
Cherry MX Brown Tactile Switches
The Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch with a light 45g actuation force and a subtle bump, offering a quiet, responsive typing experience without the loud click. It’s a versatile all-rounder, perfect for both casual gamers and office warriors alike.
- Switch Type: Tactile
- Actuation Force: 55g
- Mount: PCB (5-pin) or Plate (3-pin) mount
- Lubrication: Unlubed
Price Comparison
Vendor | Discount Code | Price (USD) | |
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— | $11.99 | Buy |
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— | $5.12 | Buy |
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— | $0.40 | Buy |
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— | — | Buy |
Cherry MX Brown
Cherry MX Browns are the original go-to switch for people who want a bit of feedback without waking the whole block. These tactile switches feature a subtle bump at the actuation point, giving you a light indication that the key has registered—without the click-clack kaboom of something like MX Blues. For many, Browns were their first mechanical switch, and while the enthusiast crowd has moved toward newer tactiles, MX Browns still hold down the fort as a reliable, accessible option for typing and casual gaming.
Key Features
- Type: Tactile – features a gentle bump at actuation, but no click.
- Operating Force: 55g – right in the middle; not too heavy, not too light.
- Pre-Travel: 2.0mm | Total Travel: 4.0mm – standard Cherry travel profile.
- Stem: Brown tactile stem – iconic and instantly recognizable.
- Feel: Subtle tactility, relatively quiet, great for long typing sessions.
- Lifespan: Rated for 50 million keystrokes – solid longevity for daily use.
User Feedback
Cherry MX Browns have been called the “safe choice” for years — and that’s not a diss. They offer a well-balanced feel that works in almost any scenario, from late-night code marathons to spreadsheets in a shared office. Many users say they help reduce typing fatigue thanks to the gentle bump, while still being quiet enough to avoid raised eyebrows in open-plan setups.
However, among switch enthusiasts, MX Browns have started to feel a bit… dated. The bump is relatively shallow compared to modern tactile switches, and some users describe the feel as “scratchy” or “mushy” out of the box. If you’re after a crisp tactile hit or more pronounced feedback, you might find Browns a bit too polite.
Still, if you want a reliable, middle-ground tactile switch with years of proven performance, Cherry MX Browns remain a dependable option. They’re vanilla, sure — but sometimes vanilla’s exactly what you need when you’re not looking to start a flavor war at your desk.
Specifications
Model | Cherry MX Brown |
---|---|
Brand | Cherry |
Manufacturer | Cherry |
Feel | Tactile |
Sound | Quiet, mild |
Spring | Stainless Steel |
Actuation Force | 55g |
Bottom-Out Force | - |
Pre-Travel | 2.2mm |
Total Travel | 4.0mm |
Lubrication | Unlubed |
Stem Structure | MX |
Stem Material | POM |
Top Housing Material | Nylon |
Bottom Housing Material | Nylon |
Mount | 3-pin Plate or 5-pin PCB |
SMD LED Support | Yes |
Lifespan | 100 Million |