Cherry MX mechanical switches have become synonymous with mechanical keyboards. As the originator of the "MX" switch style used across the industry, Cherry Corp still produces some of the most popular individual switch types. Two of the most common are Cherry MX Reds and Cherry MX Blues.
These linear and clicky switches cater towards different users and priorities. Read on for an in-depth comparison highlighting the key similarities and differences to help you decide whether red or blue better matches your needs.
Overview of Cherry MX Red and Blue Switches
Firstly, what defines these switches and what do they have in common?
Market Share and Popularity
Cherry MX switches hold the majority share of the mechanical keyboard market. Within that, data from 2021 indicates Red linear switches make up around 37% of keyboard sales. Tactile switches account for 28%, while clicky blue switches comprise 17%.
[Graph showing 37% Share for Reds, 28% Tactile, 17% Clicky, 18% Other]The dominance of reds coincides with the primary use for mechanical keyboards being gaming. Surveys of gamers consistently show strong preference for linear switches for their gaming keyboards.
This aligns with the characteristics of red switches suiting fast-paced gaming – light actuation force, smooth travel, and quiet operation.
While less popular overall, clicky switches like Cherry MX Blues have an extremely loyal user base among touch typists. The definitive bump feedback is praised as helping accuracy and rhythm while typing.
Common Features
- Gold crosspoint contact system – Precisely milled contact leaves clamp together when actuated to register keypress
- Made in Germany with advanced automated production and stringent quality control
- Available in keyboards from all major manufacturers like Corsair, Logitech, Ducky etc
- Around 50 million keystroke lifespan through extensive stress testing
- Stable performance across a wide -15°C to 55°C operating temperature range
- 4mm total travel distance from top to bottom
- Both suitable for gaming, with Reds preferred by most gamers
Where They Differ
- Type: Reds are linear while blues are clicky tactile
- Sound: Blues make a distinctive click sound, reds are quiet
- Force required: Reds have a lighter 45g actuation force vs 60g for blues
- Feel: Reds have a smooth press, blues have a bump feel and audible click
Now let‘s unpack those differences further…
Sound and Feel Comparison
One of the most noticeable differences is the auditory and tactile feedback. This impacts the overall typing experience.
Cherry MX Blue Sound Test
Blues have a click jacket mechanism that produces a distinctive "click" sound on the downstroke once the key actuates. It also provides physical tactile feedback in the form of a bump you feel in the switch travel.
[Diagram of blue switch internals]As the key presses down, a plastic jacket wraps around the stem, clicking against the switch housing. The increased resistance from the jacket also creates the tactile bump felt while pressing.
Hear the click sound profile:
[Sound clip]The activation force of 60g combined with the tactile bump means you effectively have to "bottom out" the key to register a keystroke. This makes blues popular with typists transitioning from rubber dome keyboards.
Cherry MX Red Sound Test
Reds on the other hand have a straight, smooth travel without any bump or click.
[Diagram of red switch internals]With just a spring and single-piece stem, the press encounters no obstacles until hitting the base of the switch.
The 45g operating force means keystrokes register before hitting the bottom.
Hear the smooth sound here:
[Sound clip]This lighter actuation and silent travel is a plus for gaming, where rapid presses are required without extraneous noise. The reduced resistance also leads to less fatigue for intense gaming sessions.
Bottoming Out Comparison
Due to their higher actuation force, Cherry MX Blue typists tend to "bottom out" with every keystroke, pressing all the way down until the switch stops.
Conversely, the lower force Reds can activate part way through the switch travel. But untrained typists likely still bottom them out due to years of muscle memory mashing membrane keyboards.
Hear the difference when bottoming out Reds vs Blues:
[Bottom out sound comparison]For those with proper typing technique, Cherry MX Reds provide an opportunity for less impactful presses by only pressing partway. But for heavy-handed users Blues enforce less harsh bottom outs thanks to their higher resistance requiring more control.
Typing Feel Comparison
The typing experience mirrors the differences in sound profile.
Many fast touch typists praise the positive feel of blues, with the tactile and auditory feedback allowing accurate typing without needing to bottom out. However some may find the weight tiresome over long typing periods, leading to fatigue.
Meanwhile, the smooth and quiet red switch press has its own appeal – easier sliding from key to key, and reduced strain on the fingers when typing for hours on end. The lighter 45g actuation is more forgiving.
Analysis of the force curve illustrates the difference:
[Force graph Red vs Blue switches]Ultimately it comes down to personal preference – what kind of typing feel allows you to type fastest or most comfortably over extended durations?
Gaming Capabilities
Both Cherry MX red and blue switches are perfectly functional for gaming. However most surveys of gamers indicate a 72% preference towards linear red switches for gaming keyboards.
The lower actuation force and quiet smooth travel makes repeated presses easier – whether spamming a movement key or relying on fast reaction times. Without excess noise, red switches also avoid disturbing others nearby.
Blue clicky switches are by no means unusable for gaming. In fact some gamers enjoy the definite bump feedback as a reassurance their press registered properly amid frantic button mashing!
But for most, the lighter 45g press on Cherry MX red suits rapid gaming inputs better. The reduced resistance allows quicker taps for tighter in-game control.
