Mechanical Keyboard Switches Red Vs Blue Which Is Better For Typing Without Annoying Your Coworkers

For many professionals, a mechanical keyboard is more than a tool—it's a daily companion. But in shared workspaces, open offices, or remote setups with roommates, the choice of switch can turn productivity into disruption. Among the most debated options are Cherry MX Red and Blue switches. Both are widely used, but they serve very different needs. The question isn't just about preference; it's about practicality, acoustics, and workplace harmony.

This guide dives deep into the core differences between red and blue mechanical switches, focusing on sound, tactile feedback, typing efficiency, and—most importantly—how likely each is to annoy those around you. Whether you're upgrading your setup or trying to avoid side-eye from colleagues during a Zoom call, this comparison will help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Mechanical Switch Types

Mechanical keyboards use individual physical switches under each keycap. Unlike membrane keyboards (the kind that come standard with most laptops), these switches offer distinct actuation points, durability, and customizable feel. The \"feel\" and sound of a switch are determined by its internal mechanism, including the spring, stem, and housing.

Cherry MX switches, developed by German manufacturer Cherry, are the industry benchmark. While there are now dozens of clones and custom variants (Gateron, Kailh, etc.), Cherry’s naming system remains the reference point. The color of the switch indicates its behavior:

• Red: Linear—smooth press with no bump or click.
• Blue: Tactile and clicky—noticeable bump and audible click when actuated.
• Brown: Tactile but not clicky—bump without the snap.
• Black: Linear, heavier actuation force.

Of these, Reds and Blues are among the most popular—and polarizing.

Sound Profile: The Coworker Factor

The most critical factor when sharing space is noise. A loud keyboard can be as disruptive as a phone on speaker mode. Let’s break down what makes each switch sound the way it does.

Blue switches are engineered to produce a sharp, high-pitched “click” at the actuation point. This comes from a metal leaf inside the switch that snaps against a plastic ridge when pressed. The result is a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists love—but it’s also objectively loud. In quiet environments, each keystroke registers like a tiny tap on a hard surface.

In contrast, Red switches lack any click mechanism. They’re linear, meaning the keypress feels smooth from top to bottom. Without the internal snap, the only sounds are the plastic-on-plastic contact of the keycap hitting the plate and the base, plus the spring compression. These are significantly quieter and more consistent.

Tip: If you're unsure how loud your keyboard is, try typing with headphones on. You’ll hear exactly what others around you experience.

Real-World Noise Comparison

To illustrate the difference, consider a typical office environment where background noise averages 40–50 decibels (dB). A conversation might register at 60 dB. Testing shows that:

• Cherry MX Blue switches: ~55–65 dB per keystroke (similar to normal speech).
• Cherry MX Red switches: ~45–50 dB per keystroke (closer to ambient office noise).

While 10–15 dB may seem minor, human hearing perceives every 10 dB increase as roughly doubling the loudness. So blues can sound up to twice as loud as reds—even if both are technically within acceptable limits.

“Clicky switches have their place, but in collaborative spaces, they often become unintentional distractions. For shared environments, linear switches are almost always the better social choice.” — Daniel Kim, Ergonomic Consultant at Workspace Dynamics

Typing Experience and Efficiency

Noise isn’t the only consideration. How a switch feels affects typing speed, accuracy, and fatigue over long sessions.

Tactile Feedback and Typing Accuracy

Blue switches provide strong tactile and auditory cues. When the key actuates (registers input), you both feel and hear a distinct click. This feedback helps some typists maintain rhythm and reduces accidental double-taps because the confirmation is unmistakable.

However, this same feedback can encourage “bottoming out”—hitting the key all the way down—which increases noise and strain. Because the click happens before bottom-out, users don’t need to press fully, but muscle memory often leads to deeper presses.

Red switches, being linear, offer no tactile bump. This means you must rely on finger sensitivity or visual cues to know when a key has registered. Some users find this less precise initially, especially if transitioning from tactile switches. However, once adapted, many report smoother, faster typing due to reduced resistance and uninterrupted motion.

Actuation Force and Fatigue

Both Red and Blue switches have a 45cN (centinewton) actuation force—the amount of pressure needed to trigger the key. However, the total force required to fully depress the key differs slightly due to internal mechanics.

Blues require slightly more force at the end of the stroke because of the click mechanism. Over hours of typing, this added resistance can contribute to finger fatigue, particularly for those prone to repetitive strain.

Reds, with their consistent linear travel, allow for lighter, quicker presses. Gamers favor them for rapid inputs, but knowledge workers benefit too—especially during long writing or coding sessions.

