Mechanical Keyboard Switches: A Guide to Switch Options

If there's one tool that can significantly boost your gaming or work efficiency, it's a mechanical keyboard. Whether you're typing up a report or engaging in a high-stakes game, the tactile feedback of a mechanical keyboard switch can make all the difference. Say goodbye to the inefficiency of a mushy membrane keyboard. But how do you choose the best mechanical keyboard for your needs?

This guide presents all the possible mechanical keyboard switch options and their specifications. It will help you make a logical decision when selecting a mechanical keyboard for your gaming or office setup.

Colors in Mechanical Switches

The first thing you may encounter when picking an all-new mechanical keyboard is the color of mechanical switches. You may see a Blue, Red, Brown, or Black mechanical switch keyboard. The colors represent the unique characteristics, including the sound, physical keypress feel, and travel distance. Let's dive deeper into these colors to see what they mean and find the one that suits your requirements.

Mechanical Switch Colors and Their Characteristics

● Blue Mechanical Switch - Clicky

These switches are clicky. They offer a distinct click sound when the user moves the keycap straight in a linear motion. The tactile feedback that users require for a satisfactory typing or gaming experience comes with a clicky sound.

● Red Mechanical Switch - Linear

As a gamer, you may need a keyboard with the best response and the slightest noise production. A red mechanical switch does not produce tactile feedback or noise, earning the linear type switch. Its primary purpose is to provide rapid and bumpless key inputs for gaming applications.

● Black Mechanical Switch - Smooth

The difference between a red and black switch is the effort required to execute a keypress. Pressing the black switch feels heavier than pressing the red switch, but otherwise, it offers the same smooth and noiseless operation.

● Brown Mechanical Switch - Bumpy

Similar to the blue switch, it bumps during keypress motion. You are coming across a speed breaker when pressing a key. However, unlike the blue switches, it has no audible click.

Technical Characteristics of Color Mechanical Switches

Users need to know two main technical aspects, i.e., actuation force and travel distance. Most switches offer the same travel distance across all colors; however, their pre-travel, the distance before the switch registers a keypress, may vary. Here is a table of some of the colors available in the Outemu Mechanical Switch lineup:

Unique Switch Options

If you are an enthusiast in picking mechanical switches, there are features beyond simple color, force, sound, bump, and travel distance. There are mechanical switches that can cater to unique user requirements. Whether you use your keyboard in a dusty, high-moisture, dry, or high-heat environment, there is an option for everyone. Here are some unique features that some brands like Outemu offer:

● Dust-Proof

● Low-Profile

● RGB Compatible

● Pre-Lubed

● Water Resistant

Choice of Brands in Mechanical Keyboard Switches

Many brands offer excellent mechanical keyboard switch options. However, each adheres to a specific aspect of its manufacturing technique. Some opt for price to performance ratio, while others focus on excellent build quality and longevity. After using many products from these brands, we can safely state the following about each manufacturer of mechanical keyboard switches.

● Cherry MX - The Classic

● Outemu - Excellent Price to Performance

● Gazzew - Smooth and Precise

● Akko - Unique and Affordable

● Gateron - Precision Manufacturing

● Kailh - Innovative

● TTC - Budget-Friendly and Smooth

*Note: These brands do not necessarily adhere to their image. They offer many options, and users can find the best switch based on their requirements.

Application-Based Mechanical Switches Design

Whether in gaming, a corporate environment, an industrial complex, a construction site, or working from home, a mechanical switch will cater to your needs. To make sure that you get the right mechanical switch for your usage, let's see which mechanical switches are best for different applications:

Gaming - Blue or Red Mechanical Switches

In gaming, some people require tactile feedback from their keyboard to ensure they have successfully pressed the key. However, some users may require a red mechanical switch. It is linear and quick to register key with low response time. In our opinion, here are some of the game genres and their suitable switches:

● FPS - Red

● Fighting - Red

● MOBA - Red

● Action Adventure - Blue

● Casual Games - Blue

● Building Game - Blue

● Sandbox - Blue

Office - Brown Mechanical Switches

In an office, users need a quiet environment to focus on their work. The clicky sound can throw you or your colleague in a cubicle office environment. Brown switches are silent and provide the necessary tactile feedback that most users look for when typing.

Industrial - Black Mechanical Switches

The black switch provides smoother glide and noiseless operation, improving the red keyboard mechanical switches. These are the best characteristics for the office and streaming environment.

Construction Site - Dust Proof Mechanical Switch

A keyboard that works in a dusty environment is prone to damage. The dust can get between the keycaps and damage the switch due to the small clearances between the switch stem and casing. Specialized dust-proof mechanical keyboard switches from Outemu, and Cherry MX provide excellent dust prevention through precision manufacturing and seals.

Final Words

If you plan to buy your next keyboard, take the following steps after going through our guidelines.

● Thoroughly analyze your usage scenario and decide which keyboard mechanical switch suits your conditions.

● Look at the colors and their characteristics. If you are buying your first mechanical keyboard, consider the three main categories: red, blue, and brown.

● Keep in mind that brands of mechanical keyboard switches have subtle differences in specification. So explore all options!

● If you are building your own keyboard with hot-swappable mechanical keyboard switches, consider all aspects like RGB capability and compatibility with your base.

We hope you find value in the article. If you want to find an ideal mechanical keyboard that is reliable, durable, tough, and long-lasting with an excellent price/performance ratio, then visit MEETION mechanical keyboard options. There are loads of options, from 75% layout to full-size keyboards with wireless and wired technology. The MEETION keyboards are responsive and have excellent build quality. Visit their website and check out their line-up before making a purchase!