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Showing 1 of 103 conversations about:
jnewkirk
40
Dec 17, 2017
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RichardSmith
55
Dec 20, 2017
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jnewkirkThe nearly absent tactile bump is simply a characteristic of browns. Clear switches actually have a larger physical tactile bump.
jnewkirk
40
Dec 20, 2017
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RichardSmithInteresting. This is my first experience with browns. I might have to try putting some lighter springs in a MX Clear board and see how I like them.
RichardSmith
55
Dec 21, 2017
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jnewkirkClears are the ONLY tactile solution on cherry imo. Nearly all of the specialty switches that are tactile base it on the clear switch since the tactility is so much nicer. Personally, browns feel like a scratchy linear to me. Kailh is not at fault here, this is simply how browns feel, only a minority of people actually like the subtle tactility of browns. It is due to the small size of the tactile bump in the slider, which is identical on cherry browns as well.
It bothers me how so many people who review keyboards say clears are 'the same' as brown. They simply aren't. They aren't at all. Putting lighter springs in clear switches is called an 'ergo clear'. Before zealios, ergo clears were deemed 'the best' cherry tactile switch, as far as mass appeal goes. Zealios used gateron clear sliders(gateron makes the the smoothest sliders), poly-carbonate case for PCB mounted LED support, gold plated springs to combat spring corrosion which without it would lead to squeaky and crunchy springs over time in some environments, and finally they lube the sliders. This is why people like them, it isn't cause of color or marketing or elitism. There are real reasons.
I have used a LOT of keyboards, as I have been an enthusiast of keyboards for 10 years, and one of my least favorite switches are browns. It is a tactile where all the wrong things were sacrificed. If someone wants linear, they ideally don't want to feel anything. If someone wants tactile, they want to be able to at least consistently feel the tactility. Browns do neither of these things, and personally I deem them as the 'worst' switch as far as how the average person will appreciate them.
Unfortunately, cherry knows this, and sells their clear switches for a markup, since they know the people who go out of their way know the clears are superior, and they are smart enough to take advantage, so be ready to pay more for a clear switch for 'no real reason'.
I am rambling now, but I also want to point out that clicky switches sound better with heavier springs. Just a tip people usually don't stumble on till later. Oh and alps sounds better and are far more tactile than anything cherry produces. You can 'skip' to the finish line by grabbing a matias keyboard. With that said, cherry does have appeal because of its 'delicate' typing experience and it's total lack of a bindy feeling on off-center keypresses. This bindy feeling with a sloppy typing technique is something that takes getting used to on alps.
It bothers me how so many people who review keyboards say clears are 'the same' as brown. They simply aren't. They aren't at all. Putting lighter springs in clear switches is called an 'ergo clear'. Before zealios, ergo clears were deemed 'the best' cherry tactile switch, as far as mass appeal goes. Zealios used gateron clear sliders(gateron makes the the smoothest sliders), poly-carbonate case for PCB mounted LED support, gold plated springs to combat spring corrosion which without it would lead to squeaky and crunchy springs over time in some environments, and finally they lube the sliders. This is why people like them, it isn't cause of color or marketing or elitism. There are real reasons.
I have used a LOT of keyboards, as I have been an enthusiast of keyboards for 10 years, and one of my least favorite switches are browns. It is a tactile where all the wrong things were sacrificed. If someone wants linear, they ideally don't want to feel anything. If someone wants tactile, they want to be able to at least consistently feel the tactility. Browns do neither of these things, and personally I deem them as the 'worst' switch as far as how the average person will appreciate them.
Unfortunately, cherry knows this, and sells their clear switches for a markup, since they know the people who go out of their way know the clears are superior, and they are smart enough to take advantage, so be ready to pay more for a clear switch for 'no real reason'.
I am rambling now, but I also want to point out that clicky switches sound better with heavier springs. Just a tip people usually don't stumble on till later. Oh and alps sounds better and are far more tactile than anything cherry produces. You can 'skip' to the finish line by grabbing a matias keyboard. With that said, cherry does have appeal because of its 'delicate' typing experience and it's total lack of a bindy feeling on off-center keypresses. This bindy feeling with a sloppy typing technique is something that takes getting used to on alps.
jnewkirk
40
Dec 24, 2017
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RichardSmithThank you for all the useful information. I really appreciate it.
My next keyboard will most likely be one with Zealios or Matias switches.
RichardSmith
55
Jan 22, 2018
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Bkey'Matias' switches aren't special, but that alps switches they are based on are. Nothing compares to alps switches, and it is something you will actually need to experience to understand fully.
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I love everything about the keyboard except the Kailh Brown switches. They are different. As others have mentioned the tactile bump is quite subtle. You won't notice it while typing or gaming. The switches also require more force than Cherry MX Browns. I noticed this first while gaming. Holding down keys for extended periods was causing me some finger fatigue. I also noticed this when typing for long periods.
My Kailh Browns require 55 grams to actuate and 75 grams to bottom out. The forces are almost identical to Cherry MX Blacks. To me Kailh Browns feel like Cherry MX Blacks with a small tactile bump.
I could see really liking Kailh Browns if you want a switch that is stiffer than Cherry MX Browns but lighter than Cherry MX Clears. Remember this is my opinion and as always everyone has different preferences.