Table of Contents
Introduction
It is nearly impossible to emerge as a professional gamer in the PC world without having the proper gear. Your gaming skills are defined by how well devices like keyboards and mice perform. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that they are like weapons against your rivals in the virtual realm.
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Being a diehard PC gamer, you need a keyboard that conveys your physical commands rapidly into the virtual world. You must know everything about a keyboard’s switches to understand which features you should look for. In this article, we have illustrated everything you need to know about keyboard switches.
What is a Cherry MX Switch?
Beneath every keyboard key lays a finely engineered mechanical switch that sets the bar of performance for keyboards. These switches are one of the most essential aspects of gaming gear and that is why most typists and gamers prefer mechanical keyboards. Each of these switches has a distinct travel time, clicking noise, and response that set it apart.
When you press the keys on a mechanical keyboard, you receive an instant audio response. These feedbacks have been proven to enhance the typing speed and productivity of a person.
The Cherry switches are mechanical switches that have been around in the industry for as long as we can remember. For many decades, the brand has been providing us with outstanding key technology to help enhance our gaming experience. These switches have been known for their quick response, high quality, and efficiency for many years.
Amongst all the different types of switches the brand has made thus far, the Cherry MX switches are the most efficient and durable; this explains the widespread success of the Cherry MX series.
Advantages of Using a Cherry MX Switch
The various benefits of these switches are what set them apart. Let’s have a look at some of the advantages of having keyboards with Cherry MX switches:
Precision and Speed
Many gamers have claimed that having these switches greatly increases their typing speed. The speed of the switch depends upon the time the keystroke is registered. Halfway pressing a Cherry switch registers it, which means that you don’t even need to fully press the button; your fingers would also be saved from getting strained.
When a player is relying solely on the keyboard, a single missed signal can decide the fate of the game. With Cherry switches underneath your keys, the chance of missing a keystroke is rare.
Let’s compare it with other keyboard switches: membrane keyboards have a questionable precision due to the extra force required to register the keystroke; therefore, the mechanical ones perform much better.
Instant Feedback
The feedback response varies with the type of Cherry MX switch. On the whole, the user can feel and hear a click when the keystroke is registered halfway. The feedback notifies the user when to press the next key. Most players have claimed that, because of the quick feedback, they are able to further increase their typing speed. Moreover, it also helps them play video games in a dim light condition.
The sound is generated instantly and you can use that to decide your next move; this is everything that a pro player would need to excel at their favorite game.
However, not all Cherry MX switches are embedded with the sound making mechanism. These varying levels of feedbacks provide diversity for users with different preferences.
Versatility
Every gamer has a distinct personal preference for their gaming gear. The brand has manufactured a range of switches with varying capabilities and response patterns to cater the needs of every type of gamer. The switches are distinguished by their unique color. Each one of them has a different feel when pressed and serves a specific purpose.
Some switches are loud, some are silent, and the rest of them provide instant feedback; hence, there is a switch for every kind of user. However, choosing the right product is not always a breeze, especially if it’s your first time. That is why you need to dig deeper into the product to understand it better.
Long Life
According to the company, the switches are designed to withstand as much as fifty million keystrokes; this means that it will definitely outlive every other keyboard you could go for.
These keyboards are far more reliable in comparison to membrane keyboards that have a life span of ten to twenty million keystrokes. This might seem enough at first but, if you are a writer or a pro-gamer, you will need something that ensures longevity like the Cherry MX switches.
Types of Cherry MX Switches
We have listed the three types of Cherry MX Switches below:
Liner Switches
Linear switches have the simplest design and move vertically without making any keystroke noise. The speed of the switch is usually measured by the force required to press the key. Linear switches require the least amount of force for activation, making them the fastest; this is why they are ideal for gamers who do not compromise on their typing speed.
Tactile Non-Clicky Switches
Tactile switches provide a bump feel that lets you know when the key is pressed. They are the top choice of typists due to the instant response.
Tactile Clicky Switches
These switches emit a clicking sound when the key is pressed. It also includes a bump feel to give great typing feedback. The instant responses let the user know when to move on to the next key.
5 Best Cherry MX Switch for Gaming
We have understood what MX switches are and how they can revolutionize our gaming experience; now, let’s look into some switches that you can purchase specifically for gaming:
Cherry MX Blue Switch
The Cherry MX blue switch produces a clear and loud sound when clicked. In addition to the audible click, the switch also gives out a bump feel to notify the user when the keystroke is registered. It is less favorable for fast typing as it is pretty heavy.
Features
- Feel: Heavy
- Sound level: Loud
- Each switch’s weight: 0.16 ounces
- Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.8 x 1.4 inches
- Behavior: Clicky
- Actuation Force: 60g to get over the tactile bump
- Total travel distance: 4mm
- Actuation point: 2mm
- Rated lifespan: 50 million keystrokes per key
Pros
- It provides audible feedback.
- The bump feeling gives out an additional response.
- Most suitable for writers.
- Durable
Cons
- It is not suitable for a double-tap.
- The loud sound can be distracting.
