Have I chose the correct Cherry mx??

[mini66]

I just want to make sure I have chose the correct Cherry mx for my type of gaming as I'm still a newbie to keyboards!? I have chose a red Cherry mx keyboard, is red the most quietest and most responsive?

[Moosecraft]

I wouldn't call reds the most responsive since you don't feel when they actuate. I really like reds for gaming though because I feel its easier to hover over the actuation point.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

I cannot truly assess MX Reds, having never owned a Red board, but the general consensus is that they are one of the best switches for gaming. I am sure other MX Red owners will attest to that.

EDIT: To generalize, linear switches are considered better for gaming, tactile switches are better for general typing.

[phetto]

Yes MX red is one of my favorite switch. If you have stock keycaps (OEM height on them) you can add thin O-rings to them to make them even quiter but it will decrease the travel length, which can be both good or bad depending on what you like. I like it a lot.

Link here, I believe its the red ones that works best.
 http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/cherry-mx-rubber-switch-dampeners.html

[mini66]

Sorry I didn't mean most responsive I mean the key works with the slightest of key presses...I didn't mean to upset anyone lol

[snoopy]

The real question is, did you choose the correct switch brand?

[JPG]

Even for gaming, in the end it's a personal choice. And it will probably depend on the game. You could enjoy them a lot and you could hate them. Still they will probably be way better than rubber dome anyway.

Best way to find you is to try them all! 

But the reds are a popular choice for gamers. Popular does not mean everyone prefers them, but at least they are a good choice to try out first!

[CPTBadAss]

When you get the keyboard and you like it and the switches, then it is the right board for you.

[Moosecraft]

When you get the keyboard and you like it and the switches, then it is the right board for you.

Meh , I like and appreciate all types of cherry switches.

[mini66]

Sorry I should have chose my words better! But I'm still a newbie THANKS everyone for you input

[mauri]

You go for the prettiest color, curse you cherry for not producing pink or purple mx

[Moosecraft]

You go for the prettiest color, curse you cherry for not producing pink or purple mx

Cherry MX unicorn-vomit.

[meiosis]

You go for the prettiest color, curse you cherry for not producing pink or purple mx

Buy whites and dye them pink

[C5Allroad]

I absolutely love my reds, though I have used them in two weeks. It was super easy to go into cover and move around in Planetside 2.
They are light and you don't really feel a hinderence when pressing down on the key. If you can try to find a local retailer with mechanical keyboards that you can try. I bought both of my boards wrought trying and wish I would tried the switches before I bought the reds but I LOVE them. I fell in love after two of days of typing on them lol. And for browns I fell in love with too. I guess it's like a background on your desktop; you change the switch for whatever you're in the mood for.
What kind of games do you play?

[mr. rampage]

If you get black switches you can surf your keys, but I hear you can fatigue your fingers easier with them. Reds are fairly sensitive.. Browns aren't bad either because you can feel the actuation.

[C5Allroad]

Yes browns are nice too, really nice. I love mine. If you don't like a switch return the keyboard and buy another one. 

[SonOfSonOfSpock]

Just like a lot of other people have said, it depends on preference, but red switches are said to be better for gaming. If you can, it's much better to try them out in person before buying. MicroCenter is a good place to try out mechanical keyboards if you have one nearby. The one near me had keyboards with the four major switch types. Outside of that a lot of Best Buys have Razer Black Widow keyboards which have blue switches. If you wanted to see what various switch types feel like http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/ has a sampler kit that has blue, red, black, brown, and clear swithces. It isn't the same effect as getting a keyboard with all those switches, but it's better than randomly guessing what the switches feel like.

[Morwrath]

Only tried black/brown/blue, out of those black and brown are good for gaming.
Really didn't like blues but that might be due to trying the Razer Black Widow.
Reds should be good aswell, like browns just without the small activation bump.

[hashbaz]

I believe the "linear switches are best for gaming" thing originated with FPS gamers who double-tap frequently and want to be able to hover the switch just above the actuation point.  This is harder, but possible, to do with tactile switches.  Blue switches make it quite difficult since the release point is above the actuation point.

