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Selecting the right key switches can significantly impact your gaming performance, affecting both speed and sound. Here is your guide to choosing the best key switches for gaming. We will dive into 14 best options, explaining the pros and cons of each to help you find your ideal match for victory.
| Name | Switch types | Price (per switch) |
| Gateron Yellow Pros
|
Linear | $0.27 |
| Kailh Speed Coppers
|
Tactile | $0.28 |
| Kailh Box Jade
|
Clicky | $0.38 |
| Holy Panda X
|
Tactile | $0.54 |
| Kailh Box Pinks
|
Clicky | $0.59 |
| Gateron North Pole 2.0 Yellow
|
Linear | $0.69 |
| Gateron Ink Black
|
Linear | $0.8 |
| Gateron Yellows
|
Linear | $0.85 |
| Kailh Box Silent Pink
|
Linear | $0.96 |
| Cherry MX Red
|
Linear | $0.99 |
| Razer Red Optical
|
Linear | $1.2 |
| Cherry MX Speed Silvers
|
Linear | $1.23 |
| Cherry MX Black
|
Linear | $1.41 |
| Omnipoint Adjustable
|
Linear | Not typically sold separately |
Note: Please note that prices as shown are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without prior notice.
Mechanical keyboard switches are the heart of the keyboard, determining its feel and performance. They come in various types, offering different tactile feedback, actuation forces, and sound levels to suit individual preferences and gaming styles. These switches come in three main types:
Tech Specs:
Gamers seeking the best switch mechanical keyboard should look no further than Cherry MX switches family, especially Cherry MX Speed Silvers. These linear switches are known for their hair-trigger actuation point, which means you can register key presses incredibly fast. This is ideal for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts.
Not only are they fast, but Cherry MX Speed Silvers are also very smooth and consistent, making them comfortable for extended gaming sessions. Plus, they're incredibly durable, lasting up to 100 million keystrokes, so you can be sure they'll withstand even the most intense gaming sessions.
| Pros | Cons |
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You can check out this video by Cherry MX to have detailed explanation about this best type of switches for gaming:
Tech Specs:
For gamers, the best switch mechanical keyboard needs to have a balance of speed, smoothness, and a satisfying feel. Enter the Gateron Yellows, the linear switches that become favorite amongst budget-minded gamers seeking exceptional performance.
Compared to Gateron Red switches, Gateron Yellow switches have a slightly heavier actuation force at around 50g, offering smooth linear keystrokes ideal for gaming, while Red’s actuation force is 45g, providing a lighter touch for users who prefer a responsive and effortless typing experience without tactile feedback. You can consider these switches based on your typing/gaming style.
Moreover, unlike tactile or clicky switches, Gateron Yellows offer a clean travel with minimal resistance, perfectly to rapid key sequences, ideal for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. They are also built to withstand the test of time, boasting a lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes. This translates to years of reliable performance, making them a smart investment for heavy keyboard users.
| Pros | Cons |
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You can watch this review to get a real feel about their smoothness, helping you make informed decisions:
Tech Specs:
In the best mechanical switches for gaming world, linear switches are usually recommended. But for those who like tactile switches, Kailh Speed Coppers are among the top choices for mechanical keyboards.
These switches are built for lightning-fast gaming. Their light actuation and minimal key travel allow for rapid keystrokes without sacrificing accuracy, perfect for clutch online battles. These switches are also incredibly durable, lasting up to 50 million keystrokes, so you can dominate the competition for years to come.
| Pros | Cons |
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Tech Specs:
For gamers who thrive on the auditory and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, Kailh Box Pinks stand out as a top choice for the best clicky gaming switch. With Kailh Box Pinks, you can experience a crisp, satisfying click sound that provides clear actuation feedback, enhancing your in-game awareness and accuracy. Read a full review here.
This best type of switches for gaming promote long-lasting performance and reduce maintenance needs because its innovative box design safeguards the switch from dust and debris. In addition, these switches deliver premium clicky goodness without a hefty price tag, making them a fantastic value for gamers on budget.
