Dumb newbie question - brown vs blue

[Fobbah]

Hey guys, sorry if this has been brought up before. I'm looking at buying my first mech keyboard, and tossing up between browns vs blue switches - I havn't had the opportunity to try either, but tactile response "sounds" like what i'd be after. I'm currently thinking i'll go with a set of browns on noppoo choc mini, as while a loud keyboard won't bother me i'd like to be able to have the option of using this at work without actively going out to drive people up the wall . However sound is not a huge deal to me, i'm more concerned with what's going to be the best typing experience and while i know this is subjective it seems that browns are probably (one of) the most popular at the moment?

So to get on with it:

My question is simple - I'm aware that the main difference between blues and browns is reduced noise and slightly reduced actuation force. Is there a noticeable difference in the "bump" felt when actuating the switch as well, or are they pretty much the same apart from browns not clicking audibly when the switch actuates?

[enoy21]

The sound volume is not that different if you bottom out when typing, The Pitch is different though.

The tactility is different, browns feel almost linear at times, but like others , I can feel it more with some time on it.  I'm moving into a new office and I will find out how bad the blues are at bugging others at that time.

I like blues here at work and browns at home for gaming/typing.  I need my ten key at work for IP/subnet work.

The actuation force on browns is actually a little higher than blues contrary to popular belief as you need to max force to overcome the tactile bump so it's 55g to actuate ( which I think most people really prefer )

 Check my reviews of the filco from amazon and the WASD in the review section.

BTW , Not dumb and welcome to GH.   You will enjoy either one you choose.

[Tony]

There is a noticeable bump feel. Blue bump are more easily felt than brown bump (60g to 55g to be exact). Check the switch wiki for some actuation pictures.

[Fobbah]

Thanks for the quick reply - I have a follow up question, first a bit of background:

I'm a guitarist, software engineer and gamer, so while i'm young now and haven't had too many issues so far (the odd bout of tendinitis but not very severe - just have to baby my arms from time to time), RSI in the future is a concern for me. I'm thinking that if i can train myself to type in such a way that i bottom out a little as possible, I'd be placing less strain on my tendons from the constant sharp impacts from typing all day long. It's not a huge concern with my choice in switch but probably the main thing that would push me one way or the other with browns vs blues. I've seen the ergo mech keyboards out there and i'll probably be interested in one in the future, but they're a bit outside my budget right now .

Noting that you mentioned that there is a difference in the actuation force, but you feel that the blues have more tactile response at the actuation point, would you say it would be easier to type without bottoming out on a KB fitted with blues, or one with browns? Sorry if this is getting to the point where it's rather subjective haha.

Cheers,
Fobbah

[itlnstln]

There is a noticeable bump feel. Blue bump are more easily felt than brown bump (55g to 45g to be exact). Check the switch wiki for some actuation pictures.

Fixed that for you.

[pitashen]

If you are in an absolute confusion, just go with brown, you won't regret.

[noodles256]

this has been brought a million times. no need to apologize

[CeeSA]

browns are a little bit boring, blues are sexy

[supremeMilo]

there are always Clears

[Harlequin]

If you are in an environment where you cannot have loud clicky noise, go for brown.
If you can, then go for blue. A lot of people begin mech kb with blue switch imo. I did too.

And secondly, it depends wat kind of games you are playing currently.
If you are playing FPS, black is suitable. If you are playing RTS then blue and brown are good.
MMORPG, hmm.. anything. Red is pretty good for MMORPG i reckon.

[Fobbah]

Thanks for the good advice guys, I think i'll be going with blues, as i'm not overly worried about the sound.

[Surnia]

A late opinion on the subject, but due to how the switches are constructed, the blues will click and "fall" after the key actuates. Its a much more pronounces tactile feel, and to me felt like it could really help with touch typing (don't have one, in store comparison of browns vs. blues). However, I personally could not stand how the key resets; took long on the upstroke for me to use it properly. I went with browns for a more... standard key feel (it is a single piece key afterall), and I haven't looked back.

I believe ripster made a good analogy to how keys felt a while ago, with blues being like a clicky ballpoint pen and browns to be somewhat akin to old school light switches... Please correct me if I'm wrong =p