So outside of that, I think the best switches for gaming are whatever you prefer.

[C5Allroad]

I think maxkeyboard has the nicest sampler kit.

[PointyFox]

I just want to make sure I have chose the correct Cherry mx for my type of gaming as I'm still a newbie to keyboards!? I have chose a red Cherry mx keyboard, is red the most quietest and most responsive?

MX switches aren't necessarily the "best for gaming".  The quietest MX switches are probably MX brown or MX black.  Both those switch types have features that help you to not bottom out as hard as with MX red.  MX blue clicks, so that's out.  As for the most responsive, your best bet would be rubber dome since they're are more "all or nothing" response similar to mx blue, but without the reset point problem.

Of the MX switches, the best for most games are linear switches.  Red or black preference is determined by how strong your fingers are, (though there is only like 30% difference between the two).
For RTS games, mx brown would also be viable if you like to "float" your fingers above the actuation point and can consciously press the keys passed the tactile bump each time and not just stop on it. 
I don't recommend blues for gaming due to the tactility getting in the way since you often have to hold down keys.   Another large drawback to them is that the point to reset the clicky part on the switch is above the point at which it clicks; so you need to pick your fingers up higher each time to reset it, and can produce keystrokes without clicking and feel like mush if you don't.  Linears remove the features that complicate the keypresses and distract you from the game.

So, if you don't bottom out too hard on red, they will be good for gaming.  MX black is recommended for people with normal finger strength since the 30% extra spring force helps to cushion the keystrokes.  Rubber domes are also recommended for gaming, though regular rubber dome switches wear out quickly.  Higher quality rubber dome switches are scissor switches and Topre.

[saturnotaku]

I would buy a switch sampler kit. They're available for $10 shipped from Amazon. It isn't like typing on a full size board but you can at least get a good idea of what the keys will feel like before investing more money.

[rowdy]

Sorry I didn't mean most responsive I mean the key works with the slightest of key presses...I didn't mean to upset anyone lol

Yes, MX reds have the lightest springs in standard MX switches.

I think maxkeyboard has the nicest sampler kit.

I think QWERKeys has the nicest switch tester

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48193.0

[uzoc]

Sorry I didn't mean most responsive I mean the key works with the slightest of key presses...I didn't mean to upset anyone lol

That usually means less key travel... (usually/some rubber dome keyboards).
That's what I wanted also, and I got pretty close with rubber dampeners and also low height keycaps (Cherry brand or others). 

[uzoc]

You go for the prettiest color, curse you cherry for not producing pink or purple mx

Cherry MX unicorn-vomit.

Yeah, I think that the pinkish/violet'y' color...

[mauri]

You go for the prettiest color, curse you cherry for not producing pink or purple mx

Buy whites and dye them pink

Way ahead of you sir

[acer589]

Yeah, reds should treat you well.

[mapple]

I just want to make sure I have chose the correct Cherry mx for my type of gaming as I'm still a newbie to keyboards!? I have chose a red Cherry mx keyboard, is red the most quietest and most responsive?

MX switches aren't necessarily the "best for gaming".  The quietest MX switches are probably MX brown or MX black.  Both those switch types have features that help you to not bottom out as hard as with MX red.  MX blue clicks, so that's out.  As for the most responsive, your best bet would be rubber dome since they're are more "all or nothing" response similar to mx blue, but without the reset point problem.

Of the MX switches, the best for most games are linear switches.  Red or black preference is determined by how strong your fingers are, (though there is only like 30% difference between the two).
For RTS games, mx brown would also be viable if you like to "float" your fingers above the actuation point and can consciously press the keys passed the tactile bump each time and not just stop on it. 
I don't recommend blues for gaming due to the tactility getting in the way since you often have to hold down keys.   Another large drawback to them is that the point to reset the clicky part on the switch is above the point at which it clicks; so you need to pick your fingers up higher each time to reset it, and can produce keystrokes without clicking and feel like mush if you don't.  Linears remove the features that complicate the keypresses and distract you from the game.

