Many of us here are true lovers of Mechanical Keyboard, right!!
So You may be well aware of Gateron Switches as it is one of the most popular and smoothest Mechanical switches out there in the Mechanical keyboard market.
If you are looking to replace the Membrane switch with a good and dedicated switch that can be able to entirely change your typing experience as well as it can enhance your working productivity and efficiency.
Then Gateron Switches are an excellent option to put a hand on it.
Gateron switches are usually not considered to be premium but they are the most budget-friendly option powered with an impressive performance.
Do you know? Gateron Switches come in many different types including Red, Blue, Black, Brown, Yellow, Green, and their special edition like Clear, Milky, and Silent.
Each type of switch has its own specialty and different purpose of use so choosing the best switch for your keyboard among them is really challenging.
In this article, I’m going to cover a complete in-depth Gateron switches guide that will help you to choose what suits best for your keyboard.
Table of Contents
What are Gateron Switches?
Gateron Switches are designed by Gateron Electronic Technology Co. Ltd. and they are manufactured in Huizhou, Guangdong, China.
These switches are better known for their silky smoothness and they are smoother compared to widely used Cherry MX Switches.
In terms of switch type, some gaterons are linear type however some are clicky and the Brown switch is the only Gateron switch that is tactile.
Gateron switches are made with two different and slightly high-quality components:
- Copper contact leafs
- Soft Plastic Stems
These good quality materials make these switches highly economical and allow them to provide a smooth typing experience to a user.
Each Switch type comes with a different actuation force so if a user needs high actuation with more tactile feedback, there is Blue Gateron equipped with 55-gram of notable actuation force.
Black Gateron switches have 50-gram actuation with no tactile feedback as it is a linear type of switch.
Brown Gateron Switches are the tactile type that comes with 45-gram of actuation force to register a keystroke.
The Detailed Comparison Of Gateron Switches
Gateron Switches have a various lineup of switches and each has its own very unique feel, special functionality, and characters.
From Gateron Red Switch to Gateron Clear Switches, I’ve prepared a Gateron Switches comparison table for you to get easily understand in detail.
Some additional switches like Silent, Milky, Low-Profiles, and Ink are also designed by Gateron. I will explain these too later.
Here is the table for Main lineup Gateron switches:
Gateron Switches Guide & Specifications
SWITCH | TYPE | MOUNT TYPE | ACTIVATION POINT | ACTUATION FORCE | NOISE LEVEL |
Gateron Red Switch | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 45cN | Low |
Gateron Yellow Switch | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 50cN | Low |
Gateron Black Switch | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 60cN | Low |
Gateron Blue Switch | Clicky | PCB | 2.3mm | 60cN | High |
Gateron Green Switch | Clicky | PCB | 2.4mm | 80cN | High |
Gateron Brown Switch | Tactile | PCB | 2mm | 55cN | Medium |
Gateron Clear Switch | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 35cN | Low |
I hope you come to know from the table how these switches are different from their other varients, every switch has its own identity and character.
Here is the video from Keychron I’m embedding for you to get a real feel of all Gateron Switches:
Source: Keychron Keyboard
1. Gateron Red Switches
These Gateron Red Switches are linear types of switches designed to resemble Cherry Red switches’ feel and offer the smoothest typing experience.
Being a linear switch, the sound profile of these switches is quieter and it is presses smoothly down for registering a keystroke without any bump or clicks.
The Actuation force of this switch is 45cN which is quite good and required a very moderate force that means it will not create fatigue during typing and a user can type perpetually without feeling tired.
The travel distance between these red switches is 2mm.
Gateron Red Switches also offer great comfort and speed during typing.
Occupying all these exceptional properties makes these Red switches are ideal for office work, Daily Works, Typing, and Gaming too.
2. Gateron Yellow Switches
Gateron Yellow Switches are also very popular linear mechanical switches and these are quite similar to Red switches in terms of design and structure.
