Gateron Mechanical Switch Guide

Many of you may want to enhance your workspace productivity by customizing your keyboard typing experience and replace that dumb rubber keyboard. A dedicated switch is the key to success.

Gateron switches are currently recognized as the smoothest mass-produced switches you can buy. The silky smoothness is the main characteristic of the Gateron switches, it is even smoother than the Cherry switches. You can't miss the Gateron switch if you like mechanical switches and enjoy a smooth typing feeling.

But there are many mass-produced Gateron switches, so the question is which one to choose. Today, we're giving you a detailed introduction to the various Gateron switches, so you can choose the most suitable one for you.

For Gateron mass-produced switches, we recommend the KS-9 series because this series is adapted to the hot-swappable mechanical keyboard, easy for anyone to install and change, and also quite affordable.

Click here to the purchase link of Gateron switches.

Whether you prefer linear, clicky or something in between, we've got you covered. Here is a video to demonstrate the different switch sound.

With 10 years of switch manufacturing experience, the Gateron MX style SMD-LED compatible switch is known for its reliability with a 50 million keystroke lifespan for each switch.

That's why we have incorporated Gateron switches throughout our product line and have been recognized by lots of major influencers and media including Marques Brownlee, The Next Web, Cult of Mac and CNN etc.

The Detailed Comparison Of Each Switches

To create a comprehensive comparison, we reviewed the switches based on 3 main categories: the pressing feeling, needs of the scene, and of course the sound on the environment. We judge the switched by these 3 categories and tell you the difference between the switches from the detailed structure.

Gateron Red Switch

Gateron red is the most commonly used Gateron switch because it is a linear switch, making the typing sound quieter. The pressure is more moderate, light, and prolonged periods of typing will not feel tired. They are suitable for a variety of scenarios and also suitable for most people to use.

Actuation force: 45 g
Travel distance: 2 mm
Structure: linear
Pressing feeling: vertical, light pressing force, soft rebound
Scene: game, typing, daily work (all scenes)
Sound: quiet

Gateron Blue Switch

Gateron Blue has a unique clicky touch feel and a louder sound. It still has the characteristics of the Gateron Switch and is smooth with a tactile feedback. This structure can let you type for a long periods and not get tired. It's ideal for games and typing. However, please take into consideration your surroundings when using this switch because it does give off a more audible feedback.

Actuation force: 60 g
Travel distance: 2 mm Structure: clicky
Pressing feeling: clicky, moderate pressing force, clear rebound
Scene: game, typing
Sound: clicky

Gateron Brown Switch

Gateron's brown switch has the characteristics of both the red and blue switches. The vertical press still feels smooth, but also has the feeling of a bump. The sound is relatively quiet and will not disturb the surrounding environment.

Actuation force: 55 g
Travel distance: 2 mm Structure: tactile
Pressing feeling: bump, moderate pressing force, clear rebound
Scene: games, typing, daily work (all scenes)
Sound: medium

Gateron White Switch

The white switch has the lightest actuation force amongst the linear switches. The smooth nature of the Gateron allows it to be triggered with very light force, making it effortless to type. Since you don't have to use too much heavy force to type, the sound of typing will also be relatively low. Those who like that will love it more. If you like a stronger feedback, you might feel that the white switch is too light and soft, and sometimes even mistakenly touched.

Actuation force: 35 g
Travel distance: 2 mm
Structure: linear
Pressing feeling: vertical, very light pressing force, soft rebound
Scenario: typing, daily work (all scenes)
Sound: quite

Gateron Yellow Switch

Gateron yellow switches have been very popular recently. The design of the Gateron yellow switch is the same as the red switch, but the departure strength is 5g bigger, which seems small but does offer a difference in feeling. The feedback of the yellow switch is more rigid, but it doesn’t need heavy force to be triggered. For people who like to have a sense of pressure, more rigid, and fast rebound, this is best for them.

Actuation force: 50 g
Travel distance: 2 mm
Structure: linear
Pressing feeling: vertical, moderate pressing force, clear rebound
Scene: games, typing, daily work (all scenes)
Sound: relatively quiet

Gateron Black Switch

Those who love the strong feedback and prefer a smooth and stiff feedback should look into Gateron Black switches. The black switch is a linear switch with the greatest strength amongst standard mass-produced switches. The benefits of the strong actuation force is more pressure with a stronger mechanical feedback, making it harder to press the wrong key. Those who like mechanical keyboards, a stronger trigger force will likely prefer the Gateron black switch.

Actuation force: 60 g
Travel distance: 2 mm
Structure: linear
Pressing feeling: vertical, strong pressing force, hard rebound
Scene: game, typing
Sound: medium

Gateron Green Switch

Gateron's Green switch is seen by many as an upgraded version of Gateron's Blue switch. 80g of press force is 20g higher than the Blue switch. The green switch has stronger feedback and a harder rebound. For those who need a high intensity, retro typewriter touch, we highly recommend this switch.

Actuation force: 80 g
Travel distance: 2 mm
Structure: clicky
Pressing feeling: clicky, strong pressing force, hard rebound
Scene: typing
Sound: clicky

If you want to feel the difference of each switches, we highly reccomend you to purchase the switches tester to try. Different people prefer the different switches, you can find the moste suitable switch for yourself. That's the joy of customized mechanical keyboards.