This study focused on the experimental evaluation of the knee-braced moment resisting frames (KBRFs). A series of cyclic loading tests were conducted on the special moment resisting frame (SMRF) and KBRF frames with knee braces applied in the in-plane and out-of-plane buckling directions. It was found from the tests that the structural stiffness of KBRFs increased when knee braces with larger dimensions were used. It was also found from the comparisons that the strength of the knee-braced frames was significantly enhanced no matter the knee braces buckled in the in-place or out-of-plane direction. However, the drift at which the knee brace members reached the buckling stage was higher for KBRF frames with braces installed in the in-plane buckling direction. This phenomenon led to higher energy dissipation that is essential to the effective seismic design of structures. Therefore, it is suggested that braces with in-plane buckling pattern be adopted in the seismic designs of KBRF frame structures.