Verdict
The relatively heftier feel makes the Cherry MX blue switch less favorable for gaming in comparison to other Cherry switches. It is most suitable for writers who want to know if the key is even registered or not.
Cherry MX Red Key Switch
The Cherry MX red key switches are designed exclusively for gamers. They are pretty common in gaming keyboards due to their fast actuation.
Features
- Feel: Light
- Dimensions: 3.8 x 3.3 x 1.3 inches
- Behavior: Linear
- Actuation point: 2mm
- Actuation force: 45g
- Sound level: Quiet
- Total travel distance: 4mm
- Rated lifespan: 50 million keystrokes per key
Pros
- Lightweight keys.
- It has no audible feedback to distract the user.
- It has a smooth feel.
- It provides rapid actuation.
Cons
- There is no bump feel to notify the user about the key registration.
- It is not suitable for typists.
Verdict
You need the surprisingly lightweight construction of the Cherry MX red key switches to upgrade your gaming skillset. However, if you are looking a switch for multitasking purposes such as typing, then it might not be the best option.
The Cherry MX brown key switches emit a clicking sound, but the user can also feel a noticeable bump while pressing it. The MX brown key is ideal for working in both gaming spaces and working environments.
Features
- Feel: Medium
- Behavior: Tactile
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
- Actuation point: 2mm
- Actuation force: 45g
- Sound level: Quiet
- Total travel distance: 4mm
- Rated lifespan: 50 million keystrokes per key
Pros
- It is lightweight.
- It has an LED option.
- The design is made to withstand rough use.
- It is a versatile switch.
Cons
- It might not be good for working in dim conditions.
- No audible feedback.
Verdict
The is what we call a “middle option”. It has the bump feel to notify the user of key registration, while the absence of audible feedback is great for concentration.
Cherry MX Black Key Switch
The Cherry MX black key switch is the oldest invention of the company, and thus has the simplest operation. It lacks any loud clicking noise or feedback. It gives out a strong feel due to the medium to high actuation force. They have a very unique purpose of preventing any accidental presses during RTS games; therefore, if you are an RTS lover, this key switch is for you.
Features
- Feel: Heavy
- Behavior: Linear
- Actuation point: 2mm
- Actuation force: 60g
- Sound level: Quiet
- Total travel distance: 4mm
- Rated lifespan: 50 million keystrokes per key
Pros
- No disturbing clicking sound.
- Perfect for RTS gaming.
- Sturdy feel.
- Durable.
Cons
- Stiff keys.
- Not suitable for long gaming sessions.
Verdict
We can fairly call the Cherry MX black key switch a masterpiece for RTS games; however, it is structurally stiff, which makes long gaming sessions tiresome. On the whole, we would totally recommend this for gamers.
Cherry MX Speed Silver Key Switch
The Cherry MX Speed silver key switch closely resembles the Cherry MX red switch, but it is the only switch in the family that is not classified on the basis of color (it appears silver or grey). The manufacturers have designed these switches specifically for a fast-paced and accurate gaming experience. The rapid actuation is due to the smaller travel distance and the reduced distance of the actuation point.
Moreover, they don’t make any noise just like the red switches. They are ideal for professional gamers who want to upgrade their skill level.
Features
- Feel: Light
- Behavior: Linear
- Actuation point: 1.2mm
- Sound level: Quiet
- Actuation force: 45g
- Total travel distance: 3.4 mm
- Rated lifespan: 50 million keystrokes per key
Pros
- It is lightest of all the MX switches.
- Fastest switch.
- It does not create any distracting sound.
- Less force required to register the keystroke.
Cons
- The chances of missing a keystroke are high with these switches.
- Least durable due to the extraordinarily lightweight construction.
Verdict
If you think that you have become a champion in your favorite game and are ready to improve your skills to the final level, then the Cherry MX Speed silver key switch is for you.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Cherry MX Switch
Before replacing the keys on your mechanical keyboard, there are few things that you might want to consider:
Auditory Feedback
The auditory feedback refers to the clicking sound your keys make when pressed. It plays a vital role in helping you master certain games, but it is mostly suitable for typing purposes.
Tactile Feedback
The keys that are devoid of the bump feel with a smooth operation are with tactile feedback. The bump lets you know when the key is registered so that you can rapidly move on to the next key. These keys are ideal for people who consider the auditory feedback to be too much.
Force Needed to Activate the Switch
The force has a direct relationship with the speed of the activation. The less force required to register the key, the less energy your fingers have to expend.
Durability
If you are someone who spends a lot of time in front of a PC, then you will need keys that can withstand millions of presses. Most Cherry MX switches are known to provide 50 million key presses without failing.
Verdict
Every switch in the Cherry family has unique features: the red MX switch provides fast actuation, the blue one is all about instant feedback, while the silver switch is for the fastest gaming experience. Out of all the options, we have picked out the to be the most suitable to purchase. It is a middle option with a bump feel as feedback and moderate activation force.
Final Words
Conclusively, your own skillset and preferences will help determine which Cherry MX switch is the most suitable for you; for example, there are many pro gamers who still prefer older keyboards because they are used to them. You should opt for any of the above switches that meet all your needs.
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