Mechanical keyboard switches for gaming will certainly make your experience as a gamer far better. And when it comes to the comfort level during typing, the keyboard switch is by far the most determinant factor.
Product | Brand | Name | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Cherry MX-Board 3.0 Mechanical USB Keyboard | Check Price on Amazon | ||
Corsair | CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - USB Passthrough & Media Controls - Linear & Silent - Cherry MX Silent - RGB LED Backlit | Check Price on Amazon | |
Logitech G | Logitech G910 Orion Spark RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 9 Programmable Buttons, Dedicated Media Controls | Check Price on Amazon | |
SteelSeries | SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - OLED Smart Display - USB Passthrough and Media CONTROLS - Linear and Quiet - RGB Backlit (Red Switch) | Check Price on Amazon |
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That is why you should choose the right one that feels comfortable, and maintains a very good travel distance.
With that in mind, having a little knowledge about their different types would help you in your decision to select the right one.
Best Mechanical Keyboard Switches for Gaming
Based on their comfort levels and overall quality, the following are the 5 best mechanical keyboard switches for gaming.
1) Cherry MX Red
Cherry MX Red has some interesting features, which include quiet noise level, 4mm travel distance, 45 actuation force, light feel, and linear design. All these features combine to make it one of the most suitable as a mechanical keyboard switch for gaming.
They have been around for more than three decades now, but their popularity has remained considerably high. Cherry used a distinct color pattern to differentiate between each switch, as the switch bears the name of the color.
Those users who are still new to the mechanical keyboard switch will have it easier with this switch because it has a linear behavior like the membrane keyboards. And many first-person shooter players have confessed that switches with the linear pattern are more suitable for them. So, if you’re also a fan of linear keyboard switches, you would love this one.
But no matter which of the designs you prefer, whether tactile switches or linear switches, the Cherry MX Red is well made for very fast action games. It offers the level of resistance anyone would need to navigate through extremely difficult sections when gaming.
It may not be exactly the type of keyboard switch a typist looking for writer-Esque feedback would want. But if you’re really looking for a mechanical keyboard switch for gaming, this model is the right one for you.
A perfect example of a good gaming keyboard with Cherry MX Red switch is the Cherry MX USB keyboard. This keyboard comes with all the high-quality features any gamer would appreciate, including RGB lighting features.
2) Cherry MX Blue
Cherry MX has a couple of high-quality mechanical switches on the table for game lovers. This Cherry MX Blue model of switches is among the best on offer. However, it’s not the best when it comes to keeping things quiet.
But the mechanical keyboard switch has its benefits. It has 4mm travel distance, 60g actuation force, and has stroke lifespan of about 50 million strokes.
The switch may not be everyone’s favorite because of its high polarizing nature. That means that you may not like the feel of the switches if you love a silent keyboard or if you’re a first-person shooter player.
But if you usually play MMOs or type extensively, you will love the feel of the keyboard switches when typing.
Besides, if your main interest is to have a keyboard with heavy tactile switches, you will love this one. If you are comfortable with the distinct click sounds the switches make, then you should go for this one.
It is well designed for a quick response and a heavy feel. That’s why MMO and MOBA players love the Cherry MX Blue mechanical keyboard switches.
If you’re looking for a keyboard with Cherry MX Blue switches, we strongly recommend the Corsair K70 RGB gaming keyboard. It’s a big keyboard with all the features you will ever need for a top gaming experience. It offers great ergonomics, Cherry MX Blue switches, and a host of other high-level gaming-centered features for the real gamers.
3) Bloody LK Libra Orange
Bloody LK Libra keyboard switch is another top-quality switch that offers improved comfort levels when gaming with the keyboard. With these switches, you will have 5mm travel distance, 45g actuation force, as well as a medium feel. The keyboard switches last for a pretty long time, with about 100 million keystrokes projected for its lifespan.
However, the Bloody LK Libra switch makes use of different approaches compared to its mechanical counterparts. Rather than the normal conventional stitch technology, Bloody LK switches employ optical switch technology to detect a keystroke when there is a disruption of the laser under the switch.
Besides, it doesn’t make the keyboard feel too stiff or extremely sensitive to touch. The feel is on a medium level, which is great for gamers.
