Which switches should I choose when buying a gaming keyboard?

Switches are built into mechanical keyboards. But which switches should I choose if I want to buy a new keyboard? MeinMMO introduces you to the most important switches and explains the differences.

If you want to buy a mechanical keyboard for your computer, you have to choose key switches. They are installed under the keys and ensure that your entries also end up on the computer.

Which switches are the best? There is no simple answer. It all depends on you and what you want to do with your future keyboard. Depending on whether you only gamble, work a lot or need the keyboard for many purposes, other switches are recommended.

We will therefore explain to you which key switches are available and what you have to consider when buying a keyboard.

Switches: types and differences

What are button switches? Switches are tucked under the keycaps of your keyboard. A mechanical switch consists of a base, a spring, and a stem. In the end, the shaft decides what kind of switches you have in your keyboard.

What switches are there? The three most common switch types are linear, tactile, and clicky switches. These types have different properties and are suitable for specific tasks.

There are also silver, black and green switches, which we want to mention for the sake of completeness.

Why are there different switches? The switches differ in various properties. So each switch has a different pre-travel. Pretravel describes how far you have to press the button until the switching point is reached. The entire route is referred to as the total route. It also takes different amounts of force when you press a button. The force required is calculated in centinewtons (cN). The less strength you need, the faster you can press the keys.

Different types have different needs. There are people who want particularly fast keyboards, but hate the loud clicking of the keyboard. Others, on the other hand, want the “click” because it makes them feel more precise.

Linear switches (red)

Red switches are linear switches. That means you don’t feel or hear the switch when you press the buttons. There’s no resistance when you want to press the buttons, so you don’t know when you’ve pressed the button.

Who are the switches recommended for? Linear switches are primarily aimed at gamers who rely on high-speed keystrokes. Because the force required is the lowest at 45 cn.

operating force	45 cN
pre-travel	2.0mm
total path	4.0mm

Clicky Switches (blue)

Blue switches are so-called “clicky” switches. They got their name from the sound, the “click” that the switches make each time they are pressed. So you get a clear audible and tactile feedback when you press the keys. The blue switches require more power than the linear type.

Who are the switches recommended for? Blue switches offer you a tangible and audible precision. The click while typing also feels very satisfying. The keyboards with “Clicky” switches are therefore primarily aimed at people who type a lot, but are also suitable for gamers.

operating force	60 cN
pre-travel	2.2mm
total path	4.0mm

Tactile switches (brown)

Brown switches are a compromise between red and blue switches. They are quieter than blue switches, but offer a clear keystroke. So you feel a little resistance that the button has been pressed successfully.

Brown switches therefore try to combine the advantages of both types by doing without the “click” of the switches, but retaining the clear pressure point. The effort is between the red and blue switches and the pretravel is similar to the red types.

Who are the switches recommended for? Brown switches represent the best compromise if you want to both type and play with your keyboard. Because the noticeable key feedback is retained while the noise is reduced. This is especially useful if you’re sitting in an office and don’t want to drive your colleagues crazy, or if you’re using a sensitive microphone while gaming.

operating force	55 cN
pre-travel	2.0mm
total path	4.0mm

silent switches

Silent switches don’t make any noise when you press them. Silent switches are now available in different switch types. The best-known German manufacturer Cherry also offers silent models for both red and black switches.

Who are the switches recommended for? Silent switches are simply quieter than normal switches. On average you also pay more money for the silent models.

Can you listen to this anywhere? If you want to listen to the differences between the switches, you can do so directly at Cherry. Because with the manufacturer Cherry you can listen to all the switches with the sounds. This also helps you if you want to decide on a switch type but are not sure about the volume of the keys.

More news about keyboards: In addition to switches, some manufacturers also rely on membrane technology. This is a rubber plate that lies on the circuit board and passes on your commands. We tried out the most popular gaming keyboard with such a membrane technology for you on MeinMMO: I tested the most popular gaming bestseller on Amazon – that’s how good a mouse and keyboard are for 30 euros