Red vs Blue vs Brown Switches: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right One

Informatec Digital » Resources » Red vs Blue vs Brown Switches: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right One

If you spend hours playing games, writing, or streaming, sooner or later you end up asking yourself the same question: Which mechanical switches are best for me: Red, Blue, or Brown? At first glance they only change color, but behind each one there is a different feeling, a different sound and a very particular performance depending on the use you are going to give them.

Furthermore, the matter is more complex than it seems, because not only the colors matter, but also the type of switch (linear, tactile, clicky, silent, low profile, dustproof, etc.) and the manufacturer (Cherry MX, Outemu, Kailh, Razer, Logitech, SteelSeries, among others). Choosing the right switches can make the difference between a comfortable and precise keyboard and one that frustrates you at the slightest provocation.especially if you compete online or write for hours every day.

What exactly are the switches on a mechanical keyboard?

When you press a key on your mechanical keyboard, you're not just pressing a piece of plastic: Below is a switch that determines how much force you need, when the keystroke is registered, and how the key returns to its initial position.All that "feeling" you notice when typing depends on that small mechanism.

Modern keyboards are dominated by two main families: membrane keyboards and mechanical switchesMembrane keyboards are typically cheap and quiet, with a spongier and less precise feel. Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, use an individual physical switch for each key, allowing for enormous customization in sound, feel, and performance.

A classic mechanical switch consists of a stem, a spring, metal contacts, an internal slider, and a housingWhen you press the key, the stem moves down, compressing the spring and causing the metal leaves to touch, registering the keystroke. When you release it, the spring pushes back up and the key returns to its original position.

Within this world there are several well-known manufacturers (peripheral manufacturers): Cherry MX, Outemu, Gateron and Kailh These are the most popular and compatible standards across most mechanical keyboards. Meanwhile, other brands like Razer, Logitech, and SteelSeries use their own proprietary switches (often inspired by Cherry) that are usually specific to their keyboards and, in many cases, not interchangeable.

Cherry MX traditionally enjoys a reputation for quality and consistency, but manufacturers like Outemu has gained ground due to its quality-price ratio and the huge variety of models and colors that they offer. This variety includes not only the classic Blue, Red, and Brown, but a very wide catalog of variants with different power levels, strokes, and sensations.

Why do switches come in different colors?

When you see a mechanical keyboard advertised with blue, red, or brown switches, it's not just an aesthetic touch: Color is a quick way to identify the feel and behavior of the switch.It's a kind of universal code that many manufacturers respect, especially when they imitate the Cherry MX standard.

Each color usually indicates aspects such as the type of sensation (linear, tactile, or clicky), the sound (quiet or noisy), the actuation force necessary to record the pulse, the activation distance and the total key travelRelatively small changes in these parameters generate very different experiences when writing or playing.

In the case of Outemu, for example, the three main colors are usually associated with these profiles: blue (clicky and tactile), red (linear and smooth) and brown (tactile without audible click)Based on that, variations then appear with different grams of force, shorter strokes, or special designs.

In addition, many brands add other colors such as black, green, purple, silver, orange, gold, rose gold, “sky” or “ocean”. Each tone represents a specific combination of strength, sound, and range, and in some cases also indicates additional features, such as being quiet, dustproof or low profile.

In short, color has become a quick guide so that the user can get an idea of ​​the switch's behavior without having to look at a complete technical data sheetHowever, it's always a good idea to check the data if you're looking for very specific sensations.

Blue switches: clicky feel and maximum feedback

Blue switches, whether Cherry MX Blue, Outemu Blue or other equivalents, are a favorite of many people who enjoy the classic "click" when typing. They are tactile and clicky switches, meaning they offer a small "bump" in the travel and a distinct sound when the press is registered..

In the case of regular Outemu Blue, the typical data is quite clear: actuation force of approximately 46 g, bottoming force of approximately 60 g, activation point around 2,2 mm, and total travel of 4 mmThis translates into a relatively light keystroke but with very clear feedback, which avoids having to press the key all the way down to be sure that it has been registered.

Therefore, this type of switch is highly recommended to Writing enthusiasts and casual gamers who value feel and precision more than extreme speedThe audible click and tactile feedback help prevent "repeating" keys due to insecurity and maintain a very comfortable typing rhythm during long sessions.

Many people who write daily prefer these switches because The key doesn't always reach the bottom of the key.The tactile and audible feedback tells users they don't need to press as hard. This can reduce fatigue and make typing more pleasant, although the noise can be an issue in offices, shared environments, or at home if you don't want to disturb anyone.

