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Low-profile switches are shorter and more compact than normal counterparts, yet benefit users in a variety of ways.
Consider buying a set?
Sadly, finding the best low-profile switches may be much like looking for a needle in a haystack. Be at ease! We’ve compiled a list of top-rated low-profile switches on the market now.
Are you still unclear about what low-profile switches are? Check our low-profile switch guide first before moving on.
| Name | Switch types | Price | Rating |
| Cherry MX Low Profile Switches
|
Linear | $0.63 per switch | 3.2/5.0 |
| Gateron Low Profile Switches
|
Linear/Tactile/Clicky | $0.23 per switch | 4.8/5.0 |
| Kailh Low Profile Switches
|
Linear/Tactile/Clicky | $0.40 per switch | 4.9/5.0 |
| Logitech Romer-G Low Profile
|
Linear/Tactile | Only sold with specific keyboards | N/A |
| Keychron Low Profile Optical Switches
|
Linear/Tactile/Early bump Tactile/Clicky | $0.21 per switch | 4.5/5.0 |
| Outemu Low Profile Switches
|
Linear/Tactile/Clicky | $0.51 per switch | 4.0/5.0 |
| TTC Low Profile switches
|
Linear/Tactile/Clicky | $0.49 per switch | 5.0/5.0 |
| Razer Low Profile optical switches
|
Linear/Tactile | Only sold with specific keyboards | N/A |
| Gazzew Low Profile switches
|
Linear/Tactile/Clicky | $0.58 per switch | N/A |
| Cherry Red
|
Cherry Silver Speed
|
|
| Switch type | Linear | Linear |
| Operating force | 45 ± 15 gf | 45 ± 15 gf |
| Pre-travel | 1.2 ± 0.3 mm | 1.0 ± 0.3 mm |
| Total travel | 3.2 ± 0.25 mm | 3.2 ± 0.25 mm |
| Height | 11.9mm | 11.9mm |
| Sound level | Low | Low |
| Lifespan | > 100 million keystrokes | > 100 million keystrokes |
| Price | $0.63 per switch | $0.63 per switch |
| Suitable for | Typists | Gamers |
Cherry MX Low Profile Switches are at the top of the best low profile switches today thanks to their reliability and high-quality build. Indeed, they have gained popularity among keyboard fans and pros alike for a long time.
Cherry MX Low Profile switches come in two different variants, each offering a distinctive typing experience.
The Cherry Reds are best for typists who prefer a light and responsive touch. Silvers are built for speed with a shorter actuation distance of 1.0 mm, making them ideal for gamers who need to react quick-wittedly in gaming sessions.
Top of all, Cherry MX Low Profile switches are notable for cross-stem compatibility. They support both low-profile and standard keycaps, providing more customization possibilities for keycaps.
Pros:
Cons:
The excellence of Cherry MX doesn’t need an introduction. Check everything about Cherry profile keycaps to know why most typists and gamers opt for them.
Take a moment to watch the video proving why Cherry MX Low Profile switches are generally the top choices for any situation.
| Gateron Red
|
Gateron Brown
|
Gateron Blue
|
|
| Switch type | Linear | Tactile | Clicky |
| Operating force | 50 ± 15 gf | 55 ± 15 gf | 65 ± 15 gf |
| Pre-travel | 1.7 ± 0.4 mm | 1.7 ± 0.4 mm | 1.7 + 0.4/-0.3 mm |
| Total travel | 3.0 ± 0.2 mm | 3.0 ± 0.2 mm | 3.0 ± 0.2 mm |
| Height | 8.3 mm | 8.3 mm | 8.3 mm |
| Sound level | Low | Medium | Loud |
| Lifespan | > 60 million keystrokes | > 60 million keystrokes | > 60 million keystrokes |
| Price | $0.23 per switch | $0.23 per switch | $0.23 per switch |
| Suitable for | Gaming/Office | Midway gaming/Office | Typist |
Gateron Low Profile Switches are considered a great Cherry MX alternative at a lower price point without sacrificing superior features. As such, it’s little wonder it made this list of the best low profile switches.
These switches are specifically created to offer a slim and compact profile, making them perfect for keyboards with a sleek and minimalist design.
Explore now: The best low-profile keyboards compatible with these switches!
This series of low profile switches is available in your choice of tactile, linear, or clicky switches. That way, you are free to select the typing experience you desire regardless of tactile bump or not.
What stands out is that Gateron low-profile switches (excluding the blue switch) are pre-lubed from the factory to ensure the smoothest portable typing experience possible.
The only downside is that Gateron is made flimsy and less durable with a shorter lifespan than others. This aside, given its affordable price, its value is fully matched by the superior features.
Pros:
Cons:
Fun fact: Increase typing speed exponentially with the Ortholiner keyboard.
