Commonly used mechanical switches on pre-built keyboards

Manufacturers frequently build computer keyboards using switches from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The switches used determine the feel of the keyboard.

BrandOEMSwitch nameCherry MX equivalentClickyTactileLinearActuation forceTactile forceActuation pointTotal travelProduct codeDurability (actuations)
CherryCherryBlack[1]Cherry MX BlackNoNoYes0.60 NN/A2.0 mm4.0 mmMX1A-11xx>100 million
CherryCherryRed[2]Cherry MX RedNoNoYes0.45 NN/A2.0 mm4.0 mmMX1A-L1xx>100 million
CherryCherryBrown[3]Cherry MX BrownNoYesNo0.45 N0.55 N2.0 mm4.0 mmMX1A-G1xx>100 million
CherryCherryBlue[4]Cherry MX BlueYesYesNo0.50 N0.60 N2.2 mm4.0 mmMX1A-E1xx>50 million
CherryCherryGreen[5]Cherry MX GreenYesYesNo0.70 N0.80 N2.2 mm4.0 mmMX1A-F1xx>50 million
CherryCherryClear[6]Cherry MX ClearNoYesNo0.55 N0.65 N2.0 mm4.0 mmMX1A-C1xx
CherryCherryGrey (Tactile)[7]Cherry MX Tactile GreyNoYesNo0.80 N0.80 N2.0 mm4.0 mmMX1A-D1xx>50 million
CherryCherryGrey (Linear) (formerly Dark grey)Cherry MX Linear GreyNoNoYes0.80 NN/A2.0 mm4.0 mmMX1A-21xx
CherryCherryNature WhiteCherry MX Nature WhiteNoNoYes0.55 NN/A2.0 mm4.0 mmMX1A-41NA
CherryCherrySpeed Silver[8]Cherry MX Speed SilverNoNoYes0.45 NN/A1.2 mm3.4 mmMX1A-51xx
CherryCherryLow Profile Red[9]Cherry MX Low Profile RedNoNoYes0.45 ± 0.15 NN/A1.2 ± 0.3 mm3.2 ± 0.25 mmMX1B-L2NA>50 million
CherryCherryLow Profile Speed[10]Cherry MX Low Profile SpeedNoNoYes0.45 ± 0.15 NN/A1.0 ± 0.3 mm3.2 ± 0.25 mmMX1B-52NA>50 million
CherryCherrySilent Black[11]Cherry MX Silent BlackNoNoYes0.60 NN/A1.9 mm3.7 mmMX3A-11xx
CherryCherrySilent Red[12]Cherry MX Silent RedNoNoYes0.45 NN/A1.9 mm3.7 mmMX3A-L1xx
KailhKailhBlack[13]Cherry MX BlackNoNoYes0.60 NN/A1.9 mm
KailhKailhRed[13]Cherry MX RedNoNoYes0.50 NN/A1.9 mm
KailhKailhBlue[13]Cherry MX BlueYesYesNo0.50 N0.60 N1.9 mm
KailhKailhBrown[13]Cherry MX BrownNoYesNo0.50 NN/A1.9 mm
KailhKailhSpeed Silver[13]Cherry MX Speed SilverNoNoYes0.50 NN/A1.3 mm
KailhKailhSpeed Bronze[13]N/AYesYesNo0.50 NN/A1.3 mm
KailhKailhSpeed Copper[13]N/ANoYesNo0.50 NN/A1.3 mm
RazerKailhGreen[14]Cherry MX BlueYesYesNo0.50 N1.9 ± 0.4 mm80 million
RazerGreetechGreenCherry MX BlueYesYesNo
RazerKailhOrange[14]Cherry MX BrownNoYesNo0.45 cN1.9 ± 0.4 mm80 million
RazerGreetechOrangeCherry MX BrownNoYesNo
RazerKailhYellow[14]Cherry MX Speed SilverNoNoYes0.45 NN/A1.2 ± 0.3 mm3.5 mm
RazerGreetechYellowCherry MX Speed SilverNoNoYesN/A
RazerDMET[15]Red (Optical Switch)[16]Cherry MX RedNoNoYes0.40 NN/A1.0 mm100 million
RazerDMET[15]Purple (Optical Switch)[16]Cherry MX BlueYesYesNo0.45 NN/A1.5 mm100 million
LogitechKailhGL Linear[17]Cherry MX Low Profile RedNoNoYes0.50 NN/A1.5 mm2.7 mm80 million
LogitechKailhGL Tactile[17]N/ANoYesNo0.50 N0.60 N1.5 mm2.7 mm80 million
LogitechKailhGL Clicky[17]N/AYesYesNo0.50 N0.60 N1.5 mm2.7 mm80 million
LogitechOmronRomer-G Linear[17]N/ANoNoYes0.45 NN/A1.5 mm3.2 mm70 million[18]
LogitechOmronRomer-G Tactile[17]N/ANoYesNo0.45 N0.50 N1.5 mm3.2 mm70 million[18]
LogitechKailhGX Red[17]Cherry MX RedNoNoYes0.50 NN/A1.9 mm4.0 mm
LogitechKailhGX Blue[17]Cherry MX BlueYesYesNo0.50 N0.60 N2.0 mm4.0 mm70 million
LogitechKailhGX Brown[17]Cherry MX BrownNoYesNo0.50 N0.60 N1.9 mm4.0 mm70 million
RoccatRoccatRoccat Titan Linear[19]Cherry MX RedNoNoYesN/A1.4 mm3.6 mm
RoccatRoccatRoccat Titan Tactile[19]Cherry MX BrownNoYesNo1.8 mm3.6 mm
Outemu Gaote/Outemu Reds[20] Cherry MX Reds No No Yes 0.50 N N/A 1.5 mm 4.0 mm 50 million
Outemu Gaote/Outemu Browns[20] Cherry MX Browns No Yes No 0.50 N 0.55 N 2.0 mm 4.0 mm 50 million
Outemu Gaote/Outemu Blues[20] Cherry MX Blues Yes Yes No 0.60 N 0.65 N 2.0 mm 4.0 mm 50 million
Outemu Gaote/Outemu Black [20] Cherry MX Blacks No No Yes 0.70 N N/A 2.4 mm 4.0 mm 50 million
Gateron Gateron Reds [21] Cherry MX Reds No No Yes 0.45 N N/A 2.0 mm 4.0 mm 50 million
Gateron Gateron Browns[21] Cherry MX Browns No Yes No 0.55 N 0.60 N 2.0 mm 4.0 mm 50 million
Gateron Gateron Blacks[21] Cherry MX Blacks No No Yes 0.65 N N/A 2.0 mm 4.0 mm 50 million
Gateron Gateron White [21] - No No Yes 0.35 N N/A 2.0 mm 4.0 mm 50 million
Gateron Gateron Green [21] - Yes Yes No 0.80 N 0.80 N 2.3 mm 4.0 mm 50 million
Gateron Gateron Blues[21] Cherry MX Blues Yes Yes No 0.60 N 0.65 N 2.3 mm 4.0 mm 50 million
Gateron Gateron Yellows[21] - No No Yes 0.50 N N/A 2.0 mm 4.0 mm 50 million
I.B.M./Unicomp I.B.M./Unicomp Buckling Spring N/A Yes Yes No >25 million (Model M)