Within the Blue world of Outemu, there are several variants designed for different needs, while always maintaining the clicky character:

• Outemu Blue regular: standard clicky, 46g actuation, 2,2mm to activation point and 4mm total travel.
• Low-profile Outemu Blue: also clicky, but with a shorter travel (around 1,2 mm to the activation point and 3 mm total) and a greater actuation force, around 60 g, ideal for thin and portable keyboards.
• Outemu Blue dustproof: same clicky feeling as the regular Blue, with 46g of actuation force and 2,2mm of activation, but with a construction that It prevents dust and fine particles from entering the mechanism..
• Outemu Ice Blue: a transparent “premium” range, with about 62g of actuation force and activation close to 2mm. They are designed to offer greater manufacturing precision and a very pronounced clicky feel.
• Outemu GAOTE BlueAlso clicky, with approximately 60 g of actuation force and 2 mm of travel to the activation point. The term GAOTE indicates a production of higher quality and tighter tolerances by the manufacturer Dongguan Gaote Electronics.
• Outemu Cream Blue: clicky, with about 50g of actuation force, 60g at the bottom, 1,8mm of activation and 4mm total, combining slightly less initial force with a very controlled travel.
• Outemu Milk BlueAlso clicky, with around 50g of actuation, 65g at bottom, 1,6mm to the activation point and 4mm of total travel, designed to offer a smooth, factory-lubricated pulsation.

There are even "sky silent" and "ocean silent" variants associated with the color blue which, although they change the behavior (tactile silent and linear silent, respectively), maintain the idea of ​​covering different usage profiles without leaving the same color familyThe silent sky, for example, is usually tactile with an actuation force of 62-68 gy and 2 mm of activation, while the silent ocean is linear, around 50 gy with 1,6 mm of activation and 4 mm of total travel.

This whole range means that "blue" is not just a single switch, but a full range of clicky (and related) switches for those who want super-defined actuation, although with the inevitable toll of noise.

Network switches: linear, fast and silent

If your absolute priority is speed and you spend your days playing competitive shooters or MOBAs, you'll usually end up looking towards the red switches. The Red keys are linear, meaning they have no tactile bump or audible click: the key travels smoothly from beginning to end..

A clear example is Outemu's red switches, with figures very much geared towards performance: Linear feel, around 47g actuation force, 60g at bottom, activation at 2mm and total travel of 4mmWith no intermediate resistance, the keystroke is continuous and smooth, ideal for quick reactions, double-tapping, or key spamming in very intense games.

Besides pure performance, red switches have a clear advantage over blue ones: They generate much less noise because they do not include a clicky mechanism.They still make a sound (a mechanical keyboard is never completely silent), but the sound is more muted and less metallic. They're a good option for playing at night or in offices where you can't have a clicking concert.

However, that smoothness also has its downside: It's easier to register accidental keystrokes if you press your fingers too hard.This is precisely because there's no tactile bump to warn you before pressing the key. For those coming from Blue or Brown keyboards, it might take some getting used to not pressing too hard.

In keyboards designed for competitive use, many brands opt for "speed" variants of linear switches (very common in models like the Corsair K70 with its own speed switches). These speeds usually reduce the activation distance even further compared to a standard Red., seeking a higher actuation point to gain milliseconds in response time.

If we try to compare them to the Cherry range, A linear speed sensor is similar to a Red sensor in its lack of tactile feedback and sound, but with a shorter activation path.For those accustomed to Cherry MX Blue, these Speed ​​switches feel much more like Red or, at most, Brown in terms of smoothness (due to the lack of click), but always without the noisy and tactile character that is so appealing in Blue switches.

For all these reasons, red switches are usually positioned as The ideal choice for competitive gamers and those who need a quieter keyboard without sacrificing responsiveness.although they may not be so pleasant for those who prioritize feeling when writing long texts.

Brown Switches: The balance between gaming and typing

Between the loud click of the Blue and the quiet softness of the Red, the Brown appear as a middle ground. The brown switches are tactile but not clicky: you feel a slight bump when you press the key, but without the audible click of the blue ones..

In practice, this means that They provide finger feedback without filling the room with noise.You can clearly feel when the keystroke has registered, which helps prevent over-pressing, but the sound they produce is much more discreet and tolerable in offices, shared environments, or setups where other people are also nearby.

The regular Outemu Browns are, in terms of numbers, very close to the standard Blues: actuation force around 46 g, bottoming force around 60 g, activation point about 2,2 mm and total travel of 4 mmThe key difference lies in the internal mechanism: instead of a metallic click, there is only that tactile bump.

That intermediate character makes them An excellent option for those who need to write a lot but also play games fairly often.They have more feedback than a Red, which many appreciate when writing long texts, but they are much quieter than a Blue.

In fact, brown switches are recommended in many office environments and sectors with intensive data input because They produce less fatigue than a pure linear system and, at the same time, do not bother the rest of the colleagues as much.The sound remains distinctly mechanical, but without the "typewriter" component of the blue clicks.

Other types of switches and special variants

In addition to the classic blues, reds, and browns, manufacturers like Outemu offer complete families of switches with very specific characteristicsdesigned for travel keyboards, industrial environments, high-end equipment, or users seeking very specific sensations.

One of the most widespread categories are the “regular” mechanical switchesThese switches most closely mimic the standard design and size of Cherry MX switches. compatible with a wide range of keyboards and keycapsThis makes finding replacement parts and customizing the keyboard much easier. Many models, such as some hot-swappable mechanical keyboards, use these exact types of switches for easy replacement.

