Best Mechanical Keyboard Switches for Gaming in 2023

Switches are the core part of keyboards. Without them, the point of using a board is over. They are placed underneath the keyboard, and when they connect, a letter is processed.

 There are several types of mechanical keyboard switches and methods they operate. Some make noise, and some don’t. 

Their placement is done according to the size of keycaps and underneath the keycaps. 

But first, we will get to know that: 

What is a Mechanical Keyboard Switch?

Mechanical console switches are the systems under the keycaps on a mechanical console that empower you to type quicker and all the more unequivocally.

Linear Switches are the type of switches that don’t create any noise. Instead, a very smooth actuation is there without any tactile feedback.

The gaming interface is very smooth, quiet, and gives seamless typing.

• Light Actuation Force:
  This force requires less push to register the keypress.
• Medium Actuation Force:
  This force requires a medium push to register the keypress.
• Heavy Actuation Force:
  This force requires a heavy push to register the keypress.

Gateron Yellow Switches provide a very medium resistance. The stem size is a bit smaller. The variants include the color Red, Yellow, and Black. Also, the resistance is light, medium, and heavy simultaneously. Switches are pretty affordable in the market field. The actuation point is 4 mm.

HK Gaming GK61 has the RGB lighting. It gives a combination of 16.8 million colors. They are able to record macros through the software. Comprises idoublehsot ABS stock keycaps. It doesn’t require any soldering/desoldering switches. Also, it is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, and MAC IOS.

Cherry MX Speed Silver is not much comfort for long typing sessions as it has a short travel distance which may cause discomfort. These switches are ahead by a millisecond.

Also, it provides a reliable gaming experience.

Corsair K100 RGB Board is durable and rigid in nature. It provides cutting-edge performance. Customization can be made via software. Under keycaps, there is dynamic per-key RGB lighting. The hyper-polling is of 4000 Hz. And, the lighting effects are of 20-layer.

Tactile switches are the best choice for gamers. They don’t create much noise, and still, they act as no-voice. They are also used for office purposes because they are not much noisy. And, co-workers also won’t get affected.

• Tactile Switches
• Sealed Tactile Switches

Recently, Glorious Panda Switches have defeated the Holy Panda Switch Bandwagon. In addition, this switch comes at a very affordable price. While operating, these switches give a unique sound. Also, it provides a solid tactile bump.

Glorious GMMK has the size of 60% layout. In-total, it has 61 keys. The USB cable is also removable. The RGB lighting provides 16.8 million colors. The brightness and effects of the board are adjustable. Also, the Cherry keys are removable.

Durock T1 Switches are less snappy. Also, they are affordable to buy, even for average gamers. They use a bit of lubricant and switch films to keep the system clean.

Das Keyboard X50Q has upto 100 million keystrokes. Its backlighting provides 16.8 million colors. The Q software is responsible for the customization. Play Station 2 adapter can also be used to operate. For better gaming, they have highlighted WASD keys. The N-Key Rollover scans each and every click indivitually.

Clicky Mechanical Switches are the sub-set type off the tactile switch. Also, it makes the loudest noise among all the buttons.

• Click bar:
  Click bar switches tend to work in both the directions. Like, they create louder voice on the first click, and lower voice when the switch returns to the position. This enhances the sound click on each keystroke.
• Click Jackets:
  Click Jacket switches tend to work in the single direction. That means, it only makes voice while first keystroke. There is no voice in the return process. Mainly, clone switches implement this high-flying design.

Kailh Box White tends to have voice in both the directions. This switch has the life span of 80 million keystrokes. Also, while typing the keystrokes are stable. When it comes to the resistance part, they are of mid-level. The actuation force to process is 50g. And, the distance travelled is 3.6 mm. Its sound is not much noisey but feels very satisfying.

Ducky One 2 Mini comprises 10 PBT Doubleshot Keycaps. PCB inside the board is of dual layer. It has 3-level adjustable feet. For charging, it uses USB Type-C. Size of this board is 60 %. The board is lightweight. And, gives the all-new bazel design.

Novelkeys Sherbet has a long distance travel. Force needed to type a single letter is very low, which is a good factor. Because of its spring, the first stroke is light and second one is heavier. All over quality and design is commendable.

Ant Sports MK1200 Mini has 17 backlit modes with 4 brightness levels. Its keys give a heavy tactile feedback. This board is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, XP, and MAC. Company promikses 1-year limited warranty. Keycaps have mid-level resistance. The board size is of 60%.

Upper Housing – The main keycap manufactured to protect the mechanical switch. Makes sure, that there is no damage caused to the spring or switch.

Stem – The part placed under the keycap, which is responsible to press the switch. Generally, it travels the distance to type a letter.

Crosspoint Metal Contact – There are two main parts, which are dynamic and static. Its function is to just strike the PCB and to close the circuit.

Spring – This part plays the resistant role. When keycap is pressed, the spring is responsible to bring the switch back to the position. Mainly, its made of stainless steel wire and carbon steel.

Base Housing – This part just directly connects the switch to the keyboard.

Total Travel Distance – The distance travelled by the switch to complete the typing process.

Pre-Travel – The distance travelled by the keycap before registering the letter.

Initial Force – Total magnitude of force used to produce the actuating movement.

Actuation Force – Force mentioned before striking the kepcap.

Tactile Force – Force registered by the switch, while passing through the operating point.

Actuation Point – Force needed to actuate the key till the final point.

Tactile Point – The point from where the switch comes back to the normal position.

Reset Point – The point where switch stops registering any keypress.