Keyboard Switch Colors Explained: Red vs Brown vs Blue and Beyond
Updated
Switch colors are a shorthand that started with Cherry MX: red is linear, brown is tactile and blue is clicky. Most brands still follow that for their basic red, brown and blue switches, but beyond those three the colors stop meaning anything consistent. A yellow, black or purple switch can be any type depending on the brand, so always check the listed switch type rather than the color.
The classic Cherry MX colors
| Color | Type | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Linear | Light | The default "gaming" switch |
| Black | Linear | Heavy | A heavier red |
| Silver (Speed) | Linear | Light | Registers earlier in the press |
| Brown | Tactile | Light | Subtle bump |
| Clear | Tactile | Heavy | Heavier, more pronounced bump |
| Blue | Clicky | Medium | The classic loud clicky switch |
| Green | Clicky | Very heavy | A heavier blue |
Weights are relative to each other. Other brands' "red" or "blue" can be lighter or heavier than Cherry's, so check the listed actuation force if it matters to you.
Do other brands follow the colors?
For red, brown and blue: mostly. A Gateron, Kailh or Outemu red is almost always linear, a brown tactile and a blue clicky. Outside those three there's no standard. Yellow, for example, is a linear on several brands, but nothing stops a manufacturer making a yellow tactile. Enthusiast switches often come in colors that are about looks, not type.
Red vs brown vs blue
- Red (linear): smooth and consistent. Popular for gaming and for creamy builds.
- Brown (tactile): a small bump confirms each keypress. A common pick for typing and mixed use. Many people find classic browns' bump subtle; enthusiast tactiles are often much sharper.
- Blue (clicky): a bump and a loud click. Satisfying to type on, but the least popular choice in a shared room.
For more on the differences, see linear vs tactile switches and keyboard switch types explained.
Does switch color affect sound?
Only through switch type. Clicky switches are loud by design and linears are usually quietest, but beyond that, the keycaps, plate, case and dampening shape a keyboard's sound more than the switch color. Here's how each switch type scores:
How to pick without trusting the color
- Check the type (linear, tactile, clicky, silent) on the product page.
- Check the actuation force if you like light or heavy keys.
- Listen to recordings of builds using that switch, since the rest of the build changes the sound a lot.
- If you can, try a switch tester, or buy a hot-swap keyboard so you can swap later.
Frequently asked questions
Which switch color is linear?
Red is linear on almost every brand. Black and Silver are linear in Cherry's lineup, and yellow is linear on several brands, but outside red, brown and blue there's no reliable standard.
Is red, brown or blue best for gaming?
Red (linear) is the most popular for gaming because the press is smooth and consistent. Brown works fine too; blue's click is usually the least popular for gaming in shared spaces.
Is brown or blue better for typing?
Both have a tactile bump. Blue adds a loud click, so brown is the safer choice if anyone else can hear you type.
Do switch colors mean the same thing on every brand?
Mostly for red, brown and blue. For other colors, check the listed switch type and actuation force rather than trusting the color.