![]() Switches are mechanisms under the keycaps on a keyboard that sends a signal to the computer to perform an action. Keep on scrolling to learn more about optical switches for keyboards. We will also be talking about some of the unique options from brands such as Razer, A4Tech/Bloody, and Wooting. In this article, we will be going through most of the current optical switch types that are available in the market. And while the selection isn’t as big as traditional mechanical keyboard switches, there is still plenty of options to choose from. You get your usual linear, tactile, and clicky variants as well as gaming optimized variants from the likes of Razer. Just like mechanical switches, optical keyboard switches come in different flavors. Some brands even see them as the next evolution of the traditional mechanical keyboard switch. Bigger brands have seen its potential and have been incorporating them into their flagship products. Greetech and Kailh switches generally imitate Cherry colors and styles, meaning that a Greetech Red will feel like a Cherry MX Red, a Kailh Brown will feel like a Cherry MX Brown and so forth.Optical switches have been gaining popularity in the past couple of years in the mechanical keyboard space. I hesitate to say "cheap," because both brands feel fine they're just not premium products. Greetech and Kailh are both inexpensive Chinese switch brands. Greetech and KailhĪ lot of second-tier peripheral companies keep costs low by using Greetech or Kailh switches instead of Cherry MXs. ![]() Still, Topre keys are quiet and actuate at only 5 g, making them worth considering if you want the lightest touch possible in something a little more durable than a membrane peripheral. It's not exactly a membrane design, but not truly mechanical either. Acting as kind of a midpoint between membrane and mechanical keys, Topres are unusual rubber dome switches that come in interconnected sheets. Topre switches aren't too popular this side of the Pacific, but like Spinal Tap, they're really big in Japan. There are other types of Cherry keys out there, like the extra-clicky Greens and the resistant Clears, but those varieties are not as common as the ones listed above. This theoretically lets gamers pound keys faster - helpful in genres like MOBA (League of Legends, Dota 2) and MMO (World of Warcraft, Star Wars: The Old Republic), where skills are constantly refreshing. Unlike Reds, though, they travel only 1.2 mm rather than the standard 2 mm. Like Reds, Cherry MX Speeds are linear switches that require 45 g of actuation force. Cherry MX Blues require 50 g of actuation force.Ĭherry MX Speed or Silver switches are built with gamers in mind. Some users find the noise gratifying others find it insufferable. They don't make much sound, and spring back very quickly after actuation.Ĭherry MX Blues are "clicky" switches, meaning they make audible clicking noises every time you depress them, like typewriters of old. Browns are tactile switches that require 45 g of force to activate. They feel a little more resistant than Reds, and are also available in a Silent variant.Ĭherry MX Browns are some of the most popular switches in gaming keyboards. The keys are also very quiet, particularly the MX Red Silent variant, which makes them good for office environments or crowded houses.Ĭherry MX Blacks are linear switches that are very similar to Reds, save that they require 60 g of force to actuate. The light touch makes them a good choice for both gaming and typing. These linear switches require 45 grams of force to actuate. MX switches from top-left clockwise: Red, Black, Brown and BlueĬherries come in a variety of colors, but these are the main ones you'll see:Ĭherry MX Reds are some of the most widespread switches out there, and for good reason.
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