KiiwiTopre vs Cherry MX Brown sound
Two very different kinds of tactile: Topre's rubber dome under a spring, and Cherry's MX Brown. Type below and switch between them.
Type the words below, then switch above. Headphones make the difference obvious.
The short answer
Both have a bump and no click. Topre's is a smooth, cushioned bump with a deep, muted thock; the MX Brown's is a small bump with a soft sound close to a linear's. Topre is rounder; the Brown is lighter-sounding.
Topre
An electrostatic capacitive switch: a rubber dome under a spring. Boards like the HHKB and Realforce are prized for its smooth, cushioned bump and deep, muted sound, often described as a thock.
Cherry MX Brown
Cherry's gentle tactile, the most widely used bump switch there is. The bump is felt more than heard, and the sound is soft. Recorded stock and on ABS and PBT keycaps.
At a glance
| Topre | Cherry MX Brown | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tactile | Tactile |
| Mechanism | Capacitive dome | MX style |
| Sound | Deep, muted thock | Soft, close to a linear |
| Click | No | No |
Questions
Is Topre better than Cherry MX Brown?
They're different. Topre has a cushioned, rounded bump and a deep thock; the Brown has a small, light bump. Many people love Topre's feel, but it's a matter of taste.
Does Topre sound like a mechanical switch?
It sounds deeper and more muted than most MX style switches, which is why it's often described as a thock.
Which is quieter, Topre or MX Brown?
Both are on the quieter side, with no click. Type the same words on each above to compare their tone.
Can I hear the Topre and Cherry MX Brown on my Mac?
Yes. Kiiwi plays the Topre and Cherry MX Brown, recorded from real switches, under the keyboard you already own, from the menu bar, in every app.
Get these sounds on your Mac
Kiiwi has all 38 recordings, these included, and plays them under the keyboard you already own. In your headphones or on your speakers, from the menu bar. $4.99 once.
Download for macOS