Cherry MX Brown switch sound test
MechKey is a free keyboard sound tester that runs in your browser. Type on your own keyboard, or click the keys of the
3D keyboard on the desk, and hear what different mechanical switches sound like before you buy them. Every sound is a
real recording of a real switch.
Cherry MX Brown tactile
Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch: there is a small bump partway down the press so you can feel when the key registers, but no click to hear.
Without a click jacket, Browns are much quieter than Blues, and most of their sound comes from bottoming out and the key returning. They are a common first mechanical switch because they sit between smooth linears and loud clickies.
Enthusiasts often describe the MX Brown bump as subtle. If you want a more pronounced bump, compare it with the Everglide Crystal Purple and Oreo on this site. This recording was made on PBT keycaps.
Compare with: Cherry MX Blue, Everglide Oreo, Everglide Crystal Purple
How to use it
- Hear a switch: press any key. The 3D keyboard presses the same key and plays the selected switch.
- Change the switch: press Esc, or click the LCD screen, to open the menu. Pick a sound with the arrow keys and Enter, or click one.
- Change the colours: in the same menu, the THEME tab switches between five keycap colour themes.
- Test your typing: start typing the words on the LCD screen. The 60-second test shows your WPM and accuracy. Press Tab to restart.
The switches
- NK Cream linear
- NovelKeys Creams have a self-lubricating POM housing and stem. They sound deep and slightly scratchy, and are a favourite for a smooth, muted linear sound.
- Cherry MX Blue clicky
- The classic clicky switch. A click jacket snaps on every press for a loud, high-pitched click with a tactile bump.
- Cherry MX Brown tactile
- A light tactile bump without the click. Quieter than Blues, and a common first mechanical switch.
- Cherry MX Black linear
- A smooth linear with a heavier spring (about 60 cN to actuate), which gives a fuller, deeper bottom-out sound.
- Cherry MX Red linear
- A light linear (about 45 cN). Smooth and quick, popular for gaming.
- Topre topre
- Topre uses a rubber dome over a conical spring and senses presses electrically. It gives the soft, rounded "thock" that Topre boards are known for.
- Everglide Crystal Purple tactile
- A tactile switch from Everglide with a clear housing and a crisp, noticeable bump.
- Everglide Oreo tactile
- A tactile switch named for its black-and-white housing, with a muted, rounded sound.
The Cherry MX and Topre recordings were made on PBT keycaps, which usually sound deeper than thinner ABS caps.
Questions
Linear, tactile or clicky: what's the difference?
Linear switches travel straight down with no bump. Tactile switches have a bump you can feel partway down. Clicky switches
add an audible click at that bump. Linears tend to sound the smoothest, and clickies the loudest.
What do "thock" and "clack" mean?
Enthusiasts use "thock" for a deep, muted, low-pitched sound (think Topre or lubed linears) and "clack" for a brighter,
sharper one. Switches, keycap material, the case and the plate all change where a keyboard lands.
Are these real recordings?
Yes. The sounds are recorded switch samples from the open-source Mechvibes project, played back per key.
Does it work on phones and tablets?
Yes. Tap the keys on the 3D keyboard to hear them. The typing test works best with a physical keyboard.
Is it free?
Yes. MechKey is free with no sign-up, and nothing you type is sent anywhere.
Credits
Switch sounds from Mechvibes by Hai Nguyen
(MIT License).
Created by Jacob Voyles