There are many types of Gateron switches, each with its own unique properties that make them ideal for different uses.
This blog post will provide a complete in-depth Gateron switches guide.
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Gateron Switches Introduction
If you have already searched for a mechanical switch for your mechanical keyboard, then you must have heard about the Gateron switches.
They are designed and manufactured in Southern China by Huizhou Gateron Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.
These switches provide excellent tactile feedback and a satisfying click when pressed. Gateron switches are a must-have for any PC gamer, and these switches come in a wide variety of options.
These switches are available in the market at reasonable prices, and they are pretty easy to use and are a popular choice among users.
They are often compared to the Cherry MX switches lineup as they both have a very comprehensive switch lineup covering several switch types.
The switches are made from the highest quality materials and are durable. They are the most popular choice for gamers due to their tactile feel and high performance.
There are different switches from Gateron which are:
- Gateron Switches Main Lineup,
- Gateron Low Profile Switches,
- Gateron Ink Switches,
- Gateron Silent Switches,
- Gateron Cap Switches
1. Gateron Switches: The Main Lineup
This is the main lineup of the Gateron switches and is very good in quality.
| Switch Name | Type | Travel Distance | Actuation Force | Noise Level | Mount Type |
| 1. Gateron Red Switch | Linear | 2mm Actuation | 45g | Low | PCB |
| 2. Gateron Black Switch | Linear | 2mm Actuation | 60g | Low | PCB |
| 3. Gateron Blue Switch | Clicky | 2mm Actuation | 55g | High | PCB |
| 4. Gateron Brown Switch | Tactile | 2mm Actuation | 45g | Medium | PCB |
| 5. Gateron Yellow Switch | Linear | 2mm Actuation | 50g | Low | PCB |
| 6. Gateron Green Switch | Clicky | 2mm Actuation | 80g | High | PCB |
| 7. Gateron White Switch | Linear | 2mm Actuation | 35g | Low | PCB |
To know about the typing experience comparison of clicky, linear, and tactile switches, you can read our article.
#1. Gateron Red Switch
Gateron red switches are designed to emulate the feel of Cherry MX Reds. These are linear switches from Gateron. They’re ideal for typists who prefer linear but also want the switches to allow rapid execution of their keypresses.
The actuation force required is significantly lower for these Red gaterons. You can type with them in a breeze.
The sound profile of the Red switch is silent. You will also feel that these are extra smooth compared to the brown and blue switch.
Its smooth keystroke will feel like a hot knife gliding through butter.
- Gateron G Pro Pre-lubed Series Switches.
- Gateron pro red switch :3-pin Linear...
- Gateron Pro Series Switches is pre-lubed from the...
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#2. Gateron Black Switch
Similar to Gateron reds, Gateron blacks are linear that have a tactile point and an audible click on keystroke.
They’re perfect for typists who want the feel of Cherry Black switches without sacrificing speed or having to press down as hard on their keys.
- ⏩Gateron G-PRO Black - Linear | 2mm Pre-Travel |...
- ⏩For Hot Swap Mechanical Gaming Keyboards & DIY...
- ⏩Linear: for fast, responsive gaming ; used by...
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#3. Gateron Blue Switch
Gateron blue switches are designed to emulate the feel of Cherry Blue from Cherry MX switch variants. This is a clicky switch from Gateron Mechanical Switch.
They’re perfect for typists who like tactile but want audible feedback with a noticeable bump when the key is pressed and less resistance from their keyboard when typing.
The Gateron Blue is a loud switch. They have a noticeably high actuation point.
You will notice a loud clicking noise and a bumpy feel of each keypress on the keyboard. Many may feel Gateron blue is noisy and can annoy your peers if you work in a quiet office space.
- Compatability: Replacement Switches for Mechanical...
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#4. Gateron Brown Switch
This is the only Gateron Variant without any click or bumps on keystroke, Gateron browns are tactile.
They’re perfect for typists who want the feel of Brown Cherry switches without sacrificing speed, comfort when typing, or audible feedback on keystrokes.
This is in between the clicky and the tactile switches. So, you will get tactile feedback though the noise is less.
You can check the complete review of the Gateron brown switch here.
- Gateron G Pro Pre-lubed Series Switches.
- Gateron pro brown switch :3-pin Tactile...
- Gateron Pro Series Switches is pre-lubed from the...
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#5. Gateron Green Switch
The final Gateron variant is Gateron green switches, which have been designed to emulate the feel of Cherry Green Gateron.