The major difference between the Red and Yellow switches is the Actuation Force which is 5-gram bigger that simply means a user can feel it while typing on both switches.
I know the 5-gram difference is not that decisive but you have to keep it in mind before purchasing it for your mechanical keyboard.
While in other aspects, Yellow switches seem to be more rough and rigid and have clear rebounds.
Gateron Yellow Switches have some unique sound profiles and it became a good option for people who love to type on a linear switch type for their mechanical keyboard.
It is ideal for doing daily typing-related work, Casual work, and gaming.
There is no doubt to say Yellow switches are one of the best switches in the Gateron Switches family Line up.
3. Gateron Black Switches
In Gateron linear switches line up, Gateron Black switches are considered to be some heavier switch due to a little bit high actuation which is 60-gram.
In the design and structure, these Black switches are quite similar to Getron reds and yellow switches.
These Black Gateron switches generally have a tactile point on top of it and produce an audible clicking sound when a key is registered.
Being a little havier switch with a high actuation makes these Black switches strongest among the Gateron family.
Along with the probability of error becoming least during typing on it because it needs slightly strong pressure to register a keystroke.
So these Gateron Black Switches are a good option for those who like stronger feedback on mechanical keyboards with a smooth typing experience.
These switches are mostly preferred by gamers and people who type aggressively on the keyboard.
4. Gateron Blue Switches
Gateron Blue Switches are the clicky switch type in the Gateron switch lineup and offer you a tactile sensation with a louder sound.
These Blue Switches are designed to resemble the characteristics of Cherry Blue Switches as it has noticeable bump with each keypress to make sure for a successful keystroke.
These switches have a 2.3mm travel distance between keys along with a high actuation force of 60cN that provides strong feedback during keypresses.
But you don’t need to be concerned even though with a high actuation, this structure of Blue Switches allows users to type for a long period of time without getting tired.
You can easily notice a loud and clicking sound along with a strong keystroke feel while keypresses on the keyboard.
Thanks to their Clicky switch type character!!
Blue switches from Gateron are mostly liked by the people who usually preferred noisy and deep sound profile keyboards as they feel this sounds satisfying while typing.
Gateron Blue Switches are generally considered to be noisy but in my opinion, it is an excellent switch and ideal for day-to-day typing (For Private Room) as well as gaming.
5. Gateron Green Switches
Another excellent Clicky Switch in the Gateron Family.
These Gateron Green Switches can be called an upgraded version of Gateron Blue Switches as it has some advanced characters like 20-gram higher actuation with a travel distance of 2.4mm which is quite higher than Blue switches.
Like Blue switches, these Green switches also have a harder rebound as well as give you stronger noticeably feedback during typing on it.
Due to having an 80g of actuation you have to put a little more extra pressure on it and the probability of typing errors will be slightly less compared to some other Gateron switches.
These switches produce some extra noise during keystrokes due to being a clicky switch.
Even though having a high actuation with a noisy clicking sound, these Gateron Blue Switches are well enough to provide comfortable typing as well as give you a fast typing experience.
So if you are the kind of user who loves clicky switches with an audible clicking sound, these switches are best designed for you.
6. Gateron Brown Switches
The Gateron Brown Switches are the only Tactile switch in Gateron switches line up that simply means these switches don’t have a bump or click on the keystrokes.
Some professionals considered these switches lying and have a place as in-between the Red and Blue switches.
These Brown switches are better known to have quieter sound profiles unlike Blue switches so this will not be going to create any issue if you have sound-sensitive surrounding environments.
The actuation force for this switch is 55cN which is comparatively moderate and gives you noticeable feedback while typing.
Travel distances between switches are 2mm like other linear switches and are able to provide you with a smoother user experience even though without top bumps.
If you have sound sensitive room or centered aligned apartment, you should opt for these Gateron Brown Switches for your mechanical keyboard.
Gateron Clear Switches
Having a very light actuation along with a low sound profile, these Gateron Clear switches are a solid switch that feels good to type on it.
These Clear switches are the extreme light linear switches due to occupy these characters and specifications.
