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Are you looking for a cheaper alternative to expensive Cherry MX?
Kailh and Gateron are two of the best Cherry MX dupes. It is obvious that they cannot outweigh the legendary Cherry MX but given the cheap price, you have a real bargain here.
The problem is - what will be your choice now? Gateron? Kailh? Or a mix of both? To make things easier for you, we have here a full explanation of Kailh vs Gateron switches’ pros and cons, and also bonus guidance on how to choose the suitable switches for your mechanical keyboard.
Have fun reading!
Coming from China, Gateron has gradually swept through the switch community with its top-notch products. The company began with the first main line-up which was the exact copy of Cherry MX and then steadily added more from there.
Thanks to that, currently, they have about 10 mechanical switch series, one low-profile lineup, and a popular launched optical switch line. By listing them, we believe it is adequate to illustrate the huge potential of this brand.
One special thing about the Cherry MX-clone line is it has more variants than the original Cherry. Besides the usual Blue, Black, Brown, and Red, you can choose the mega-heavy Green or the mega-light switches White and Clear.
| Products | Attributes | Specs | Price |
| Gateron Silent Black Switches
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$93 |
| Gateron Transparent Milk Yellow And Milk Yellow Switches
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$27 |
| Gateron Ink Switches
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$88 |
| Gateron Low-Profile Switches
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$22 |
| Gateron G-Pro
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$31 |
| Gateron Baby
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$66 |
| Gateron Oil King
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$72 |
| Gateron Phantom
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|
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$46 |
| Gateron Zealio
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|
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$121 |
| Gateron Luciola
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$87 |
| Gateron North Pole
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$75 |
| Gateron EF
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$31 |
Note: Please note that prices as shown are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without prior notice.
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| Pros | Cons |
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Kailh is a product of Kaihua Electronic Co., a company that is based in China. It is not wrong to say they have one of the longest lineups, so there are many for you to choose from.
Same as Gateron, they first started with making Cherry MX fakes before designing their own switches. The thing is, unlike Gateron, their regular switches do not have high praises as their signature lines.
Kailh’s quality is superb. They have some problems for sure but in general, they are really great to try out, especially their clicky switch collection.
There are three main mechanical switch families of Kailh. They are Kailh Default (or Kailh Regular), Kailh Speed, and the most prominent Kailh.
| Product | Attributes | Specs | Price |
| Kailh Blue
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$20 - $62 |
| Kailh Speed Copper
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$31 |
| Kailh BOX
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$15 - $77 |
| Kailh Choc Low-profile
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$66 |
| Kailh Pro Switch
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$37 |
| Kailh KK
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$36 |
| Kailh Turbo
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~$61.05 |
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| Pros | Cons |
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Gateron switches are known for their smooth keystrokes and affordability. As a preferred alternative to Cherry MX switches, Gateron has earned a reputation for producing reliable and consistent switches suitable for both typing and gaming, such as Gateron Low-profile switches or many opt Gateron Switches Color for your typing needs.
Kailh switches are renowned for their innovative designs and robust build quality. One of their standout features is the Kailh Box switch series, which incorporates a unique box design that enhances durability and provides superior dust and water resistance.
For more information, check out our Kailh BOX vs Gateron comparison article to help you determine which is the better choice for your keyboard needs.
| Gateron G Pro Red switches | Kailh Box switches |
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| Features | Kailh | Gateron |
| Key Travel Distance | 1.8 - 3.6mm | 1.2 - 4mm |
| Actuation Force | 35g (Silent Pink) ~ 75g (BOX Navy) | 35g (White) ~ 80g (Green Clicky) |
| Tactile Feedback | Clear, sharp, strong, clicky | Light, stable, heavy, mushy |
| Smoothness | Silky smoothness | Exceptional smoothness |
| Sound Profile | Distinct and crunchier click sound | Satisfying “thocky” sound |
| Durability | 60 - 80m keystrokes | 50 - 60m keystrokes |
| Typing Experience | Stable and unique typing experience | Absolute consistency and less noise |
| Gaming Performance | Excel in FPS games, precise and deliberate key presses | Rapid and fluid key presses, better for MOBA or fighting games |
| Price | $0.6 - $0.75 per switch | $0.3 - $0.5 per switch |
Gateron switches feature a cross-shaped stem, similar to the iconic design of Cherry MX switches. This design ensures compatibility with a wide range of keycaps and provides a familiar feel that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts appreciate. The cross-shaped stem in Gateron switches offers a smooth and consistent keystroke, making them a popular choice for both typing and gaming.
