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Razer, a titan in the gaming industry, is renowned for crafting high-performance switches that cater to diverse playstyles. This deep dive into Razer's Green, Orange, and Yellow switches will illuminate the unique strengths of each. From the crisp tactile response of Green to the quiet precision of Orange and the lightning-fast actuation of Yellow, Razer offers a switch to perfect any gamer's setup.
| Razer Green
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Razer Yellow
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Razer Orange
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| Type | Clicky and tactile mechanical switch | Linear mechanical switch | Tactile mechanical switch |
| Actuation Force | 50g | 45g | 50g |
| Bottom-out Force | 65g | 75g | 55g |
| Actuation Point | 1.9 mm | 1.2 mm | 2.0 mm |
| Key Travel Distance | 4.0mm | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Sound | Bumpy and Loud | Smooth and Quiet | Bumpy, Moderately Loud |
| Lifespan | Up to 100 million keystrokes | Up to 100 million keystrokes | Up to 100 million keystrokes |
| Usage | Gaming and typing | Gaming, office work | Gaming and typing |
| Other Features |
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| Pros | Cons |
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The Razer Green Switches is considered the best Razer switches for typing because of its distinct tactile feedback and audible click. The switch's "Bumpy and Loud" nature is marked by a noticeable bump and a sharp, satisfying click sound upon actuation.
Typically, it requires about 50g of force to actuate. Razer Green Switches strike a balance between responsiveness and preventing accidental key presses. They actuate at 1.9mm with a total travel distance of 4.0mm and are durable, rated for up to 100 million keystrokes. The reset point is close to the actuation point, allowing for rapid double-tapping and quick key presses, making them particularly suitable for gaming.
While often compared to Cherry MX Blue switches due to similar tactile and audible characteristics, Razer's switches are specifically optimized for gaming performance. However, their noise level may not be ideal for quiet environments or shared workspaces.
| Pros | Cons |
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The Razer Yellow Switch is known for providing a smooth and quiet typing experience. It is the quietest Razer switch. Unlike other switches that have a tactile bump or click, the Razer Yellow Switch offers linear and precise feedback to the user. This makes it a great option for office typists or gamers who prefer a more subtle and quiet switch. The linear actuation of these switches allows for a smooth and consistent typing experience.
With an actuation force of around 45g, they provide a light touch that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The "quiet" feature is achieved through sound-dampening technology, making them suitable for shared spaces or late-night gaming sessions. Actuating at 1.2mm with a total travel distance of 3.5mm, these switches offer quick responsiveness and reduced key travel.
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The Razer Orange Switch is considered the best Razer Switch for gaming. It provides a balance between tactile feedback and noise level, making it suitable for users who enjoy a tactile typing experience but prefer a more moderate sound profile compared to louder clicky switches.
Razer Orange Switches require about 50g of actuation force, offering a responsive feel without being too light or too heavy. They actuate at approximately 2.0mm and have a total travel distance of 3.5mm, providing a good balance between speed and key travel. The tactile bump occurs near the actuation point, giving users a clear sense of when a keystroke has been registered.
Razer Orange Switches are "bumpy and moderately loud," providing a noticeable tactile bump during key presses without the sharp click associated with some other tactile switches. The moderate sound level makes these switches suitable for gaming and office settings where some keyboard noise is acceptable.
| Type | Optical Switch
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Mecha - Membrane Switches
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Analog Switch
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Rubber Dome Switch
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| Actuation Force | 40g or 45g | 50g | 74g | 30g |
| Bottom - out Force | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Key travel distance | 4.0mm | 3.5 - 4.0mm | 3.6mm | 4mm |
| Sound | Quiet or Clicky or Gentle | Quiet | Noisy | Very quiet |
| Lifespan | 100 million clicks | Tens of millions clicks | 100 million clicks | 5 million clicks |
| Best for | Gaming and Office | Gaming | Gaming and Office | Gaming and Office |
The Razer Optical Switch is considered the fastest switch in Razer's lineup, designed for fast-paced gaming and typing-intensive tasks. It has a response time of just 0.2 milliseconds, making it the fastest Razer switch available. This makes it ideal for gamers and typists who require lightning-fast response times.
The new stem shape and stabilizer bar create a balanced keypress, requiring 40g or 45g of force no matter where the keycap is pressed. This eliminates the instability and misfires common in traditional switches. The optical switches actuate using light, eliminating the bounce found in mechanical switches for immediate signal sending upon actuation.