Gateron Clear switches can easily be mounted on the PCB like other Gateron families and give sturdy placement on the mechanical keyboard.
It comes with 35g of operating force called actuation and 50g bottom out which is extremely light and good for fast typing and quite smooth as well.
Travel distances between switches are 2mm which is perfect for users having a narrow palm.
The sound produced by these switches is slightly low although it is audible during typing on it.
Overall, in my opinion, Gateron Clear switches are mediocre, and neither that too bad nor exceptionally good.
Gateron Silent Switches
COLOR | TYPE | MOUNT TYPE | ACTIVATION POINT | ACTUATION FORCE | NOISE LEVEL |
Silent Clear | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 35cN | Silent |
Silent Red | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 45cN | Silent |
Silent Yellow | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 50cN | Silent |
Silent Black | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 60cN | Silent |
Silent Brown | Tactile | PCB | 2mm | 45cN | Silent |
Gateron switches have a special lineup for the people who like very silent switches so Gateron designed silent switches for different purposes and colors like normal switches of its own.
These Gateron Silent Switches are absolutely different from their conventional switch because there is rubber padding mounted from both (top and bottom) sides to the Stem so that switch occupied very little space to move inside and creates less noise.
Although some people don’t like silent switches due to the rubbery feedback while typing on them while some people like them too much.
So it totally comes down to the user-specific preference on which switch type he is comfortable with.
Gateron Milk Switches
COLOR | TYPE | MOUNT TYPE | ACTIVATION POINT | ACTUATION FORCE | NOISE LEVEL |
Milk Clear | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 35cN | Low |
Milk Red | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 45cN | Low |
Milk Yellow | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 50cN | Low |
Milk Black | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 60cN | Low |
Milk Blue | Clicky | PCB | 2.3mm | 60cN | Loud |
Milk Green | Clicky | PCB | 2.4mm | 80cN | Loud |
Milk Brown | Tactile | PCB | 2mm | 55cN | Medium |
Gateron Milk Switches are specially designed to diffuse the RGB lighting of a mechanical keyboard.
The significant difference between regular Gateron switches and Gateron Milk Switches is the ‘Housing’ from which they are made.
As you notice regular Gateron switches have a clear top and bottom housing whereas Gateron Milk Switches have Milky touch housing from the top and the bottom.
Milky tinted housing is the main reason for diffusing RGB Light as it is not absolutely intense clear like other switches.
Except for top and bottom housing, the entire feel and the sound are the same for these switches.
In simple words, these milky switches lower the intensity of an RBG Light so that it may not directly come to your eyes with high intensity.
Gateron Low-Profile Switches
COLOR | TYPE | MOUNT TYPE | ACTIVATION POINT | ACTUATION FORCE | NOISE LEVEL |
Low-Profile Red | Linear | PCB | 1.5mm | 45cN | Low |
Low-Profile Brown | Tactile | PCB | 1.5mm | 55cN | Medium |
Low-Profile Blue | Clicky | PCB | 1.5mm | 50cN | High |
Gateron Low Profile switches are generally constructed for a person who likes to have a thinner mechanical keyboard on their table.
These Low Profile switches are made with completely different shaped Stem as well as designs too.
As the name indicate ‘Low Profile’ that means Low Profile Switches have a short travel distance between switches along with a short actuation force which makes the keyboard comparatively thinner and shorter too.
But wait!!
It only has low profiles characters but it is fast for typing and gaming due to low actuation as some study suggests.
Many people use these switches just because of gaming purposes while some use them due to having better wrist hold on the keyboard as short actuation plays vital roles in both scenes.
It depends completely on an individual preference which switches they like to use among Gateron Family. Is it Gateron Switches, Silent, Milky, or Low Profiles Switches?