In contrast, Kailh switches have a unique box-shaped stem designed to be dustproof and waterproof. This innovative design includes a thicker cross stem that significantly reduces wobble, resulting in a more stable and precise typing experience. The box-shaped stem not only enhances durability but also ensures that Kailh switches maintain their performance over time, even in challenging environments.
Gateron White switches have the lowest actuation force at 35 grams, making them very easy to press and ideal for typists who prefer a gentle, effortless typing experience, and minimize finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Meanwhile, Green switches have the highest actuation force at around 80 grams, providing a heavier and more resistant feel for those who prefer a more deliberate and controlled typing experience.
Kailh Silent Pink switches, with the lowest actuation force at 35 grams, offer a light and responsive typing experience, perfect for those who type quickly and need minimal resistance. Conversely, Kailh BOX Navy switches have the highest actuation force at 75 grams, delivering a robust and clicky feel. These switches are particularly favored by typists who appreciate a strong tactile response and gamers who want precise control.
Gateron switches are celebrated for their smooth and consistent tactile feedback, particularly in the brown and blue variants. These switches provide a satisfying bump at the actuation point, which many users find more enjoyable compared to Cherry MX tactile switches. The subtle tactile response of Gateron switches makes them a popular choice among typists and gamers who appreciate gentle yet noticeable feedback.
Kailh switches, on the other hand, offer sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback, especially in their clicky variants like jade and pink switches. These switches are known for their responsive and audible keystrokes, making each press distinct and satisfying. The pronounced tactile bump and audible click of the Kailh switch appeal to users who prefer a more interactive and engaging typing experience, providing clear feedback with every key press.
Gateron switches are highly praised for their exceptional smoothness and low friction, allowing them to glide effortlessly across the keyboard. Many users find Gateron switches to be smoother than Cherry MX switches, even when they haven't been lubricated. This characteristic makes Gateron switches a preferred choice for those seeking a seamless and fluid typing experience.
In contrast, Kailh switches, while still smooth, do not match the level of smoothness offered by Gateron switches. Some users have reported that Kailh switches can feel scratchy or gritty, particularly when keys are pressed off-center. Despite this, Kailh switches remain a solid option for most users, offering reliable performance and decent smoothness for both typing and gaming needs.
Regarding longevity, Kailh switches can last from 60 to 80 million keystrokes according to their laboratory test, while Gateron’s life cycle is between 50 and 60 million activation keys.
In terms of dustproof, every Kailh switch that has a cover box receives an IP56 rating.
However, it seems like Gateron shows stronger durability since people respond that they have fewer issues with Gateron switches despite using them for a long time.
That is why, between ‘Gateron vs Kailh’ switches, we think Gateron performs better in reality.
Actuation force has a significant impact on the overall typing experience of your mechanical keyboard. Regarding the lightest switches, both Kailh BOX Silent Pink switches and Gateron Clear/White linear switches have a 35 gf actuation force.
Nonetheless, while the heaviest-weight switch of Kailh is BOX Navy, at 75 g, Gateron Green Clicky requires a stronger force of 80 g. But, despite being heavy switches, those of Gateron can execute rapidly.
Due to that, we conclude that Gateron gains the winning title in the competition between Kailh vs Gateron.
Between Gateron and Kailh, Gateron has a wider range of key travel distances. Their shortest actuation peak is 1.2 mm and their longest starting point is 2.4 mm.
Of course, Kailh has a big number of fast switches like the Kailh Speed or Kailh Pro, but Gateron has a more precise response and better bottom-out performance.
That is why, Kailh vs Gateron, Gateron is the winner.
Gateron tends to have a ‘thocky’ sound and high pitch while Kailh is like ‘clicky’, ‘clacky’ whenever you type. The former is generally louder than Kailhs because Gateron has more loud linear switches.
Well, when it comes to sound, it is more of a personal preference because some people enjoy hearing sounds while typing or gaming, while others appreciate a silent experience. As a result, there is no clear winner here. We'll let you make your own decision, and in order to make that easy, here are videos to help you compare.
Gateron vs Kailh: a drawn
We think their prices are within the same range They are both way cheaper than Cherry MX, and a little bit more costly than super budget options like Outemu.
