Keyboard Switch Guide: Cherry MX, Gateron, and More
Understanding switches is key to finding your perfect mechanical keyboard. This guide covers everything from basic switch types to advanced characteristics.
The Three Main Switch Types
Mechanical switches fall into three categories based on their feel and sound profile. Understanding these categories is the first step to finding your ideal switch.
Linear
Smooth keystroke from top to bottom with no tactile feedback. Popular for gaming due to rapid keypresses without resistance.
Tactile
Noticeable bump at the actuation point providing physical feedback. Preferred by typists who want confirmation of keypresses.
Clicky
Tactile bump plus audible click sound. Satisfying for some users but can be disruptive in shared environments.
Cherry MX Switches
Cherry MX is the original mechanical switch manufacturer and still the industry standard. Their color-coded naming system has become universal.
Cherry MX Red
LinearThe most popular gaming switch. Light actuation force and smooth travel make it ideal for rapid keypresses. Also available as MX Speed Silver (1.2mm actuation) for even faster response.
Cherry MX Brown
TactileThe "do-everything" switch with subtle tactile bump. Good for both typing and gaming, though enthusiasts often find the tactility too mild.
Cherry MX Blue
ClickyClassic typing switch with satisfying click. The audible feedback helps typists know exactly when keys register. Not recommended for quiet environments or double-tap gaming.
Cherry MX Black
LinearHeavier linear switch that resists accidental keypresses. Preferred by users who rest their fingers on keys or want more deliberate input.
Gateron Switches
Gateron produces Cherry MX-compatible switches often praised for smoother keystrokes at lower prices. Many enthusiasts prefer Gateron over Cherry for linear switches.
Gateron Yellow
Community favorite linear switch. 50g actuation provides a middle ground between Red and Black. Known for exceptional smoothness out of the box.
Gateron Milky Yellow
Budget king with milky housing for improved LED diffusion. Often recommended as the best entry into mechanical keyboards.
Gateron Ink
Premium line with tighter tolerances and smoother feel. Available in all three types. Considered some of the best stock switches available.
Gateron Silent
Dampened switches for quiet operation. Available in multiple colors/weights. Great for office use or late-night typing.
Other Notable Switch Brands
Kailh
Known for Box switches (dust/water resistant) and speed switches. Their Kailh Box Jade/Navy are popular clicky options with a unique click bar mechanism.
Durock/JWK
Produces many popular switches including Alpacas, Lavenders, and Tangerines. Known for smooth linears that rival lubed Cherry switches straight out of the box.
Akko
Budget-friendly switches with impressive performance. Their CS series offers great value, and the Jelly series provides interesting color options with smooth operation.
Outemu
Often found in budget keyboards. While base Outemu switches are basic, their Silent Tactile and Cream Yellow switches have earned enthusiast recognition.
Switch Specifications Explained
Actuation Force (grams)
The force required to register a keypress. Light (35-45g) suits fast typists and gamers. Medium (50-60g) balances speed and control. Heavy (65g+) prevents accidental presses.
Actuation Point (mm)
How far you need to press before the key registers. Standard is 2mm. Speed switches use 1.0-1.2mm for faster response. Lower isn't always better—it can cause accidental inputs.
Total Travel (mm)
Total distance the key can travel. Standard is 4mm. Shorter travel (3mm) enables faster double-taps. Some typists prefer longer travel for comfort.
Bottom-Out Force
Force at full compression. Usually 15-20g higher than actuation force. Important for typists who bottom out keys rather than touch-typing.
Choosing the Right Switch
For Gaming
Linear switches like Cherry MX Red, Gateron Yellow, or Speed Silver. The smooth, uninterrupted travel allows rapid keypresses. Consider optical switches for the absolute lowest latency.
For Typing
Tactile switches like Cherry MX Brown, Glorious Panda, or Holy Panda. The feedback helps you type without looking and reduces bottoming out. Consider clicky if noise isn't a concern.
For Office Use
Silent switches like Cherry MX Silent Red, Gateron Silent, or Zilent V2. These dampened switches won't disturb coworkers while still providing mechanical feel.
Testing Your Switches
After choosing and installing switches, verify they're working correctly. Use ourkeyboard testing tool to check every switch registers and test rollover to ensure your keyboard handles simultaneous keypresses properly.
Conclusion
Switch choice is personal—there's no universally "best" switch. Consider trying a switch tester before committing to a full keyboard. Many keyboard enthusiasts own multiple keyboards with different switches for different tasks.
Hot-swappable keyboards let you change switches without soldering, perfect for those still exploring their preferences. Whatever you choose, alwaystest your keyboard to ensure optimal performance.