They’re perfect for typists who like tactile, but want a linear switch with audible feedback on keystrokes without sacrificing speed or comfort while typing.
- SMOOTH – Gateron Switches are a favorite among...
- GATERON GREEN – Clicky switches have a small...
- TRANSPARENT – The clear design is SMD compatible...
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#6. Gateron Yellow Switch
Yellow Gaterons is of linear type. The activation force needed to press the switches is higher than the Red variant of Gateron.
The Gateron Yellow switch is great for regular usages like typing and casual gaming.
- Gateron G Pro Pre-lubed Series Switches.
- Gateron pro yellow switch :3-pin Linear...
- Gateron G yellow Pro Switches is pre-lubed from...
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Other Gateron Switches are a popular type of keyboard switch, often used in gaming keyboards. They are known for their tactile feedback and high-speed response.
2. Gateron Low Profile Switches
The Gateron Low-Profile Switches are designed to provide a solution for those who demand a more compact switch design with lower travel.
The switches are available in both linear and tactile switches and are available in a variety of colors.
| Switch Name | Type | Travel Distance | Actuation Force | Noise Level | Mount Type |
| Gateron Red Switch | Linear | 2mm Actuation | 50g | Low | PCB |
| Gateron Blue Switch | Linear | 2mm Actuation | 52g | Loud | PCB |
| Gateron Brown Switch | Tactile | 2mm Actuation | 55g | Medium | PCB |
3. Gateron Ink Switches
Gateron Ink Switches are designed for gaming and are known for their durability and fast response.
They have a smoky-colored top with the switch’s respective color. The housing does not look transparent.
| Switch Name | Type | Travel Distance | Actuation Force | Noise Level | Mount Type |
| Gateron Red Switch | Linear | 2mm Actuation | 45g | Low | PCB |
| Gateron Black Switch | Linear | 2mm Actuation | 60g | Low | PCB |
| Gateron Silent Black Switch | Linear | 2mm Actuation | 60g | High | PCB |
| Gateron Yellow Switch | Linear | 1.5 mm Actuation | 60g | Low | PCB |
| Gateron Blue Switch | Clicky | 2mm Actuation | 60g | High | PCB |
| Gateron Kangaroo Switch | Tactile | 1.5 mm Actuation | 58g | Low | PCB |
4. Gateron Silent Switches
Gateron Silent Switches are a new type of switch designed to reduce noise levels. They are available in mechanical and optical variants and are suitable for gaming and standard desktop applications.
| Switch Name | Type | Travel Distance | Actuation Force | Noise Level | Mount Type |
| Gateron Silent Clear Switch | Linear | 2mm Actuation | 45 g | Low | PCB |
| Gateron Silent Black Switch | Linear | 2mm Actuation | 60g | Low | PCB |
| Gateron Silent Red Switch | Linear | 2mm Actuation | 45g | Low | PCB |
| Gateron Silent Brown Switch | Tactile | 2mm Actuation | 60g | High | PCB |
| Gateron Yellow Switch | Linear | 1.5 mm Actuation | 60g | Low | PCB |
5. Gateron Cap Switch
Gateron Cap switches are the newest from the Gateron Switches lineup. They came in several variants like the Milky-Yellow, Golden-Yellow, Golden-Brown, Red, Blue, and Brown.
The Golden colors look unique, unlike the other Gateron Switch lineup.
The specialty of the Gateron Cap switches is that they have an extended switch step which makes them more stable when you actuate them.
| Switch Name | Type | Pre-Travel Distance | Actuation Force | Noise Level | Mount Type |
| Gateron Golden Yellow cap Switch | Linear | 2mm | 50g | Quiet | PCB |
| Gateron Milky Yellow Cap Switch | Linear | 2mm | 50g | Quiet | PCB |
| Gateron Golden Brown Cap Switch | Tactile | 2mm | 45g | Low | PCB |
| Gateron Red Cap Switch | Linear | 2mm | 45g | Quiet | PCB |
| Gateron Brown Cap Switch | Tactile | 2mm | 55g | Low | PCB |
| Gateron Blue Cap Switch | Clicky | 2mm | 60g | High | PCB |
Gateron Switches Pros and Cons
Now we have several pros and cons too:
Gateron Switches Pros
- Gateron switches are budget-friendly
- These are very durable and can be used for typing, gaming, and general-purpose work too.