So, if you don't bottom out too hard on red, they will be good for gaming.  MX black is recommended for people with normal finger strength since the 30% extra spring force helps to cushion the keystrokes.  Rubber domes are also recommended for gaming, though regular rubber dome switches wear out quickly.  Higher quality rubber dome switches are scissor switches and Topre.

i don't what he is talking about to say you true....... sc2 player ~200 apm on blue switches and they are very good for gaming at least for me.

In the end it's always about your personal preferences.

[ragnog81]

General consensus is that linear switches (Black, Red) are better for gaming, while click switches (Blue, Brown, Green, ..) are better for typing.

About gaming switches, on most recent gaming keyboards Reds are generally preferred to Black switches (new Corsair K70 and K95, Gigabyte Avia Osmium and more).
Anyway it's really subjective in my opinion.
Personally I have tried Red switches but I have decided to buy a keyboard with Black switches for gaming.

Reason: I mostly play an MMO RPG based on combos. Red switches are so soft that missclicking is very easy, and if you often accidentally press the wrong button in a combo sequence it completely ruins your performance. Black switches are just ok for me and for the type of game I play (nor too soft or too hard).
I'm just going to buy a set of o-rings to improve my feeling with the keyboards (I really often bottom out), but Black switches look really perfect for me.

[tormentor]

I don't have a mechanical but it seems preference. If you can find a store locally to test the different switches then that's your best bet. I hope to try the different switches before I commit. I'm stuck between red and brown.

[C5Allroad]

Browns are practically the same as reds.... They aren't too tactile. I like playing with browns better, it seems I don't bottom out while playing a fast paced game now. 
Before you buy a board buy one of these http://www.maxkeyboard.com/max-keyboard-keycap-cherry-mx-switch-o-ring-sampler-kit.html

[Fragil1ty]

I think that Reds are by far the best gaming switch, hands down.

Got a little graph here of what my key selection process would contain.

Gaming:

Reds > Browns > Blues > Blacks. (I hate blacks, typing on one now while I await the arrival of my MX Red keyboard).

Typing:

Browns > Blues > Reds > Blacks.

You should check out reviews on Youtube for the switch that you are looking into, it may be worthwhile before you actually get your keyboard because I found that when I was switching from my Blue to Red keyboard back in January it took me a few weeks to get used to it, so just bear that in mind when you do get your new keyboard.

[PointyFox]

I think that Reds are by far the best gaming switch, hands down.

Got a little graph here of what my key selection process would contain.

Gaming:

Reds > Browns > Blues > Blacks. (I hate blacks, typing on one now while I await the arrival of my MX Red keyboard).

Typing:

Browns > Blues > Reds > Blacks.

You should check out reviews on Youtube for the switch that you are looking into, it may be worthwhile before you actually get your keyboard because I found that when I was switching from my Blue to Red keyboard back in January it took me a few weeks to get used to it, so just bear that in mind when you do get your new keyboard.

Questionable preferences.  There is only 30% difference in force between red and black, yet you describe them as polar opposites.  Have you actually used reds for any extended period of time?

[acer589]

Gah, I think I might really want some browns. Glad they're common.

[hashbaz]

Questionable preferences.  There is only 30% difference in force between red and black, yet you describe them as polar opposites.  Have you actually used reds for any extended period of time?

Your questioning of someone else's preferences is itself very questionable. ^^

You can game on any switch.  You can type on any switch.  There is no objective "best", there is only preference.  There are a few useful data points such as MX blues' reset point, but that's it.  Statements like "30% difference in force" are meaningless wrt to someone's preference in how a switch feels.

[mini66]

lol This thread is getting a bit heated. All I can say is the advice given about going for a Cherry MX Red was good advice my keyboard arrived today and I love the slightest touch to the keys which makes the keys work...someone else may dislike them

[pixel5]

lol This thread is getting a bit heated. All I can say is the advice given about going for a Cherry MX Red was good advice my keyboard arrived today and I love the slightest touch to the keys which makes the keys work...someone else may dislike them

Anyone who dislikes reds is clearly a moron. Nice choice!

[mauri]

lol This thread is getting a bit heated. All I can say is the advice given about going for a Cherry MX Red was good advice my keyboard arrived today and I love the slightest touch to the keys which makes the keys work...someone else may dislike them

Anyone who dislikes reds is clearly a moron. Nice choice!

