Mechanical keyboards have redefined the landscape of typing and gaming, giving users the customization they’ve always craved. There’s something incredibly satisfying about feeling and hearing your keyboard as you interact with it. And if you’ve found your way here, then you’re definitely aware of the charm. But with this liberty comes a tough choice: Which switches are right for you? This article will help illuminate that decision, focusing on two heavy-hitters in the mechanical switch world: Cherry MX Green and Blue switches.
Before we get started, if you’re new to the world of mechanical switches or need a refresher, have a look at this comprehensive guide on Cherry MX switches.
The Ins and Outs of Cherry MX Green and Blue
Mechanical keyboard switches differ significantly from the membrane switches typically found in office keyboards. The difference is like night and day—or in the keyboard world—like Green and Blue.
Cherry MX Green and Blue switches both offer tactile feedback, meaning you physically feel a ‘bump’ when the key is actuated or registered. The Blue switch, needing 60g of force, requires less effort to press down than the Green switch, which requires 70g of force. In contrast, the Green switches, with their 1.9mm actuation distance, allow for faster typing and gaming than their Blue counterparts, which have a 2.2mm actuation distance.
While the tactile feedback of these switches is similar, it’s their sounds that set them apart. Greens offer a more pronounced click, satisfying to the ear of some typists. Blues, however, tend to be louder. Picture this: Typing on Cherry MX Green switches is like popping bubble wrap, each pop is distinct and somewhat subdued. Blues, on the other hand, are more like a chorus of tap-dancing shoes—each step louder and more energetic.
Remember, these are not hard-and-fast rules for what you should choose. They’re simply facts to guide your decision. To make the right choice, you need to ask yourself: Do you prefer a quieter, more forceful typing experience, or a louder, easier one?
Gaming Performance: Cherry MX Green vs Blue
For many PC gamers, the difference between victory and defeat is measured in milliseconds, making the choice of keyboard switches a crucial one. Cherry MX Green and Blue switches, despite their shared ‘clicky’ characteristic, offer unique gaming experiences due to their distinct actuation force and distance.
Cherry MX Greens, with their shorter actuation distance of 1.9mm, provide a slight edge in speed. This means a quicker key register, which could be the difference between executing a critical move or facing virtual defeat. They require more force to press, however, which can be seen as a boon for those prone to misclicks or a bane for gamers who prefer a lighter touch.
In contrast, Cherry MX Blues, with their longer actuation distance of 2.2mm and lighter actuation force, provide a more relaxed gaming experience. Their loud clicky sound and tactile feedback can add an extra level of satisfaction to your gaming escapades, though you might find them less ideal for rapid-fire or double-tap commands.
Noise Level: Blue Switches vs Green Switches
For some, the ‘click-clack’ of a mechanical keyboard signifies productivity, while others perceive it as an unwanted disruption. When it comes to Cherry MX Blue and Green switches, their acoustic profiles exhibit clear differences.
Despite what their color might suggest, Blue switches are the louder of the two. Typing on a keyboard equipped with these switches can be compared to a jazz band’s upbeat rhythm—a collection of distinct, loud, and energetic notes.
On the other hand, Green switches offer a softer click, akin to a well-rehearsed orchestra’s harmonious melody, each note pronounced but collectively producing a quieter sound. While still louder than non-clicky switch types, Greens are a good middle-ground if you enjoy auditory feedback but need to keep noise levels in check.
Typing Experience: Green Switches vs Blue Switches
The act of typing is a deeply personal experience. What feels comfortable and satisfying to one person might feel fatiguing or unnatural to another. The difference between Cherry MX Green and Blue switches is a case in point.
Green switches, with their heavier actuation force, provide a robust, solid feel beneath your fingertips. Each keypress requires a deliberate act, helping to reduce accidental keystrokes and leading to fewer typing errors. For those who are heavy-handed or prefer a more pronounced tactile bump, the Green switches can be a joy to type on.
Blue switches, in contrast, offer a lighter and more nimble typing experience. With their lesser actuation force and louder click, they offer an energetic typing experience that can feel incredibly satisfying. However, their increased noise level can be a deal-breaker in quiet environments.
Choosing between Cherry MX Green and Blue for typing isn’t a matter of objectively ‘better’ or ‘worse’. Rather, it’s about matching the characteristics of the switch to your unique preferences and typing style. Whether you seek the assertive feedback of Green switches, or the lively, expressive nature of Blue switches, there’s a world of satisfaction to be found in either choice.
Which is Right for You: Green or Blue?
Your personal preferences, alongside your tolerance for key actuation force, will inform your decision between Cherry MX Green and Blue switches. You may wonder, “What does actuation force have to do with my typing or gaming experience?” Think of it this way, a heavy-handed typist might find the harder-to-press Greens more satisfying, while someone who wants a lighter touch could gravitate towards the Blues.
If you’re still having a hard time deciding, or you’re interested in how these switches stack up against others, check out our articles on Cherry MX Blue vs Brown and Cherry MX Red vs Brown.
Final Thoughts
Razer, Cherry MX, and other mechanical key switch manufacturers have tailored their products to appeal to various audiences, allowing for a truly personalized typing experience. In the battle of Cherry MX Green vs Blue, there’s no definitive winner.
Choosing between these switches comes down to your individual preferences and needs. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking for speed and precision, a novelist typing their next masterpiece, or a casual user seeking a more satisfying experience, there’s a switch out there for you.
Try them out for yourself if you can—after all, feeling is believing. Happy typing, keyboard warriors!