What are the best mechanical keyboards with Cherry MX Brown switches?

Question

6

Options
Considered

44

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Recs.

Dec 8, 2018

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

The Best 1 of 6 OptionsWhy?

Best mechanical keyboards with Cherry MX Brown switches	Price	Available Switches	USB Hub
91 CODE Keyboard	$145+	Cherry MX Green, Clear, Brown, or Blue	No
-- Das Keyboard 4 Professional	$161.99	Cherry MX (Blue or Brown)	Yes
-- CM Storm Quickfire Rapid	$69.99	Cherry MX (Blue, Red, Brown, Green)	No
-- Ducky Shine 3	$149.99	Cherry MX (Blue, Red, Brown or Black)	No
-- Logitech G610 Orion Brown	$80	Cherry MX (Brown, Red)	No

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5 Other Options Considered

Das Keyboard 4 Professional

Top Pro

Beautiful design

The Das 4 Pro keyboard has a beautiful nearly-minimalist design. The volume wheel and slight protrusion on the top right help it stand out from the crowd. The front is covered with a matte aluminium finish that resists fingerprints. See More

Top Con

No extendable legs

The included ruler works well, but is a bit annoying to keep in place. Would honestly prefer legs. See More

Specs

Available Switches:Cherry MX (Blue or Brown)

USB Hub:Yes

Full Media Controls:Yes (dedicated)

Key backlighting:No

See All Specs

Top Pro

Solid, durable construction

The Das uses the best materials available to create a stable, durable board. Some parts are made of aluminum which prevents any flexing and others of resistant textured plastic, making this a keyboard that withstands damage very well. And the switches are genuine Cherry MX switches, which are durable and reliable. The keycaps text is laser etched, meaning it withstands the test of time pretty well. See More

Top Con

Expensive

This keyboard is quite expensive, especially if compared, in terms of extra features, to similarly priced keyboards made by other brands. It notably misses features like USB passthrough or RGB lighting, which is surprising for a keyboard with a retail price of $169. See More

Top Pro

Reliable and long-lasting mechanical switches

Das 4 Pro keyboards feature Cherry MX switches, know for their established reputation. They have excellent durability and outstanding performance. Users can choose between the Cherry MX Blue and Cherry MX Brown switches. The main difference is that the first ones are clicky and the second ones are quiet. See More

Top Con

Potentially uncomfortable to use, depending on your wrist placement

The edges of the keyboard are not rounded, so it can be painful if you rest your wrists on them. See More

Top Pro

Ultimate version looks very slick

The Ultimate version of the keyboard looks badass with its blank keycaps. See More

Top Con

Not very portable

The Das 4 Pro keyboard has external dimensions of 18'' x 6.8'' x 0.8'' ( 457 x 173 x 20 mm ) and weight of 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg). Hence, it’s not an easy keyboard to carry around. This makes the fact that it’s the slimmest mechanical keyboard on the market loose value. See More

Top Pro

Top panel resists fingerprints and provides rigidness

It has an aluminum top panel which not only feels great, but also resists fingerprints and prevents any flexing. See More

Top Con

Not suitable for use in the dark

The Das 4 Pro keyboard doesn't have any backlighting. This means you will probably find it a bit hard to use on a dark environment. See More

Top Pro

Comes with dedicated media controls and an oversized volume knob

There are three rectangular media keys: previous, play/pause, and next. Just above the next key there's a circular mute button, and on the right of all the other media keys is a volume knob that can be spun to adjust the volume. See More

Top Con

No calculator button

There's no calculator shortcut button. See More

Top Pro

Conveniently located two-port USB 3.0 hub

The location of the hub, on the top right side, makes adding a mouse very convenient. See More

Top Pro

Very thin

Das claims that this keyboard is the thinnest mechanical keyboard available on the market. See More

Top Pro

Each key has the perfect stabilizer for its size

This keyboard uses an innovative mix of Cherry and Costar stabilizers. Costar stabilizers have many advantages, but they don't work very well on large keys, like spacebars. To get the best of both options, Das uses Costar stabilizers on all keys, except on the space bar, where it uses Cherry stabilizers. See More

