Switches

Cherry MX Red (MX1A) has been one of the most popular linear switches for years: light, predictable and ideal for both gaming and typing. With Cherry MX2A Red, Cherry has redesigned the internal geometry, lubrication and stability. In this comparison, we look at how the modern MX2A Red differs from the classic MX Red in feel, sound and control. 1. Construction & Materials Cherry MX Red (MX1A) – Classic nylon housing with a linear slider and standard Cherry spring geometry. Key travel is light and linear, but can feel slightly scratchy stock, especially on larger boards or older batches. Cherry...

Cherry MX Brown (MX1A) has been the standard tactile switch without click sound for years: a mild bump, neutral sound and very versatile use. With Cherry MX2A Brown, Cherry has improved the internal geometry, lubrication and stability. In this comparison we look at how the modern MX2A Brown differs from the classic MX Brown in feel, sound and real-world usage. 1. Construction & Materials Cherry MX Brown (MX1A) – Nylon housing with a classic Cherry tactile slider. The tactile bump is relatively mild and sits around the actuation point. Stock MX Browns can feel a bit scratchy or “sandy”, especially...

Cherry MX Blue (MX1A) has long been the iconic clicky switch: a clear tactile bump with a loud, recognizable click. With the introduction of Cherry MX2A Blue, Cherry has redesigned the click mechanism, lubrication, and internal geometry. In this comparison, we look at how MX2A Blue compares to the original MX Blue in terms of sound, feel, and stability. 1. Construction & Mechanism Cherry MX Blue (MX1A) – Classic nylon housing with the well-known Cherry click mechanism: a separate click jacket that generates both the tactile bump and the click sound. Known for its clear but sometimes slightly hollow/higher-pitched click...

The Cherry MX Black (MX1A) has long been the iconic heavy linear switch: firm, consistent, and instantly recognizable. With the release of the Cherry MX2A Black, Cherry has modernized the design with refined lubrication, improved spring geometry, and tighter tolerances. In this comparison, we break down what truly separates the classic MX Black from the new MX2A Black. 1. Construction & Materials Cherry MX Black (MX1A) – Traditional nylon housing, classic Cherry spring, and linear slider. Often slightly scratchy out of the box but known for robustness and longevity. Many users lube and film these switches to improve smoothness and...

The Gateron Milky Red and Gateron KS-9 Red (classic Gateron Red) are both light linear switches, but they sound and feel noticeably different. Milky Red focuses on a softer, more muted sound, while KS-9 Red delivers a brighter, more “clacky” profile. In this comparison, we put these two budget favorites side by side so you can easily decide which one fits your keyboard and typing style best. 1. Construction & Materials Gateron Milky Red – Milky-nylon top and bottom housing with a POM stem. The dense, milky housing diffuses sound and tames higher frequencies, resulting in a softer, rounder sound...

The Gateron Milky Red and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro are two of Gateron’s most popular budget linear switches. Both use the iconic “milky” housing for a soft, muted sound, but they target different users: light and fast versus slightly heavier and fuller. Below you’ll find an in-depth comparison based on technical specifications, build quality and community experiences. 1. Construction & Materials Gateron Milky Red – Classic milky-nylon housing with semi-translucent top, POM stem and medium spring. Designed as a light, smooth linear switch with a soft, muted bottom-out. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro – Same milky-nylon housing, but with a slightly...

The Gateron Type R and Gateron Baby Kangaroo are part of Gateron’s latest generation of tactile switches. Both are known for their modern, well-defined tactile bump, but the character and typing experience differ significantly. Below you’ll find an in-depth comparison based on technical specifications, build quality, and community experiences. 1. Construction & Materials Gateron Type R – Nylon housing, POM stem, improved mold quality for minimal friction and high consistency. Light to medium weight with a sharp bump high in the key travel. Gateron Baby Kangaroo – PC top, nylon bottom, POM stem. Heavier, deeper bump; fuller sound thanks to...

The Gateron Milky Red is one of the most popular linear switches in the mechanical keyboard community. Thanks to its signature milky housing, this switch provides a soft, muted, and exceptionally smooth keystroke. Ideal for users who want quiet, fluid, and consistent linear typing without scratch or ping. Specifications Type: Linear (smooth, no tactile bump) Actuation force: approx. 45 cN Pre-travel: 2.0 mm Total travel: 4.0 mm Materials: Milky nylon housing, POM stem, high-quality spring Lifespan: 50–80 million actuations Performance & Feel The Milky Red is known for its smooth and muted typing experience. The semi-translucent nylon housing softens the...

The Gateron Type R is one of Gateron's newest-generation tactile switches. It delivers a sharp, modern tactile bump that feels cleaner and more pronounced than classic tactiles like Browns. Thanks to tighter tolerances, improved stability, and an exceptionally smooth slider, the Type R feels premium, poppy, and highly responsive. Specifications Type: Tactile (sharp, poppy bump) Actuation force: approx. 55–60 cN Pre-travel: 2.0 mm Total travel: 3.4–4.0 mm Materials: Nylon housing, POM stem, high-quality spring Lifespan: Up to 80–100 million actuations Performance & Feel The Type R is known for its poppy and pronounced tactile bump that sits right at the...

The Huano Black Shell Red Dot targets gamers who want a firm, distinct click with consistent actuation. It blends sharp tactile feedback with durable performance—ideal for intensive FPS/MOBA play. Specifications Clicky actuation (audible, tactile click) Rated up to ~20 million clicks Operating force ~60–65 g (medium-heavy) Stable actuation point; minimal pre-travel variance Compatible with popular gaming-mouse mods Performance & Feel Delivers a crispy, well-defined click with quick rebound and a pronounced tactile peak. The sound is noticeable yet controlled—great for players who value timing and rhythm without excessive noise. Pros Crisp, consistent tactile feedback High repeat accuracy Robust, durable build...

The Huano Black Shell Blue Dot is a favorite among gamers who want a crisp, distinct click and consistent actuation. It combines precision with solid build quality for demanding, competitive play. Specifications Clicky actuation (audible, tactile click) Rated up to ~20 million clicks Operating force ~60–65 g (medium-heavy) Stable actuation point; minimal pre-travel variance Compatible with common gaming-mouse mods Performance & Feel Delivers a “crispy” click with fast rebound and a clear tactile peak. The sound is noticeable yet controlled, making it suitable for daily use and esports sessions alike. Pros Very consistent tactile feedback High repeat accuracy Durable construction...

The Huano Yellow Dot is a popular pick for gaming mice thanks to its crisp click, dependable actuation, and solid durability. If you want precise control without mushiness, this switch offers a comfortable, balanced feel. Specifications Clicky actuation (audible, tactile click) Rated up to ~20 million clicks Operating force ~58–62 g (medium) Stable actuation with minimal pre-travel variance Compatible with common gaming-mouse mods Performance & Feel Delivers a “crispy” click with fast rebound and a clear tactile peak. Excellent for FPS/MOBA timing and rhythm. The sound is noticeable but controlled—great for daily use and competitive play. Pros Clear, consistent tactile...