Gateron low profile switches are the top choice for slim keyboards. Keychron K3 cannot miss them, too. Watch the video to listen to how the switches sound:
Interested in other Gateron switches? Then you should discover all the secrets behind Gateron switches to figure out which one is the winner.
| Choc Red
|
Choc Brown
|
Choc White
|
|
| Switch type | Linear | Tactile | Clicky |
| Operating force | 50 ± 10 gf | 50 ± 10 gf | 60 ± 10 gf |
| Pre-travel | 1.5 ± 0.5 mm | 1.5 ± 0.5 mm | 1.5 ± 0.5 mm |
| Total travel | 3.0 ± 0.5 mm | 3.0 ± 0.5 mm | 3.0 ± 0.5 mm |
| Height | 11.5 mm | 11.5mm | 11.5mm |
| Sound level | Low | Medium | Clicky* |
| Lifespan | 50 million keystrokes | 50 million keystrokes | 50 million keystrokes |
| Price | $0.40 per switch | $0.40 per switch | $0.40 per switch |
| Suitable for | Office/Gaming | Casual gamers | Typists |
Like Gateron Low Profile Switches, Kailh Choc Low Profile Switches have three small types: Red, Brown, and White, catering to various user preferences.
What sets Kailh Choc Low Profile Switches apart from others is that it is slimmer and more compact than their Cherry MX counterparts. Therefore, they will be a great option for your space-save desk and your keyboards on the go.
Besides, these switches can only work with keycaps that are specifically designed for them. They can't be paired with other keycaps, such as those with MX switches.
Pros:
Cons:
You've been keeping an eye on Kailh Choc Low Profile Switches? So, don’t miss this insightful video to get a full comparison among Choc variants.
| Romer-G Linear
|
Romer-G Tactile
|
|
| Switch type | Linear | Tactile |
| Operating force | 45 gf | 45 gf |
| Pre-travel | 1.5 mm | 1.5 mm |
| Total travel | 3.2 mm | 3.2 mm |
| Sound level | Low | Medium |
| Lifespan | 70 million keystrokes | 70 million keystrokes |
| Price | Only sold with keyboards | |
| Suitable for | Competitive and FPS gaming | MMO and action games |
One of the unbeatable competitors among our best low profile switches calls the name of Logitech Romer-G Low Profile switches.
Despite the fact that they are exclusive to Logitech keyboards like the G815, G915 Lightspeed, and G Pro X, people continue to gush about how fantastic they are.
These switches Include 2 variants offering different key feels Tactile and Linear. Both are specifically designed for gamers in mind.
Romer-G Tactile switches with discernable bumps provide minimal feedback through actuation to ensure high accuracy in the actuation moment while being quiet. Romer-G Linear switches are excellent for continuous half-presses, quick sequences of keystrokes, and double-tapping for a smooth gaming experience.
If you are an avid gamer, going with Logitech Romer-G Low Profile switches is not a bad idea.
Pros:
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Watch the following video to clear the doubt whether Logitech Romer-G Low Profile switches are a can’t-miss option for gamers as rumored?
Keychron Low Profile Switches (Source: Premium Staff)
| White | Red | Black | Brown | Banana | Mint | Blue | Orange | |
| Switch type | Linear | Linear | Linear | Tactile | Early bump tactile | Early bump tactile | Clicky | Clicky |
| Operating force | 30 ± 10 gf | 40 ± 10 gf | 50 ± 10 gf | 57 ± 10 gf | 57 ± 10 gf | 67 ± 10 gf | 48 ± 10 gf | 55 ± 10 gf |
| Pre-travel | 1.1 ± 0.3 mm | 1.1 ± 0.3 mm | 1.1 ± 0.3 mm | 1.1 ± 0.3 mm | 1.1 ± 0.3 mm | 1.1 ± 0.3 mm | 1.1 ± 0.3 mm | 1.1 ± 0.3 mm |
| Total travel | 2.5 ± 0.3 mm | 2.5 ± 0.3 mm | 2.5 ± 0.3 mm | 2.5 ± 0.3 mm | 2.5 ± 0.3 mm | 2.5 ± 0.3 mm | 2.5 ± 0.3 mm | 2.5 ± 0.3 mm |
| Sound level | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | Clicky | Clicky |
| Price | $0.21 | $0.21 | $0.21 | $0.21 | $0.21 | $0.21 | $0.21 | $0.21 |
| Suitable for | Office/Gaming | Office/Gaming | Office/Gaming | Midway Office/Gaming | Midway Office/Gaming | Office/Gaming | Typists | Typists |
You’ve arrived in the land of the best low profile switches from Keychron with so many variants to choose from.
All low-profile Keychron optical switches are well-known for their lighting speeds with a much longer life than the industry standard. Thus, the manufacturer places a premium on an MX-style stem build and ultra-low latency.
