The Best Switches for Gaming for 2024

Mechanical keyboards are becoming more and more mainstream for gamers and computer users all around. These keyboards offer excellent typing experiences and fast, responsive gameplay, but what makes these keyboards notable are the switches underneath the keycaps. A couple of years ago, it was standard to be stuck with the one type of switch that came with a keyboard, but now, thanks to hot-swappable keyboards, more gamers can try out different switch types to see what works best for them.

Whether gamers want a clicky, linear, or tactile switch for gaming, there are excellent options that will instantly help any mechanical keyboard feel much more custom.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Switches for Gaming

Choosing the right gaming switch might seem complicated. Luckily, there is an array of options on the market. Whether it’s a high-end or low-budget switch, here are a few factors gamers can consider when choosing the best gaming switch;

• Speed of actuation: Actuation refers to the point at which the key sends the signal to the keyboard. Gaming switches have different actuation points, which are measured in grams. Why is this important when choosing a gaming switch? The lower the weight, the faster and more reactive the keyboard will be. So, gamers should opt for lightweight switches. This is because they do send inputs faster compared to the ones which are heavy. On the other hand, typists should choose heavier switches in order to avoid typos.
• Travel distance: Most users tend to think that the actuation and travel distances are the same. Even though they follow the same concept, the two aspects are quite different. Actuation distance is the distance the key needs to travel before sending an input. While travel distance is the distance the switch has to move before hitting the bottom of the path, also known as bottoming out. Different switches have different traveling distances. In most cases, they range between 2mm and 4mm. Although the differences may sound minimal, they go a long way in any gaming experience. With that said, the best gaming switches are the ones that have a shorter distance since they are regarded as speed switches.
• Durability: Another important factor that users should consider is how long the switch will last. Gamers tend to go harder on their keyboards than other users. A standard and reliable switch is rated between 50 and 100 million key presses. However, in some cases, there are other switches that are rated for only 20 million key presses.

So, which gaming switches last longer? Mechanical keyboards are more durable than non-mechanical. However, it’s best for gamers to choose trusted brands like those found in this review.

Game Rant’s Picks for the Top Gaming Switches in 2024

For gamers who are looking for that extra responsiveness, this is the switch for them. Not only is it fast, but it is also one of the most advanced switches in the gaming scene. In addition, it comes with an array of top-notch features and functionalities that make it one of the best switches for gaming.

So why is Cherry MX Speed Silver one of the most sought-after switches? This is the fastest switch that gamers can find. It has been developed using low spring resistance with incredible linear performances. In return, it delivers a relatively quick response time due to its high switching frequencies, which are 40% faster than standard switches. It is also worth noting that making mistakes while using this switch is also relatively easy. This switch also has a good feel to it. They are very easy and comfortable to use, enabling users to perform a raft of functions before tiring out. In addition, Cherry MX Speed Silver switches can be customized for unique precision.

MX Silver is categorized as a linear switch. This means it’s quiet, smooth, and consistent with every keystroke. To put things into perspective, this switch has an actuation point of 1.2mm. Other Cherry switches have an actuation point of 2 mm, so it goes without saying why this switch is highly favored. Another reason why this switch is reliable is because of its durability. Users are guaranteed at least 50 million keystrokes before they wear out. Hence, they are made for gamers who regularly play on their PCs.

While the Keychron K Pro switches are not strictly for gaming, they are some of the most well-rounded mechanical switches that gamers can currently pick up. Regardless of whether users are looking for a clicky, tactile, or linear typing experience, the K Pros deliver fantastic results, making gaming and typing and gaming on them a joy. Plus, at just $16 for a set of 110 switches, the K Pros are a great first step into mechanical switches without breaking the bank.

The favorite of many gamers from this set are the K Pro Mints, which are light and fast, but unfortunately, Keychron regularly sells out of these because of their popularity. Luckily, the red linear switches are perfect for gamers looking to pick up a close second to the mints. Be sure to watch for a fresh stock of the mint switches, since even if gamers pick up a different variety for now, the mints are well worth trying out.

The brown switches are excellent for gamers with a slightly heavier hand or just those who prefer a more tactile feel. These switches are a great midway between a dedicated gaming switch and a switch that is more for typing. With an actuation point of 50 grams, these are certainly not the heaviest switches out there, but pushing it beyond 50 grams gets to be a bit too fatiguing when gaming.

This switch also falls under the category of Linear switches. They are popular in the gaming scene because they are the simplest types of switches and can fit perfectly in different mechanical keyboards. In addition to this, they are also cheaper compared to other types of gaming switches, and they are very responsive.

Impressively, this switch comes with an array of fantastic features and functionalities. Having borrowed a leaf from MX Silver, it’s also one of the fastest linear switches that one can find. They have been created with a healthy combination of low spring resistance. In return, boasting of a rapid and suitable reaction time.

Kailh Speed Silver is also comfortable and easy to use. Also, they provide users with a stable and continuous feeling from the moment the switch is pressed until the full pressure distance is reached. This also enables users to use many functions without getting tired quickly. For the perfect gaming experience, gamers need a switch that hits the right notes when typing. Compared to standard switches, this switch has a travel distance of 1.2 mm.