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CM Storm Quickfire Rapid

Top Pro

Solid build quality

This keyboard is made by the same OEM as the Filco keyboard, so it's of comparable build quality. Given that the Filco costs a lot more money and has one of the best reputations in the industry for quality, this is a great selling point for the Quickfire Rapid. See More

Top Con

No backlighting

The QuickFire Rapid can be hard to use in the dark, since it has no backlighting. Also, some people feel backlighting gives a more premium look to the keybard. There is, however, an alternate version of this keyboard that comes with backlighting (the Rapid-i). See More

Specs

Available Switches:Cherry MX (Blue, Red, Brown, Green)

USB Hub:No

Full Media Controls:Yes

Key backlighting:No

See All Specs

Top Pro

Great value for money

The QuickFire Rapid keyboard is often recommended as a great beginners' keyboard on pretty much every enthusiast community out there due to its value for money. Its build quality is great, it's easy to find online & it comes with a good selection of switches for about half the price of the top-of-the-line options. See More

Top Con

No numpad

The tenkeyless design (no numpad on the right) makes the keyboard more compact, but isn't great for anybody that works with spreadsheets and data entry. See More

Top Pro

High quality mechanical key switches

The CM Storm QuickFire Rapid uses genuine Cherry MX key switches which are generally considered the best available mechanical switches. Their reputation is well-deserved, due to their excellent durability and superior performance and reliability. They go through vigorous testing to ensure they meet the desired quality standards. Moreover, because they're standard Cherry MX switches, they are interchangeable with custom keycaps. Down the road, if you prefer you can get your own custom keycaps and totally change the look of your board. From a minimalist design like this to a custom image like this, or even different shaped keys like this you can modify them to your hearts content. See More

Top Con

No spare parts offered on manufacturers site

While the keyboard does come with 6 extra keycaps, if the purchaser wants more or different keycaps (or other parts) they will need to go to a third party. For convenience's sake, it would be easier to get them from the manufacturer. See More

Top Pro

Pretty portable

The USB cable connecting the keyboard to one's computer is easily detachable at the base of the keyboard, thanks to the micro USB connection. This makes it easy to detach and reattach the keyboard at will. Couple this with the fact that this is a tenkeyless keyboard that weights just 2.1 pounds, and you can understand how easy it would be to remove the keyboard and throw it into a bag in order to travel with it. See More

Top Con

No alternate layouts

There is no simple option when ordering this keyboard to have it set up for alternate keyboard layouts such as DVORAK. While it is possible thanks to the DSA style keycaps and included keypuller, a new set of keys to swap out will need to be ordered from a third party. See More

Top Pro

Very sturdy

The included rubber feet and fold out back feet allows for a sturdy hold on one's desk. This keyboard does not move or slide around in the slightest, whether the back feet are folded out or not. See More

Top Con

Modifier key difficult to use

The dedicated Fn modifier key that activates the Fn keys’ secondary features, like media control or display settings, is inconveniently placed next to the right Control key, making use inconvenient. See More

Top Pro

Switch customization options and alternate versions available

There are 4 different kinds of Cherry MX switches (Blue, Red, Brown and Green) to choose from. There are also alternate versions of the Quickfire Rapid that offer options the original version doesn’t have, like backlighting, numbers pads or media function keys. See More

Top Pro

Good for those new to mechanical keyboards

One of the main objections against getting a mechanical keyboard is how much it usually costs. This keyboard combines good quality and an affordable price. This makes it a good choice for beginners that aren't positive the investment on a mechanical keyboard will pay back. See More

Top Pro

Easily change keycaps

Included with the keyboard are 6 extra keycaps as well as a keypuller. The keypuller allows for easy removal of the installed keycaps, in order to switch them out with caps of the users liking. See More

Top Pro

Hides wear and tear well

The soft touch coating on the the keyboard's surface makes wear marks minimal, as it tends to hide small scratches and doesn't wear off as easily as some paints do. It has the bonus of making the surface pleasant to touch, because of its softness. See More

Top Pro

Great cable solution

Not only is the braided cable detachable, but it has cable routing as well. If you want, you can swap out the included braided cable for a longer/shorter/different coloured one that suits your setup better. Also, if you break the cable (or your pet does), it's cheap to get a new one and very easy to do. Cable routing helps organize your cables in a more pleasing way. Instead of having the cord come right out the middle of the back, you can have it go on either side of the back which can help make your setup look cleaner. See More

