Question 1

Why are Cherry MX Blue switches so loud?

Accepted Answer

Blue switches use a click jacket — a small plastic piece that snaps against the switch stem at the actuation point, producing an audible click. This mechanism is built into the switch and cannot be silenced with O-rings, which only dampen bottom-out noise. The click is the defining feature, not a side effect.

Question 2

Can you make Blue switches quieter?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce bottom-out and return noise with O-ring dampeners, but you cannot silence the click mechanism itself. Some users switch to Cherry MX White (a quieter clicky) or Cherry MX Brown (tactile, no click) as alternatives. There is no way to make a Blue switch truly quiet.

Question 3

Is the Blue click helpful for touch typing?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the click provides auditory confirmation that a key has actuated, which touch typists use as feedback without looking at the screen. This reduces over-pressing and helps maintain consistent rhythm. Many professional typists prefer clicky switches for this reason.

Question 4

Why do gamers prefer Red over Blue?

Accepted Answer

Red's lighter 45g actuation allows faster repeated presses with less fatigue — crucial in FPS and MOBA games. Blue's 60g force and click mechanism add resistance and a slight delay that competitive gamers find detrimental. The noise also interferes with voice chat during team play.

Question 5

Are there quieter clicky switches than Blue?

Accepted Answer

Cherry MX White (Clear clicky) offers a similar clicky feel at a slightly lower volume. Kailh Box Jade and Navy are clicky alternatives with different sound profiles. However, no clicky switch is truly quiet — if noise is a concern, switch to tactile (Brown) or linear (Red).

Question 6

Can I use Blue for gaming if I'm not competitive?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many casual gamers use Blue switches without issues. The heavier actuation and click may slow you down slightly in fast-paced games, but for RPGs, strategy games, or casual play, Blue works fine. It only becomes a disadvantage at competitive levels where every millisecond matters.

Scenario	Winner	Reason
Competitive gaming	Cherry MX Red	Red's lighter 45g actuation and smooth travel enable faster key presses without the heavy click mechanism slowing you down.
Solo typing sessions	Cherry MX Blue	The audible click and tactile bump create a satisfying, confidence-building typing experience when nobody else is around.
Shared office	Cherry MX Red	Blue's click is loud enough to annoy coworkers across the room. Red is nearly silent by comparison.
Noise-sensitive recording/streaming	Cherry MX Red	Blue clicks are clearly audible on microphones. Red's quiet operation keeps audio clean.
Reducing finger fatigue	Cherry MX Red	60g vs 45g — Blue requires 33% more force per press, which adds up over thousands of keystrokes.
Typing accuracy	Cherry MX Blue	The click confirms each key registered, reducing second-presses and uncertainty for touch typists.
Late-night work at home	Cherry MX Red	Blue's click will wake others in the next room. Red lets you type in peace.
Programming in open office	Cherry MX Red	The click is a deal-breaker in open-plan offices. Red gives you mechanical feel without the noise complaints.

Cherry MX Blue vs Red

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Use Case Verdicts

Frequently asked questions

Other Keyboard Comparisons

Try Our Keyboard Tools

Keyboard Tester

Compare Switch Sounds