Color palette

The subspecies of Cherry MX mechanical switches differ in the pressing force, the distance to actuation and to the stop, as well as the presence or, conversely, the absence of a tactile and audible response. Let's briefly talk about each of them.

Blue are the most common mechanical microswitches, both in the original Cherry design and in the form of numerous clones. The key stroke before pressing is 2 mm, until it stops 4 mm, and the pressing force is 50 grams. They have a pronounced tactile and sound feedback (in other words, they click relish).


Red are the second most common mikriks, devoid of tactile and sound feedback. The key stroke is linear: 2 and 4 mm before actuation and stop, respectively. The sound is created only by hitting the keycap (key cap) on the keyboard substrate. But given the low pressing force (45 grams), you can print without pressing all the way, although you need to get used to this.


Brown is a cross between blue and red switches. There is tactile feedback, but no audio feedback. The key travel is standard 2 - 4 mm, the pressing force is 45 grams.


Black is a tighter version of the red switches with 60 grams of actuation force. Made in such a way as to minimize the number of accidental clicks.

Silent(or rather Silent Red) are the quietest mechanical switches, even quieter than many membrane keyboards. In fact, these are red switches with noise-absorbing sinicolon gaskets.


Silver(another name for Speed) - mics with half the stroke: 1.2 mm before actuation and 2 mm against the stop. Pressing force 45 grams. Naturally, with such a short stroke, there is no tactile or audible response. Out of habit Silver Speed can be mistaken for a membrane keyboard. But the membrane cannot boast of such a quick return of the key after pressing it to the standard position and such a verified stabilization.


Let's take a closer look at the advantages of mechanical keyboards on the most progressive Silent and Silver switches using the example of two Corsair models - the pre-flagship Strafe RGB Silent MK.2 and the flagship K95 RGB Platinum Cherry MX Speed.

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Corsair Strafe RGB MK.2 Silent Switch 
Cherry MX Silent switches, customizable RGB lighting, detachable wrist rest, volume control roller.
There are no rubber pads on the retractable legs.

Corsair is the only well-known manufacturer of mechanical keyboards based on Cherry MX Silent silent microswitches. Therefore, it is doubly pleased that she recently updated her Strafe RGB Silent gaming keyboard to version MK.2. The overall design as a whole has remained the same, but a few pleasant little things have appeared that were previously characteristic only of the top Corsair models.

So, the substrate under the RGB switches is painted white, which adds brightness and uniformity to the glow. You can adjust the backlight either directly on the keyboard with three buttons specially allocated for this task in the upper left corner, or through the proprietary Corsair application. Four more additional keys, already placed at the top right, are responsible for managing music and video playback: start, pause, fast forward and rewind. And to adjust the sound volume there is a separate knob in the form of a roller. Next to the roller is an instant full mute button.

The kit comes with a removable rubberized palm rest (one is more comfortable working with it, the other without it) and replaceable keycaps made of the same grippy material: WASD and QERAF. That is, those buttons that are most often used in games, especially multiplayer ones. Corsair novelty can only be blamed for the lack of anti-slip rubber pads on the retractable legs. However, the heavy weight of the mechanical keyboard itself compensates for this shortcoming. As for the rest, Strafe RGB Silent MK.2 is smartly made and, most importantly, very quiet mechanics, which has become even better than its predecessor.

When buying Corsair keyboards, as well as other premium brands, be sure to pay attention to the presence of the “RU” marking in the model code, which implies the factory Cyrillic font. If US, UK, DE or FR is written, then there will be no Cyrillic at all, or it will be made handicraft - opaque and, as a result, without highlighting. And in this case, there is a high probability of running into a refurbished version, that is, a used one after a factory repair. So don't be fooled by suspiciously low prices.

Corsair's Most Popular Keyboards
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Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Speed Switch 
Cherry MX Silver quick switches, customizable RGB lighting, detachable wrist rest, volume roller, six programmable macro keys, cable management grooves.
There are no significant shortcomings.

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Speed is the top model of the gaming keyboard of the eminent American brand. Built around the fastest and second quietest Cherry MX Silver Speed mechanical mics. In addition, it implements almost all the ergonomic improvements that are found both in keyboards from Corsair and other brands. Removable palm rest and interchangeable rubberized keycaps are included.

The keyboard is based on an aluminium plate with a thickness of a whole millimeter, which makes the design durable and weighty. Claudia will not slide on the table also thanks to the wide rubber legs on the bottom. There are also special grooves for cable management, through which you can put, for example, a headphone wire. Connects to the K95 RGB Platinum Speed computer with two USB connectors at once. The first is used directly to power the keyboard, and the second is a pass-through, ending with a USB output for a bear, gamepad or any other peripheral device.

In addition to the RGB lighting settings and music and video playback controls (located on the top), the K95 RGB Platinum Speed is equipped with six programmable macro keys on the left. They are made on purpose bevelled to make it easier to press with the little finger. You can assign action combinations to macro keys in games or work applications using Corsair's proprietary application. It also allows you to download user-created RGB key flicker profiles from the Internet that imitate the color scheme of a particular computer game - beautifully and, most importantly, everything has already been done for you.

The space, of course, does not rattle, it’s not in vain that Corsair uses not only switches, but also stabilizers manufactured by Cherry (in budgetary mechanics, stabilizers are simpler - Costar). The icing on the cake is a handy metal roller for volume control. In fact, the K95 RGB Platinum Speed is an uncompromising gaming keyboard, devoid of any flaws. And only its premium high price can make you look towards simpler models, for example Corsair K70 Rapidfire on the same Silver Speed switches.


conclusions

So with what color of switches should you choose a mechanical keyboard? Depends on your budget and needs. For beginners who have previously used only membrane claves, it is wiser to start with Blue or Red, which cost moderate money. Blue switches are better for typing text, but their clicking sound can disturb your family members or co-workers. For games, red switches with a light and smooth pressing are more aimed.

For professional hacks or programmers who scribble several sheets of A4 text or code every day, we can recommend Brown or Black. Browns are quieter, but blacks minimize erroneous letter presses. And for avid gamers, especially fans of eSports games like Dota 2 and CSGO, Silver Speed is optimal. They allow you to react to what is happening in the game faster and simply call the opponent. Those who like to sit at the PC until late should take a closer look at the Silent silent switches.