14 Best Key Switches for Gaming | Complete Guide to Buy

  • Keycaps 101
  • Posted by: carson-rutz
  • Apr 26, 2024

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

Gateron yellow pros

Linear $0.27
Kailh Speed Coppers

Kailh speed coppers

Tactile $0.28
Kailh Box Jade

Kailh box jade

Clicky $0.38
Holy Panda X

Holy panda x

Tactile $0.54
Kailh Box Pinks

Kailh box pinks

Clicky $0.59
Gateron North Pole 2.0 Yellow

Gateron north pole 2. 0 yellow

Linear $0.69
Gateron Ink Black

Gateron ink black

Linear $0.8
Gateron Yellows

Gateron yellows

Linear $0.85
Kailh Box Silent Pink

Kailh box silent pink

Linear $0.96
Cherry MX Red

Cherry mx red

Linear $0.99
Razer Red Optical

Razer red optical

Linear $1.2
Cherry MX Speed Silvers

Cherry mx speed silvers

Linear $1.23
Cherry MX Black

Cherry mx black

Linear $1.41
Omnipoint Adjustable

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:

  • Linear: Smooth keypress with no bump or click, ideal for speed-focused gamers.
  • Tactile: Offers a small bump to confirm your keystroke, balancing responsiveness with typing feedback.
  • Clicky: Features a satisfying bump and clicking sound, perfect for those who love auditory feedback.

1. Cherry MX Speed Silvers: Best Overall Key Switches for Gaming

Cherry mx speed silvers | source: cherryworld
Cherry mx speed silvers | source: cherryworld

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Linear
  • Actuation Force: 45g
  • Operation Force: 45g
  • Travel Distance: 1.2mm Pre | 3.4mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: Transparent
  • Upper Housing Finish: Transparent
  • Noisy Level: Quiet

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
  • Durable
  • Super speed
  • Smooth and linear
  • Highly responsive
  • Light touch
  • Lack of tactile feedback
  • Limited customization

You can check out this video by Cherry MX to have detailed explanation about this best type of switches for gaming:

2. Gateron Yellows: Best Linear Gaming Switches

Gateron yellows | source: keychron
Gateron yellows | source: keychron

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Linear
  • Actuation Force: 50g
  • Operation Force: 60g
  • Travel Distance: 2.0mm Pre | 4.0mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: Transparent
  • Upper Housing Finish: Typically smooth or faintly textured
  • Noisy Level: Quiet

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
  • Super smooth linear travel
  • Quiet operation
  • Lightweight actuation
  • Excellent value
  • Widely available
  • Lack of tactile feedback
  • Not hot-swappable
  • Might feel scratchy 
  • Bottom-out noise

You can watch this review to get a real feel about their smoothness, helping you make informed decisions:

3. Kailh Speed Coppers: Best Tactile Gaming Switches

Kailh speed coppers | source: kailh
Kailh speed coppers | source: kailh

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Tactile
  • Actuation Force: 50g
  • Operation Force: 40g
  • Travel Distance: 1.1mm Pre | 3.55mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: Transparent
  • Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
  • Noisy Level: Medium

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
  • Lightning-fast actuation
  • Tactile feedback with a click
  • Quieter than traditional clicky switches
  • Budget-friendly
  • Wide availability
  • Heavier than some linear switches
  • Not hot-swappable
  • Might feel scratchy

4. Kailh Box Pinks: Best Clicky Gaming Switches

Kailh box pink | source: the keycap club
Kailh box pink | source: the keycap club

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Clicky
  • Actuation Force: 55g
  • Operation Force: 55g
  • Travel Distance: 1.8mm Pre | 3.6mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: Transparent
  • Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
  • Noisy Level: Loud

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.

Pros Cons
  • Glorious click
  • Light and speedy
  • Built to last
  • Dustproof design
  • Budget-friendly
  • Loud and clicky
  • Not hot-swappable
  • Scratchiness
  • Tactile bump

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: 

5. Razer Red Optical: Best Optical Switch for Gaming

Razer red optical | source: razer
Razer red optical | source: razer

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Linear
  • Actuation Force: 45g
  • Operation Force: 55 - 60g
  • Travel Distance: 1.2mm Pre | 4.0mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: Black
  • Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
  • Noisy Level: Relatively Quiet

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
  • Unmatched speed
  • Superior durability
  • Smooth operator
  • Clear actuation
  • Dust and debris resistant
  • Premium price
  • Limited availability
  • Missing tactile/clicky feedback
  • Scratchiness

6. Cherry MX Red: Best Fastest Switch for Gaming

Cherry mx red | source: cherryworld
Cherry mx red | source: cherryworld

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Linear
  • Actuation Force: 45g
  • Operation Force: 45g
  • Travel Distance: 2.0mm Pre | 4.0mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: Black/Transparent
  • Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
  • Noisy Level: Relatively quiet

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.

Pros Cons
  • Smooth and linear
  • Lightweight actuation
  • Widely available
  • Reliable performance
  • Quiet operation
  • Lacks tactile feedback
  • Not the absolute fastest
  • Might feel scratchy
  • Can feel mushy

7. Holy Panda X: Best Mid-Range Switch for Gaming

Holy panda x | source: amazon 
Holy panda x | source: amazon

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Tactile
  • Actuation Force: 60g
  • Operation Force: 65 - 70g
  • Travel Distance: 3.5mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: Black
  • Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
  • Noisy Level: Thocky

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.