Preach it

[rowdy]

I like reds and blacks, but I have found that I prefer blacks, both for general typing and FPS gaming.

Reds are, to me, just a bit too light.  Blacks have that resistance that I don't accidentally press the wrong key if my finger does not alight on the key cap from directly above.

There is an argument that if you have to hold down a MX black switch while gaming (e.g. walking forwards), you are sustaining 60g of force with your tiny fingers.  If you hold down two keys (e.g. running forwards) then it is a total of 120g in one hand.  3 keys = 180g in one hand.  And so it rises, and your hand tires quicker with blacks.

Although I can feel the extra resistance in the blacks, I quite like it.

[PointyFox]

Questionable preferences.  There is only 30% difference in force between red and black, yet you describe them as polar opposites.  Have you actually used reds for any extended period of time?

Your questioning of someone else's preferences is itself very questionable. ^^

You can game on any switch.  You can type on any switch.  There is no objective "best", there is only preference.  There are a few useful data points such as MX blues' reset point, but that's it.  Statements like "30% difference in force" are meaningless wrt to someone's preference in how a switch feels.

Not true.  While all switches work, there exist quantitative differences between them.  Some people may not know why they like a switch, but if you poke and prod them enough they might put some thought into a reason as to why.

[IMHB]

if you're a newbie, I suggest cherry mx blue....they're the most...distinguishable switches.

[C5Allroad]

He already got the board. Anyway grats on purchase. 

[hashbaz]

Not true.  While all switches work, there exist quantitative differences between them.  Some people may not know why they like a switch, but if you poke and prod them enough they might put some thought into a reason as to why.

You can justify your choice in terms of numbers, sure.  That doesn't make your favorite switch objectively better for a given task.

[IMHB]

Personally I do not like reds....however I love blacks....I think red ones are too light and almost too responsive....

If you're not playing any game that involves fast typing, I suggest cherry MX blue.

[flaming_june]

General consensus is that linear switches (Black, Red) are better for gaming, while click switches (Blue, Brown, Green, ..) are better for typing.

About gaming switches, on most recent gaming keyboards Reds are generally preferred to Black switches (new Corsair K70 and K95, Gigabyte Avia Osmium and more).
Anyway it's really subjective in my opinion.
Personally I have tried Red switches but I have decided to buy a keyboard with Black switches for gaming.

Reason: I mostly play an MMO RPG based on combos. Red switches are so soft that missclicking is very easy, and if you often accidentally press the wrong button in a combo sequence it completely ruins your performance. Black switches are just ok for me and for the type of game I play (nor too soft or too hard).
I'm just going to buy a set of o-rings to improve my feeling with the keyboards (I really often bottom out), but Black switches look really perfect for me.

aoc ftw.

[Jvx104]

In my opinion I like the tactile switches better when playing strategy games. I really want to know when the key is pressed. Then In FPS games where I have to hold buttons down, the linear type would seem preferrable.

so actually I should modify my board to have WASD in linears and others in tactile, hmmm...

[ragnog81]

General consensus is that linear switches (Black, Red) are better for gaming, while click switches (Blue, Brown, Green, ..) are better for typing.

About gaming switches, on most recent gaming keyboards Reds are generally preferred to Black switches (new Corsair K70 and K95, Gigabyte Avia Osmium and more).
Anyway it's really subjective in my opinion.
Personally I have tried Red switches but I have decided to buy a keyboard with Black switches for gaming.

Reason: I mostly play an MMO RPG based on combos. Red switches are so soft that missclicking is very easy, and if you often accidentally press the wrong button in a combo sequence it completely ruins your performance. Black switches are just ok for me and for the type of game I play (nor too soft or too hard).
I'm just going to buy a set of o-rings to improve my feeling with the keyboards (I really often bottom out), but Black switches look really perfect for me.

aoc ftw.

Exactly

[zoolzoo]

Switches are personal preference.....I dont mind gaming on any of them really. You will like reds though, good switch.

[Bambino]

I like reds for typing and for gaming.  MX blues are just so ostentatious!