What makes this series of switches unique is their optical switch technology. As there are no metal contacts, the actuation and release of the key tend to be more smooth. This minimizes any potential inconsistent or wobbly movements while typing or gaming.
Pros:
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Surely you can check all the switch variants above. Then let this video help you try the sound of each.
| Outemu Red
|
Outemu Brown
|
Outemu Blue
|
Outemu Black
|
|
| Switch type | Linear | Tactile | Clicky | Linear |
| Operating force | 50 ± 10 gf | 45 ± 10 gf | 45 ± 10 gf | 55 ± 10 gf |
| Pre-travel | 1.20 ± 0.5 mm | 1.20 ± 0.5 mm | 1.20 ± 0.5 mm | 1.20 ± 0.5 mm |
| Total travel | 3.0 mm | 3.0 mm | 3.0 mm | 3.0 mm |
| Sound level | Low | Medium | Clicky | Low |
| Lifespan | 50 million keystrokes | 50 million keystrokes | 50 million keystrokes | 50 million keystrokes |
| Price | $0.51 per switch | $0.51 per switch | $0.51 per switch | $0.51 per switch |
| Suitable for | Long-term gaming | Typists | Office/Games | Gaming |
Outemu low profile switches boast 4 different flavours, including 2 linear switches. Each version offers you a unique key feel allowing you to choose a switch variant that best fits your typing or gaming style.
While the quiet Red and Black switches offer a light black and are ideal for prolonged fighting, the loud Blues deliver a crisp and energizing typing experience. The Outemu Browns are known as the "universal axis" for their all-around consideration, which makes them suitable for both typing tasks and gaming.
Pros:
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Wondering which flavours of Outemu Low Profile switch best suit you? The review video below will help you pick the right one while testing the sound on Redragon K589.
Along with Gateron, Outemu is also a big player in the early development of Cherry MX clone switches. We bet you will need additional details about this brand. Then, this comprehensive guide on Outemu switches will help you out.
| TTC Red
|
TTC Brown
|
TTC Blue
|
|
| Switch type | Linear | Tactile | Clicky |
| Operating force | 45 ± 10 gf | 40 ± 10 gf | 45 ± 10 gf |
| Pre-travel | 1.2 ± 0.3 mm | 1.5 ± 0.3 mm | 1.3 ± 0.3 mm |
| Total travel | 3.2 ± 0.25 mm | 3.2 ± 0.25 mm | 3.2 ± 0.25 mm |
| Sound level | Low | Medium | Loud |
| Lifespan | 50 million keystrokes | 50 million keystrokes | 50 million keystrokes |
| Price | $0.49 per switch | $0.49 per switch | $0.49 per switch |
| Suitable for | Typists and Officers | Gaming/Typing | Typing |
Look like Cherry MX low profile switches? TTC Low Profile switches (formerly Tesorofrom) from Taiwan are designed based on the shape of their Cherry counterparts. And of course, they only support Cherry MX Low Profile footprint.
Even just a copy of Cherry MX, TTC low profile switches are still committed to Cherry's outstanding features.
What you can expect more is the switch's good light conductivity. Their top cover is made of high transmittance material made in Japan, making it perfect for people who need a lot of light to type in the dark.
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Cons:
| Razer Linear
|
Razer Clicky
|
|
| Switch type | Linear | Clicky |
| Operating force | 45 gf | 50 gf |
| Pre-travel | 1.2 mm | 1.5 mm |
| Total travel | 2.8 mm | 2.8 mm |
| Sound level | Silent | Clicky |
| Lifespan | 70 million keystrokes | 70 million keystrokes |
| Suitable for | Gamers | Gamers |
Razer prides itself on being a leading gaming hardware manufacturer.
Razer Low Profile Optical switches are also built especially for gamers but with a shorter key travel of only 2.8mm. This way, you will reap the rewards of each registered keystroke at a faster rate, making them the best low profile switches for competitive games, where every millisecond counts.
Like Keychron on this list, Razer also uses innovative optical technology for fewer physical contact points and ensures far less wear and tear.
Overall, Razer Low Profile Optical switches are worth a spot among the best low profile switches for gaming.
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Cannot buy Razer Low Profile optical switches separately? Go for Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro Wireless Keyboard to experience the most unique gaming experience offered by those switches.
But is it worth your investment? This video will tell you the truth.
| Gazzew Red
|
Gazzew Brown
|
Gazzew Blue
|
|
| Switch type | Linear | Tactile | Clicky |
| Operating force | 55 gf | 55 gf | 55 gf |
| Pre-travel | 1.0 mm | 1.0 mm | 1.0 mm |
| Sound level | Low | Medium | Loud |
| Price | 0.58 per switch | 0.58 per switch | 0.58 per switch |
To wrap up the list of the best low profile switches, Gazzew Low Profile switch is a new runner in the race.
