Compared To Other Keyboard Switches
Cherry MX Blue switches are clicky switches with a click jacket design that makes a signature sound on the downstroke. However, like most clicky switches, they're likely too loud for most open office environments. On the other hand, Cherry MX Red switches are linear switches. Their linear actuation and reasonably good factory smoothness make them popular for gaming or typing.
Cherry MX Red and Gateron G Pro Red are very similar linear switches with smooth actuation all the way through the keystroke, suitable for typing or gaming. The Gateron switches are a bit more lightweight and have a shorter pre-travel distance, making them better for fast-paced gaming.
Cherry MX Red are linear switches that actuate smoothly throughout their entire keypress. On the other hand, Razer Green Gen 3 are heavier clicky switches with shorter pre-travel, but they're noticeably less smooth from the factory. Both switches offer similar latency performance.
Cherry MX Red and Razer Yellow Gen 3 are linear switches with smooth actuation throughout the entire keystroke. The Razer switches are a bit more smoother-feeling out of the box, and have a slightly more lightweight actuation feel. Most notably, the Razer switches have significantly shorter pre-travel and total travel distances, providing better latency performance and making them best-suited for playing fast-paced games.
Cherry MX Red and Outemu Red are both linear switches with short pre-travel and a smooth actuation feel throughout the entire keystroke. Both are well-suited for typing or gaming, but the Cherry switches are generally more durable and consistent in switch-to-switch performance. That said, the Outemu Red switches have a clear housing, making them a good pick if you'd like to prioritize RGB lighting.
Cherry MX Red and HyperX Red are similar linear switches. The Cherry switches are marginally heavier and have a slightly longer pre-travel distance. They also have slightly better overall latency performance. On the other hand, the HyperX switches have a clear top housing, providing better RGB illumination.
Cherry MX Red are linear switches that actuate smoothly throughout their entire keypress. On the other hand, the Razer Orange Gen 3 switches have a small tactile bump to overcome during actuation. They also have somewhat better latency performance. While the Razer switches have only a slightly shorter pre-travel, the tactile bump is also very early in the keypress, which is unusual for a tactile switch.
Cherry MX Red and Kailh Box Red V2 are similar linear switches that actuate smoothly through the entire keypress. The Kailh switches are a bit more stable owing to their dust-proof stem design. They're also pre-lubed from the factory and noticeably smoother-feeling out of the box.
Test Results
