Gateron Switch Color Guide - Pick the best Gaterons for your keyboard
Rashko Temelkovski
September 09, 2018

We already covered the basics of mechanical keyboard switches and some of the more popular brands. This time, though, we'll be focusing a bit more on the Gateron SMD-LED compatible mechanical switches. Introducing the Gateron Switch Color Guide.
Glorious Gateron Switch Color Guide introduction
If you check our online store, you'll see that we give you the option to order Gateron switches in 6 colors. That is not to say we dislike other brands - they all serve their purpose just fine. But after thoroughly testing the GMMK, we can guarantee that should you choose Gaterons for your mechanical keyboard, you'll personally witness their noticeable improvements over the original Cherry switches that have dominated the market for quite some time.
If there was only one word that could describe every Gateron switch stroke, that word would be - smoothness. Compared to other brands, you can rest assured that both your typing and gaming experiences will be much smoother than ever before.
With a rated lifetime of 50 million cycles, it goes without saying that the Gateron mechanical switches will serve you for years to come.
But, let's back this statement up a bit. Here's a table that will show you why we believe Gaterons + GMMK make for the perfect typing/gaming combo.
Gateron switch types
Color |
*Behavior |
**Peak Force |
Noise Level |
What does it feel like? |
Clear |
Linear |
35g |
Silent |
The lightest switch available, ideal for people who prefer a softer touch. Minimizes finger fatigue. |
Red |
Linear |
45g |
Silent |
The ideal switch preferred by gamers, allowing rapid execution of the keys. |
Black |
Linear |
50g |
Silent |
Red switch too light? Then, this is your best bet. Still smooth, but requires more force to press down. |
Blue |
Clicky |
55g |
High |
For those who love the click and clack of a keyboard. Generates a loud click and tactile bump when a key is pressed. Popular for typing and programmers. Note: clacking will annoy your peers. |
Green |
Clicky |
80g |
High |
The heaviest switch available. For those who love the click and clack of a keyboard. Generates a loud click and tactile bump when a key is pressed. Popular for typing and programmers. |
Brown |
Tactile |
45g |
Medium |
A hybrid between a Linear and Clicky switches. Does not generate a click when pressed, but the tactile bump is still present. Ideal for those who want a tactile bump and work around peers. |
*More on mechanical switch behavior here.
**The force required to press a key all the way down. There's no bad choice when it comes to peak force (light vs. heavy); it's entirely up to you.
So, is there a Gateron switch that seems right up your alley? If you still haven't made up your mind, worry not, as you can always order our MX Switch Sample Pack. The pack gives you the opportunity to test all the Gateron (and Kailh) switches we offer, so you can rest assured you'll find the ones that will suit your keyboard the most.
To sum up, no matter what you'll be using your mechanical keyboard for, there's always a Gateron switch designed to meet your needs. Even our top-of-the-line GMMK mechanical keyboard comes with Gateron Browns included. So, if you're searching for that sharper keystroke, that louder click, that sweet tactile bump or a perfectly smooth typing/gaming experience, Gateron is the way to go!
Every Gateron switch keyboard will feel as if you're sliding a hot knife through butter.
Comments
Gateron reds for the WIINN! They are still pretty clicky and you barelt need to put any presure on them for it to press
i cant complain about my gateron brown switches i mean the sound is good
Gateron Optical Yellows for the win!
Where the Gateron speed silvers at?
Gateron reds are the BEST, you dont even have to press hard and it feels absolutly wonerful
What about optical gateron switches?
Are they the same as the normal gateron switches?
what about yellow switches?
My Question is, what is the fastest switch you have? I mean what is similar to the Cherry mx silver switches?
Could you update the chart to include the actuation points as well as for the Kaihl switches?
Are the Gateron silent brown/ red compatibles with GMMK PCB?
Are the linear Gaterons offered with GMMK keyboards actually silent, i.e. equivalent to Cherry MX Silent Red, or are they just the regular linear kind equivalent to Cherry MX Red?
btw on personal opinion, is gateron blue or gateron brown preferred for gaming?
I’m kinda confused now. Aren’t the Gateron Blacks 60g force while the Yellow ones are 50g?
And why don’t you add Yellow to the list, as well as the Silent ones?
For some reason the Gateron Brown switches feel so bad to type on and I constantly make typos as well as miss keys.
@Rand
Thanks for pointing it out. Fixed! :)
you have gat yellows in the picture but then don’t list it in the table below
Gaterons for the win :D
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