actuation force, meaning less wear and more comfort, whether you're crushing a competitive game or typing out a 30-page memoir.

So, below we will look at what exactly is special and which switches to choose directly for video games and typing.

Cherry MX switches are manufactured and supplied in many "colors" ranging from brown, blue, red to black, white, green. They differ not only in the color of the base of the mechanisms, but also have several other differences. Switches come in three different varieties: clicky (blue and green), tactile (brown and clear), and linear (black and red).

They were introduced only in 2008. They have the lowest actuation force of the three most common switches. Red switches are designed as gaming switches with a light click that allows you to act as quickly as possible, and have become more common in gaming devices. For players who require quick double or triple key presses, this type The keyboard mechanism provides certain speed advantages.

The most popular type of non-click tactile switch is the . This switch was introduced in 1994 as a special “ergo-soft” switch, but quickly became the most popular. Today, most keypads come with Brown switches, as this type is a good average all-around option, suitable for both frequent typing and gaming. They are also ideal for office work, where the clicking of the switch will not irritate employees who prefer to work in silence.

So, Cherry MX Brown is considered the best all-around switch. Its tactile impact, silent movement and actuation force make it versatile. Because the tactile shock is generated by a ridge in the discontinuous fin, the hysteresis is less pronounced than with blue switches. Additionally, they are often used in environments where blue switches are too loud, but fast typing is required.

It is the most common type of mechanical key and was first released on Filco keyboard models in 2007. Blue switches are preferred primarily by those who type a lot because of their tactile impact and audible click. However, they are less suitable for video games as the actuation force is relatively high at 50 grams and is a little more difficult to double press as the release point is higher than the actuation point. Blue switches are noticeably louder than other “mechanics”.

The blue mechanism is recommended mainly for typing as it has a great click sound making it the loudest switch. Therefore, if you want your device to sound like a typewriter, you can safely buy a keyboard with blue switches.

The separate slider design also provides the most significant sensitive feedback, unlike all switches of the German company. The two-piece slider design presents a very pronounced hysteresis, making quick shots in video games more difficult than in linear switches.

So what is a mechanical keyboard? While most keyboards use soft silicone parts, mechanical models are equipped with springs and metal and have a much more complex design compared to membrane ones.

The latter type of design is based on 3 thin layers of film located under the keys. The top and bottom layers are equipped with conductors, and the middle one plays the role of an insulating link. Features of this design caused the main disadvantages of the membrane keypad. After all, in order for the contact to close, the keys must be pressed all the way. The mechanics, in comparison, look much more complicated. They contain:

• mechanical opening contacts;
• clear sensitive communication depending on the types of keypad.

The key works before it reaches the stop. Thanks to this, there is no need to knock on the keys at all until you feel the travel stop. This makes typing text more comfortable, and in a video game it makes it possible to understand when a key was triggered.

At the same time, mechanical keypads are more reliable than membrane ones. Such a mechanism includes LED backlight, which provides better visibility at night, and also has a much larger number of clicks, several times higher than the membrane one.

Another advantage of mechanics is durability. They will work for many years, and the key travel and tactile feedback will not change: they will be pressed with the same ease as on the day of purchase. They support an infinite number of keystroke logging. However, this is individual and depends on the type of keypad.

Cherry MX BLUE is a lightweight switch. Unlike most other switches, the plunger in this one consists not of one, but of two parts:

1. blue plunger (which is connected to the key);
2. white inner slider (which opens and closes the outline).

These switches emit a characteristic click, which does not depend in any way on the presence of a keycap. The answer to the question of how blue switches differ from red ones is extremely simple - blue ones have higher rigidity than red ones, as well as a slightly longer stroke. Therefore, for the mechanism to work, a force of 60 grams must be applied.

MX BLUE allows you to clearly feel and also hear the moment when the mechanism worked, however, you will not have the same control in games as with red and brown switches. In general, these switches are still great for gaming, because the gamer will clearly understand whether the press worked or not. The blue type of switches is an ideal option for those whose priority is not gaming, but typing.

Cherry MX BROWN - refers to tactile switches that do not have a characteristic click. The switch is not pressed evenly and has a characteristic cutoff, that is, you can feel it when you press the switch. The approximate pressing force is 45 grams, which is the most optimal. These switches are used to produce Extra RGB and other brethren. Cherry MX BROWN is one of the most optimal switches for video games and text printing, because they:

• quiet, as they do not have any clicks or clicks;
• very comfortable due to their tactile sensations and feedback.

Cherry MX RED are linear switches that have no click, making them unusually quiet. At the same time, they lack tactile feedback, so they are also very smooth.