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Do you want to see how the best mechanical switches for gaming performs? Let’s dive into Kailh Box Pink’s review and sound test:
Tech Specs:
Razer Red Optical switches use light for lightning-fast key registration, perfect for competitive gaming. Plus, they boast a massive 100 million keystroke lifespan, lasting for years of intense use. Despite the light actuation force, they deliver a satisfying keypress with a clear actuation point, enhancing your in-game precision.
These switches kick it into high gear with Razer HyperPolling for an 8x faster connection (from 1000 Hz to 8000 Hz) between your Razer mouse and PC, delivering near-instantaneous response for ultimate competitive edge.
| Pros | Cons |
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Tech Specs:
Cherry MX Red have strong brand recognition and are popular choices for the best switch mechanical keyboard. They offer a smooth keypress without a tactile bump or clicky sound, allowing for rapid key sequences. The low actuation force requires minimal pressure to register a keystroke, promoting faster key presses. More than that, it is also renowned for their exceptional durability, withstanding up to 100 million keystrokes - double the industry standard.
If you want to see some top options featuring these smooth linear lightweight mechanical switches in the red color, find your perfect match here.
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Tech Specs:
Holy Panda X switches offer a delightful and pronounced tactile bump, providing clear actuation feedback for precise in-game control. Compared to original Holy Pandas, the X variant boasts a slightly lighter actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during extended gaming sessions.
The sound of Holy Panda X is a pleasant thocky sound, offering a quieter alternative to clicky switches while providing some auditory feedback.
The reason why Holy Panda X is one of the best mechanical switches for gaming is that its switches fall within a mid-range price point compared to premium switches.
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You can get all the details about Holy Panda X switches in the review below:
Tech Specs:
The reason why Kailh Box Jade is one of the best mechanical keyboard switches for gaming is that they are renowned for their loud, clicky sound and pronounced bump, making them a popular choice among gamers who crave a satisfying typing and gaming experience.
These switches boast a dustproof and water-resistant design so they are resilient to spills and dust buildup, a plus for long-term use. However, the extreme clickiness, potentially excessive actuation force, and somewhat mushy feel might be drawbacks.
Moreover, people also consider Kailh Box and Gateron switches and usually bring them into comparison to find the perfect fit for their keyboard. Click here if you are in the same situation.
| Pros | Cons |
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Don't settle for just reading about the best key switches for gaming! Watch this side-by-side video to see how it performs:
Tech Specs:
Another best switch mechanical keyboard is Cherry MX Black. These switches are legendary for their exceptional durability and smooth linear keypress.
In detail, they boast a lifespan rated for a staggering 100 million keystrokes, ensuring years of reliable performance, ideal for gamers who demand long-lasting switches.
But, Cherry MX Blacks are not ideal switches for all game genres because the lack of tactile feedback might make them less suitable for games where precise actuation is crucial.
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If you are curious about linear sound of the best type of switches for gaming, come hear and see through this video:
Tech Specs:
Gateron Ink Blacks are factory-lubed for a buttery-smooth keypress, skipping the hassle of DIY lubing. Their design minimizes friction further. Remember, "smoothness" can be subjective, so explore options to find the best gaming keyboard switches for your feel.
Related Article:
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For a complete picture of Gateron Ink Black's performance and user experience, head over to the linked review video and get all the details you need:
Tech Specs:
Gateron Yellow Pro switches are strong contenders for the best mechanical switches for gaming. These Pro switches boast an increased lifespan of up to 100 million keystrokes, compared to the standard Gateron Yellow switches which typically offer around 50 million keystrokes.
Additionally, they exhibit a smoother keystroke feel, with reduced friction and enhanced consistency, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions and gaming marathons alike.
| Pros | Cons |
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Get an up-close look at the build quality and functionality of these top contenders of the best key switches for gaming in this detailed review video:
Related Articles
Tech Specs:
The reason why Gateron North Pole 2.0 Yellow becomes one of the best mechanical switches for gaming is an upgraded structure based on the original North Pole switch.
