Which Gateron switch should I choose?
If you're a seasoned keyboard enthusiast, you've probably heard of the Gateron switches, they are known for their smooth feel. There are many types of Gateron switches, each with its own unique features and typing experiences to meet different user needs.
In this article, I dive into an in-depth review of features to consider for when choosing a type of Gateron switch. We will be looking at Gateron’s currently available selection and their most popular switches on the market today.
Hopefully, after reading this article, you will feel equipped and confident in your choice of picking the best-fitting Gateron switches for your next keyboard build.
Table of Contents
- Characteristics of the Gateron Switches
- What kinds of Gateron Switches are available?
- Gateron Switches Introduction
- What You Should Consider In Choosing a Gateron Switch
- What Gateron Switches are the best for gaming?
- What Gateron Switches are the best for typing?
Characteristics of the Gateron Switches
The Gateron switch is known for its premium quality, budget-friendly price range, smoothness, and much more. The silky smoothness is Gateron switches’ main characteristic. From clicky to linear, even their optical switches, are developed to have Gateron’s signature silky smooth feel for a very affordable price. If you enjoy a smooth and natural typing experience, then the Gateron switch is a must-have.
What kinds of Gateron Switches are available?
Gateron offers a comprehensive switch lineup, including regular switches, Silent switches, Milk switches, Ink switches, Cap switches, Low Profile switches, Optical switches, and more. Their switches are currently quite popular on the market.
Let's start by discussing regular switches and the other switches you can buy from Gateron in the section below.
Gateron Switches Introduction
Gateron Regular Switches
| Color | Type | Operation force | Pre-travel | Travel distance | Sound level | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Switch | Linear | 45±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Light pressing force, no bump |
| Brown Switch | Tactile | 55±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Medium | Medium pressing force, tactile bump |
| Blue Switch | Clicky | 60±15 gf | 2.3±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Loud | Medium pressing force, tactile bump |
| Black Switch | Linear | 60±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Strong pressing force, no bump |
| Yellow Switch | Linear | 50±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Medium pressing force, no bump |
| Green Switch | Clicky | 80±15 gf | 2.3±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Loud | The strongest pressing force, tactile bump |
| White/Clear Switch | Linear | 35±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | The lightest pressing force, no bump |
The Gateron Regular Switches are composed of the standard Gateron Red, Gateron Blue, Gateron Brown, and so on. Gateron switches and Cherry MX switches are very close in typing feel. They both also have an analogous operation force and travel distance. Though similar, Gateron has optimized some subtle aspects to bring a richer typing experience. For example, Gateron’s white switch has a lighter pressing force in comparison to the Cherry clear switch. They are a good fit for someone who types lightly.
Plus, Gateron’s main switches have an operation force range of 35 gf to 80 gf to accommodate various switch triggering feel preferences.
New Gateron Switch
| Color | Type | Operation force | Pre-travel | Travel distance | Sound level | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil King Switch | Linear | 55±5 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Strong pressing force, no bump |
| Kangaroo Switch - 59 gf | Tactile | 59±15 gf | 1.5±0.5 mm | 3.5 mm Max. | Medium | Moderate pressing force, crisp bump but not too stiff |
| Kangaroo Switch - 63 gf | Tactile | 63±15 gf | 1.5±0.5 mm | 3.5 mm Max. | Medium | Moderate pressing force, crisp bump but not too stiff |
| CJ Switch | Linear | 50±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Moderate pressing force, no bump |
| North Pole - Yellow Switch | Linear | 50±10 gf | 2.0±0.5 mm | 3.8 mm Max. | Low | Medium pressing force, no bump |
| North Pole - Box Red Switch | Linear | 45±10 gf | 2.3±0.5 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Medium pressing force, no bump |
| North Pole - Box Silver Switch | Linear | 43±10 gf | 1.2±0.3 mm | 3.4+0/-0.4 mm | Low | Light pressing force, no bump |
| Baby Kangaroo Switch | Tactile | 59±8 gf | 2.0±0.5 mm | 3.4+0/-0.4 mm | Medium | Tactile feeling ahead, crisp bump |
In addition to the switches above, Gateron has also developed many other switches in the past two years, like the Oil King switch, Kangaroo switch, CJ switch, and North Pole switch. The Oil King switch is a factory pre-lubed switch that is popular for its super smooth feel and deep patch sounds. The Kangaroo switch is a tactile switch with an Ink material housing that provides two operation force options: 59 gf and 63 gf. The CJ switches are short for "China Joy", which refers to the digital entertainment expo, and their linear feel is very sought after by fans. The North Pole switch features a fully transparent switch. If you are an RGB fan, this is definitely a must-try!