Gazzew has strived to create a switch that is far less compromising than the alternatives. Gazzew Low Profile switches have an MX-compatible footprint that allows them to fit into any MX switch-support keyboard.
Moreover, these switches offer wide compatibility. Keycap profiles that work with them include Cherry, DSA, SA, KAT and more. Seems enough?
However, these switches may not fit some keycap profiles since they are lower above the plate than a standard MX switch while having the same height below the plate.
Pros:
Cons:
Finding the perfect low-profile switches among countless options is never an easy task. So, how to get the best low profile mechanical switches?
Take time to consider these factors, and you’ll determine the dream switches for you.
The majority of low profile switches offer a number of key feel options, including linear, tactile, and clicky.
While tactile switches produce a distinct bump when triggered, linear switches deliver a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. Clicky switches no surprise excel at producing audible click sound to ensure each keypress registered with high accuracy.
Choose the best low profile switches that perfectly fit your needs depending on your desired typing or gaming experience as well as the environment at your workstation.
Compared to their full-sized equivalents, low profile switches commonly produce a softer and less audible sound. Low profile switches make what may be called a mild, subtle "thock" or a gentle "click" sound. This is due to the switches' shorter key travel distances and reduced keycap height.
Furthermore, the exact sound of low profile switches can also vary depending on the specific switch type.
For example, Cherry MX Low Profile switches, especially the linear and tactile versions, feature a very low sound (even no). Logitech GL switches are renowned for their quiet work and can provide a subdued, gentle sound.
When searching for the best low-profile switches, it's important to consider not only the switch type but also the keycaps that pair well with them. For those seeking a great sound profile, our guide on the best sounding keycaps will be invaluable.
You probably know that there are not many producers of low profile switches. Some of the famous brands include Cherry, Kailh, Gateron, Logitech, Razer, and more. They mass produce low profile switches to meet the growing demand.
For example, if you are looking for the best low profile switches with reliable durability, you will never go wrong with Cherry. Or think of Gateron for a cheaper alternative. If you're curious about other switch options, consider exploring the best Akko switches for a different tactile experience.
Are you on the hunt for the best low profile switch built for a specific game? Razer no doubt makes you satisfied.
Compatibility is a big thing to consider when finding the best low profile switches. Keycaps need to be compatible with the switch type they are meant for. Different switch types like Cherry MX or Kailh may have specific stem designs or mounting systems that need matching keycaps.
As low profile switches are shorter than the standard mechanical switches, not all of them provide keycap customization possibilities
Therefore, if you’ve got a fancy keycap set, remember to check the keycap design first before searching for the best low profile switches.
Additionally, if you're interested in high-quality keycap sets, don't miss our list of the best GMK Keycap Sets.
No surprise! You get what you pay for. If you need the best low profile switches that can accompany you for a long time, you need to pay more bucks.
Some switches even cost you an amount because they are not sold separately. You will have to invest in a new keyboard to experience the unique feel of low profile switches from that brand.
Replacing switches doesn't seem to enhance your overall typing experience? If this gets too serious, it is a good time to choose the best low-profile keyboards to refresh your desk.
Alright! We have highlighted a selection of 9 best low profile switches for their exceptional performance and typing experience. Whether you're a gamer, programmer, or simply a keyboard enthusiast, these low-profile switches offer the perfect upgrade for your keyboard.
Check out our recommended low profile switches and take your keyboard to the next level now!
The best low profile tactile switches are Gateron Brown and Kailh Choc Brown low profile switches. They have a slight tactile bump, and a moderate actuation force, perfect for both typing and gaming.
The best silent low profile switches are Cherry MX Red and Keychron Red Low Profile switches. They deliver a very modest actuation force, making it easy to press the keys with minimal effort. Thus, there is hardly any noise produced.
The best low profile linear switches are Cherry MX Low Profile Red switches. These switches provide a linear travel without any tactile bump or audible click, giving a smooth, consistent and reliable typing experience.
The best low profile clicky switches are Outemu Blue and Kailh Choc White Low Profile Switches with the audible click. While Outemu Blue sounds fairly sharp and noticeable, Kailh Choc White has a softer and more subdued click sound.
The best low profile switches for gaming are Razer and Logitech Romer-G Low Profile switches. These switches are created specifically for gaming purposes.
The best low profile switches for typing are Outemu Brown, Gateron Blue, Keychron Orange and Blue low profile switches. All of them provide a satisfying typing experience for avid typists.
It depends on your purposes and the features switches give users. For example, if you prioritize durability, Cherry low profile switches are the most cost-effective.
Low-profile switches are shorter and more compact than normal counterparts, yet benefit users in a variety of ways. Consider buying a set? Sadly, finding the best low-profile switches may be much like looking for a needle in a haystack. Be at ease! We’ve compiled a list of top-rated low-profile switches on the market now. Are […]