Another interesting variant is the low-profile switchesDesigned for thin, portable keyboards, they retain the idea of ​​offering tactile, linear, and clicky versions, but They reduce the height and shorten the travel of the keysIn the case of Outemu, they are somewhat taller than some low-profile Cherry MX switches, but they still offer that more "laptop-like" feel, with very fast response and a more stylized appearance.

In environments where dust is a real problem (workshops, factories, open spaces), the following come into play: dustproof switchesThese switches incorporate casings and internal designs that minimize the entry of fine particles into the mechanismprolonging the keyboard's lifespan and preventing key registration failures due to accumulated dirt.

For high-end setups and premium keyboards, Outemu offers its own Ice switchesThese are transparent switches with a higher level of manufacturing precision, which usually appear in tactile variants such as Ice Light Purple, Ice Dark Purple, Ice Grey or Ice Clear. They are geared towards users who want both a refined feel and very clean RGB lighting. thanks to the translucent casing.

The category of silent switcheswhich all reputable brands carry. In the case of Outemu, they are relatively inexpensive options and easy to find in the aftermarket. They may feel a little more "rubbery," reminiscent of a membrane keyboard.But a simple, well-done lubrication usually noticeably improves the smoothness and the feeling of quality.

Under the denomination GAOTE A line of Outemu switches is grouped together that stand out for superior quality control and greater manufacturing precisionThe name refers to the manufacturer itself (Dongguan Gaote Electronics) and is usually associated with "finer" versions of regular switches, maintaining compatibility and similar feel but with tighter tolerances.

Also interesting are "cream" switchesDesigned for those seeking exceptionally smooth typing, even under heavy use. They combine Dust protection with a very smooth key movementIn addition, they come pre-lubricated and factory sealed to better protect the internal mechanism.

Finally, the “milk” switches (milk) also pursue a very comfortable writing experience at a reasonable price. lubricated as standard and compatible with most common hot-swap PCBsThey usually offer several different strengths and colors, aimed at those who want something smooth without having to complicate things with homemade mods.

Hot-swap: changing switches without soldering

One of the major advances in mechanical keyboards in recent years is the popularization of the hot-swap PCBsThat is, boards that allow you to change switches without soldering or desoldering anything. You simply remove the switch with a suitable tool and install a compatible one.

This system allows you to create highly customized combos: Use light and fast switches on the movement or gaming skill keys, and more tactile or clicky switches on the typing block.It's also an inexpensive way to experiment with different feel options before deciding on a specific type for your entire keyboard.

If you're not sure which switch you'll like best, there's a very practical option: the “testers” or switch testersThey are small boards with a few different switches mounted on them (for example, various colors of Outemu, Cherry or Gateron) so you can test force, sound and feel without having to buy a whole keyboard every time.

Once you've tried several options and know what kind of feel you prefer (blue clicky, red linear, brown tactile, silent, etc.), it's much easier. buy a complete set of switches or directly look for a keyboard that comes standard with the type of switch you liked.

How to choose between Red, Blue and Brown according to your use

After seeing everything that lies behind the different colors, the question remains the same: Which is the best switch for me? The answer, to be honest, will always depend on your personal tastes, but the content of all these examples allows us to draw some fairly clear guidelines.

If yours is With their classic sound and pronounced feedback, the Blue headphones are for you.The audible click and tactile bump provide a very satisfying typing experience and help prevent incomplete or unsteady keystrokes. They are ideal for typists, writers, and users who enjoy the mechanical "noise" and don't share a workspace with people who might be bothered by it.

Instead, prioritize speed and smoothness in competitive gamesThe most logical choice is to go for linear switches like Red or even "speed" variants. The smooth movement, activation in 2 mm or less, and the absence of a click make it easier. rapid reactions, double pulses, and repeated actions with little fatigueIn addition, they are considerably quieter than the Blue ones, which is much appreciated at home or in the office.

For those who want something that's good for a little bit of everything, The Browns position themselves as a very sensible balanceThey have a tactile bump that provides feedback to the finger, but without the loud click of the blue ones, and they maintain good performance in both gaming and typing. In office environments, they are often a well-rounded choice because they are comfortable for long sessions and are not excessively noisy.

It is also worth bearing in mind that The best way to know what you really like is to try it.A user who loves Cherry MX Blue switches might find that certain "speed" switches feel too light or twitchy, more like Red or Brown switches than their beloved clicky Blue. Luckily, with hot-swap keyboards and switch testers, it's quite easy to compare feel without spending a fortune each time.

Ultimately, with all the variety offered by manufacturers like Outemu, Cherry MX or Kailh (and the custom variants from brands like Corsair, Razer, Logitech or SteelSeries), It's practically impossible that there isn't a switch that fits what you're looking for.All it takes is some patience, a little experimentation, and, if possible, a keyboard that allows you to change switches without soldering.

Having already learned the differences between Blue, Red and Brown, along with the special variants (low profile, silent, dustproof, Ice, GAOTE, cream, milk, etc.) and taking advantage of the possibilities of hot-swapping and switch testers, You have all the elements to choose the switch that best suits your gaming and typing style, balancing noise, speed, feel and comfort in your next mechanical keyboard.