This type allows you to instantly respond to events in games. This is the highlight of the mechanics: the ability to easily control the process and response speed. The pressing force to activate this switch is about 40 grams. In principle, these are very light switches, and you can play on them quite long time, at the same time, your fingers will not get tired.

One of the disadvantages is the sound, that is, the reproduced volume. How can they be loud if they are linear and have no click? Everything is very simple! Due to the fact that the pressing force is very small, when the keycap is bent onto the switch, it comes into contact with the plastic of the switch itself and produces a characteristic sound. It follows from this that red switches without a keycap are quite quiet, but as soon as you put on a keycap, the sound turns out to be two or even three times louder.

As a powerful gaming gear, it is important to consider not only the attractive appearance and wear resistance, but also the type of switches that are used. The quietest switches are those with the highest pressing force. However, they all have a negative impact on fingers and fatigue. It turns out that with prolonged typing or gaming, your fingers will get tired, but the device will work very quietly.

Red and brown mechanisms are the most best option for a gaming keyboard and at the same time for typing. That is, if you want moderately optimal switches in terms of sound, tactile sensations and, in fact, price, the Cherry MX BROWN and RED brands are the best switches for computer games, and MX BLUE is most suitable for typing. When playing or typing on these switches for a long time, your fingers will not get tired, and the sound will be average: not very quiet, but not very loud either.

Naturally, “mechanics” will not give you 100% victory in gaming competitions, but its advantages will significantly increase your chances.

Often when buying a keyboard, the choice is made according to external characteristics– keyboard and key color, size, key height, etc. But the key mechanism installed inside is responsible for the responsiveness of the keyboard and the level of comfort when working with it. In order for you to make an informed choice in favor of a keyboard that is more convenient and suitable for your tasks, in this article we will talk about the structure and differences between mechanical and membrane keyboards.

Membrane keyboards

Membrane ones are the simplest and cheapest among the variety of types of keyboards. Such keyboards consist of three thin layers - there are conductors on the top and bottom layers, and the middle layer serves as insulation. When you press the upper membrane, it bends and closes the contact - the keyboard registers the key press. The thickness of the layers is usually within the thickness of a sheet of paper or cardboard. Thanks to this organization, membrane keyboards can be made not only cheap, but also lightweight, bendable and moisture-proof.

Membrane-rubber keyboards

This is the type of keyboard you most likely have in front of your computer and is used in your laptop. It combines the lightness and low cost of membrane keyboards and complements it with feedback by pressing the rubber cap, after which the contact in the membrane is closed. The keys of such keyboards have to be pressed all the way, otherwise the contact will not close. When working on such keyboards for a long time, it may feel like you are just tapping your fingers on a piece of plastic.

Work with text

Mechanical ones differ from their membrane counterparts in the presence of mechanically opening contacts and a clear tactile connection (depending on the type of keyboard). Such keys operate before the key reaches the travel stop, so it is not necessary to hit such keys all the way. This increases comfort when typing, and in games it gives you an understanding of exactly when the key was triggered. In addition, mechanical keyboards are much more reliable than their membrane counterparts; the number of times a mechanical key is pressed is an order of magnitude greater than the number of times a membrane key is pressed.

Mechanical keyboards vary depending on the types of buttons they use. The most common are Chery MX switches, in various modifications. The differences between them are in the pressing force, key travel and sound when triggered. To simplify the selection, switches with similar characteristics are grouped by color: MX Red, Black, and so on. Manufacturers of more budget switches also use the same designations if they are close in characteristics to Cherry products. For example, Kailh Blue is very similar to Cherry MX Blue.

Cherry MX Black

They are characterized by uniform linear pressure, no tactile connection and no click. The technology is considered one of the best for games - the actuation and release points are almost at the same level, to quickly press the key you just need to move it slightly. On the other hand, such a keyboard is not very pleasant when typing - there is no feedback, the keys still have to be pressed all the way. Pressing force – 60 g, key stroke – 2 mm before actuation, 4 mm until it stops.

Cherry MX Blue

They are characterized by uneven pressing, the presence of feedback and a click when triggered. These keys are considered the best for typing - the tactile sensation is very well expressed thanks to the floating actuator design. Such keys are also suitable for games, due to the similar pressing force and clear actuation moment, but the actuation and release points are far from each other, the key will have to be completely released to make the next press. Pressing force – 50 g (60 g at peak), key travel – 2 mm before actuation, 4 mm until it stops.