However, one of the negative sides of the switch is the tactile and loud nature. Its force curve and operation are a bit different from other types of mechanical switches too. That is because the LK Libra switch does not depend on two-piece housing to generate clicks. Rather, its actuation system and tactile mechanism are entirely separate. This leads to some hysteresis and delay in its operation.
Also, the switch makes use of a dedicated stabilizing bar on each of the switches to reduce wobbling when using the keyboard. However, the LK Libra keyboard switches have their benefits because they have a faster operation, feel lighter, and last very long too. It’s one of the most durable you will ever get if you are looking for mechanical switches for gaming.
A perfect example of a Bloody LK keyboard switch is the Bloody B975 Light strike keyboard. This one also comes with completely programmable RGB lighting and provide an ergonomic and stylish design.
Buy it Now: Amazon
4) Logitech Romer-G Tactile
Logitech has been relying on the Cherry MX switches to produce most of its keyboards. However, the company decided to partner with Omron, the Japanese electronics manufacturer, to produce one of the finest keyboard switches in the market today.
The Logitech Romer-G Tactile switches come either in linear or tactile form. However, the tactile version is more comfortable to feel. These switches are relatively quiet, have 3mm travel distance, 45g actuation force, feel light, and have a lifespan of 70 million keystrokes.
Whether you prefer faster actuation or tactile feedback, the brand has the right version for you. The Romer-G switches were actually designed to make up for the flaws with mainstream mechanical switches. For this reason, it comes with a lower actuation point of about 1.5mm, which is a bit lower than the actuation point in most other mechanical keyboard switches.
This offers users the speed of a linear switch while offering users a tactile feel, which allows rapid keystrokes. To further boost your comfort levels on the keyboard, the Romer-G switches offer shorter travel distances.
Also, the actuation point and the reset point on the Romer-G are closely aligned together to eliminate any form of hysteresis on the keyboard. Overall, the Romer-G mechanical keyboard switches are responsive, very durable, and very comfortable for the best gaming experience.
If you are looking for a keyboard with Romer-G switches, you cannot go wrong with the Logitech G910 Orion Spark. This one is also stylish and has enough advance options, as well as RGB lighting.
5) SteelSeries QS1
Just like Logitech, SteelSeries was using the Cherry MX Switches for its gaming keyboards until it partnered with Kaihua to produce its own line of keyboard switches. The SteelSeries QS1 mechanical keyboard switch for gaming is a result of extensive research into the genuine needs of gamers.
The switches are relatively quiet, offer a travel distance of 3mm, actuation force of 45g, and feel light. Also, you need to hit each of the keys about 60 million times before the keys can exhaust their lifespan.
The QSI switch is extremely quiet and lightning-fast. That makes it the rightful option for fast-paced games that need several key inputs.
A very good keyboard with the QSI keyboard switch is the STEELSERIES APEX M800 keyboard. It is one of the fastest mechanical keyboards due to its QSI performance. Whatever features you need for gaming, this keyboard has them, including all the RGB features.
Conclusion on Mechanical Keyboard Switches for Gaming
Investing in proper mechanical keyboard switches for gaming is surely one of the best ways to improve your PC gaming experience. These mechanical switches provide better feedback and response than the normal membrane switches because of the way there are built.
Although they may not add more skills to your game, they will always make your gaming experience a lot more enjoyable. If you’re looking for the right type of mechanical keyboard switches for gaming, the switches we have explained are the best in the market right now.
Frequently Asked questions
The following are answers to the most common questions about best mechanical Keyboards switches for gaming
Are mechanical keyboards better for gaming?
It depends on the choice of the gamer. While some prefer the smaller and portable membrane models, others want the faster, durable, and more tactile mechanical keyboards. But if you want a fast keyboard for gaming, the mechanical ones are the best.
Which are the fastest keyboard switches?
Cherry MX comes very close as the fastest keyboard switches in the market right now. They are designed to appeal to both gamers are fast typists.
Is cherry MX Red good for gaming?
Yes, because they have an extremely light touch, the switches are very responsive. Another good feature is the quiet nature of the keys. This makes them ideal for a quiet office environment. But the linear switch and light touch making them perfect for gaming too.
Which of the Cherry MX switches is ideal for gaming?
The Cherry MX Blue switches are very responsive for gaming. They have medium actuation force, silent travel, and tactile bump, and come with a very light feel, which makes them one of the best for big-time gamers.