Pros Cons
  • Tactile euphoria
  • Reduced actuation force
  • Smooth operator
  • Thocky symphony
  • Mid-range value
  • Soldering required
  • Limited availability
  • Subjective sound profile
  • Might feel scratchy

You can get all the details about Holy Panda X switches in the review below:

8. Kailh Box Jade: Best for Loudest and Thickest for Gaming

Kailh box jade | source: kailh
Kailh box jade | source: kailh

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Clicky
  • Actuation Force: 50g
  • Operation Force: 50g
  • Travel Distance: 1.8mm Pre | 3.6mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: Transparent
  • Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
  • Noisy Level: Very loud

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
  • Ultra-clicky extravaganza
  • Heavy tactile bliss
  • Built to last
  • Budget-friendly
  • May get finger fatigue after intense usage
  • Mushy feel

Don't settle for just reading about the best key switches for gaming! Watch this side-by-side video to see how it performs:

9.  Cherry MX Black: Best Durable Switch for Gaming

Cherry mx black | source: cherryworld
Cherry mx black | source: cherryworld

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Linear
  • Actuation Force: 54g
  • Operation Force: 60g
  • Travel Distance: 2.0mm Pre | 4.0mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: Black/Transparent
  • Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
  • Noisy Level: Relatively quiet

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.

Pros Cons
  • Unmatched durability
  • Smooth keypress
  • Reduced accidental presses (for some)
  • Heavy actuation force
  • Limited tactile feedback
  • Not hot-swappable 

If you are curious about linear sound of the best type of switches for gaming, come hear and see through this video:

10. Gateron Ink Black: Smoothest Feel Switch for Gaming

Gateron ink black | source: gateron
Gateron ink black | source: gateron

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Linear
  • Actuation Force: 60g
  • Operation Force: 60g
  • Travel Distance: 2.mm Pre | 3.4mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: Transparent
  • Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
  • Noisy Level: Quiet and bassy sound

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:

Pros Cons
  • Exceptional smoothness
  • Superior for rapid key sequences
  • Durable and reliable
  • Pre-lubricated
  • Felt scratchy out-of-the-box
  • Heavier spring force, may not suit all users
  • Higher cost compared to standard Gateron switches

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:

11. Gateron Yellow Pro: Best Budget Switches for Gaming

Gateron yellow pro | source: kineticlabs
Gateron yellow pro | source: kineticlabs

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Linear
  • Actuation Force: 50g
  • Operation Force: 67g
  • Travel Distance: 2.0mm Pre | 4.0mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: Milky
  • Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
  • Noisy Level: Relatively quiet

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
  • Smooth operator
  • Budget-friendly
  • Widely available
  • Lightweight actuation
  • Quiet operation
  • Lack tactile feedback
  • Not the absolute smoothest
  • Scratchiness
  • Potentially scratchy keycaps

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

12. Gateron North Pole 2.0 Yellow: Best RGB-Friendly Switches For Gaming

Gateron north pole 2. 0 yellow | source: gateron
Gateron north pole 2. 0 yellow | source: gateron

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Linear
  • Actuation Force: 60g
  • Operation Force: 60g
  • Travel Distance: 2.0mm Pre | 4.0mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: Transparent
  • Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
  • Noisy Level: Relatively quiet

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.

Pros Cons
  • Visually stunning RGB effects
  • Linear and smooth
  • Hot-swappable
  • Limited confirmation of superior RGB performance
  • Potential scratchiness

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:

13. Kailh Box Silent Pink: Best Quiet Switches For Gaming

Kailh box silent pink | source: amazon
Kailh box silent pink | source: amazon

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Linear
  • Actuation Force: 35g
  • Bottom-out Force: 45g
  • Travel Distance: 1.8mm Pre | 2.9mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: Transparent
  • Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
  • Noisy Level: Relatively quiet

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
  • Excellent for quiet gaming
  • Satisfying tactile bump
  • Durable design
  • Smooth operation
  • Prone to double keystrokes
  • Accidental keypresses
  • May feel mushy for users with a heavy touch

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.

14. OmniPoint Adjustable: Best customizable switches for gaming

Omnipoint adjustable | source: steelseries
Omnipoint adjustable | source: steelseries

Tech Specs:

  • Type: Linear
  • Actuation Force: 45g
  • Travel Distance: 0.4mm Pre | 3.6mm Total
  • Upper Housing Color: White
  • Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
  • Noisy Level: Relatively quiet

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.

Pros Cons
  • Greater customization options with potential for multiple actuation points
  • Increased durability due to lack of physical contact
  • Less prone to failure with fewer interacting parts
  • High price due to advanced technology
  • Limited availability compared to traditional switches
  • Software reliance
  • Learning curve

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.

Guiding to choose the best key switches for gaming | source: rting
Guiding to choose the best key switches for gaming | source: rting
  1. Actuation force

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.

  1. Latency 

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.

  1. Noise level

Some key switches are louder than others when pressed. If you prefer a quieter gaming experience, consider switches with low noise levels.

  1. RGB lightning

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.

  1. Durability

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.

  1. Customizable actuation

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.

Conclusion 

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.

FAQs

1. Do I really need a gaming switch?

Not necessarily. But gaming switches can offer faster response or better durability then you can consider these advantages.

2. Which color switch do gamers prefer?

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.

3. Are linear, tactile, or clicky switches better for gaming?

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). 

4. Are shorter actuation distances better for gaming?

​​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.

5. Which switches do professional gamers prefer?

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.

6. Where can I purchase the best switches for gaming?

Many online retailers and computer parts stores sell mechanical keyboards and individual switches. Some popular options include: Mechanical keyboard stores, Amazon, Newegg.

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