Cherry MX Red

They are characterized by uniform linear pressure, no tactile connection and no click. The technology is similar to MX Black, but the actuation force is noticeably lower. It is considered one of the best for games - the actuation and release points are almost at the same level, to quickly press the key you just need to move it slightly. On the other hand, such a keyboard is not very pleasant when typing - there is no feedback, the keys still have to be pressed all the way. Pressing force – 45 g, key stroke – 2 mm before actuation, 4 mm until it stops.

Razer Green Switch

A relatively new development by Razer, it is used in a series of mechanical keyboards. They are characterized by uneven pressing, the presence of feedback and a click when triggered. These keys are balanced - suitable for both gaming and typing. Feedback It feels good, and the close proximity of the actuation and release points allows for quick, multiple presses. Pressing force – 45 g (50 g at peak), key travel – 1.9 mm before actuation, 4 mm until it stops.

Logitech Romer-G with haptic feedback

Thanks to their innovative design, Romer-G tactile switches provide a distinct feedback when pressed. To accurately perform the desired action, minimal effort is required, which saves the player from unnecessary worries at a crucial moment, and silent operation does not distract anyone present. Romer-G tactile switches are perfect for FPS fans and tournament players.

Switch parameters: 1.5 mm before actuation, full travel 3.5 mm, average pressing force - 45 grams, recoil force - 50 grams.

Logitech Romer-G Linear Switches

Romer-G linear switches are exceptionally soft and smooth, making them ideal for quick double-tap, smooth partial press, and sequential typing of complex keyboard combinations. This is the best option for online multiplayer games and action games.

Switch parameters: 1.5 mm before actuation, full travel 3.5 mm, average pressing force - 45 grams

Greetings, dear audience of the “Club of Experts”!

Previously, I reviewed the mechanical keyboard COUGAR 600K, this time I managed to get its “upgraded” version - the COUGAR 700K model. Let's not rant for too long and get to know this gaming keyboard closer.

Specifications

● Keyboard type: mechanical;
● Switches: Cherry MX Blue;
● Processor: 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0;
● Polling rate: 1000 Hz/1 ms;
● Interface: USB, gold-plated connector;
● NKRO support: yes;
● Switchable repeat frequency: 1X/2X/4X/8X;
● Backlight: yes;
● Built-in memory: saves up to three profiles;
● Number of additional programmable keys: 6;
● Audio jack: yes;
● Pass-through USB port: yes;
● Wrist rest: yes, removable;
● Cable: 1.8 m, braided;
● Materials: plastic/aluminum;
● Dimensions: 230 × 487 × 40 mm;
● Weight: 1.2 kg;
● Software: COUGAR UIX SYSTEM.

Packaging and accessories

COUGAR 700K is supplied in a large cardboard box.

The edges provide a large amount of information about the supplied product: its specifications and features.

Cherry MX switches are used. COUGAR 700K is supplied to Russia only with Cherry MX Blue switches.

Inside the colorful box is another one made of thicker cardboard.

The first thing you see when you open the black box is the keyboard and wrist rest, which are secured inside with a polyethylene foam insert.

There is a small envelope behind the keyboard, in which you can find the user manual and several branded stickers.

Appearance and features

COUGAR 700K, like COUGAR 600K, is quite massive and weighty. The main difference between the models is that the COUGAR 700K has a set of additional programmable keys, customizable backlighting and, in addition to the above, proprietary COUGAR UIX SYSTEM software. The keyboard body is made of black matte plastic and aluminum. The combination of these materials looks very good, and the aluminum plate increases the overall strength of the structure.

At the top center is the manufacturer's logo.

This is what the keyboard looks like with the stand installed.

Installing/removing the stand will not cause you any difficulties. The black platform on the stand, which is on the left side, can be easily removed and placed on the right side. It is attached with a pair of small magnets.

At the top end there is a USB connector and 2 audio inputs for connecting a headset.

The length of the wire is 1.8 meters, it is thick and does not bend well, which makes it difficult to install, and has a dense black braid. At its end there are 4 gold-plated connectors: 2 USB and 2 standard 3.5 mm for connecting acoustics and a microphone.

General rear view. There are rubberized pads at the corners.

The upper pads are glued directly onto the legs, which change the angle of the keyboard.

In the photos below you can evaluate the angle of inclination when using the legs.

The switches, as I mentioned earlier, use Cherry MX Blue, and all keys are backlit. Unfortunately, the backlight color cannot be changed - only orange, but it is possible to change the brightness level and backlight mode. By the way, the keyboard can go into standby mode, changing the backlight mode after 2/4/6/8 minutes of inactivity (configurable in the software).