- Gaterons are smooth and do not have any scratchiness when clicked.
- They have a wide variety of mechanical switches range to suit your needs.
Gateron Switches Cons
It comes with slight pre-lubing from the factory. Someone may not like lubing switches at all in the case of clicky blue switches.
Otherwise, Nothing much cons of Gateron switches.
Which Gateron switch is the fastest?
Gateron reds have the fastest actuation rate (i.e., the force required to press and activate a key measured in Millimeters) of any Gateron available.
It makes them perfect for gamers to enhance the gaming experience or typists who want to input text without having to slow down.
Other fast Gateron switches are Gateron Black and Gateron Blue. Gateron blacks are also fast and offer a tactile bump on keystroke with an audible click while requiring less force to activate than Gateron reds.
Gateron blues are also very fast but don’t have any tactile bump on keystrokes and instead deliver an audible click on the actuation of a key.
They’re perfect for gamers who want speed without unnecessary clicks interfering with their gameplay while providing enough feedback when a keystroke is registered.
Gateron Switches Overall Review
Gateron switches are said to be one of the most popular types of mechanical switches on the market. Gateron switches can be considered a great alternative to Cherry MXs and come in various different colors.
They offer a smoother, lighter touch than Cherry MXs. Gaterons can be excellent if you are building your mechanical keyboard on a budget.
In terms of quality and longevity, the Gateron switches are good and support 50 million keystrokes per key.
The main point to choosing Gateron switches is the switches are they are cheaper as compared to the other brand switches for mechanical keyboards.
Gateron Switches vs Cherry MX
Gateron and Cherry MX are very similar in terms of switch shape. Though they are very similar in build, shape, and housing, there are several differences to these too:
| Gateron Switches | Cherry MX | |
| Durability | These are durable | These are Durable |
| Switch Types Available | Clicky, Tactile, and Linear | Clicky, Tactile, and Linear |
| Price | Gaterons are cheaper and budget-friendly | Cherry Mx switches are expensive |
| Keystroke | 50 million keystroke support per key | 50 million keystroke support per key |
| Smoothness of Keys | Smoother than Cherry MX with no noticeable scratchiness | Has a bit of scratchiness on the keypress |
Where to buy Gateron Mechanical Keyboard Switches?
Gateron switches of all variants including the Gateron optical switches are available in many stores online. You can also find Gateron switches as separate and assembled with a keyboard.
You can find Gateron switches on Amazon.
You can purchase directly from Gateron Website. However, note that there is a remote area shipping fee, that would be charged if your Zip code is in a remote location. You can check their shipping policy page for more details.
What keyboards use Gateron?
Here are some of the awesome keyboards available at Amazon where you would find Gateron switches being used.
- A 96% layout (100-key) wireless mechanical...
- Connect the K4 with up to 3 devices via Bluetooth...
- With a unique Mac layout, the K4 has all the...
- 【Coral Sea Theme Ergonomic Keyboard】This 60...
- 【High-performance 2.4G Wireless Keyboard】Up to...
- 【Compact 60% Keyboard】This 60% gaming keyboard...
- 60% Sized keyboard, Leaves extra space for mouse...
- Utilizing new infrared technology instead of a...
- Has access to ALL the keys of a normal keyboard,...
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gateron Switches FAQs
Q. What is the loudest Gateron switch?
Q. Which is the fastest Gateron switch?
Q. Which is the Quietest Basic Gateron Switch?
Q. Are Gateron Switches Pre-lubed?
Conclusion
Let’s conclude the post on Gateron Switches!
Gateron is an excellent company that manufactures good-quality switches for mechanical keyboards at an affordable price.
Gateron switches are a great way to enhance any gaming keyboard.
With their quick response time, Gateron switches which are Cherry MX Clones will improve your gaming experience and allow you to be more precise in your keystrokes.
They have been tested extensively and provide a quick response time for gamers. I recommend checking out Gateron switches for building up your mechanical keyboard.
You can choose as per your personal preference.
Overall, they are one of the best switches out there in terms of overall experience in gaming and typing.
I hope you liked the post.
I’m Anirban Saha, Founder & Editor of TechBullish. With a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering, and 5+ years of experience as a software developer, I have expertise in electronics, software development, gadgets, and computer peripherals. I love sharing my knowledge through informational articles, how-to guides, and troubleshooting tips for Peripherals, Smart TVs, Streaming Solutions, and more here. Check Anirban’s Crunchbase Profile here.