This, together with the 45g actuation force, makes this the ideal switch to have. Users are also guaranteed that these switches will serve them for a long time. It will take up to 50 million keystrokes for them to be worn out. This switch is custom-built for speed and precision, making it the ideal choice for gamers.

This is the best option for gamers looking for gaming switches that are cheap and yet reliable. These switches are known for their smooth and tactile typing experience. Gateron Yellow Pros switches are regarded as lightweight switches. They have a spring weight bottoming out at about 50g of force. Even though it is not as light as Cherry and Kaihl speed switches, it’s considered to be decent. Like most gaming switches, this switch is known to provide users with a super smooth experience when typing on their mechanical keyboards.

Regarding the sound, Gateron Yellow switches produce a smooth hushed sound while typing. Due to their calm sound, these switches are mostly preferred by gamers and office workers. They are compatible with most mechanical keyboards as well as 5-pin PCB Hot-swappable keyboards.

The Holy Panda X is designed to offer gamers an amazing feel plus great consistency. This switch has been redesigned from the original version and has greatly reduced the stem wobble. Compared to other Holy Panda switches, this version is known to have the best tactile feeling. This has been made possible with a snappy spring and smoother bump. In addition, it’s great for users who type for long periods without causing any sort of fatigue.

Consistency is another impressive aspect of this switch. Each keystroke feels the same upon pressing. Unlike most switches, they never lose their initial snappiness. The lifespan of switches depends on a few factors like usage, maintenance, and manufacturing quality. Regarding manufacturing quality, these switches have been manufactured with strong and improved stem stability. Consequently, users have 50-100 million keystrokes of service.

These switches are compatible with various mechanical keyboards. These and other factors have ensured that this switch is ideal for gaming, typing, and even programming. On the flip side, this switch is relatively expensive compared to other switches.

Mechanical switches across the board offer a much more tactile and responsive gaming experience compared to membrane switches, but they are also typically much louder. Luckily, for gamers who want the excellent feel of a mechanical switch but don’t want the volume associated with it, the Kalih Deep Sea switches are a perfect fit. These linear switches have an incredibly smooth that feels amazing to use and, when they bottom out, they produce a very quiet bump.

More often than not, silent switches fall into the trap of trying to be as quiet as possible, so they also feel mushy and lose the benefits of using a mechanical switch in the first place. However, that is not the case when it comes to the Kalih Deep Sea switches. Touch typing and gaming on these switches feel amazing, with responsive and smooth travel, but enough of a tactile bump at the bottom, so it doesn’t feel mushy.

With these being a more specialty switch type, the cost is much higher compared to most other switches in this guide, but as far as silent switches go, it is hard to beat the Kailh Deep Seas.

Optical switches are a very exciting innovation in the world of mechanical switches. Instead of relying on metal-to-metal contact to trigger the actuation of a key, optical switches cut through a beam of light to trigger a keypress. Not only does it sound like some cool future technology, but optical switches also greatly enhance the speed compared to traditional mechanical switches. The Gateron Optical Red switches are an excellent choice for any gamer looking to try optical switches.

Of course, because these switches need to break a beam of light to actuate the keypress, not all keyboards support these switches even though they fit into the same slots on the PCB. Gamers will need to pick up a keyboard that supports optical switches like the Keychron K8 or Akko MOD007B-PC. But picking up one of these keyboards is definitely worth it to feel how amazing these switches feel.

Like many of Gateron’s switches, they come in various colors to fit the user’s wants best, but for gamers, the red optical switches will be the best option. These switches have an incredibly light operation force at 45 grams, making it easy to execute quick moves. However, because of that, these switches are relatively easy to make typos with.

Low-profile mechanical switches are an excellent way for gamers to get a fantastic typing and gaming experience out of a keyboard that can be as thin as nine millimeters. Gateron low-profile switches are highly regarded as the best low-profile switches currently available. Whether gamers want a silky smooth travel or a satisfyingly tactile feel, these low-profile switches are an excellent option.

Unlike some switch sets with a clear best switch type in the model, the Gateron low-profile switches feel amazing. The red linear switches deliver smooth travel, the blue clicky switches have a perfect audible click with every keypress, and the browns have a fantastic tactile bump as they bottom out. All these switches are pretty loud, especially because most low-profile keyboards do not have space for sound-dampening foam.

While most of the switches in this guide are compatible with various keycaps, these low-profile switches only work with Gateron low-profile keycaps. This does limit the customization options, but thankfully, the keycaps are comfortable and well-made.

FAQ

Q: Which is the fastest gaming switch?

There are plenty of switches that have fast responses. But one that stands out is the Cherry MX Silver Speed. It has a quick response because of its high switching frequencies, which is 40% faster than the standard switch.

Q: Which is the best switch in the market that can be found at a fair price?

Different gaming switches have different prices. However, gamers looking for a reliable switch on the cheap should opt for the Kaihl Speed Silver. Even though its price is lower compared to other switches, it comes with fantastic functionalities and features.

Q: What factors should one consider while choosing a gaming switch?

Choosing the right gaming switch can be a difficult task. However, when a gamer knows what to look for makes the process easier. Some factors users should consider before choosing a gaming switch are its speed of actuation, travel distance, and durability.