Mechanical Keyboard Switches Chart and Table

If you are a gamer, you would indeed appreciate the greatness of a mechanical keyboard. In fact, the mechanical keyboards have replaced the old regular membrane keyboards that had a few lights included for providing that special effect. The durability, excellent responsiveness, and versatility offered by the mechanical keyboards have really been one of the best you would want to go with. There are so many benefits of Mechanical Keyboard that you must try these out.

Switches are what would make a mechanical keyboard what it is. Not all switches come with the same degree of functionality, and that is precisely why choosing the right switches for the mechanical keyboards is a huge chore in itself. The choice of the best guide to mechanical switches can prove to be quite handy in determining the best switches. 

From that perspective, we thought of giving you a good idea of what a mechanical switch is and how effective it can be in providing you with a great degree of performance improvement in efficient gaming. We will check out the mechanical keyboard switches chart for a better understanding of the right switches. Follow the complete mechanical keyboard switch charts and Tables for getting access to a complete insight into what you have on offer. 

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What are Mechanical Switches?

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Underneath every key on the Mechanical keyboard, there is a mechanism that works to register keypress when it is actuated, is called Mechanical Switch. 

The keyboard switch comes with a few significant elements to form a proper structure, and finally, it is seen as the key for general users.

What are the Distinct Characteristics of a Mechanical keyboard Switch?

There are a few specific characteristics of a mechanical keyboard switch. Some of the most essential characteristics of the keyboard switch would include:

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The Best Brands for the Mechanical Key Switches

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We have plenty of manufacturers who are engaged in the manufacturing of mechanical keyboards and key switches. Let us check out a few of the best options you would find rather impressive. The guide to mechanical switches would not be complete without understanding the concept. 

1. Cherry MX 

Cherry MX is indeed the original manufacturer of the mechanical keyboards. They have been considered to be one of the excellent options for the best mechanical keyboards. They are also one of the popularly available keyboards in the retail market. 

Some of the keyboard switches available from Cherry MX include:

2. Romer G

These are the Logitech keyboard switches produced by Omron who are known for the best mouse switch manufacturer. The brand focuses more on pure gaming switches. The LED stems are what have made these switches one of the vast options ever. 

Some of the prime keys available from the brand include:

3. Gateron

The keyboard switches made a beginning with the cloned Cherry MX switches and later moved on to become the best keyboard switch manufacturers on their own. They have been offering you access to the smoother switches. 

A few key switches that have made a name for themselves include:

4. Kailh Switches

Kailh is one of the most vibrant among the competitors to Cherry MX Switches. The keyboards began manufacturing their products in 2009 and have been able to achieve an enhanced service quality in the subsequent years. Initially regarded as a clone of Cherry MX switches, the brand became popular and began manufacturing high-end switches after partnering with Razer. 

Along with the Traditional switches, Kailh also has other wide range of keyboard switches such as Kailh Speed switches, Kailh Box switches, Kailh Low Profiles, and a wide range of other varieties. 

5. Razer Switches

The Razer switches are used on the keyboards manufactured by Razer. One of the best advantages of the Razer key switches is the compatibility with the stems available in the aftermarket. 

A few of the best options from the brand include:

We will check out these switches in the complete mechanical keyboard switches chart in the latter part of this post. 

How Long Do Mechanical Switches Last?

What is the durability of the mechanical key switches? How long do these switches last? Under ideal conditions, the mechanical key switches would last around 30 to 100 million keypresses. The key switches pre-tested for durability by using the testing machines that press the switches without pains.

Most of the keyboard manufacturers guarantee that the switches work for a life cycle of around 30 to 80 million keypresses. On the other hand, some are designed and tested for 100 million keypresses. These are practically tested, and the observations have been recorded. The Cherry MX keyboards and switches are tested to withstand the temperature ranges of -40 to 180 degrees C. 

What is the difference Between Hot-Swappable vs Soldered Switches?

A considerably good number of mechanical keyboards come with the key switches soldered onto them. You would end up getting stuck with the switches that your keyboard came with. That can indeed be troublesome when you find that one or two switches have broken. It can also be a concern when you are looking to make use of a different key switch. 

That is precisely what is solved by the new trend in the mechanical keyboard. The hot-swappable key switches let you remove and replace them whenever you want to. The switches are not soldered onto the PCB, and thus they can be removed with ease. 

It can offer you several benefits, a few of which can be:

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The Complete Mechanical Keyboard Switches Chart & Table

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Having understood enough details about the mechanical key switches and how effective they can be in improving your gaming experience, we have already shared the Mechanical Keyboard Switches chart earlier in this article. Now, look at the table for full details.

We will divide the mechanical keyboard switch table into different sections depending on the different types of key switches. 