The switch, surrounded by a metal stabilizer and combined with optical actuation technology, has fewer parts, increasing its lifespan to 100 million keystrokes, ensuring it can withstand heavy use without degrading over time. Razer offers optical switches in two colors: optical red and optical purple. Here's a detailed look at this cutting-edge switch:
| Switch Type | Optical Purple | Optical Red |
| Actuation Force | 45g | 45g |
| Actuation Distance | 1.5mm | 1.2mm |
| Actuation Method | Light Actuation | Light Actuation |
| Travel Distance | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Feel/Sound | Light and Clicky | Light and Soft |
| Key Feel | Light and Clicky | Light and Instant |
| Durability | 100million clicks | 100 million clicks |
| Stability | Stabilizers in cross-steam | Stabilizers in cross-steam |
Razer Optical Purple switches are clicky and tactile, which means they provide a noticeable bump and audible click at the point of actuation. They're preferred by typists and gamers who enjoy feedback.
On the other hand, Razer Red switches are linear and silent. They provide a smooth keystroke without a tactile bump or audible click, which can be beneficial for fast-paced gaming where rapid and quiet key presses are beneficial.
If you prioritize speed and quiet operation, the Optical Red switch is the better choice. However, if you prefer tactile feedback, the Optical Purple switch offers a satisfying clicky experience.
The Razer Mecha-Membrane switch is a hybrid keyboard switch technology developed by Razer. It combines the soft, cushioned feel of rubber dome switches with the clicky tactile feedback of mechanical switches.
These switches combine the softness of a membrane switch with the tactile feedback of a mechanical switch. The switches' ability to function silently makes them appropriate for both quieter business settings and gaming. A keyboard that makes use of Mechanical-Membrane switches is the Razer Ornata Chroma.
While they may not match the longevity of pure mechanical switches, Razer Mecha-Membrane switches offer durability and a satisfying typing experience, making them a versatile choice for a range of users.
If you're interested in using Mecha-Membrane Switches, you can consider the Razer Ornata V2 keyboard. It is a full-sized keyboard armed with clicky mecha-membrane switches, UV-coated keycaps, media keys, and a magnetic soft-touch wrist rest.
Razer Analog Switch is a new type of switch that uses an infrared light beam to detect how far down the key is pressed. This allows for more precise control over the input and can be used for things like analog movement in games. One keyboard that makes use of Razer Analog Switches is the Huntsman V2 Analog.
The Razer Analog Switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm and an actuation distance of 1.5mm. The switch has a lifetime of 100 million keystrokes and an actuation force of 45g. The Razer Analog Switch is, all things considered, a fantastic choice for gamers that desire more exact control over their input.
Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is a Razer keyboard that uses analog switches. They are pressure-sensitive mechanical keys that can detect how hard you're pressing a key and adjust input accordingly. The actuation range of these switches can be adjusted via Razer Synapse offering different kinds of benefits at every height.
A type of keyboard switch called a Razer Rubber Dome Switch records keystrokes using rubber domes. Because they are less sensitive and durable than mechanical switches, they are often found on keyboards that cost less.
Rubber dome switches do not provide the tactile sensation as mechanical switches provide, which results in errors and the potential for missing keystrokes. This might be a good substitute if you want a keyboard for gaming but can't afford the more expensive one.
If you are looking for a Razer keyboard using rubber dome switches, you might be interested in the Razer Ornata Chroma keyboard. This keyboard uses a hybrid switch technology combining the soft cushioned touch of a membrane rubber dome with the crisp tactile click of a mechanical switch to enable swift actuation for each key stroke.
To give the answer for which are the best Razer Switches, we can fairly evaluate these switches using the six criteria below.
The Razer Yellow switch is considered the quietest Razer switch thanks to its linear design and sound dampeners. On the other hand, the Razer Green switch is the loudest, offering a pronounced clicky sound and tactile feedback.
In terms of speed, the Razer Optical switches are the fastest Razer switches, with their ultra-short actuation distance and lightning-fast optical actuation system. For the fastest typing and gaming experience from Razer's switch offerings, the Optical switches are the best choice.
Razer Green switches are suitable for those who want a tactile bump that provides feedback when pressed, while Razer Orange switches will satisfy those who want tactile feedback but prefer a quieter switch. And for those who don’t want any tactile feedback, Razer Yellow switches are the best.
Razer Optical switches, such as the Razer Optical Red and Purple, have been recognized for their endurance as a result of the use of optical technology, which lessens wear and tear on metal contacts. They are also a solid option because of its high keystroke rating.
Razer Green switches are highly regarded for their tactile and clicky feedback, making them some of the best Razer switches for typing. Razer Orange switches are also a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback. Additionally, Low-profile switches offer a comfortable and efficient typing experience, making them suitable for both typing and gaming.
When it comes to typing, Razer Green and Orange switches are great for providing tactile feedback. However, they may not be the best option for fast-paced gaming. For the best Razer switches for gaming, Razer Optical Switches are often recommended because of their fast response times and durability. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother keystroke, Razer Yellow Switches are a great choice.
