Red vs Blue vs Brown Keyboard Switches
Red switches are linear and light, brown switches have a soft bump, and blue switches add a click; the color names come from Cherry MX, and others follow.
By Liam McCabeContributing writer.
On this page
The short answer
A mechanical keyboard has a separate switch under every key. The switch's color tells you how it feels:
- Red: linear. The key moves straight down with no bump and no click.
- Brown: tactile. You feel a small bump when the key registers, but it stays quiet.
- Blue: clicky. A bump plus an audible click.
The names come from Cherry's MX switches. Many other brands use the same colors for a similar feel, but force and sound can differ, so check the maker's numbers for the exact switch.
What makes a keyboard mechanical
A membrane keyboard registers a press when a rubber dome squashes onto a contact sheet that spans the whole board. A mechanical keyboard gives each key its own switch with a spring and a moving stem. That design lets makers tune the force, the travel and the feedback of each switch type. Newer magnetic (Hall effect) and optical switches sense the key position without metal contacts.
Of the 1,336 keyboards listed on Wiki Shopping on October 26, 2026, 717 state a switch type: 432 mechanical, 163 membrane, 112 Hall effect and 10 optical.
Red vs blue vs brown, by the numbers
Cherry publishes these figures for its MX2A switches:
| Switch | Feel | Operating force | Pre-travel | Total travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX Red | Linear, no click | 45 cN | 2.0 mm | 4.0 mm |
| MX Brown | Tactile, no click | 55 cN | 2.0 mm | 4.0 mm |
| MX Blue | Tactile with click | 60 cN | 2.2 mm | 4.0 mm |
Operating force is how hard you press before the key registers (cN is centinewtons). Pre-travel is how far the key moves before it registers. Cherry rates the Red and Brown for more than 100 million keystrokes and the Blue for more than 50 million.
Which one fits you
- Gaming and fast repeated presses: a light linear switch like a red lets you press without working through a bump. On Wiki Shopping, 162 keyboards list linear switches.
- Typing all day, shared rooms: a tactile brown confirms each press without the noise. 50 keyboards list tactile switches.
- Typing where noise is fine: a blue gives the clearest feedback. 38 keyboards list clicky switches.
If you are unsure, a switch tester (a small block with several switch types) lets you try them before buying a full keyboard.
Keyboard sizes explained
Keyboard sizes are named by how much of a full layout they keep:
| Size | What it drops | Keyboards on Wiki Shopping |
|---|---|---|
| Full-size | Nothing; has the number pad | 344 |
| 96% to 98% | Squeezes the number pad and arrows closer | 103 |
| TKL (80%) | The number pad | 64 |
| 75% | Number pad; packs the navigation keys into a column | 121 |
| 65% | Number pad and the function row | 47 |
| 60% | Number pad, function row and arrow keys | 82 |
Smaller boards leave more room for a mouse but move some keys to a function layer.
How we count
Switch type, switch feel and size are read from each keyboard's store listing. Keyboards that do not state them are left out of those counts. The counts change as listings are added or removed.
Shop by spec
Keyboards
Full size, Wired, Membrane
+Full size layout with a complete key set
+Wired USB connection needs no batteries
+Slim membrane scissor switches
−Membrane switches differ from mechanical keyboards
−Wired connection limits desk placement
$22.99-53%List: $48.99
as of 11/03/2026 23:44 PST - DetailsProduct details
$22.99as of 11/03/2026 23:44 PST - Details
View on AmazonPros
+Full size layout with a complete key set
+Wired USB connection needs no batteries
+Slim membrane scissor switches
Cons−Membrane switches differ from mechanical keyboards
−Wired connection limits desk placement
Compared with this page−No wireless (678 of the 1263 here have one)
How pros and cons are picked (About: Disclaimer)Other stores (1)
Best BuyVisit store
About this product
- Slim keyboard profile just 0.75 inches thin.
- Premium laptop-style scissor keys for quiet, precise control and responsiveness.
- Full size standard keyboard area for comfortable and familiar typing, integrated numeric keypad, and one-touch controls for instant access to email and media controls.
- Keyboard can be raised to a 30 degree angle for typing comfort with integrated tilt stands.
- Wired, reliable USB connectivity without the need for batteries; Compatible with windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and Mac OS X 10.6 and later
Wired, Membrane
+Six dedicated macro keys
+IP42 dust and spill resistance
+Backlit keys with RGB lighting
−Wired connection only
−Membrane switches rather than mechanical
$39.99-43%List: $69.99
as of 11/03/2026 22:29 PST - DetailsProduct details
$39.99as of 11/03/2026 22:29 PST - Details
View on AmazonPros
+Six dedicated macro keys
+IP42 dust and spill resistance
+Backlit keys with RGB lighting
+Works with Mac computers
Cons−Wired connection only
−Membrane switches rather than mechanical
Compared with this page−No wireless (678 of the 1263 here have one)
How pros and cons are picked (About: Disclaimer)Other stores (1)
Best BuyVisit store
About this product
- Dynamic RGB Backlighting: Light up your desktop with six onboard lighting effects, assign a color to each lighting zone, or program your own vibrant lighting effects across five RGB lighting zones with CORSAIR iCUE software.
