Keyboard switches aren’t just a marketing gimmick; they can be incredibly important to your experience. They come in a variety of colors and styles, each with its own characteristics.
Some switch types are harder/softer to press, have different actuation points, or even have a tactile bump that can be felt without hearing it. These differences can make all the difference when you’re choosing a new mechanical keyboard.
Red
A mechanical keyboard features individual key switches that are activated by a press of the key. The membrane, which goes above the switches, helps register the keystroke. A mechanical keyboard is a great option for gamers and professionals who need to press keys quickly, but also for people who want a more comfortable and durable keyboard.
The best mechanical keyboards use switches that are either clicky or tactile. Tactile switches offer a bump that let you know when a key has been pressed before it bottoms out, and can make typing more accurate.
Red switches are a popular choice because they have a low actuation force that’s easy to hold down for long periods of time, which is great for FPS gaming. The actuation distance is 2mm or 4mm, depending on the brand, and the total travel is 4mm.
Blue switches are another great choice for gamers and typists alike, as they have a light tactile snap that lets you know when a key has been actuated. They’re also silent, so you don’t hear any clicking when a key is pressed.
Brown switches are a perfect compromise between red and blue switches, as they hit a silent bump when a key is actuated, and offer resistance when pressed all the way. They’re a little more comfortable to type with than red or blue models, so they’re an excellent choice for anyone who spends a lot of time in the office and wants a reliable, high-quality switch.
Blue
There are a lot of different kinds of mechanical keyboard switches on the market, each with their own properties and benefits. Which switch is best for you is largely dependent on what type of keyboard you’re looking to purchase, as well as what you intend to use it for.
If you’re a student, you might need a mechanical keyboard that allows for long periods of typing without becoming tired. You might also need to be able to type quickly and accurately, so a light switch that doesn’t require a lot of force to actuate is ideal.
You can get this kind of feel with blue switches, which are light enough that you don’t need to put a lot of pressure on each key to trigger them and feel the bump when they register. This makes them great for speedy typists and programmers who need to get their work done quickly.
Another option is brown switches, which are similar to blues but have a tactile bump instead of a click. These can be a good choice for students, as they don’t make as much noise as reds and have a more satisfying clack when you press them.
While there are a few differences between these switches, they all offer a high level of performance for their price. You’ll find them in many affordable mechanical keyboards, as well as top-end models. They’re also very responsive, so you won’t be slowed down or fumble with them during a game.
Brown
Before you buy a mechanical keyboard, it’s important to consider the type of switches that are used. They are the key to determining the overall feel of the keyboard, and they can also make a big difference in the sound and feedback that the keys produce.
There are a lot of different kinds of switches available for mechanical keyboards, and each has its own unique properties. Some are very firm, while others are light and responsive.
The best switches are the ones that offer the right combination of sensitivity, speed, and comfort. These factors can be incredibly important when it comes to gaming or typing.
If you’re a fan of mechanical keyboards, then you may have heard of Cherry MX switches, which are used by many manufacturers and are the most popular choice in consumer mechanical keyboards. These switches have been around for 3 decades, and they’re a solid option if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile switch.
These switches have a tiny bump when you press them, which helps to provide the “tactile” feedback that you need to register each keystroke. They are also very sensitive, and they register about 40% faster than regular Cherry switches.
Compared to red switches, brown switches have a little bit more resistance, meaning that you need more force to push them to the actuation point. This can be a good thing, since it makes them more comfortable to use and reduces hysteresis, or the time it takes for your keys to register after you press them.
These switches have a tactile bump and are very responsive, making them perfect for gamers who want to improve their gameplay. They’re also very quiet, so they won’t disturb the rest of your surroundings. However, they do tend to have a bit of a longer travel time than other keyboard switches, so you may not want to use them for very long.
Black
When you’re looking to replace a mechanical keyboard, the first thing you’ll need to decide is what type of switch you want. There are many different kinds of switches, and some are better than others for certain tasks.
If you’re a PC gamer, a good choice would be a red switch, as these provide great speed and response. However, if you’re more concerned with the tactile feel of a keystroke, go with blue or brown.
You can also consider opto-mechanical keyboard switches. These use lasers underneath each switch to detect a keystroke, instead of relying on metal contacts like traditional mechanical switches. This means they can be more durable and less prone to failure than mechanical switches.
In addition, a lot of gamers prefer a clicky button on their keyboards, which is why some companies have created special optical switches that are designed to make a light click when pressed. This is called a “clicky mechanical” switch, and it’s often found on Razer gaming keyboards.
A third color that’s common for mechanical keyboard switches is black, which has a slightly lower actuation force than red. These switches are easier to press down, so they’re good for long sessions of typing or gaming. They’re also more likely to trigger on twitch reflexes or repeat presses faster, which can be important in games that require quick reactions.
The best switches for you will depend on your needs and preferences, so it’s important to research each one before buying. The main questions to ask yourself are what you want from a keyboard and what you’re willing to sacrifice for it.
Lastly, you’ll want to choose a color that’s compatible with your keycaps. This is especially important if you’re buying a keyboard with custom keycaps, as you may need a different color to match the keys.
If you’re unsure which switches are right for you, we recommend using our switch guide to help you figure out what to look for. After that, you’ll be able to find the perfect model for your needs and budget.
