Kailh switches are an alternative to the more popular Cherry MX switches. Kailh switches were developed by Chinese electronics manufacturer Kaihua Electronics Co, Ltd.
In this Kailh Switches Guide, I will take a close look, with a teardown, at different Kailh switches available and their types in detail.
I would discuss different types of Kailh switch variants that would including the clicky switch types, linear switch types, and tactile switch types so that it would be useful for you to make a choice.
Why Should you Trust Me? Hi, I am Anirban Saha, an Engineer having a Specialization in Electronics and Communication Engineering. I have experience in Smart TVs, Electric circuits, and Computer peripherals.
Let’s get started!
What are Kailh Switches?
Kailh switches are a group of Cherry MX clone switches manufactured by Kaihua Electronics Co. Ltd. The company is based in China and has been producing Cherry MX clone switches.
Since the switches are MX clones, they are compatible with MX keycaps, but they are not compatible with MX-style stabilizers. The switches are available in various colors but are not available in clicky or tactile versions.
Like other switch manufacturers, Kailh also has several variants for their different mechanical switches in their lineup.
Here are the several Kailh Switch variants which have different color variants:
- Kailh Box switch
- Kailh Speed Switches
- Kailh Pro Switches
- Kailh Box Silent Switches
- Kailh Low Profile Choc switches
#1. Kailh BOX Switch
Kailh BOX Switches are high-quality, cost-effective mechanical keyboard switches compatible with Cherry MX keycaps.
Kailh BOX Switches are optimized for gaming, featuring a super-low resistance, a shorter key travel distance, and durable, high-performance plastic housing.
The Kailh Box switches are similar to the Cherry MX switches but with a different internal design.
The Kailh Box switches are made of metal contacts encased in a box, which is where they got their name, and this box gives them their IP56 waterproof/dustproof rating.
This BOX switch design also makes the switch’s main springs smaller than the Cherry MX switches, reducing the actuation pressure.
The tactile feel of the Kailh Box switches differently, with the click feeling more like a bump than a click.
1. Kailh BOX White Switches
Kailh Box White switches are Clicky switches that can be a Cherry MX Blue replacement for you. It has an actuation force of 50g which is decent and has a good life of 80M clicks.
2. Kailh BOX Navy Switches
The Kailh Box Navy is another clicky box switch variant from Kailh Box switches, but they have a higher actuation force of 75g. It is a good switch only if you would like to actuate at 75g.
3. Kailh BOX Pink Switches
Kailh Box Pinks are Clicky Box switches from Kailh with an Operating force of 55g.
4. Kailh BOX Jade Switches
The Kailh Box Jade switches are clicky switches with an actuation force of 65g. It is decent and quite useful considering its Operating life of 80m.
5. Kailh BOX Pale Blue Switches
The Kailh Box Pale Blue switches are clicky switches with an actuation force of 60g to operate them. These feel good and can be compared to Mx Blue switches.
It would feel good for typing and gaming.
6. Kailh Box Royal Switches
The Kailh Box Royal Switches are a tactile switch variant from the Kailh brand. They operate at the low operating force of 45g which is awesome. I like the lower operating switches as they feel easy to type on.
7. Kailh Box Brown Switches
These are brown switches from Kailh Box. These require a 60g operating force to actuate. It is well built and good. You can compare it with the Brown Cherry switches.
8. Kailh BOX Burnt Orange
The Kailh Box Burnt Orange is a tactile switch from Kailh.
9. Kailh BOX Red Switches
Kailh Box Red is a linear switch from Kailh. It has an operating force of 50g and is fast and light to actuate.
You can consider Kailh Box Red for gaming.
10. Kailh BOX Dark Yellow Switches
Kailh Box Dark Yellow is a Linear switch from Kailh with a higher actuation force of 70g. If you like high actuation force, then you can look into it.
This switch is decent and well-operable during typing sessions.
11. Kailh BOX Black Switches
The Kailh Box Black is a linear switch and has an operating force of 60g. The actuation point is at 1.8mm which is decent. I like these switches and can be compared to the MX Blacks.
Here is a tabular representation to help you see the Kailh Box switches in a glimpse:
| Kailh Box Variant | Switch Type | Actuation Force | Actuation Point | Operation Speed | Operating Life | Mount Type |
| Kailh BOX White Switches | Clicky | 50g Operating force | 1.8mm | 3-4 times/sec | 80M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh BOX Navy Switches | Clicky | 75g Operating force | 1.8mm | 3-4 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh BOX Pink Switches | Clicky | 55g Operating force | 1.8mm | 3-4 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh BOX Jade Switches | Clicky | 65g Operating force | 1.8mm | 3-4 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh BOX Pale Blue Switches | Clicky | 60g Operating force | 1.8mm | 3-4 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh Box Royal Switches | Tactile | 45g Operating force | 1.8mm | 3-4 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh Box Brown Switches | Tactile | 60g Operating | 2mm | 3-4 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh BOX Burnt Orange Switches | Tactile | 60g Operating force | 2mm | 5-6 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh BOX Red Switches | Linear | 50g Operating force | 1.8mm | 3-4 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh BOX Dark Yellow Switches | Linear | 70g Operating force | 1.8mm | 3-4 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh BOX Black Switches | Linear | 60g Operating force | 1.8mm | 3-4 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mount |
Here are the Kailh Box Switches available at Amazon:
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#2. Kailh Speed Switches
Kailh Speed Switches are a cut above the rest when it comes to gaming keyboards.
