How to Choose the Perfect Keyboard: Switches
By Suryadathan E
A content strategist, copywriter, and content writer. Aspiring writer, on my way to write my first ever book!
@suryadathan_Whether you’re buying a new keyboard or building your own, a whole new world opens up to you. Who knew something that you use to type is so customisable to the point where there’s a universal need for the sound of a “thonk” from the space bar? This article will help you explore the world of switches, and help you choose a switch based on your needs.
The Big Three
When it comes to switches, there’s the Big Three that almost everyone is introduced to right away– Red, Blue and Brown. These three set the basis for your needs when it comes to work environment, audio aesthetics, and response time.
Red Linear Switches
If you love yourself a silent keyboard, the Red switches are your companion. The only motion that it goes through is up and down. This means that if you’re a gamer, you’ll have the best response time if you go with Red switches. If you’re building this keyboard to work from an office, Red switches are generally preferred here as well, as other keyboards could disrupt the work environment with the noise it produces. However, most people build a mechanical keyboard for the tactile feedback and clickiness, which is limited in Red switches.
Red switches are also prone to inaccuracies, as the switches are linear and could cause you to misclick on keys around it. This is also the reason why typists don't prefer this keyboard, as it does not carry the weight on each press of a switch.
Advantages
Silent
Faster typing
Faster response time
Disadvantages
Not clicky
Prone to inaccuracies
Bad for typists
Limited tactile feedback
Blue Clicky Switches
On the opposite end of the spectrum of Red switches are the Blue switches. If you hate your neighbours and roommates, don't think twice about buying the blue switches. These switches are loud. It might sound nice at first, but the more you use it, the more it could get to your head. Typists prefer this keyboard over others because it ensures accuracy. You know the pop up box which confirms every action of yours? This keyboard is a physical representation of that. You can't accidentally type anything because you can't click on a key that you don't intend to click on. If you're a gamer, this keyboard will heavily lower your response time. You can still use it in single player games or when you're playing casually. However, this could put you at a competitive disadvantage.
Advantages
Heavy tactile feedback
Audibility
Accuracy
More refined typing experience
Disadvantages
Too loud
Slower response time
Slightly straining on the fingers
Brown Tactile Switches
Brown switches are the love children of Red and Blue switches. While Gojo Satoru created hollow purple, keyboard manufacturers created a switch that has the best properties of Blue and Red switches. It makes a clicky noise, but it isn't too loud. It has a fast response time, but you still need to press it a bit more harder than Red switches. If you're a MOBA gamer, these switches are the best because they prevent you from accidentally clicking on your ultimate when you don't intend to, but also provide a decent response time. It also sounds good while typing, so you can trash talk your opponents in all chat while sounding good. If you're someone who's building a keyboard for a general purpose, brown switches are your best friend.
Advantages
Silent
Faster typing
Faster response time
Disadvantages
Not clicky
Prone to inaccuracies
Bad for typists
Limited tactile feedback
In the end, it all boils down to what your purpose with the keyboards are. They are all unique, having their own advantages and disadvantages. Compare, research and try to go to a physical store to experience the feel of these switches before you make a concrete purchase.
Other Switches
Razer
Razer Green Clicky Mechanical Switch
These switches are similar to the blue switches compared to the big 3. However, it is optimized for gaming, so if you like some noise while gaming, this will be your best bet.
Razer Yellow Linear Mechanical Switch
These silent switches are equipped with sound dampeners, ensuring a silent typing experience. It provides an even more optimized gaming experience because it's linear.
Razer Orange Tactile Mechanical Switch
Build-wise, the Orange mechanical switches are almost identical to the Green switches, without the clickiness. It provides the same linear execution, so if you prefer the Green over the Yellow, but don't want the click, this is the best option for you.
Royal Kludge
RK Blue
Clicky switches with the most force in the RK series. Ideal for typists.
RK Red
Quiet linear switches with the least force. Ideal for office work and gaming.
RK Brown
Gentle tactile switches with above average force. Perfect midway point, suitable for both work, gaming, and typing.
RK Pale Green
Clicky tactile switches with less force. Good choice for typists, and less pressure on fingers.
RK Viridian
Quiet linear switches very similar to the red variant with lesser travel distance from press to click. Also for work and gaming.
RK Yellow
Quiet linear switches also similar to Red switches, with more force applied.
RK Fast Silver
Quiet linear switches with very low actuation point. It has higher response time, but also requires higher force. Ideal for gaming.
RK Sky Cyan
Almost identical to Silver, but has more travel time to the keys, making it slightly slower.
Please refer to sources for a more detailed infographic.
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