Are you on the quest for the ideal gaming switches? As an authority on gaming keyboards, I’m here to offer insights and advice on the most fitting switches for gamers. The myriad of options can make the decision challenging. This article will elaborate on the different switch types and their respective pros and cons. You’ll also discover how to identify the perfect switch to give you a competitive edge in your cherished games. So gear up to upgrade your gaming setup!
Cherry MX Speed Silver
For gamers looking for an edge over their opponents, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is a great choice. With linear switches that are 40% faster than Cherry Red, an actuation force of 60cN and compatibility with PCB SMD LED lighting, this keyboard offers excellent gaming performance. Plus, the keys come in a nice container and are shipped safely to ensure they’ll arrive in perfect condition. Unfortunately, there were some minor issues with delivery and a few switches didn’t work out of the box – but overall it’s been an incredibly reliable product and 67 of them worked perfectly fine. This high-performance switch has become a favourite amongst gamers due to its speed and durability – making it ideal for FPS players who want both performance and style!
Gateron Milky Yellow
Gateron Milky Yellow switches are an excellent choice for gamers looking to maximize their typing speed and accuracy. They provide a smooth linear feel, and the operating force is ideal for gaming. Plus, they have a light-passing property which adds to their aesthetics. On the durability front, these switches impress. With five pins per switch, they promise to outlast numerous other mechanical keyboards. Plus, if you wish, they can be replaced with aftermarket Cherry MX switches (for the full comparsion check out our article about Gateron vs Cherry switches). The only downside is that you may need to do some chopping if you’re wanting RGB compatibility. Nevertheless, even without RGB capabilities these switches still offer plenty of features making them worthwhile for any serious gamer.
Kailh Speed Copper
I recently purchased a keyboard with Kailh Speed Copper switches and I couldn’t be happier. The responsiveness of these switches is unbeatable, making them ideal for gaming. The box switches are also waterproof and dust-proof, so they won’t wear down quickly or become unreliable. What’s more, the Pro switch offers a great middle ground between the Box and Speed varieties in terms of responsiveness and longevity. With an impressive 70 million cycles lifetime and peak force of 45g, this keyboard has been built to last through years of use. Plus, it is SMD LED compatible for backlight customization if desired. All things considered, this is an excellent choice for gamers looking to maximize their performance with precision speed and accuracy.
Holy Panda Switches
The DROP + Invyr Holy Panda Mechanical Keyboard Switches offer an excellent typing experience and great compatibility with other keyboards. The hybrid switch of tactile Halo switches and smooth Invyr Pandas provides a snappy yet tactile feel while gaming, making them perfect for gamers looking for the best switches. However, there have been some reported quality control issues in the past which may be a cause for concern, plus they are on the more expensive side and not ideal for those seeking linear switches instead. Despite this though, these high quality switches are an excellent choice if you’re looking to upgrade your gaming setup.
Kailh Speed Burnt Orange
The Kailh Speed Burnt Orange switches are a great choice for gamers looking for reliable, fast and responsive keyboards. With its 1.1mm pre-travel, it allows for quick response times that make them perfect for gaming. The total travel distance of 3.5mm and actuation force of only 70g makes typing smooth and comfortable. Moreover, the high compatibility 3-pin design makes them easy to install without any hassle. The box includes 65 Pcs Kailh Speed Burnt Orange Clicky switch so you have plenty of options when customizing your keyboard layout as well as replacing any faulty keys in case something goes wrong. Not to mention the key switch puller/switch remover that can be used to remove keycaps without damaging the keys themselves or their surrounding keys – making it easier to customize your setup. All in all, these switches provide an ideal gaming experience with its clicky sound and tactile feedback that will help you stay on top of your game!
Cherry MX Red
I’ve been using the Cherry MX Red gaming keyboard for a few months now and I’m really impressed. It’s especially great late at night when you don’t want to disturb anyone else in the house. The linear switch is fast and responsive, so reactions are quick and accurate – perfect for gamers of all levels. Plus, it comes with a switch remover/puller included which makes swapping out keys much easier than with other models. The only downside is that there isn’t any LED installed in the device or tactile feedback when pressed into the keyboard, but overall this is an excellent choice for anyone looking for durable switches that can take some serious gaming sessions without missing a beat.
Akko Speed Silver
For gamers seeking an affordable, yet reliable way to upgrade their keyboard experience, the Akko Speed Silver switches are a great option. These 3-pin switches offer a smooth performance right out of the box without requiring lubing and boast a switch weight of 50g, providing adequate resistance for comfortable key presses in games and typing. Moreover, their pre-travel is only 1mm which allows for increased typing speeds.
Acoustically speaking, these switches have an improved sound profile compared to Outemu reds – with no audible click when bottoming out during intense gaming sessions – while still being silent enough that you won’t be disturbing anyone in an office or library setting.
On the downside, these CS Crystals have a long travel distance that can degrade gaming performance and coding accuracy; plus there are only three pin options leaving limited customization options compared to other hot swappable keyboards on the market today.
All in all, the Akko Speed Silver Switches provide an excellent balance between price and performance.
Best Switches for Gaming – A Buying Guide
Looking for the best gaming switches? Whether you’re a professional or casual gamer, your chosen switch can significantly influence your gaming experience. This guide will delve into various switch types, what to consider during purchase, and how to pick the perfect switch tailored to your needs.
Types of Switches
When considering best switches for gaming, it’s important to consider the type of switch that will suit your needs. Linear switches are often preferred by gamers as they provide smooth and consistent action with no clicking or bumping noise. Additionally, linear switches have been shown to offer a greater reaction speed advantage when it comes to gaming. Speed switches may also be worth considering if you want an extra millisecond response time although they mainly offer marketing advantages. If you want to use the switches for both typing and gaming, it might also be a good idea to read more about the best overall keybaord switches.
Actuation Force & Distance
The actuation force measures how hard you need to press down on a key in order to register a keystroke in grams (g). Similarly, actuation distance looks at how much pressure is needed before the switch is pressed hard enough to send information from the keyboard to your computer; this is measured in millimeters (mm). Travel distance looks at the total distance from top of key (un-pressed)to bottom of key (when pressed all the way down); this too is measured in millimeters (mm). Lastly, lifespan should also be taken into account as it relates to how many keystrokes can be made before a switch departs from factory conditions; most gaming switches last longer than their stated lifespans.
Customizable Switches
Many modern gaming keyboards feature customizable switches which allow users to adjust their actuation distances according to individual needs. This can come in handy if you play different games as some genres – such as first-person shooters – require faster inputs while others – such as real-time strategy games – require more tactile inputs that need more force applied before actuating them. Additionally, lighter springs are preferable when it comes to gaming as they help reduce fatigue after long sessions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right switch for your gaming needs largely comes down personal preference and intended use but linear switches are generally seen as being most beneficial due their smooth action and fast response times without any click or bump noise. Customizable switches give users an edge by allowing them adjust actuation distances according their own preferences while lighter springs help reduce fatigue during extended play sessions.
In conclusion, when looking for the best switches for gaming it’s important to consider a variety of factors such as type of switch, actuation force and distance, customizability, and spring weight. Linear switches are often seen as the most beneficial due to their smooth action and fast response times. Customizable switches offer further advantages by allowing users to adjust actuation distances according to individual needs while lighter springs help reduce fatigue during extended play sessions. Ultimately, choosing the right gaming switch comes down to personal preference and intended use but with so many options available there is sure to be something that will meet all gamers’ needs!