Gateron's prices are slightly lower than Kailh's in the regular lineups, whereas, in the premium versions (Gateron Milky Switches, Gateron Ink Black vs Kailh Box Pinks, Kailh Box Jades), they are quite higher. In the end, the cost difference isn't significant, but it's worth noting.
Kailh vs Gateron: another drawn
Here is a buying guide we have mentioned at the beginning of this article. By considering each aspect of Gateron and Kailh switches and comparing those to what you desire, you can find it easier to make a decision.
Undoubtedly, you will want mechanical switches that can work with you for a long time. So, you must check their life cycle which is represented by ‘million keystrokes’. Switches that do not provide you with that figure - you might want to skip them.
Right now, Cherry MX has the highest number of 100 million keystrokes. But, the number of 50 million key activations is not bad at all. This means they can last for more than 12 years (with our rough calculation)
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Travel distance normally goes with how fast the switches are. The shorter the actuation point is, the higher speed the switches have. Gateron and Kailh switches have a number of 2 mm, a standard fast-enough figure.
For gamers, you may want to look for a smaller number to gain advantages in speed. But, you also need to consider the feels of your fingers to find which works best for you.
Kailh and Gateron switches both have the three main actuation types, which are clicky, tactile, and linear.
Clicky and tactile both produce a noticeable bumpy response which should be strong and crispy. That comes with a discernable sound, being high pitch or deep.
The difference is that clicky’s tactile feeling is much stronger and clearer. But, basically, they are nearly the same so some brands produce only clicky or tactile in their switch lines.
Regarding linear, typing on them is almost transparent. There is no clear bouncing feeling like the other two. That is why the smoothness is over the top.
Spring Force refers to the hardness of the spring. Therefore, you need a similar weight force from your fingers to press the spring/ the whole switch down.
50 gf is the middle level. Lightweight switches have a spring force of less than 50 gf, while heavy-force switches have a spring force greater than 50 gf. To choose the switches, you need to consider your preferences, accuracy, and hand fatigue.
Typing on light switches is surely soft but it is easy to accidentally type on the wrong keys. On the other hand, heavyweight asks for more attention so you can prevent mistyping, but for a long time, your hands are likely to feel weary.
You should see what is your preferences and conditions.
Do you enjoy the fun ‘clicky, clacky’ sound? Or do you want something that sounds like ‘thacky’ or ‘thocky’?
Or do you hate noises so a silent switch would do you a favor? Or maybe you need a muted-audible keyboard in your workplace?
Try to think carefully about what you like and what you need. Those will help you make the right choice.
If you want to know more about mechanical switches, here we have this guide to mechanical switches that unfolds the mystery behind mechanical switches. Hope it is helpful for you.
To conclude, Gateron vs Kailh are some of the great mechanical switches in the market that you cannot go wrong with. Nonetheless, we think Gateron is slightly better than Kailh overall.
But, if you prefer the linear feels, please pick up the Gateron switches. If you enjoy the fun bumpy feedback of the clicky type, step on Kailh’s side.
We hope this comparison will help you choose between Kailh vs Gateron switches your most suitable ones.
Kailh Choc switches offer a compact design and a shorter travel distance, ideal for portable keyboards. Gateron Low-profile switches provide a smooth, reliable keystroke with a familiar feel. Choose Kailh for innovation and portability, and Gateron for smooth performance.
Kailh Red switches are linear and great for gaming due to their smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. Gateron Brown switches are tactile, offering a slight bump that is versatile for both typing and gaming. Your preference for linear or tactile feedback will determine the better switch for you.
Kailh Red switches have a light actuation force, ideal for quick key presses in gaming. Gateron Yellow switches are known for their smoothness and slightly heavier feel, providing a stable typing experience. Choose Kailh Reds for a lighter touch and Gateron Yellows for smoother keystrokes.
Kailh Brown switches provide a noticeable tactile bump with a slightly higher actuation force, offering a more substantial feel, while Gateron Brown switches are smoother and require less force, making them easier to press and more comfortable for extended use. For a detailed comparison, check out our Kailh Brown vs Gateron Brown article.
In general, Gateron switches tend to be quieter than Kailh switches, especially the linear variants. Kailh switches, particularly the clicky variants, may produce a more pronounced click sound.
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