Gateron Ink Switches
COLOR | TYPE | MOUNT TYPE | ACTIVATION POINT | ACTUATION FORCE | NOISE LEVEL |
Ink Red | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 45cN | Low |
Ink Yellow | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 50cN | Low |
Ink Black | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 60cN | Low |
Ink Blue | Clicky | PCB | 2.3mm | 60cN | High |
Silent Ink Black | Linear | PCB | 2mm | 60cN | Silent |
A Premium Switch in the Gateron’s family- ‘Gateron Ink Switches’
Gateron Ink Switches got their name because of Smoky Housing.
The smoke color depends on the switch color, if the switch is Gateron yellow then they got smoky yellow color.
These Ink Switches are considered to be premium due to their higher and more advanced specifications along with their higher price point on the market.
Here are the reasons why these Ink switches fall in the premium segment:
- Made with high-quality plastic material.
- Smoky Top and Bottom Housing
- Smoother Feel
- Produce Lower Pitch Sound
Gateron Ink switches are generally constructed with clear smoky from the top and bottom housing so being a high-quality plastic material switch it provides better friction that is responsible to increase smoother typing.
The sound produced by these switches is Lower Pitch that is satisfying to your ears.
If you are ready to pay some extra bucks to get extra smoothness, lower pitch sound, and a unique color housing, you should look at Gateron Ink switches for sure.
Which Gateron Switch is the Best?
Every switch that comes from the Gateron family is good and offers you an excellent typing experience with phenomenal sound, super smoothness, and decent actuation.
So choosing one is really a challenge for me.
After going through lots of study and research as well as considering some special properties I will recommend you to go with Gateron Ink Switches if budget is not your primary concern because it provides extra smoothness with a great lower pitch sound.
Gateron Ink’s are durable too due to their smoky housing, so these Ink switches can be called the best switches in Gateron’s Lineup.
If you are looking for a switch that is good for gaming and daily work, you should try Gateron linear switches which are smooth, have shorter actuation (Considered excellent for Gaming), and come at a very economical price.
In the end, opting best switch completely comes down to a user’s requirements and preferences.
Is Gateron same as Cherry?
This topic is always on top in the mechanical keyboard community that Is Gateron performing the same as Cherry due to many similarties?
Some considered Cherry has an edge over Gateron because of their reliability of brand whereas some believe Gaterons performs much better than Cherry’s because of their quality specs and performance.
Every user has their own perspective regarding it.
I believe Gateron Switches has achieved great popularity in recent times and established itself as the best mechanical switch on the market due to its extra smoothness and cost-effective character.
There is no doubt to say Cherry switches are also exceptionally well and has their own user base, so it’s completely up to you.
I would prefer Gateron Switches over Cherry’s.
Conclusion
Gateron company have been well established in the mechanical switches and still offering great mechanical switches under a very good price point.
Gateron switches signature is to provide extreme smoothness.
Whether if you required a switch for gaming or regular usage, Gateron Linear switches are there for you to fulfill all your requirements.
Or if you are the kind of user who likes clicky and noisy sound switches, there are Gateron Blue switches available for you.
If you are ready to pay some extra bucks from your pocket I highly recommend you to get Gateron Ink switches that are as smooth as butter with a sensational pitching sound. It is the best switch among the Gateron lineups.
Gateron’s has a tremendous variety for such all kinds of scenerio.
I hope this post was helpful to you.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers!!
Gateron Switches FAQs
Are Gateron switches better?
Gateron switches are extremely smoother, have ideal actuation force and travel distance which makes them better than Cherry MX switches. Cherry MX switches are more durable but they are expensive whereas Gateron switches are budget-friendly.
What is the fastest Gateron switch?
Gateron Yellow switches are the fastest Gateron optical switch due to housing and light actuation force which is 50cN.
Are Gateron clear switches good?
Gateron Clear switches are quite good as they are linear switch types that offer a nicer feel, have super light, and give a good typing experience. It can compete with any MX switch in the same segment.
What is the smoothest Gateron switch?
Gateron Ink Switches are the best premium and smoothest Gateron switch among all along with produces very satisfying sound too because of their high-quality housing material and smoky touch.