Linear Switches

Name of the switch	Brand	Actuation Force	Actuation Point	Travel distance	Lifespan (Keypresses)
Clear	Gateron	35 cN	2 mm	4 mm	50 million
Speed Silver	Kailh	40 cN	1.1 mm	3.5 mm	70 million
Speed Silver	Cherry MX	45 cN	1.2 mm	3.4 mm	50 million
Box Red	Kailh	45 cN	1.8 mm	3.6 mm	80 million
Silent Red	Cherry MX	45 cN	1.9 mm	3.7 mm	50 million
Red	Gateron	45 cN	2.0 mm	4 mm	50 million
Red	Cherry MX	45 cN	2.0 mm	4 mm	50 million
Burgundy	Kailh	50 cN	1.7 mm	3.6 mm	70 million
Silent Black	Cherry MX	50 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Black	Cherry MX	60 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Red	Outemu	60 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Black	Gateron	60 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Black	Kailh	60 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	70 million
Yellow	Gateron	50cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Red	Kailh	50 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	70 million
Box Black	Kailh	60 cN	1.8 mm	3.6 mm	80 million
Silver	Outemu	62 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Box dark Yellow	Kailh	70 cN	1.1 mm	3.6 mm	70 million
Berry	Kailh	70 cN	1.7 mm	3.6 mm	70 million

Clicky Switches

Name of the switch	Brand	Actuation Force	Actuation Point	Travel distance	Lifespan (Keypresses)
Space Gold	Kailh	40 cN	1.4 mm	3.5 mm	70 million
Speed Bronze	Kailh	50 cN	1.1 mm	3.5 mm	70 million
Light green	Kailh	50 cN	1.7 mm	3.6 mm	70 million
Box White	Kailh	45 cN	1.8 mm	3.6 mm	80 million
Box Jade	Kailh	50 cN	1.8 mm	3.6 mm	80 million
Blue	Kailh	50 cN	1.8 mm	4 mm	70 million
Box Pale Blue	Kailh	60 cN	1.8 mm	3.6 mm	80 million
Box navy	Kailh	60 cN	1.8 mm	3.6 mm	80 million
Blue	Gateron	50 cN	2.2 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Blue	Cherry MX	60 cN	2.2 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Blue	Outemu	60 cN	2.3 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Green	Gateron	80 cN	2.2 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Green	Cherry MX	80 cN	2.4 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Ice Teal	Outemu	80 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Sage	Kailh	75 cN	1.7 mm	3.6 mm	70 million
Pink	Kailh	65 cN	1.8 mm	3.6 mm	80 million

Tactile Switches

Name of the switch	Brand	Actuation Force	Actuation Point	Travel distance	Lifespan (Keypresses)
Speed Copper	Kailh	40 cN	1.1 mm	3.5 mm	70 million
Box Royals	Kailh	45 cN	1.8 mm	3.6 mm	80 million
Box Brown	Kailh	45 cN	1.8 mm	3.6 mm	80 million
Silent Brown	Gateron	45 cN	1.8 mm	3.6 mm	50 million
Purple	Kailh	50 cN	1.7 mm	3.6 mm	70 million
Brown	Kailh	50 cN	2.0 mm	4 mm	70 million
Brown	Gateron	55 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Brown	Outemu	60 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Clear	Cherry MX	65 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	60 million
Ice Dark Purple	Outemu	68 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Speed Burnt Orange	Kailh	70 cN	1.1 mm	3.6 mm	70 million
Plum	Kailh	70 cN	1.7 mm	3.6 mm	70 million
Grey	Outemu	75 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	50 million
Grey	Cherry MX	80 cN	2.0 mm	4.0 mm	50 million

The above mechanical keyboard switches chart here should be helpful in arriving at the best possible experience ever. 

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Prime Factors to consider when picking the best Mechanical keyboard – The Mechanical Keyboard Buying Guide

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There are a few key parameters that you would need to consider when picking the best mechanical keyboard for your needs. 

Some of the prime buying factors you would want to consider when picking the best keyboards can include:

1. The Tactile feedback

Each one of us has different typing feels. What would you want to feel when typing? You want it smoother or want a bump when typing. The linear switches offer you a smoother operation. The tactile and clicky switches provide you with a mild bump travel. 

The tactile and clicky switches provide you with a more powerful accuracy when typing. You do not need to bottom out when using these keys, while the linear keys may require you to bottom out. If you are a gamer, you can make use of the linear key switches. 

2. Your Typing style

Your typing style is dependent on your hand size in most of the cases. If you have bigger hands, you are likely to have more miss clicks when typing. In such cases, you would need to have a high Actuation Point and a medium to a heavy actuation force. We would recommend an Actuation Point of 2 mm or more and an actuation force of 55 cN and more. 

There are cases where you may have light typing behaviour despite having bigger hands. In those scenarios, you can go with the medium to high Actuation Point and medium operating pressure. In those cases, our recommendation would be an Actuation Point of 1.4 and higher and an Actuation Force of 55 to 75 cN. 

3. The Environment

By environment, we refer to the environment around you when typing. The auditory feedback can be one of the prime factors where you would find that clicky switches can invite a stare of appreciation and hate depending on what those people may like. If you are typing fast, the sound may be annoying. 

When picking the right keyboard switch to meet your needs, you should give a clear understanding of the people around you. You can check out the best options such as linear switches if you have people who do not like the clicks too often. 

4. Your Purpose to Opt for the Keyboard

If you are into gaming, we would recommend opting for the linear switches. These can be helpful in smoother and consistent keypresses. They can also be a good option for rapid movement. If you are into typing, the tactile and Clicky switches have been observed to offer a better experience. 

If you want to have the best of both worlds, in such cases, we would recommend opting for a keyboard switch based on your typing style and speed. In fact, buying a hot-swappable keyboard would be a great option in those circumstances. 

The Closing Thoughts

Well, finding and understanding the best keyboard switches can prove to be one of the best knowledge ever. The keyboard switches play an important role in deciding the best functionality of your keyboards. The complete guide to mechanical switches outlined here should be helpful in getting the best possible information on picking the best for your individual needs. 

The information shared here should ideally be one of the best options when it comes to picking the best key switches. The mechanical keyboard switches chart listed here should help you get access to the best choices based on each of your individual requirements.