>100 million (Model F)

Mechanical keyboard switches for custom keyboards

On the custom mechanical keyboard space, there are far greater quantity of keyboard switches. It is important to note that these do not portray the diversity and number of switches currently on the market.

Brand OEM Switch name Stem design Switch type Click type Initial force Actuation force Spring force Actuation point Total travel Mounting type Factory lube SMD LED compatibility Key stroke lifespan
Drop x Invyr Kailh Holy Panda[22] MX Type stem Tactile N/A 67 g 67 g 67 g 1.2 mm 4.0 mm Plate mounting No Yes 80 million
Drop Kailh Halo True[23] MX Type stem Tactile N/A 60 g 54 g 100 g 1.9 mm 4.0 mm Plate mounting Yes Yes 80 million
Drop Kailh Halo Clear[23] MX Type stem Tactile N/A 65 g 52 g 78 g 1.9 mm 4.0 mm Plate mounting Yes Yes 80 million
Kailh Kailh Box White MX Type stem Clicky Click Bar 50 g 50 g 60 g 1.8 mm 4.0 mm Plate mounting No Yes 80 million
Kailh Kailh BOX Glazed Green MX Type stem Clicky Click Bar 50 g 50 g 50 g 1.8 mm 3.6 mm Plate Mounting No Yes 80 million
Kailh Kailh BOX Jade MX Type stem Clicky Click Bar 50 g 50 g 60 g 1.8 mm 3.6 mm Plate Mounting No Yes 80 million
Kailh Kailh BOX Pale Blue MX Type stem Clicky Click Bar 60 g 60 g 80 g 1.8 mm 3.6 mm Plate Mounting No Yes 80 million
Kailh Kailh BOX Navy MX Type stem Clicky Click Bar 60 g 60 g 90 g 1.8 mm 3.6 mm Plate Mounting No Yes 80 million
Kailh Kailh BOX Noble Yellow MX Type stem Clicky Click Bar 65 g 65 g 65 g 1.8 mm 3.6 mm Plate Mounting No Yes 80 million
Kailh Kailh BOX Pinks MX Type stem Clicky Click Bar 65 g 65 g 65 g 1.8 mm 3.6 mm Plate Mounting No Yes 80 million
Gateron Gateron Aliaz Silent MX Type Stem Silent Tactile N/A N/A N/A 60/70/