Comparison Table: Red vs Blue Switches

Feature	Cherry MX Red	Cherry MX Blue
Type	Linear	Clicky & Tactile
Actuation Force	45 cN	50 cN (peak)
Sound Level	Low to moderate (~45–50 dB)	Loud, sharp click (~55–65 dB)
Tactile Bump	None	Pronounced
Audible Click	No	Yes
Best For	Gaming, quiet offices, fast typists	Typists who want feedback, home use
Coworker-Friendly?	Yes, generally unobtrusive	Rarely—can be distracting
Fatigue Risk	Lower (smoother press)	Moderate (due to stiffer release)

Mini Case Study: The Open Office Dilemma

Jamie, a software developer at a mid-sized tech firm, loved her mechanical keyboard. She had been using a model with Cherry MX Blue switches for years and appreciated the crisp feedback while coding. But after moving into an open-concept office, complaints started trickling in.

“I didn’t realize how loud it was until my desk neighbor asked if I could ‘mute’ my keyboard,” she said. “It felt like being told to stop breathing.”

Her manager suggested a trial period with a quieter alternative. Jamie switched to a keyboard with Red switches and noticed two things immediately: first, her coworkers stopped wearing headphones just to focus. Second, she actually typed faster—without the need to wait for the click or lift her fingers completely between strokes.

“I missed the click at first,” she admitted. “But after a week, I realized I didn’t need it. My hands were less tired, and I wasn’t getting side-eye every time I typed a comment.”

This story reflects a common pattern: personal preference often clashes with shared-space etiquette. What feels good to one person can disrupt an entire team.

When Blue Switches Might Still Work

Are Blue switches always off-limits? Not necessarily. Context matters.

• Home offices with closed doors: If you’re alone or working remotely with no one nearby, Blues can be a joy. The feedback enhances typing rhythm, and the sound becomes part of your workflow ambiance.
• Heavy typists who prefer precision: Some writers, coders, and data entry professionals thrive on the tactile confirmation. If accuracy trumps discretion, Blues may still be worth considering.
• Using O-rings or dampeners: Rubber O-rings placed under keycaps can reduce bottom-out noise by up to 30%. While they don’t eliminate the click, they soften the overall impact.

Still, even with modifications, Blue switches remain inherently louder than linear alternatives. They’re best suited for private environments.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Switch

If you're deciding between Reds and Blues—or considering a switch change—follow this process to make a socially conscious and personally effective choice:

1. Assess your environment: Do you work near others? Are walls thin or acoustics echoey? If yes, lean toward quieter options.
2. Test before you buy: Visit a store with demo keyboards or order sample switches online. Type full sentences, not just single keys.
3. Consider hybrid alternatives: If you miss tactile feedback but need silence, try Brown switches—they offer a bump without the click.
4. Optimize your current setup: Use keycap dampeners, switch to PBT keycaps (which absorb sound better), or add a silicone mat under the board.
5. Listen to feedback: Ask coworkers honestly: “Is my keyboard distracting?” Be open to change.

Tip: Try typing with your ear close to the keyboard. This reveals how much noise escapes downward and outward—exactly what others hear.

FAQ

Can I make a Blue switch keyboard quiet enough for an office?

You can reduce noise with O-rings, foam mods inside the case, or silent switches (like Cherry MX Silent Reds), but you can’t eliminate the inherent click. True silence isn’t possible with standard Blue switches.

Are Red switches good for typing, or just gaming?

Reds are excellent for typing once you adapt. Their low resistance allows for fluid, fast input. Many professional writers and developers prefer them for long sessions due to reduced finger strain.

Do keyboard layout and keycap material affect noise?

Yes. Smaller keyboards (60%, 75%) generate less resonance. Heavier materials (aluminum cases) dampen sound. PBT keycaps are denser and quieter than ABS. Foam lining inside the case also significantly reduces hollow echo.

Checklist: Is Your Keyboard Coworker-Friendly?

• ☑ Switch type is linear (e.g., Red) or non-clicky tactile (e.g., Brown)
• ☑ No audible clicking with each keystroke
• ☑ Keycap bottom-out sound is soft, not sharp
• ☑ Keyboard has internal damping (foam or rubber gaskets)
• ☑ You’ve tested it in your actual workspace
• ☑ Coworkers haven’t complained or worn headphones to block you out

Conclusion: Prioritize Peace Alongside Performance

The best keyboard isn’t just the one that feels right to you—it’s the one that respects the people around you. While Cherry MX Blue switches deliver satisfying feedback and precision, their noise profile makes them poorly suited for shared environments. Cherry MX Reds, with their smooth, silent operation, offer a superior balance of performance and discretion.

Choosing Reds doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. It means adapting to a modern workspace where collaboration and concentration coexist. With the right switch, you can type faster, stay comfortable, and keep the peace—all without muting your productivity.

💬 Have experience with Reds or Blues in a shared space? Share your story or tips in the comments—your insight could help someone avoid an awkward office moment.