Recently, Gateron also released a new variant of their tactile switch - the baby kangaroo switch. Its crisp bump and tactile feel attract many tactile switch lovers.
Gateron Silent Switch
| Color | Type | Operation force | Pre-travel | Travel distance | Sound level | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Black | Linear | 60±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Silent | Strong pressing force, no bump, rubbery feedback |
| Silent Red | Linear | 45±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Silent | Light pressing force, no bump, rubbery feedback |
| Silent Yellow | Linear | 50±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Silent | Medium pressing force, no bump, rubbery feedback |
| Silent Brown | Tactile | 55±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Silent | Medium pressing force, tactile bump, rubbery feedback |
| Silent White | Linear | 38±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Silent | Light pressing force, no bump, rubbery feedback |
The Gateron Silent switch is a special switch with a low audible level. Unlike the regular switch, These switches are engineered with a cushioned muffler pad on the top and bottom of the stem to reduce noise. Currently, Gateron has five silent options available: Black, Red, Yellow, Brown, and White. They’re great for gaming and office work.
You can browse the different silent switch options here.
Gateron Ink Switch
| Color | Type | Operation force | Pre-travel | Travel distance | Sound level | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Black | Linear | 60±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Strong pressing force, no bump |
| Ink Red | Linear | 45±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Light pressing force, no bump |
| Ink Blue | Linear | 75±15 gf | 2.3±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Loud | Medium pressing force, tactile bump |
| Ink Yellow | Tactile | 60±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 3.4 mm Max. | Low | Medium pressing force, no bump |
These premium Gateron switches, known as the "Gateron Ink switches" got their name from their transparent smokey housing. Different from other switches, the Ink switches have more advanced materials, a lower pitch sound, and a smoother feel. If you have the resources and want some unique colorful switches, the Ink switch is a great option and good for typing and programming.
Gateron Cap Switch
| Color | Type | Operation force | Pre-travel | Travel distance | Sound level | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milky Yellow | Linear | 50±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Medium pressing force, no bump |
| Golden Yellow | Linear | 50±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Medium pressing force, no bump |
| Milky Brown | Tactile | 55±15 gf | 2.3±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Medium | Medium pressing force, lightly tactile bump |
| Golden Brown | Tactile | 55±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 3.4 mm Max. | Medium | Medium pressing force, lightly tactile bump |
| Cap Red | Linear | 45±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Light pressing force, no bump, rubbery feedback |
| Cap Blue | Linear | 60±10 gf | 2.3±0.5 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Loud | Medium pressing force, tactile bump |
| Cap Brown | Tactile | 55±10 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Medium | Medium pressing force, lightly tactile bump |
The Cap switch is a new switch from Gateron. The special "Cap" structure of its stem makes it smoother and more natural when pressed. The enlarged switch post also makes it more stable with almost no wobbliness. They are available in seven color variants such as Milky Yellow, Golden Yellow, Milk Brown, Golden Brown, Red, Green, and Brown. They can be used for typing, gaming, and daily office use.
Want more Cap switches? Click here
The center pole of the cap switch has a big hole.
Gateron Milk Switch
| Color | Type | Operation force | Pre-travel | Travel distance | Sound level | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Switch | Linear | 45±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Light pressing force, no bump |
| Brown Switch | Tactile | 55±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Medium | Medium pressing force, tactile bump |
| Blue Switch | Clicky | 60±15 gf | 2.3±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Loud | Medium pressing force, tactile bump |
| Black Switch | Linear | 60±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Strong pressing force, no bump |
| Yellow Switch | Linear | 50±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Medium pressing force, no bump |
| Green Switch | Clicky | 80±15 gf | 2.3±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Loud | The strongest pressing force, tactile bump |
| White Switch | Linear | 35±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | The lightest pressing force, no bump |
The Gateron Milk switches in the KS-3 series are crafted with a milky white housing. They are very similar to the regular switches and have the same stem colors, operation force, and travel distance. These milky housings can diffuse the RGB light and reduce the glare from the RGB light to bring you a less intense feel. Plus, the switch’s milky housing produces a deeper and fuller sound when pressed, which is ideal for gaming and daily office use.
Click here to check different Milk switch items.