At the top left are the keys responsible for quickly switching between keyboard profiles.
As you can see, on the F1-F4 keys there are additional inscriptions - 1x/2x/3x/4x. Pressing them while holding the FN key changes the frequency at which the keys are pressed.

On the left edge there is a block of additional programmable "G" keys.

The spacebar here is divided in half, its right side is an additional “G6” button and can be reassigned. This solution is a little inconvenient for fast touch typing. But the way out of the situation is quite simple - assign a standard spacebar action to “G6”.

Pressing the FN + Scroll Lock or Pause key combination switches the keyboard mode between 6-Key and Full N-Key Rollover. In 6-Key mode, up to 6 simultaneous clicks are processed, in Full N-Key Rollover mode, all clicks are processed.

Below is a screenshot of the keyboard working in Full N-Key Rollover mode; all keystrokes have been processed.

A little higher and to the left there are 2 additional buttons that are responsible for blocking Windows keys and changing the backlight brightness level.

In the right corner is a block of multimedia keys.

The video below shows the operating modes of the keyboard backlight.

Cherry MX Blue Mechanical Switches

● Type: tactile with click;
● Tactile feedback: yes;
● Click: yes;
● Actuation force: 50 gs (60 gs peak)
● Pressing depth: 2 mm before actuation, 4 mm until it stops.

It was interesting to get acquainted with this type of switches. Working with them brought back memories of my early childhood, when I had the opportunity to play with a typewriter. The clicks when pressed are quite loud and pronounced; using the COUGAR 700K with Cherry MX Blue switches for games you will definitely not let your household members who are in the same room with you fall asleep. The pressing itself does not require much effort. According to some users, this type of switches is not the best option for games, due to the fact that the release point is significantly higher than the actuation point, but I did not have any problems when using them.

Software

The software is provided by proprietary software COUGAR UIX SYSTEM. This software has all the most important features for customizing your COUGAR 700K keyboard.

When you first started it, you were prompted to update the keyboard firmware.

This is what the main window of COUGAR UIX SYSTEM looks like. Here you can switch between profiles (you can also switch using additional keys on the keyboard), change the polling frequency, switch operating modes - 6-Key and Full N-Key Rollover, change the delay time between the first and repeated activation of a pressed key, change frequency of operation of a pressed key, change the backlight mode (types of backlight are presented in the video above), configure the transition to “sleep mode”.

In this window you can set the keys (not only additional ones, you can reassign any other) to the action you need.

The macro editor is easy to use and its capabilities are quite extensive. It is possible to remember not only actions specified from the keyboard, but also from the mouse, including changing its position (remembers the coordinates of the cursor).

Backlight control window. As already mentioned, the backlight color cannot be changed, only the backlight modes and brightness level can be changed. With COUGAR UIX SYSTEM you will have the option to turn off the backlighting of selected keys, leaving only WASD and arrows illuminated, for example.

Impressions from using COUGAR 700K

I was not disappointed in the type of switches; Cherry MX Blue are perfect for both work and play. The unusually loud operation of the key puts a little pressure on your ears, but you quickly get used to it. Additional buttons useful not only in games, but also at work (assigning macros helps a lot). Quick switching between profiles is also very useful opportunity COUGAR 700K, and given that the profiles are stored in the keyboard memory, it is twice as useful.

Conclusion

COUGAR 700K is an extraordinary model. It has all the advantages of the COUGAR 600K and a wagonload of pleasant bonuses on top. Conveniently located block of additional keys, built-in memory for storing profiles, buttons for quickly switching them, more detailed backlight settings. All this cannot go unnoticed. As in the case of COUGAR 600K, the only thing that can push you away from buying a 700K is not the most low price. 10,000 rubles, even taking into account current realities, is not the most attractive amount. I am sure that a keyboard with so many advantages is in demand and will be so for a long time.

Pros:

All the positive qualities of the COUGAR 600K apply to this model, and these are:

+ Strict and attractive appearance;
+ Convenient stand under the wrist with the possibility of installing a platform for both the left and right hand;
+ Good stability;
+ Full support for NKRO.

But the list doesn't end there:

+ Built-in memory, ability to store up to 3 profiles in the device memory;
+ Buttons for quickly switching between profiles;
+ 6 additional programmable keys;
+ Compared to COUGAR 600K - the ability to customize the backlight in more detail.

Minuses:

- Loud switches (Cherry MX Blue feature);
- It is not possible to change the backlight color;
- High price.

I would like to express my gratitude to the company representative for providing the device for review.

