Cherry MX actuation force

[gcogger]

I'm trying to decide which mechanical switches I want, and I think it's the Cherry MX brown.  It's difficult to judge, however, without finding a board to try.

Does anyone have an idea of how the various MX switches would feel compared to a cheap Cherry G83 membrane keyboard or similar?  For example, would I find the MX black switches to be a lot heavier than I'm used to, or would the browns feel lighter?  I know it's difficult to compare the membranes to the MX switches, but does anyone have a gut feeling about this?

Thanks

[Arc'xer]

Take a look at the wiki.

Mechanical switch keyboards sorted by switch

Also check out Manyak's guide it shows more diagrams of the various ranges of force required along with the ranges of tactile curves, range of press and depress, note that all mx actuate half-way unlike a membrane dome that requires full-travel of around 3.5-4mm.

Manyak's mechanical keyboard guide @ OCN

Generally membrane domes, if I'm not mistaken are in the 45-60g(cN) region though they degrade so that number is not consistent.

[ch_123]

I have a G83 lying around somewhere.

Nearest comparison I can make to a decent switch is the Topre. The G83 and Topre are similar in that you have a soft landing when you bottom out (although the Topre is possibly softer) The Topre however is lighter, and has no friction on the downward travel whereas the G83 is quite rough in comparison.

Cherry Browns are often compared with the Topre. General consensus is that the brown switch is slightly more tactile, somewhat noisier and nowhere near as smooth. A lot of people seem to prefer the Topres over the Browns, but the Browns are much much cheaper.

Blues are quite different to the Browns being stiffer, more tactile, and being clicky. I have never used a Brown Cherry keyboard (but have used Blues and Topres) so I can't really compare it better than that, I'm sure others can.

Blacks are completely different, they are linear switches which have no tactile 'bump', and it's almost universally agreed upon that they are horrible for typing on.

In terms of force ratings for keys -
Cherry G83 - ~55g
Cherry Brown - 45g
Cherry Blue - 50g
Cherry Black - 60g
Topre - 45g
IBM Buckling Spring - 65-70g
ALPS - 55-70g (depending on which switch you get)

[gcogger]

Thanks - it sounds like the Browns would be fine for me, and I'd probably be OK with the blacks for gaming.  I'd read the various Wikis, but wasn't sure how the membrane switches compared.

[microsoft windows]

My Dell Quietkey I fished out of the trash at work feels exactly how you describe your $200 Topre.

[Mental Hobbit]

Cherry Browns are often compared with the Topre. General consensus is that the brown switch is slightly more tactile, somewhat noisier and nowhere near as smooth.

Browns are more tactile than Topres? I never touched a Topre, but I find it hard to believe that a rubberdome is yet less tactile than browns.

Thanks - it sounds like the Browns would be fine for me, and I'd probably be OK with the blacks for gaming.  

Do you want tactility, and can you bear "noise"? In comparision with a G83, browns feel pretty much linear, the tactile bump is really very, very subtle. Blues on the other hand have a very crisp tactile response - you actually feel the click.

[ch_123]

My Dell Quietkey I fished out of the trash at work feels exactly how you describe your $200 Topre.

I've typed on Dell Quietkeys. No comparison. Especially given that you don't have to bottom out on Topres, and are far more reliable.

But of course, we all know how you're eminently qualified to describe keyboards you don't have as if you have first hand experience. Do continue.

Browns are more tactile than Topres? I never touched a Topre, but I find it hard to believe that a rubberdome is yet less tactile than browns.

It seems to be a pretty common consensus that there's more going on the browns. I do find it a bit odd though, the Topres have a very pleasant tactility to them despite what the anti-Topre pissing brigade would have you believe. Definitely no Model F though.

[spolia optima]

Browns are my personal fav. they're pretty much perfect.

Oh and about "tactility", most rubber domes are more tactile than browns, problem is you haveta bottom out the things. there's a big gap between  the bottom of the bump and the actuation point though, which sucks.

There's something to be said about any keyboard that you can "ride" without ever hitting the bottom.

[gcogger]

Do you want tactility, and can you bear "noise"? In comparision with a G83, browns feel pretty much linear, the tactile bump is really very, very subtle. Blues on the other hand have a very crisp tactile response - you actually feel the click.

It's hard to say whether I need them to be very tactile, as I've not yet tried a non-tactile keyboard.  I'm a poor typist (yes, I expect I'll bottom out the keys), but better at gaming, so I'm guessing I could even get away with the blacks.  I'm pretty sure the 'click' from the blues would drive me up the wall, especially when gaming!

[ch_123]

The browns would be a nice compromise here, being relatively quiet, being somewhat linear and yet pleasant to type on. The only advantage that the Black cherries have is that they are stiffer and thus it's harder to accidentally press a key on them.

[nmatavka]

I'm shocked that someone might actually PREFER to type on a rubber dome keyboard.  Urgh.  Cherry Black (which happen to be on the Maltron, a $700 keyboard) are not nearly as good as the Blue or Brown variety, but I would still choose Cherry Black over---shiver---rubber dome keys.

Maltron and Model M/Customiser for the win.

[keyboardlover]

I'm shocked that someone might actually PREFER to type on a rubber dome keyboard.  Urgh.  Cherry Black (which happen to be on the Maltron, a $700 keyboard) are not nearly as good as the Blue or Brown variety, but I would still choose Cherry Black over---shiver---rubber dome keys.

Maltron and Model M/Customiser for the win.

Actually I think you might be surprised...there's some folks on this board that believe a Key Tronic ($30 rubber dome) feels just as good as a Topre. Personally, I use a Key Tronic at work and I love it. It's a very well-made rubber dome. Can't say that I'd definitely prefer a cherry brown (one of my favorite switches) but I have no complaints about the Key Tronic.

[noctua]

Rubber domes are never tactile -- the "contact" is closed then you pressed the key down.
On Topre rubber domes, there is an spongy capacitive "contact" that varied tenth of
millimeters. The only thing you may think that is tactile is the rubber self. You feel
only the rubber, but "never" then the contact is closed!!!