Top Pro

Reliable Costar stabilizers

Costar stabilizers offer less friction in their key motion use. Often Cherry branded stabilizers are a bit more mushy when the key is pressed, which is why many prefer Costars stabilizers. See More

See All

Ducky Shine 3

Top Pro

Highly customisable backlighting

The Shine 3 comes with fully programmable LED lights under each and every keycap. There are 6 backlight patterns to choose from: Full (100%), Breathing, Wave Marquee, Snake Marquee, Reactive mode, and Ripple mode. When you buy the Shine 3 you have the option of picking the color of the backlighting LEDS from Red, Green, Blue, White, Magenta & Orange. See More

Top Con

Keycaps error (in AZERTY at least) and no contextual menu key

Two little quirks in the layout: 1) The < and > keys are inverted (not a huge deal, but a bit annoying for a high end keyboard); 2) Even though most of the "interesting" special functions are on the right hand, they put the Fn key on the right, removing the contextual menu. Fortunately there is a duck key (for the right Windows key), which can be reprogrammed by creating a new driver. See More

Specs

Available Switches:Cherry MX (Blue, Red, Brown or Black)

USB Hub:No

Full Media Controls:No

Key backlighting:Yes

See All Specs

Top Pro

USB cable is detachable and replaceable

The USB cable is detachable and comes with cable routing guides to let you control where the cable comes out of the keyboard. See More

Top Con

1 year only warranty

The warranty is limited to 1 year See More

Top Pro

Uses Cherry Stabilizers

Some people prefer the design of the Cherry Stabilizers over the Costars as they are arguably quieter (no rattle and less sound when you bottom out). They are also better for frequent keycap swapping as it's easier to remove/add keys. On the other hand, they can be described as "mushy". See More

Top Con

Text on the ABS Keycaps can fade

The keycaps in the Ducky Shine are made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) so that backlighting is possible, however this material is known to quickly fade out after prolonged usage. To keep your keyboard looking like it's in top notch condition, you may need to replace the keycaps periodically. See More

Top Pro

Great build quality

The Shine 3 has a dual layer PCB, plate mounted switches, as well as laser printed & UV Coated keycaps. Ducky also has the reputation of having some of the highest quality boards on the market. See More

Top Con

No calculator button

There's no calculator shortcut button. See More

Top Pro

Unique "logo" on spacebar to celebrate Chinese zodiac signs

The spacebar features a unique logo from the year when the keyboard was manufactured to celebrate various animals on the Chinese zodiac. Pictured is the YOTS variant or known as Year Of The Snake. The Ducky comes with a replacement spacebar with no design if you don't like the snake version. See More

Top Pro

Compact tenkeyless design

Without the numpad it takes up less space and allows you to place the keyboard and mouse closer together in a more natural position for your body which can help avoid injuries for people using it all the time. See More

Top Pro

Cherry MX switches

The mechanical Cherry switches have been known for 5 decades for their tactile quality and robustness. With the Shine 3, users can choose between Brown, Blue, Black or Red. See More

Top Pro

On board memory for profile/setting storage

The Ducky will remember all your customization settings for the lighting and other profile settings even if you turn it off or use it on another computer. See More

See All

Logitech G610 Orion Brown

Top Pro

Often on sale

As this model is on the market for some time already, it's much easier to grab at a cheaper price. See More

Top Con

Does not have USB passthrough

Specs

Available Switches:Cherry MX (Brown, Red)

USB Hub:No

Full Media Controls:Yes (dedicated)

Key backlighting:Individual (white)

See All Specs

Top Pro

Backlit

Has a white backlighting for individual key. See More

Top Con

Requires dedicated software for some features

Need to install special software to enable some of the features. See More

Top Pro

Only one USB cable

No need to plug two USB cables like in some other models. See More

Top Pro

Full media controls

Especially good dedicated volume wheel. See More

Top Pro

Game mode button

Disable Windows key (or any other keys via config). See More

Top Pro

F1-F12 Macro Support

See All

Kinesis Advantage2

Top Pro

Tweaked layout that saves your hands

This keyboard has numerous ergonomic advantages over a keyboard with a standard layout. Some of them are obvious and some are subtle, but they are synergistic and result in a typing experience that places far less stress on the hands. Learning a tweaked keyboard layout is a small price to pay to avoid RSI (repetitive strain injury). See More