Noise Levels
As evidenced by the sound comparisons earlier, Cherry MX blues are substantially louder and higher pitched than reds due to the click jacket mechanism.
The click sound certainly provides definitive confirmation each key actuated. But accumulated over a lengthy typing or gaming session, the noise can become distracting or invasive for users and those around them.
Meanwhile Reds produce some noise but it is a lower, duller sound that most would classify only as mild noise compared to the blue "clack." Their smooth travel avoids any loud bottoming out clack, unless keys are mashed extremely aggressively.
If keyboard noise must be kept to a minimum, whether in a shared office or to avoid voice chat pickup, Cherry MX linear red switches achieve that best.
When Keyboard Noise Causes Problems
Keyboard noise in the form of loud clicking or clacking can cause issues in various scenarios:
- Disrupting conversations or phone calls in shared offices
- Preventing users hearing in-game footsteps and other subtle audio cues
- Transmitting annoying background noise in voice or video calls
- Disturbing a sleeping partner when working night shifts
Any high-intensity computing with frequent keyboard presses risks noise-based disruption, across gaming, coding, data entry and other applications. Tactile or clicky switches substantially raise the potential for that ambient noise interference.
Ergonomics and Fatigue
Keyboard use for many hours a day, whether intensive typing or gaming, places physical strain on the hands and fingers. Minimizing fatigue helps avoid longer term RSI or injury risk.
The lighter 45g red switches pressure requires less effort to depress over the course of a long session. Less muscle exertion can reduce general exhaustion and joint strain on the fingers. Reds are often cited as one of the more ergonomic switch options as a result.
Studies on reducing Repetitive Strain Injuries indicate lower force keyboards demonstrate substantial reduction in injury rates, in some cases by 50% or more. The lighter Cherry MX linear switches promote improved ergonomics.
However, other users may find the higher operating force of Cherry blues helps them type more efficiently, with less unnecessary bottoming out. This can achieve a similar reduction in fatigue by utilizing improved typing technique.
Ultimately there are arguments either way. But for users prone to joint pain or typing for 8+ hours daily, the lighter reds likely induce less tiredness and potential medical issues.
Alternatives to Cherry MX Reds and Blues
Cherry manufactures several other MX style switch types worth considering as alternatives.
Other Clicky Switches
Cherry MX Blues are the most popular clicky switch but alternatives do exist:
- Cherry MX Greens – Identical to blues but with a heavier 80g operating force. Very stiff and clicky.
- Kailh Box White – Click bar design rather than jacket, enhance click feeling. 70g force.
- Gateron Blue – MX-style offering a similar clicky feel.
Overall the Cherry MX Bluesensures good availability and a balance of tactile feedback without overly heavy resistance. But for those finding them too light/easy to press, consider checking out the more challenging greens.
Other Linear Switches
While the red switch reigns supreme for gaming, some other linear switches are also worthy of consideration:
- Cherry MX Black – Very smooth press but quite stiff at 60g actuation force
- Cherry MX Silver/Speed – Swift actuation at just 1.2mm travel but prone to typos
- Gateron Yellow – Budget MX alternative, great value for buttery smooth keystrokes
Cherry MX Reds strike a nice sweet spot between being light enough for speed but without sacrificing precision. They have become the default standard linear switch for good reason.
Switch Lifespan Considerations
Cherry mechanical keyswitches are designed and tested to last up to 50 million presses, far exceeding membrane keyboards rated for only 5 million.
But for extreme use cases like competitive gamers or full-time coders who rack up 12+ hours of daily keyboard usage, switch longevity becomes more crucial.
Rapid actuation wears components faster, with heavy typists reporting degraded switch feel after a year. Consider premium grade switches, or hot-swappable boards allowing easier replacement. Monitoring double press frequency over time indicates worn internals needing replacement.
Thankfully mechanical switches use quality materials and precision manufacturing to ensure longevity for more reasonable usage levels.
Comparison Chart
| Feature | Cherry MX Blue | Cherry MX Red |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Clicky tactile | Linear |
| Sound | Clicky/Loud | Quiet smooth |
| Actuation force | 60g | 45g |
| Reset point | 2.2mm | 2mm |
| Travel distance | 4mm | 4mm |
| Lifespan | 50 million strokes | 50 million strokes |
| Best for | Typing | Gaming |
Conclusion
Neither switch is intrinsically "better" overall – they each suit certain priorities and use cases better.
The crisp response plus audible and tactile click feedback makes Cherry MX blues widely loved by touch typists. They promote good typing technique. However, the higher noise may irritate coworkers or gaming teammates.
Cherry MX reds are the most common choice for gaming keyboards. The smooth light press allows rapid actuation without fatigue for quick reflexes and repeated keystrokes. Reds work well for general typing too, although some users yearn for more tactile or audible feedback.
Considering their loyal fanbases, both switch types deliver an excellent and durable typing experience. Personal preferences should drive any deciding factors on sound, force and ergonomics.
In summary:
- Blues suit those wanting a responsive "mechanical" feel with definitive feedback
- Reds cater towards users wanting a fast, fluid, quieter typing experience
Weigh up whether sound profile, operating force, or other factors discussed here should drive your own decision between these classic mechanical switches. Neither are objectively better – just different options to match diverse modern computing tasks and user needs.
