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The 8 Best Cherry MX Brown Keyboards In 2023 Reviews

Cherry MX mechanical switches are often considered the best on the market. Engineered with precision, they provide comfort and accurate performance; it’s little wonder why they’re such a popular choice amongst enthusiasts.

Within the Cherry MX range are their Brown switches. These provide quiet, tactile operation, which is suitable for both gaming and office situations. Great for typing and also furiously entering commands to control your gaming adventures.

So let’s take a look at the very Best Cherry MX Brown Keyboards and find the perfect option for you…

The 8 Best Cherry MX Brown Keyboards In 2023 Reviews

Top 8 Best Cherry MX Brown Keyboards Reviews

  1. Rosewill RK-9000V2 – Best Full NKRO Cherry MX Brown Keyboard
  2. Corsair K95 – Best Premium Cherry MX Brown Gaming Keyboard
  3. Das Keyboard Model S – Best German Designed Cherry MX Brown Keyboard
  4. Cougar Attack X3 – Most Durable Cherry MX Brown Keyboard
  5. HyperX Alloy Origins Core – Best Tenkeyless Cherry MX Brown Keyboard
  6. Corsair K70 – Best Full Feature Cherry MX Brown Keyboard
  7. Logitech K845 – Best Ergonomic Cherry MX Brown Keyboard
  8. ROCCAT Vulcan – Best RGB Cherry MX Brown Gaming Keyboard

1 Rosewill RK-9000V2 – Best Full NKRO Cherry MX Brown Keyboard

For the most hardcore of gamers, looks aren’t nearly as important as performance. The Rosewill RK-9000V2 has poured all its focus into performance. As they know, even milliseconds can make the difference in an online clash. And with this unassuming board, you get one of the best gaming performance keyboards out there.

Rosewill uses Cherry MX Brown switches combined with an understated, and let’s face it, plain style of keyboard. You could easily be excused for thinking that this is any plain old keyboard that comes with a pre-built PC.

More than meets the eye…

This is a full-sized 104 key keyboard, complete with a numerical pad for number crunching. Connecting to your PC is completed via detachable USB, or PS/2 making sure every input is registered. Additionally, full NKRO is offered over PS/2 with six key rollover via USB.

With the use of a function key, located between the Windows and CTRL key to the right of the spacebar, there are some extra functions. These include shortcuts to email, web browser, and media controls like play/pause and skip.

Built tough…

A matte black plastic shell forms a base for the RK-9000V2, with a steel mount plate. This certainly adds to the strength and rigidity. This is where each of the Cherry MX Brown switches is mounted.

Sitting atop each switch are keycaps constructed of high-quality, hard ABS plastic. The legend has been laser-etched onto each key, giving it an extended lifespan. Both the PS/2 and USB cable are of high quality and have gold-plated connectors.


Rosewill RK-9000V2

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • A full-sized keyboard with shortcuts and media controls via a function key.
  • Full NKRO over PS/2 and six key NKRO over USB.
  • Suitable for both gaming and office environments with the tough build quality.

Cons

  • The plain and simple design could be too boring for some.
  • No backlighting makes low light use difficult.

2 Corsair K95 – Best Premium Cherry MX Brown Gaming Keyboard

From one extreme to another, we now bring you this feature-packed, mechanical gaming keyboard from Corsair. Their K95 was the flagship model until it was replaced with the K100 late last year in 2020.

With the release of a newer model, that means you should be able to pick up this still beast of a keyboard for a reasonable price. Built from premium materials, with the latest gaming features, what’s not to like?

When quality matters…

Built on an ABS plastic chassis, the K95 is topped with an aircraft-grade aluminum cover in your choice of black or gunmetal. This is one of the best full-sized 104-key keyboards. Complete with six additional macro keys along the left side and media and shortcut controls on the top.

Each of the keycaps allows the built-in RGB lighting to shine through in a range of patterns and effects. For added comfort, attached using a magnet to the bottom of the keyboard is a wrist rest that can be swapped between a smooth and textured finish.

Customizable features…

By downloading the CUE (Corsair Utility Engine) software from the website, you can take full advantage of the keyboard. Set your own user profiles, including lighting and key mapping preferences, to the 8MB of onboard memory.

The software is well-designed and easy to navigate when it comes to dialing in your favorite settings. Create your custom light show from existing settings, or create your own. You can also remap keys and create complex macro functions.


Corsair K95

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Constructed from premium materials to a high standard.
  • Standalone shortcut, macro, and media controls.
  • Onboard memory for saving user profiles.

Cons

  • More expensive than other products.
  • Large size takes up more desk space.

3 Das Keyboard Model S – Best German Designed Cherry MX Brown Keyboard

Those hard-working guys over at Das Keyboard have taken a tried and tested design and given it an updated, modern twist. Built off the old IBM Model M legend of the 80s and 90s, the Model S moves forward into the future.

Each time a keystroke is made on the Model S, you know for certain that it has registered. Is taking a tried and tested formula and adding modern features to it a recipe for success?

