The concept of a compact 60% keyboard is becoming increasingly popular among both serious gamers and busy professionals. The small form factor coupled with customizable functionalities makes these keyboards a go-to for many who desire a streamlined, personalized typing experience. Choosing the best switches for these keyboards, however, can be a demanding task due to the various options available in the market. This article reviews top-notch switches for compact 60% keyboards, ensuring that you make the right choice for your typing needs.
Cherry MX Switches
Established in 1953, Cherry Corporation stands tall as a leading mechanical keyboard switch manufacturer. One of Cherry’s flagship keyboard switches is the Cherry MX series. Available in various color-coded variants, these switches cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Cherry MX Red Switches
Ideal for gaming, MX Red switches are the way to go for light and quick keystrokes. They have a 45g actuation force making them suitable for rapid successive presses and are linear, meaning they lack tactile feedback and audible clicks.
Cherry MX Blue Switches
Blue switches, known for their clicky sound, provide excellent tactile feedback which typists appreciate. They have a heavier actuation force of 50g and represent the quintessential mechanical keyboard feel.
Cherry MX Brown Switches
Brown switches serve as an excellent middle ground between gaming and typing. They provide slight tactile feedback with less noise and require a moderate actuation force of 45g.
Kailh Switches
Kaihua Electronics, the parent company of Kailh, offers high-quality keyboard switches that rival Cherry’s. Kailh switches almost mirror Cherry’s colour-coded categorization serving similar functionality.
Kailh Red Switches
Perfect for gamers, Kailh Reds mirror the Cherry MX Reds in both actuation force and linearity. They require a 50g actuation force and offer a 2mm pre-travel distance.
Kailh Blue Switches
Kailh Blues offer a distinct clicky sound and tactile feedback akin to their Cherry counterparts. Engaging a 60% actuation force, they are ideal for typists and programmers who prefer a more firm feedback.
Kailh Brown Switches
Desirable for their versatility, Kailh Browns present a balanced option, suitable for both gaming and typing. They have a 50g actuation force and a less pronounced tactile bump than the Blue switches.
Gateron Switches
Gateron, a relatively new player in the market, has rapidly gained respect for producing switches with smooth keystrokes and competitive pricing.
Gateron Red Switches
Sharing similarities with Reds from other manufacturers, Gateron Reds are linear switches with a 45g actuation force. They are suitable for high-intensity gaming due to their low required force and smooth keystrokes.
Gateron Blue Switches
Renowned for producing an audibly loud clicky sound with satisfactory tactile feedback, Gateron Blues are suitable for hardcore typists. They exhibit a 55g actuation force, slightly more substantial than their rivals.
Gateron Brown Switches
Gateron Browns find a happy medium between gaming and typing with a 45g actuation force. They provide a tactile, yet silent feedback, allowing gamers to enjoy their gaming sessions without any audible distractions.
Outemu Switches
Outemu switches are excellent for users on a budget looking for reliable performance.
Outemu Red Switches
They mimic the linearity and light touch of Cherry MX Reds with a 45g actuation force. Outemu Reds are perfect for individuals seeking a seamless, swift gaming experience.
Outemu Blue Switches
Outemu Blues offer a bold, clicky sound profile with a clear tactile feedback at a 60g actuation force. They appeal to typists and programmers looking for classic mechanical feedback.
Outemu Brown Switches
These are versatile switches that incorporate a tactility, making them suitable for gamers and typists alike. They engage a 55g actuation force, ensuring a comfortable long-term typing experience.
This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the various options available when choosing the best switches for 60% compact keyboards. Each selection provides a unique typing experience, therefore the final choice is largely dependent on the user’s individual preference, whether it’s for gaming, professional typing or a mix of both. By considering factors like sound profile, tactile feedback, and actuation force, users can pick the right switches that perfectly match their needs. Investing in the right switch enhances the overall keyboard experience, promising efficiency and comfort in every keystroke.
