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Cherry MX brown switches are perfect for all-round use, whether you’re gaming or typing. In this guide we take a look at some of the best Cherry MX brown keyboards.
Whether you are looking for a great all-rounder suitable for gaming and typing or a more compact option for when you’re on the go. If you want a Cherry MX brown keyboard that won’t break the bank or perhaps a keyboard specifically designed for gaming. In this guide we have you covered.
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Overview
- Best overall: Ducky Shine 6 – An excellent all-round keyboard available with Cherry MX brown switches among other MX switches. Ducky are known for building excellent quality products and they have certainly delivered. Suitable for gaming and typing – Find it on MechanicalKeyboards.com.
- Best budget: Cooler Master MasterKeys – The MasterKeys is a great option if you are looking for a Cherry MX brown keyboard that won’t break the bank. Available as a full size keyboard or a smaller TKL model – Find it on Amazon.
- Best compact: iKBC New Poker II – If you’re looking for something a bit smaller, perhaps if you need a keyboard for when you’re on the go, check out the New Poker II. It has a solid build quality and is 60& the size of full size keyboards – Find it on Amazon.
- Best for gamers: Corsair K70 – The Corsair K70 has been designed with gamers in mind. The back-light and macro keys are fully customizable and specially textured keycaps are included for FPS and MOBA gaming – Find it on Amazon.
Best Overall: Ducky Shine 6
- Solid build quality
- Extensive RGB settings
- Ideal for gaming and typing
- Easy-to-use software
- Quite expensive
| Tech Specs | |
| Size: | Full size |
| Support: | PC / Mac / Linux |
| Backlight: | RGB |
| Macros: | Yes |
| Software: | Yes |
Build quality
Ducky are renowned for building high quality keyboards. The Shine 6 is no exception and although it is made from plastic, it is robust and designed to last.
Backlight
The Ducky Shine 6 is a fully RGB keyboard with many different settings to try out. From minimalist static colors to extravagant multi-colored waves and patterns.
Keycaps & switches
The Shine 6 comes with floating keycaps. Due to their low profile they show off the LEDs very well. Both ABS and PBT keycap versions of the Shine 6 are available. Most people tend to prefer PBT keycaps for their texture and resistance to shining. Of course, the Shine 6 can be bought with Cherry MX brown switches, but it is also available with many other Cherry MX switches.
Software
Unlike the Shine 5, the Shine 6 comes with its own software to control the backlighting. Its very simple to use and once you’ve adjusted the settings, you don’t need to keep the software running.
Best Budget: Cooler Master MasterKeys
- Solid build quality
- Good value for money
- High quality PBT keycaps
- Text rubs off keycaps
- Poorly written user instructions
| Tech Specs | |
| Size: | Full size / TKL |
| Support: | PC / Mac / Linux |
| Backlight: | None |
| Macros: | Yes |
| Software: | No |
Design & layout
Cooler Master have chosen to go with a minimal design which will look good in any environment. There is no backlight though, so you may want to look elsewhere if you want to add some color to your rig. There are two versions available. The “S” is tenkeyless whilst the “L” is slightly more expensive but has a full size layout.
Build quality
The MasterKeys might only be made from plastic, but for a budget-friendly keyboard it is built surprisingly well.
Key caps & switches
One of the best things about the MasterKeys is that it comes with high quality 1.5mm PBT keycaps. Most keyboards come with ABS keycaps by default so this was nice to see, especially considering the relatively low price of the MasterKeys. Also included are an extra 7 red keycaps (as seen in the picture), although their quality is not particularly great. There are a few problems with the keycaps. The text on them does seem to rub off quite quickly, and – although a little bit trivial – the Cooler Master logos on the windows keys aren’t exactly appealing. Along with Cherry MX brown switches, the MasterKeys is available in 4 other Cherry MX switches.
Features & software
You can switch between different OS and key layouts on the fly with the Masterkeys – find out more – and you can also make use of macros. Software is not required for the MasterKeys and it instead relies on key shortcuts to configure the settings. Unfortunately, the user instructions are not written well and many users have had to resort to Google and YouTube to figure out how to make use of these features.
Best Compact: iKBC New Poker II
- Solid build quality
- 60% compact size
- High quality PBT keycaps
- Plastic case
- No backlight
| Tech Specs | |
| Size: | 60% |
| Support: | PC / Mac / Linux |
| Backlight: | None |
| Macros: | Yes |
| Software: | No |
Design & layout
The New Poker II is a 60% keyboard making it ideal for when you’re on the go. The design is very minimal and the font on the keycaps is quite professional unlike some (usually gaming keyboards). There is a cable channel running underneath the keyboard which allows you to feed the cable out of either side or the back. The New Poker II doesn’t have a backlight.
Build quality
Unlike the iKBC Pok3r which has a metal casing, the New Poker II is made from plastic. However, the build quality is still solid and the keyboard is designed to last.
Key caps & switches
The New Poker II comes with PBT keycaps. They are quite thin compared to some aftermarket keycaps although they are still better than the ABS keycaps which most keyboards come with. Along with Cherry MX brown switches, the New Poker II is also available with MX blue, black and red switches.
Features & software
There are 6 DIP switches which gives you lots of control over the layout of the keyboard (e.g. Qwerty, Dvorak, Colemak or Workman). The New Poker II doesn’t use software. There is onboard memory and the macros are programmed directly through the keyboard. It can be tricky remembering how to program everything so make sure to keep the manual handy.
Best for Gaming: Corsair K70
- Solid build quality
- Aluminium case
- Lots of customization for LEDs and macros
- Non-standard bottom row – difficult to find replacement keycaps
- Software can be confusing
- Quite expensive
| Tech Specs | |
| Size: | Full size |
| Support: | PC / Mac / Linux |
| Backlight: | RGB / Blue / Red |
| Macros: | Yes |
| Software: | Yes |
Design & layout
The K70 is a full size keyboard and has the typical gaming keyboard look and feel with vivid back-lighting and large keycap text. Three styles are available: full RGB, red LEDs, and blue LEDs.
Build quality
The build quality of the K70 is excellent. It is made from brushed aluminum so shouldn’t have too much difficulty surviving the occasional rage-quit.
Key caps & switches
I couldn’t find out the material of the keycaps but considering they aren’t being marketed as higher quality PBT, I assume they are ABS. Although the keycaps are replaceable, the caps on the bottom row are non-standard so you might find it extremely difficult to find replacements that fit. A keycap remover is included along with extra keys – which are textured – for FPS and MOBA gaming. Along with Cherry MX brown switches, the K70 is also available with MX blue, red, silent and speed switches.
Features & software
A wrist rest is included which has divided opinions. Some love it but some find it a little too small. However it can be removed if you don’t get along with it. The K70 also has media controls including a volume knob which is particularly handy. The CUE software allows for lots of customization for the lighting and macros, although it can be quite confusing and counter-intuitive to use.
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