Cherry MX Red for Typing — Fast But Hard to Control?
Cherry MX Red is the gamer's favorite. Linear, smooth, light. For typing? Opinions divided. Some typists love the smooth fast feel; others find them too easy to mis-press without tactile feedback.
Cherry MX Red specs
- Type: Linear (no bump)
- Actuation force: 45g
- Actuation point: 2mm
- Total travel: 4mm
- Sound: Quiet smooth
- Lifespan: 50-100M keystrokes
- Color: Red stem
Pros for typing
Smooth feel
Liner all the way down. No bump to "fight" through.
Fast actuation
Same 45g as Brown but no tactile bump = faster repeated keypresses.
Quiet
Less sound than tactile switches.
Less fatigue (for some)
No bump to push through = arguably less effort per keystroke.
Cons for typing
No tactile feedback
The biggest typing issue: you can't feel when key activates.
This leads to:
- Bottoming out every keystroke (more effort, more noise)
- Ghost keypresses if finger barely touches
- Reduced accuracy for some typists
Easy to mis-press
Resting finger weight (40g+) approaches actuation (45g). Some typists trigger unintended keystrokes.
Less "satisfying"
Many touch typists prefer the feedback of tactile switches.
Who should buy MX Red
Definitely buy
- Gamer who also types
- Linear switch lover (preference)
- Light-touch typist (already trained)
- Already know touch typing well
Maybe buy
- Bottoming-out typist (will continue, just smoother)
- Speed-obsessed
Don't buy
- First mechanical (go Brown)
- Heavy-handed typist (will trigger by accident)
- Tactile preference (try Brown or Holy Panda)
- Beginner touch typist (tactile aids learning)
MX Red vs MX Speed Silver
Cherry MX Speed Silver
- Linear like Red
- Same 45g
- Shorter actuation point (1.2mm)
- Faster but more typo-prone
For typing: stick with Red. For gaming: Silver edge.
Best keyboards with MX Red
Budget
- Logitech G413 — gaming keyboard, decent typing
- HyperX Alloy FPS Pro — gaming TKL
- Cooler Master CK552 — entry-level
Mid-range
- Ducky One 3 SF — premium 60%
- Drop CTRL — TKL, RGB
- Keychron Q-series with Red switches
Premium
- Custom builds with MX Red or alternatives
Typing technique adjustments for MX Red
Light touch
Train fingers to depress only enough to activate (1.5-2mm), not bottom out.
Hover discipline
Don't rest fingers heavily on home row. Hover lightly.
Awareness practice
Listen for keystroke registration sound. Learn the timing.
After 2-3 weeks adjustment: many typists adapt and love MX Red.
MX Red lifespan and durability
- Smoothest factory feel of MX switches
- Less "scratch" complaints than older Brown/Blue
- Lube less needed than tactile switches
- Longest-lasting of major switches
Frequently Asked Questions
Best gaming switch for typing too?
MX Red works but Brown is better balance.
Will I be slower for typing on MX Red?
Initial yes (lack of tactile). After 2-3 weeks: equal or faster than Brown for some.
Best linear for typing?
MX Red (45g) or MX Black (60g for heavier feel).
Should I switch from Brown to Red?
If you love smooth: try. If you love tactile: don't.
Will MX Red cause more typos?
Initially yes. Long-term: depends on technique adaptation.
Best MX Red keyboard under $100?
Cooler Master CK552 or similar gaming-marketed.
Test before committing
MX Red is polarizing. Try via switch tester or store before buying $200 keyboard. Typing Hero App works on either Red or Brown — pick by personal preference.
For more: Best mechanical switches for typists, Cherry MX Brown for typing, Mechanical vs membrane keyboards.