The keyboard is almost the most important tool on the computer desk, because without it you cannot type text or play. People buy membrane keyboards and don't enjoy typing. What pleasure can there be from printing? But now we’ll tell you. After all, with mechanical everything is different.

A mechanical keyboard will turn typing from a chore into a pleasure - such sensations cannot be achieved from a membrane one. The response time of mechanical keyboards is much faster than that of membrane keyboards, and this is well felt in games. We'll tell you what it is and what to choose.

What it is

Keyboard with mechanical switches It feels and sounds like a typewriter, but not as loud. At the moment the contacts close, the switches transmit data to the computer about the key pressed - there is no need to press it all the way. Therefore, pressing buttons on a mechanical one is more pleasant than on a membrane one.

KBC Poker 3 Keyboard

Mechanical keyboards are heavier than membrane keyboards - there is always a metal and large one hidden inside printed circuit board for switches. Because of their weight, they do not move around the table, but always lie in one place. Conclusion: heaviness is reliable.

The membranes break quickly - the rubber keys stretch and you have to press the keys harder. This does not happen with mechanical ones - until the switch burns out completely, for example, due to spilled beer, it will work well.

The only drawback of the mechanics is the price. In Russia, the cheapest option will cost from 6,000 rubles, but the money will pay off in a few years. I used one mechanical keyboard for 8,000 rubles for about 7 years, and changed the membrane ones about every 6-7 months - with the help of mechanics I saved about 4,000 rubles.

How to choose

In a keyboard, it is not the manufacturer of the case that is important, but the switches inside. There are many types of switches and they are suitable for different tasks - some are more convenient to type, some are more convenient to play, some are noisy, others are quiet.

The most popular switches are made by Cherry - they are reliable, but expensive. Gateron and Greetech compete with them - their switches are also good, but are rarely found in Russian stores. Kailh and Razer also make switches, but they break quickly.

Cherry MX Blue

They click very loudly and sound very much like a typewriter. It is convenient to type with these switches, as they have an easy stroke and your fingers do not get tired.

Analogues: Matias Click, Cherry MX Green, Kailh Blue, Gateron Blue, Greetech Blue, Razer Green

Cherry MX Green

Very similar to Cherry MX Blue, but the spring inside is much stiffer. This keyboard is worth buying if the blue ones are not hard enough or you are afraid of accidentally pressing the wrong key.

Analogues: Cherry MX Blue, Gateron Green

Cherry MX Red

Gamers love these linear switches. They are easy to press and work almost immediately. For games where you need to quickly use abilities, like Dota 2 or League of Legends, they are very suitable.

These switches also have a quiet version, but they are not very quiet - due to the soft spring, the pressing sensation is indistinct.

Analogues: Cherry MX Silent Red, Matias Quiet Linear, Kailh Red, Gateron Red, Greetech Red

Cherry MX Brown

Brown tactile switches are considered universal switches. They are not as loud as the Cherry MX Blue, but the actuation point feels good. If you can’t decide on a choice, then take these.

Analogues: Matias Quiet Click, Kailh Brown, Gateron Brown, Greetech Brown, Razer Orange

Cherry MX Black

They work almost the same as Cherry MX Brown, but the spring is much tighter. It takes more effort to press the key all the way, but it gives a pleasant pressing sensation.

Analogues: Kailh Black, Gateron Black, Greetech Black

Cherry MX Clear

Also similar to MX Brown, but here the response is felt better. They are difficult to find and they are not very suitable for your first keyboard. In addition, they are very tight.

Analogues: Zealios

Cherry MX Nature White

A compromise between MX Black and MX Red. If black ones are very tight for you, but red ones are not felt, then look for these.

Analogues: No

Cherry MX Speed ​​Silver

Another option is MX Red. It's the same thing, only with a shorter stroke. Positioned as quick switches- the stroke was reduced by 40%, so they work really quickly.

Analogues: Razer Yellow

Semi-mechanical keyboards

The same membrane keyboards, but they sound like mechanical ones. But they have nothing in common with real switches, not even close. Do not buy such keyboards - if you want to save money or try it, then it is better to order a keyboard with switches from Kalih on Aliexpress.

What do I use

I use a keyboard with Cherry MX Blue switches because of the tactile feel and the keys feel very nice to press. I mainly write texts and design websites, so the feeling of each click is important to me. This is a great option for me, but I live in an apartment alone, the clicks don’t bother anyone. If you have children or other family members at home, guests or neighbors in rented accommodation, who might be annoyed by this, then it’s better to take a closer look at Cherry MX Brown or Red Silent - the sensations are not the same, but you won’t irritate your neighbors.