Top Con

Not great for gaming

This keyboard is amazing for typing, but not great for gaming. Many games make intensive keys such as the Arrow keys or the Alt, Control and Shift keys. With this keyboard, it's not very comfortable to use them so frequently. See More

Specs

Available Switches:Cherry MX Brown

USB Hub:Yes

Full Media Controls:No

Weight:1 kg / 2.2 lbs

See All Specs

Top Pro

Good for learning how to touch type

This layout, because of its uniqueness, is perfect to learn touch typing. Even for those that were never able to learn it with common keyboards. It still requires practice to get proficient, of course. See More

Top Con

Proficiency means overcoming a learning curve

Becoming an expert at using this keyboard’s optimized design needs time and patience, since it’s so different from what most people are used to. Some of its drastic layout changes can be disorienting at first. For example, the four arrow keys are separated: up and down on the right side cluster; left and right on the left side cluster. It’s also built to enforce healthier hand posture and movements, that may feel weird at first. For instance, the keyboard trains you (using a deactivatable key feedback) to press keys smoothly instead of smashing down, which reduces hand strain. Usually, it takes between two to four weeks of regular use to feel completely comfortable at using this keyboard. See More

Top Pro

Optimised, ergonomic shape that significantly reduces the risk of RSI

This keyboard is sculpted to fit the curvature of your hand more naturally than regular flat boards. This helps reduce the risks of suffering repetitive strain injuries. See More

Top Con

Can be a bit flakey at times

The downside of this keyboard is that it can occasionally act up. The biggest problem is that the up-event for a key occasionally gets lost and then some key will auto-repeat until you press it again. Or even worse, it's a key that has no visible effect like an Alt key, and then you have to figure out which key it is that is in the virtual down position, and press it again. It has had this same problem for the last 20 years. You learn to live with it for the sake of your hands. See More

Top Pro

No undesirable movements

Because of its size, this keyboard stands firmly on the desk and doesn't suffer from unwanted movement during use. See More

Top Con

Different switches for the function keys

The functions keys are not build with the same switches than the other keys: they use Cherry ML switches instead of Cherry MX Brown switches. Because of their shorter travel distance, the ML feels quite different. It's awkward to have such different sensations for different parts of the keyboard. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable palm rests

The large, raised palm rests provide comfort while typing. See More

Top Con

Quite bulky, therefore not very portable

As a direct consequence of its unconventional ergonomic shape, the Advantage2 is quite bulky. At 16.5 in’ x 8 in’ x 2.88 in’ (419 mm x 203 mm x 73 mm), it's not the most portable keyboard. See More

Top Pro

Very programmable

This keyboard has several programmable options, like Macro recording, key remapping or keyboard layout (the keyboard can be changed from QWERTY to Dvorak with the touch of a button). See More

Top Pro

No need to constantly move hands sideways

One of this keyboard's best features is that the keys are vertically aligned in straight columns, so that you're not constantly exercising the muscles to move your fingers slightly to the left or to the right. It makes a huge difference. See More

Top Pro

Prepared for macOS, Windows and Linux

Besides the option of easily changing between preprogrammed layouts of these 3 systems, extra OS-specific keycaps come with the keyboard. See More

Top Pro

Clusters of keys under each thumb means less reaching

Having multiple keys under the thumbs lets you keep the rest of your hands still, and helps prevent reaching. For example, the backspace key on a regular keyboard is way in the top right corner, while on the Kinesis keyboard it's under the left thumb. So, to hit the backspace button you just need to move your thumb while on regular keyboards you need to move your whole right hand and stretch your pinky to reach it. See More

Top Pro

No thumb conflict over the spacebar

On common keyboards, both thumbs rest over the spacebar, meaning they can knock against each other. On the Advantage2 keyboard, only one thumb can press the keyboard, eliminating this problem. See More

See All

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