If you still can not give a decision, you can check out the comparison between these Razer switches:
Razer offers two main categories of switches: individual mechanical switches (Green, Orange, Yellow) sold separately, and pre-installed switches (Analog, Optical, Low-profile) found in specific keyboards.
If you're looking to customize your mechanical keyboard, individual Green, Orange, or Yellow switches can be purchased in packs of 36 for $24.99 (The price is updated at the time of article publication). However, for those seeking Razer's more advanced switches, the price is tied to the chosen keyboard model.
Budget-conscious gamers can opt for the compact Razer Huntsman Mini 60%, featuring either Analog or Linear Optical switches, as an affordable entry point. For a full-sized keyboard, the Razer Ornata V3 offers a budget-friendly option at $59.99. Those seeking advanced features can consider the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog for $125.98.
Razer and Cherry MX switches are both popular brands of mechanical keyboard switches.
Cherry MX Switches are available in various types, each denoted by a different color: Red, Black, Brown, Blue, Green, and Clear. These switches can be further categorized into three main actuation types: linear, tactile, and clicky.
As for the price of Cherry MX Switches, budget models often use similar switches from lesser-known brands like Kailh. Name brand mechanical keyboards that use Cherry MX switches can be expensive, but there are also cheaper options available. For example, you can find keyboards with Cherry MX Blue switches priced at $38.99 on Amazon.
If you want to refer to Cherry MX Switches, you can take a look at this article to compare and choose better.
Given that the Razer switches were based on the core Cherry range with a few tweaks here and there, the similarities between them make sense. While the Razer Yellow switch is a quiet linear switch similar to the Cherry MX quiet Red, the Razer Green switch is clicky and tactile with an actuation force.
Regarding compatibility and availability, it’s important to note that Razer switches are primarily designed for use in Razer keyboards, while Cherry MX switches are more widely available and compatible with various mechanical keyboards. The Cherry MX switches can be found in many mechanical keyboards from different manufacturers.
With a 3.5mm travel distance and a 1.2mm actuation point, the Razer switches are quicker in this case. Given that Razer now employs a box switch, or as Razer refers to it, two sidewalls, this is the one benefit the Razer mechanical switches have over their Cherry counterparts.
A more thorough comparison of Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh, Outemu, and Razer switches can be found here if you need.
Razer offers a wide range of switches, including mechanical, optical, and even rubber dome switches. We show you the differences between Green, Orange, and Yellow Razer Switches, and each switch type provides a unique feel and sensation. I hope you can discover the finest switch for your needs.
Razer makes their own keyboard switches.
Razer switches are comparable to Cherry MX switches, except they have a smaller actuation distance and less force when being activated.
Just in case you might wonder “Can you change the switches on a Razer keyboard?”, the answer is yes. Additionally, Razer switches are hot-swappable, making it simple to replace them without first removing them from the PCB.
Yes, Razer switches are engineered and known for their durability and can last around 80 million clicks. This is approximately the industry standard.
Yes, Razer yellow switches are quiet and have a linear feel. Although Razer Yellow switches are not totally silent, they are quieter than Razer Green switches.
Among three switches, Razer Orange vs Yellow vs Green, the Razer yellow switch is the most silent. Moreover, the Razer Orange switches are also quite silent, and if you love the tactile feedback, this is the switch for you.
Yes, Razer Mechanical Switches are good for typing, especially the Green and Orange Razer switches. It is because they have a tactile bump and an audible click.
In addition, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% keyboard has foam padding and gaskets which help reduce noise and make it more comfortable to type on.
Yes, Razer keyboard Switches are good for gaming because they have a short actuation distance and a low actuation force. Take the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% keyboard again for example. It has screw-in stabilizers which help reduce key wobble and improve accuracy during gaming sessions.
What you prefer and what you want from a changeover will rely on you. Choose Razer Green switches if you want a feel bump and an audible click.
If you prefer a tactile bump but no audible click, then you should choose Razer Orange switches. If you prefer no tactile bump and a linear feel, then you should choose Razer Yellow switches.
The main difference between Razer Yellow and Green switches is that Yellow switches have no tactile bump and a linear feel while Green switches have a tactile bump and an audible click.
The Razer Green, Orange, and Yellow Switches are three sturdy switches with an 80 million click lifespan.
When compared between Razer Yellow vs Orange vs Green switches, Razer Yellow switches are the quietest of the three switches. Razer Orange switches are slightly louder than Razer Yellow switches but quieter than Razer Green switches.
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Razer, a titan in the gaming industry, is renowned for crafting high-performance switches that cater to diverse playstyles. This deep dive into Razer's Green, Orange, and Yellow switches will illuminate the unique strengths of each. From the crisp tactile response of Green to the quiet precision of Orange and the lightning-fast actuation of Yellow, Razer […]