Let’s take a closer look and find out…

Something to be aware of is that you will require two free USB ports for this keyboard. One for operating the keyboard and another for powering the two port USB 2.0 hub located in the top right corner. However, this is a worthy exchange for the added convenience of accessible USB ports.

Another nice modern feature is the addition of shortcut and media controls. These can be accessed through the use of the function key. Laser-etched in blue onto the F keys in the top row for easy access and recognition.

That familiar feeling…

If you are lucky enough to have experienced one of the old IBM M Series keyboards, you’ll know about the clickity-clack. That satisfying feedback is what made it so popular. The noise, however, not so much.

Luckily with Das Keyboard’s use of Cherry MX Brown switches, you can enjoy that great responsiveness without the noise. This is a well-constructed and comfortable keyboard that is certainly one of the Best Cherry MX Brown Keyboards that you can buy.

To find out, even more, check out our in-depth Das Keyboard Model S Review.


Das Keyboard Model S

Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros

  • High-speed two port USB 2.0 hub in a convenient location.
  • Shortcut and media controls with laser etching.
  • Comfortable and responsive keyboard.

Cons

  • PC requires two free USB ports.
  • No backlighting available.

4 Cougar Attack X3 – Most Durable Cherry MX Brown Keyboard

Cougar’s Attack X3 mechanical gaming keyboard is built like a tank. Its easily recognizable hexagon design makes it stand out without being too far out there. The exposed metal backplate covering the plastic chassis gives it a strong presence.

The top and bottom of this keyboard, along with the keycaps, are finished in black. This contrasts well against the silver bare aluminum color of the backplate. Bright red LEDs are equipped under each key for some serious backlighting.

Added functionality…

With the use of a function key, located on the left side, where the Windows key would be, this allows for shortcuts to various functions. These include macros, media controls, and polling rates.

You’ll also find above the numerical pad three standalone keys for volume control. These include a mute button, plus an increase and decrease volume button. Additionally, the gaming mode will lock the Windows key, preventing accidental trips to the desktop during gameplay.

System software…

With the use of the UIX System Software, which can be downloaded from Cougar’s website, there is a range of customization features. Change lighting options, remap key functions, and assign macros.

Within the software, you can also create profiles. These can include user profiles, as well as game or program-specific profiles. Macros can be recorded up to a length of 140 keypresses, meaning even the most complex of functions can be completed.


Cougar Attack X3

Our rating:4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)

Pros

  • Solid structure and design with heavy-duty materials.
  • Dedicated volume controls above the numeric pad.
  • Useful software for creating various profile settings.

Cons

  • Lighting options are limited compared to other gaming keyboards.
  • The volume keys are membrane instead of mechanical.

5 HyperX Alloy Origins Core – Best Tenkeyless Cherry MX Brown Keyboard

For anyone that wishes to save a little desk space and not have it dominated by your keyboard, consider this product. Known as a TKL (TenKeyLess) keyboard, it just cuts off the numeric pad from a full-sized keyboard. Therefore, it is one of the best compact Cherry MX keyboards around.

The HyperX Alloy Origins Core may not dominate space, but it will dominate its presence with its incredible RGB lighting. Following a reasonably compact and basic design, premium materials have been used for this functional keyboard.

More than you’d expect…

After unpacking the keyboard from its packaging, it might seem a little underwhelming. That is until you look a little closer. The first thing you’ll notice is the braided USB cable you use for connecting to your PC.

You might even notice something missing. And that’s the use of plastic, as this is an all-aluminum body, with the only visible plastic being the keycaps. Even then, the keycaps are high-quality doubleshot PBT, giving them a strong and premium feel.

Filled with gaming features…

Thanks to the function key, there are shortcuts and media controls accessible along the top row of F keys. If that’s not enough, you can also assign macros, perform keymapping, and customize your lighting using the NGENUITY software.

Taking it one step further, you can save up to three profiles to the onboard memory once you have everything dialed in. When performing your inputs, never miss a function with NKRO registering every single keypress.

If you’re interested in Tenkeyless keyboards, please check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboards you can buy.


HyperX Alloy Origins Core

Our rating:5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Pros

  • Premium quality materials are used like aluminum and PBT keycaps.
  • Onboard profile memory function.
  • NGENUITY software allows for full customization.

Cons

  • No USB passthrough function.
  • Missing any dedicated media controls.

6 Corsair K70 – Best Full Feature Cherry MX Brown Keyboard

We already checked out the Corsair K95 keyboard, but for some, it might have been a bit too much. The slightly smaller K70 has only slightly fewer features and is more affordable, making it possibly a better option for some.

The main difference in design is the removal of the six macro keys along the left-hand side. This makes the keyboard more compact, freeing up some extra desk space. You still have macro ability, only without the dedicated buttons.

Still packed with features…

Along the top of the keyboard, there are still some shortcut keys and a metal volume roller. Above the numeric pad, you’ll also find the same dedicated media keys. There’s even a detachable magnetic wrist rest for added comfort.

