Switches

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, you will frequently see specifications such as 45 gf actuation force, 50 gf operating force, or 60 gf tactile force. But what do those numbers actually mean when you are typing or gaming? Actuation force is, in simple terms, the amount of force you need to apply with your finger to activate a switch. A lower number generally means a lighter switch, while a higher number means you will feel more resistance when pressing the key. Actuation force does not tell the whole story, however. Two switches with the same stated force can feel very...

The Kailh Box Cream Linear Switch is a linear keyboard switch for people who want a light, simple, and calm keypress. According to the provided specifications, this switch has a 45±10 gf operation force, 2.0±0.5 mm pre-travel, 4.0±0.3 mm total travel, ≥15 gf return force, and a lifespan of up to 50 million cycles. In simple terms: this is a light linear switch without a tactile bump and without a clicky sound. It is designed for gaming, office, and daily use, especially when you want a smooth key movement without an audible click or clear feedback step. Quick choice Looking...

The Kailh Red Bean Pudding Box Switch is a linear keyboard switch for people who want a light, fast, and relatively calm keypress. According to the provided specifications, this switch has a 45±10 gf operation force, 1.8±0.4 mm pre-travel, 3.6±0.3 mm total travel, ≥35 gf return force, and a lifespan of up to 80 million cycles. In simple terms: this is a light linear switch that makes sense for gaming, everyday typing, and office use. You do not feel a tactile bump and you do not hear a clicky sound. The keypress travels straight down, which makes it fast and...

The Kailh Box Arctic Fox is a clicky keyboard switch for people who want clear feedback, an audible click, and a light-to-medium keypress. It uses a POM stem, transparent PC housing, 20 mm high-resilience spring, BOX design, and a moving film construction. In simple terms: this is not a quiet switch and not a smooth linear switch. The Arctic Fox is made for people who enjoy a clear click and noticeable feedback on every keypress. Thanks to the BOX design, it can feel more stable than many classic MX-style clicky switches. Quick choice Looking for a clicky switch with POM...

The Gateron KS-8 White is an extra light linear switch for people who want a very easy and fast keypress without a tactile bump or clicky sound. It uses a POM stem, transparent PC top housing, black nylon bottom housing, spring steel spring, plug-in LED support, and 5-pin mount. In simple terms: this is the lightest linear variant in the KS-8 series. It requires less force than Red, Yellow, and Black, which can make it feel very fast and light. At the same time, it is more sensitive to accidental keypresses, especially if you often rest your fingers on the...

The Gateron KS-8 Green is a heavy clicky switch for people who want clear, firm feedback while typing. It uses a POM stem, transparent PC top housing, black nylon bottom housing, spring steel spring, plug-in LED support, and 5-pin mount. In simple terms: this is the heavier clicky variant in the KS-8 series. You feel a clear bump, hear a loud click, and need noticeably more force than with Blue. That makes it feel classic mechanical, firm, and very outspoken. Quick choice Looking for a heavy clicky switch with 80±15 gf force, POM stem, transparent PC top housing, black nylon...

The Gateron KS-8 Blue is a clicky switch for people who want clear feedback while typing. It uses a POM stem, transparent PC top housing, black nylon bottom housing, spring steel spring, plug-in LED support, and 5-pin mount. In simple terms: this is the loud feedback variant in the KS-8 series. You feel a bump and hear a clear click with every keypress. That gives it a classic mechanical feel, but it is not suitable if you want a quiet keyboard. Quick choice Looking for a clicky switch with 60±15 gf force, POM stem, transparent PC top housing, black nylon...

The Gateron KS-8 Brown is a tactile switch for people who want noticeable feedback without the loud click of a clicky switch. It uses a POM stem, transparent PC top housing, black nylon bottom housing, spring steel spring, plug-in LED support, and 5-pin mount. In simple terms: this is the feedback variant in the KS-8 series. You feel a bump while pressing, but you do not hear a loud click like with Blue or Green. That makes it interesting for typists who find linears too smooth, but do not want a loud keyboard. Quick choice Looking for a tactile switch...

The Gateron KS-8 Black is a firmer linear switch for people who want a smooth keypress with more resistance than Red or Yellow. It uses a POM stem, transparent PC top housing, black nylon bottom housing, spring steel spring, plug-in LED support, and 5-pin mount. In simple terms: this is the heavier linear variant in the KS-8 series. You get no tactile bump and no clicky sound, but you do get more control under your fingers. The transparent PC top housing also makes it useful for builds with LED lighting. Quick choice Looking for a firm linear switch with 60±15...

The Gateron KS-8 Red is a light linear switch for people who want a smooth, fast keypress without a tactile bump or clicky sound. It uses a POM stem, transparent PC top housing, black nylon bottom housing, spring steel spring, plug-in LED support, and 5-pin mount. In simple terms: this is the lighter linear variant in the KS-8 series. It takes less force than Yellow and Black, which makes it especially interesting for gaming, fast inputs, and people who type lightly. The transparent PC top housing also makes it more attractive for builds with lighting. Quick choice Looking for a...

The Gateron KS-8 Yellow is a linear switch for people who want a smooth, controlled keypress without a tactile bump or clicky sound. It uses a POM stem, transparent PC top housing, black nylon bottom housing, spring steel spring, plug-in LED support, and 5-pin mount. In simple terms: this is a classic Yellow-style linear switch. It is firmer than Red, lighter than Black, and therefore a popular middle ground for both gaming and typing. Compared with milky variants, the transparent PC top is especially interesting when you want better LED visibility. Quick choice Do you want a linear switch with...

The Gateron KS-3X47 White is an extra light linear switch for people who want a very easy and fast keypress without a tactile bump or clicky sound. It uses a POM stem, milky nylon top housing, black nylon bottom housing, spring steel spring, plug-in LED support, and 5-pin mount. In simple terms: this is the lightest linear variant in the KS-3X47 series. It requires less force than Red, Yellow, and Black, which can make it feel very fast and smooth, but also more sensitive to accidental keypresses. Short answer (if you want to choose quickly) Do you want an extra...