- Six Dedicated Macro Keys: Activate functions, shortcuts, or keypresses in just one stroke with six dedicated macro keys, easily set up through CORSAIR iCUE software, or use instant streaming commands through Elgato Stream Deck software.
- Dust and Spill-Resistant Design: IP42-rated protection guards against accidents so your gameplay never has to stop.
- Detachable Palm Rest: A soft rubber palm rest reduces stress on your hands so you can play longer in comfort, with a textured surface to keep your hands from slipping.
- Dedicated Volume and Media Keys: Convenient control for media playback and fine-tuning volume on-the-fly without having to interrupt your game.
Wireless
+Wireless connection with no cable clutter
+Bundled with a mouse in one combo
+Compact keyboard size for smaller desks
$39.97-43%List: $69.99
as of 11/04/2026 00:02 PST - DetailsProduct details
$39.97as of 11/04/2026 00:02 PST - Details
View on AmazonPros
+Wireless connection with no cable clutter
+Bundled with a mouse in one combo
+Compact keyboard size for smaller desks
+Quiet typing keys
How pros and cons are picked (About: Disclaimer)About this product
- Start With a POP: Stand out with this stylish Bluetooth keyboard and mouse combo that's bold in design, compact, and comes with customizable Action Keys and Buttons [2] so you can own your space
- Designed to be different: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo is anything but ordinary. Its modern, contoured design is made with recycled plastic[1] and is available in matching colors
- Make a Big Impression on the Quiet: The quiet keyboard has contoured, low-profile keys for comfortable typing, while the silent mouse features Silent Touch Technology to keep things extra quiet
- Life is easier with shortcuts: Quickly switch between modes - work, break (Netflix, Spotify), or access your AI tools with Action Keys, Action Buttons, and Logi Options+ App[2]
- Easily hop across 3 devices: Connect with Bluetooth to up to 3 wireless devices across OS (Windows, macOS, iPadOS, iOS[3], ChromeOS) with a press of a button
- Compatible with MacBook Neo laptops: instant Bluetooth connection, seamless & color-matched
- Go for longer: The Bluetooth keyboard has a 3-year battery life[4] and the mouse has a 2-year battery life[4] with auto-sleep power-saving mode, to give you hours of use. Batteries included
- Plastic parts in POP Icon Combo include certified post-consumer recycled plastic (between 37% and 70%, depending on the color). Uses FSC-certified paper for responsible packaging
75%, Wireless, Mechanical, clicky
+Compact 75% layout saves desk space
+Wireless connection with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and USB-C
+Hot-swappable switches for easy switch changes
−Clicky switches are loud for shared spaces
$39.99-33%List: $59.99
as of 11/04/2026 07:06 PST - DetailsProduct details
$39.99as of 11/04/2026 07:06 PST - Details
View on AmazonPros
+Compact 75% layout saves desk space
+Wireless connection with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and USB-C
+Hot-swappable switches for easy switch changes
+Volume knob for quick audio control
Cons−Clicky switches are loud for shared spaces
How pros and cons are picked (About: Disclaimer)Other stores (1)
Best BuyVisit store
About this product
- Compact 75% Layout Design: Featuring a space-saving 80-key layout with Gasket mount construction and hot-swappable sockets for solder-free DIY customization and easy switch replacement
- Tri-Mode Connectivity Options: Enjoy versatile connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired modes, plus a dedicated quick-switch button for seamless transitions between devices
- Extended Battery Performance: Equipped with a large 6000mAh rechargeable battery for significantly extended usage time and long-lasting wireless performance throughout your workday or gaming sessions
- Multi-Device Bluetooth Pairing: Bluetooth mode supports pairing with up to 3 devices simultaneously and allows quick and easy switching among them for enhanced productivity
- Cross-Platform System Compatibility: Fully compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, featuring a convenient hotkey for seamless system switching between platforms
- Hot-Swappable Blue Switches: Pre-installed with clicky blue mechanical switches that can be easily replaced without soldering, allowing you to customize your typing experience and sound profile
- RGB Backlit Illumination: Features customizable RGB backlighting with multiple lighting effects and brightness levels to enhance your gaming setup and improve visibility in low-light conditions
- Convenient Volume Control Knob: Includes a dedicated rotary volume knob for quick and precise audio adjustments without interrupting your workflow or gameplay