RGB lighting illuminates each key with an almost unlimited range of colors to choose from. There’s also a USB passthrough port located at the top of the keyboard next to the braided USB cable. With all of these features, you are getting one of the best affordable Cherry MX brown keyboards on the market.

High profile…

With the use of the iCUE software downloaded from Corsair’s website, you can completely customize your keyboard. Everything from lighting brightness and effects to key remapping and recording macros.

Once all your personal settings are dialed in, save them to the onboard 8MB of storage. No matter where you bring your keyboard, it will be ready to go with all your favorite settings ready and accessible. As a result, this is one of the best portable Cherry MX gaming keyboards available.


Corsair K70

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Dedicated shortcut and media keys, including a volume roller.
  • USB passthrough is available.
  • 8 MB of onboard storage for saving profiles.

Cons

  • More expensive than other products in this range.
  • Wrist rest is not as comfortable.

7 Logitech K845 – Best Ergonomic Cherry MX Brown Keyboard

It would be impossible to have the best of any peripherals without including a product from Logitech. With their experience in the industry, they sure know how to produce attractive, quality, and functional products at a competitive price.

Their K845 mechanical keyboard keeps that trend going, ensuring Logitech continues in the right direction. It certainly looks fantastic, uses quality materials and components, performs well, and is affordable.

Looks and feels great…

Just as home in the office as it would be placed in front of your rig, this keyboard looks both elegant and aggressive at the same time. Constructed using a gray aluminum top case set against black keys gives it a classy appearance.

While there is no colorful RGB lighting, the keyboard still puts on a show with its white LEDs. There are five different effect choices for the lighting. These include breathing, random, greedy snake, reaction, and static.

Plus, there’s more…

A slightly curved profile, along with angled keys, provide an ergonomic and comfortable typing position. This more natural position allows for users to both type and game for longer without suffering from fatigue. Therefore, this is one of the most comfortable Cherry MX keyboards on the market.

Along the top row of the keyboard, the F keys double up to perform shortcuts and media functions. This can be done by holding down the function located to the right of the spacebar at the same time.


Logitech K845

Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • Great for both office and gaming use.
  • Premium build materials used.
  • White LED backlighting with effects.

Cons

  • No customization software.
  • A wrist rest would improve ergonomics.

8 ROCCAT Vulcan – Best RGB Cherry MX Brown Gaming Keyboard

When it comes to engineering and design, it’s difficult to improve on the Germans; they have a knack for such things. This is definitely the case with the ROCCAT Vulcan keyboard. Using a skeletal design, this is one unique product that definitely ranks among the Best Cherry MX Brown Keyboards.

One of the first things you’ll probably notice about this keyboard is that half of it appears to be missing. The switches stick straight out of the metal keyboard, with the keycaps appearing to almost float on top.

Sounds like dedication…

Media and shortcut controls are controlled with the use of a function key, like many of the keyboards here. For the volume, however, there are three dedicated buttons and a dial for making audio adjustments.

Every key is individually lit with RGB lighting with an incredible 16.8 million colors to choose from. There is a huge range of brightness levels and different effects to choose from to perform dazzling light shows.

Make it yours…

By downloading the Swarm software from the ROCCAT website, there is a full range of customizable features. Not only can you control the light show as mentioned, but you can also remap keys and record macros.

Even the USB cable gets the quality treatment which is both detachable and braided. Don’t find yourself short either with a length of 1.8 meters; cable management is made easy. Almost as easy as keeping everything clean with those floating keys.


ROCCAT Vulcan

Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Unique and attractive design with German engineering.
  • Dedicated volume controls and dial.
  • Customizable lighting and key functions via software.

Cons

  • The software can be tedious to operate.
  • Higher price than competing products.

Looking for Something Else?

You have the gaming gear you need. So, check out our in-depth Best Expensive Gaming Keyboards Review, our Best CPU For Gaming Reviews, our Best Gaming Desks Review, our Best Gaming Monitor Under $100 Review, and our review of the Best Chiclet Keyboards you can buy in 2023.

Also, have a look at our comprehensive Das Keyboard 4 Professional Review, our Corsair K63 Wireless Review, our Best Budget Gaming Chairs Under $200 Reviews, our Best Budget Gaming Headset Reviews, and our Best Network Switches For Gaming Review for more superb products currently on the market.

What are the Best Cherry MX Brown Keyboards?

Now is the time for us to choose which of these Cherry MX Brown keyboards we think is the best. And the product we have chosen is the…

HyperX Alloy Origins Core

While it might be missing features like USB passthrough and dedicated media controls, but it performs seriously well and is great value. It performs so well, in fact, that you won’t even miss these exclusions.

Until next time, game on.

About Paul S. Brunet

Known as the "Tech Lover", Paul is an expert of current and trending technology. Here at TinyGrab, he makes "tech" easy to understand for the average person.

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