80/100g

 2.0 mm 4.0 mm Plate Mounting No Yes N/A
Zeal PC Gateron Clickiez MX Type Stem Clicky/Tactile/Linear Click Leaf 40/75 g 32/58 g 73/95 g 2.0 mm (unchecked) 4.0 mm Plate Mounting No Yes N/A
Zeal PC Gateron Crystal MX Type Stem Tactile N/A ~50g ~70g 60 g 2.0 mm 4.0 mm Plate Mounting No Yes N/A
Zeal PC Gateron Zealio V1 Redux MX Type Stem Tactile N/A ? ? 62g/67g 2.0 mm 4.0 mm Plate Mounting No Yes N/A

Future

As time goes on, there are more and more switches being developed and manufactured across the world. Some are by new manufacturers, some are collaborations between companies and manufacturers, and some are consumer made. Some bigger databases that involve more than just our main manufacturers listed here.

On top of a variety of new switches being made, consumers are taking parts of different switches and then going on to make their own switches, called “Franken-switches.”

References

  1. ↑ "Cherry MX black",https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-black.html Archived 2020-07-22 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ↑ "Cherry MX red",https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-red.html Archived 2020-06-21 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ↑ "Cherry MX brown",https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-brown.html Archived 2020-06-21 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ↑ "Cherry MX blue",https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-blue.html Archived 2020-06-21 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ↑ "Cherry MX green",https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-special/mx-green.html Archived 2020-06-09 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ↑ "Cherry MX clear",https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-special/mx-clear.html Archived 2020-06-21 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ↑ "Cherry MX grey",https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-special/mx-grey.html Archived 2020-06-21 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ↑ "Cherry MX speed silver", https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-speed-silver.html Archived 2020-06-09 at the Wayback Machine
  9. ↑ "Cherry MX Low Profile Speed", https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-low-profile/mx-low-profile-red.html Archived 2020-06-15 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ↑ "Cherry MX Low Profile Speed", https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-low-profile/mx-low-profile-speed.html Archived 2020-06-21 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ↑ "Cherry MX silent black", https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-silent-black.html Archived 2020-07-22 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ↑ "Cherry MX silent red", https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-silent-red.html Archived 2020-06-21 at the Wayback Machine
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Kitguru Guide to Mechanical Keyboard Switches", https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/keyboards/matthew-wilson/the-kitguru-guide-to-mechanical-keyboard-switches/ Archived 2020-07-11 at the Wayback Machine
  14. 1 2 3 "Tom's Hardware Review", https://www.tomshardware.com/news/razer-yellow-mechanical-keyboard-switch,33476.html Archived 2023-03-09 at the Wayback Machine
  15. 1 2 "Dongguan Mingjian Electronic Technology products page". dgmjdz (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  16. 1 2 Razor, https://www.razer.com/razer-optical-switch Archived 2020-07-11 at the Wayback Machine
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Logitech, https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/innovation/mechanical-switches.html Archived 2020-07-05 at the Wayback Machine
  18. 1 2 "Tom's Hardware Orion Review", https://www.tomshardware.com/news/logitech-g910-orion-spark-romer-g,28101.html Archived 2023-03-09 at the Wayback Machine
  19. 1 2 "Roccat's Titan Switch", https://en.roccat.org/Labs/Titan-Switchl
  20. 1 2 3 4 "information regarding the mechanical switches from a reseller". Mechanicalkeyboards. Archived from the original on 24 February 2021. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "For Gateron". keychronkeyboards. Archived from the original on 9 March 2021. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  22. ↑ "Drop: Passions lead here". Drop. Archived from the original on 2021-04-16. Retrieved 2021-03-19.
  23. 1 2 "Drop: Passions lead here". Drop. Archived from the original on 2021-03-01. Retrieved 2021-03-19.
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