Gateron Low-profile Switch
| Color | Type | Operation force | Pre-travel | Travel distance | Sound level | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Switch | Linear | 45±15 gf | 1.5±0.5 mm | 2.5+0.5/-0 mm | Low | Fast and responsive, light pressing force, no bump |
| Brown Switch | Tactile | 55±15 gf | 1.5±0.5 mm | 2.5+0.5/-0 mm | Medium | Moderate pressing force, fast tactile bump |
| Blue Switch | Clicky | 65±15 gf | 1.5±0.5 mm | 2.5+0.5/-0 mm | Loud | Moderate pressing force, fast tactile bump |
The Gateron Low Profile switch is an ultra-slim mechanical switch that can be used on low-profile mechanical keyboards. The low profile switch has a shorter travel distance and faster actuation than ordinary switches. It provides a fast, smooth fingertip feel. That's why the Gateron Low Profile Switch is also considered one of the best switches for gaming.
Gateron Optical Switch
| Color | Type | Operation force | Pre-travel | Travel distance | Sound level | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Switch | Linear | 45±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Light pressing force, fast trigger, no bump |
| Brown Switch | Tactile | 55±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Medium | Medium pressing force, fast trigger, tactile bump |
| Blue Switch | Clicky | 60±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Loud | Medium pressing force, fast trigger, tactile bump |
| Black Switch | Linear | 60±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | Strong pressing force, fast trigger, no bump |
| Yellow Switch | Linear | 35±15 gf | 1.0±0.1 mm | 3.2 mm Max. | Low | Light pressing force, fast trigger, no bump |
| Silver Switch | Linear | 45±15 gf | 1.0±0.1 mm | 3.2 mm Max. | Low | Medium pressing force, fast trigger, no bump |
| White Switch | Linear | 35±15 gf | 2.0±0.6 mm | 4.0 mm Max. | Low | The lightest pressing force, no bump |
The Gateron Optical switch is a special switch from Gateron. They are triggered by using light for actuation instead of a metal-to-metal connection. By doing so, it increases the trigger speed when compared to mechanical switches, and is considered by the community to be one of the fastest switches from Gateron. These switches offer a life span of 100 million keystrokes, which is twice as long as ordinary Gateron switches; a good fit for gamers.
The left one is the Gateron Optical switch. The Optical switch’s housing on the bottom has an infrared path.
What You Should Consider In Choosing a Gateron Switch
Keyboard Type
Before deciding on a switch, make sure you know what type of keyboard you have, whether its mechanical or optical. If you have a mechanical keyboard, you should choose a mechanical switch. The same goes for optical keyboards, you should pick out an optical switch for optical keyboards.
Pins
Currently, there are two types of switches: 3-Pin switches and 5-Pin switches. If you have a PCB board that has 3-Pins, don't buy a switch with 5 Pins because it can't be used directly on your PCB. A PCB board with 5-Pins, however, can accept all MX-style switches without modifications. So, pay attention to the number of pin holes on your PCB before choosing a switch.
Sound and Switch Feedback
Gateron produces three types of switches: Linear, Tactile, and Clicky. The linear switch is a smooth and quiet switch without any tactile feedback. The clicky switch is loud and bumpy. The tactile switch is a mix of both with a relatively quiet sound profile and a bump that produces tactile feedback when pressed. Naturally, Gateron also developed a silent switch with no noise to provide a quiet feedback.
Operation Force
Gateron has a number of operation force options to choose from. Everyone has a different preference when it comes to the operation force of their switches. Some people like a robust feel, while others prefer a lighter and more feathery feel.
RGB
Gateron offers switches with different levels of light transmission. If you love a more intense backlight, then the G Pro 2.0 switch and the North Pole switch might do the trick for you.
What Gateron Switches are the best for gaming?
Actually, most of Gateron’s switches are pretty smooth and good for gaming. But I would still recommend the Gateron Red switches because of their silky feel, light and quick triggering force. Your finger won't get tired even with a prolonged session of intense gaming. If you want a clicky switch, then the Gateron blue switch will be your best bet. If you want a bumpy feedback, but don't like loud sounds, you may want to consider trying the Kangaroo switch or the Baby Kangaroo switch. Their crisp bump and clear rebound performance can offer you a unique fingertip feel to enjoy the game more and avoid accidental keystrokes. Lastly, the Gateron Speed Silver Pro switch is also recommended if you want to have a faster gaming speed.
What Gateron Switches are the best for typing?
If you want to type with a higher speed accuracy, the Gateron Brown switches with tactile feedback are an ideal choice. It lacks the blue switch’s sharp audible sound feedback and produces only a moderate amount of noise. Therefore, it’s considered one of the best switches for typing. But, if you work in a super quiet environment, your keyboard may stand out a little bit. Though less quiet, it is not the quietest option unless you go for the Gateron Silent Brown. If you want a little more strength when typing, we suggest choosing the black switch as it also produces little to no errors when triggered.