In addition, with a fully transparent body and a light-gathering structure, North Pole 2.0 Yellow switches bring a brighter and more vivid lighting display compared to switches with opaque housings. It’s extremely suitable for those who want a luminous RGB experience.
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And now, let’s see the upgrade of 2.0 ver compared with the original through this video and you will know why it is the best type of switches for gaming:
Tech Specs:
Kailh BOX Silent Pink switches are a suitable choice for the best key switches for gaming or any situation where you want to type with minimal noise. They are an extremely stable, non-wobbly switch, similar to classic Box Pinks but without the clickiness.
With a total travel distance of 3.6mm, these switches promote faster actuation compared to some other silent switches, potentially leading to a more responsive feel in games.
However, for gamers who love these pink switches, they might be less readily available and require searching for compatible keyboards or purchasing switches separately.
| Pros | Cons |
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Considering among the best mechanical switches for gaming? This reviewer will help you decide if Kailh Box Silent Pink’s quiet performance and feel are the perfect one for you.
Tech Specs:
SteelSeries boasts their OmniPoint Adjustable switches as the pinnacle of customization for gamers. A special point of these switches is that they dike the traditional essence splint and contact points rather, it uses attractions.
Compared to the OmniPoint 1.0 switches, the 2.0 switches boast a 50% faster actuation and a 33% swiffer response time. With the 2.0 switches, users have the flexibility to customize the actuation point within a range of 0.2 mm to 3.8 mm, whereas the 1.0 switches were constrained to a range of 0.4 mm to 3.6 mm.
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Are OmniPoint Adjustable the best mechanical keyboard switches for gaming? Let’s check this out:
When choosing the best key switches for gaming, you should consider the following factors to find out perfect key switches that suit your gaming preferences and enhance your overall gaming performance.
The actuation force is the amount of force needed to register a keystroke. Lighter actuation force switches are often preferred for gaming as they allow for faster and more responsive key presses.
When choosing the best key switches for gaming, latency is a crucial factor. It directly impacts the response time between your keypress and the in-game action. Lower latency translates to faster on-screen response, giving you a competitive advantage in fast-paced games where every millisecond counts.
Some key switches are louder than others when pressed. If you prefer a quieter gaming experience, consider switches with low noise levels.
RGB lighting is cool, but for the best type of switches for gaming, focus on performance. While fancy lights look nice, features like low latency and actuation point have a bigger impact on your gameplay. Choose switches based on feel, sound, and responsiveness, not just flashy colors.
When considering the durability of the best key switches for gaming, you need to look for switches rated for a high number of keystrokes to ensure longevity.
Customizable actuation lets you fine-tune how much you press a key to register a keystroke. This can be helpful for gamers who want to optimize responsiveness for their playstyle. While not a must-have, it adds another option for the best switch keyboard for gaming.
In conclusion, through the list of 14 switch options , we hope those guides and recommendations empower you to narrow down your search and make an informed decision. Remember, the best key switches for gaming is the one that elevates your gameplay and complements your style.
Not necessarily. But gaming switches can offer faster response or better durability then you can consider these advantages.
It depends on personal preference. However, the red or silver switches are the most famous among gamers because of their effortless keypress and faster response time.
You just need to follow your personal preference. All of them can work well for gaming with their own potentials such as linear (fast and smooth), tactile (nice middle ground between feedback and speed), and clicky (improve keystroke accuracy).
Shorter actuation distance (the travel needed to register a keypress) can be beneficial for faster response times in competitive games. However, some gamers prefer a longer throw for better keystroke control.
There's no single answer as it depends on the individual player. Many pro gamers use linear red or black switches for their speed. In contrast, some still prefer tactile browns for the balance between feedback and actuation.
Many online retailers and computer parts stores sell mechanical keyboards and individual switches. Some popular options include: Mechanical keyboard stores, Amazon, Newegg.
Tags:
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