Ideal for gamers and typists alike, Kailh Speed Switches feature a housing and stem made out of self-lubricating POM.
Kailh Speed Switches are the next generation of mechanical switches for your gaming keyboard with high precision and responsiveness.
They are built for speed, durability, and responsiveness. Their high accuracy and low latency are what give them the edge they need.
They also feature an MX style housing, shorter travel, and activation points than Cherry MX switches and are currently available in any color you can think of.
They have MX-style housing, shorter travel, and activation points compared to Cherry MX switches. Hence they are good for gaming.
1. Kailh Speed Silver Switches
Kailh Speed Silver switches are a linear type of mechanical switch from Kailh. These switches are one of the fastest from Kailh.
2. Kailh Speed Copper Switches
The Kailh Speed Copper Switches are awesome if you are a tactile switch fan and have already heard about the MX Brown switches.
These Kailh Speed Copper switches have excellent crisp tactile feedback on clicks and are very fast actuating mechanical switches of tactile variants.
3. Kailh Speed Bronze Switches
The Kailh Speed Brown switches are actually clicky ones with an actuation force of 50g. These switches are good but next to the Kailh Speed Gold switches in the tactile range of switches.
4. Kailh Speed Gold Switches
The Kailh Speed Gold switches are of a tactile type and have a good bumpy experience. You would like the experience of using them as they actuate fast.
5. Kailh Speed Navy Switches
The Kailh Speed Navy switches are clicky switches with an actuation of 70g force. It is a bit on the harder side to actuate.
Here are the detailed specs about the Kailh Speed switches in the tabular form below:
| Kailh Speed Variant | Switch Type | Actuation Force | Actuation Point | Operation Speed | Operating Life | Mount Type |
| Kailh Speed Silver Switches | Linear | 50g | 1.1mm | 3-4 times/s | 70M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh Speed Copper Switches | Tactile | 40g | 1.1mm | 3-4 times/s | 70M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh Speed Bronze Switches | Clicky | 50g | 1.1mm | 3-4 times/s | 70M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh Speed Gold Switches | Tactile | 50g | 1.4mm | 3-4 times/s | 70M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh Speed Navy Switches | Clicky | 70g | 1.2mm | 3-4 times/s | 50M cycles | Plate Mount |
Here are the Kailh Speed Switches available at Amazon:
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#3. Kailh Box Silent Switches
Kailh Box switches are the latest volume switch silent box solution from Kailh. These switches are designed for gaming or industrial applications that demand silent switches.
Designed for use on boards, boxes, and systems that require a silent, unobtrusive switch: like the ones found on keyboards, the Kailh Box Silent switches are a perfect choice.
The switches feature a sealed internal design that employs a shock-absorbing system to protect the internal components from the natural wear and tear caused by continuous operation.
As a result, the switches are designed to be durable, lasting for 50 million keystrokes.
The switches are also designed to be surface-mount LED compatible, hot-swap compatible, and box-type of switches with dampened sound.
1. Kailh BOX Silent Pink Switches
Kailh Box Silent Pink Switches are the ones if you prefer silence while typing on your mechanical keyboard.
These are linear switches and are very light to actuate. Gaming and typing would be a breeze in Kailh Box Silent Pink switches.
2. Kailh BOX Silent Brown Switches
Are you a fan of tactile switches? Kailh Box Silent brown sets a standard to be one of the good entries in Tactile switches.
The bumpy feeling is decent considering the lower price segment.
Here are the detailed specs in tabular format:
| Kailh Box Silent Variant Switches | Switch Type | Actuation Force | Actuation Point | Operation Speed | Operating Life Cycle | Mount Type |
| Kailh BOX Silent Pink Switches | Linear | 35g | 1.8mm | 5-6 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mounted |
| Kailh BOX Silent Brown Switches | Tactile | 45g | 2mm | 5-6 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mounted |
Here are the Kailh Box Silent Switches available at Amazon:
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#4. Kailh Low Profile Choc Switches for Laptop
We don’t always like high-profile switches. Kailh Low-Profile Choc Switches for Laptops is the first on the market with a switch contact system based on the patented “BOX” technology of a mechanical switch.
Kailh’s Low-Profile Choc Switches have a smaller ‘chocolate’ key stem, as seen on the Cherry MX Low Profile Switches.
Compared to the standard Choc Switches, the Low-Profile Choc Switches are thinner, shorter, and lighter, allowing for an even lower-key position or reducing the thickness of the keyboard design.
Kailh Low profile switches are great for laptops that use mechanical switches on their keyboard.
1. Kailh Choc White Switches
The Kailh Choc White switches are clicky and actuate at 50g which is good enough. If you are a Cherry MX Blue switch fan, then you will like it.
2. Kailh Choc Brown Switches
The Kailh Choc Brown switches are tactile low-profile switches from Kailh. You will get enough bumpy experience without noisy clicks from this switch.
3. Kailh Choc Red Switches
The Kailh Choc Red switches are low-profile linear switches from Kailh. It is a good offering with an actuation force of only 45g. With this low-profile switch, gaming will be a breeze.
Here is the detailed information about these switches’ specs below:
| Color | Type | Actuation Force | Actuation Point | Operating Speed | Operating Life Cycle | Mount Type |
| Kailh Choc White Switches | Clicky | 50g | 1.5mm | 1 times/s | 70M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh Choc Brown Switches | Tactile | 50g | 1.5mm | 1 times/s | 70M cycles | Plate Mount |
| Kailh Choc Red Switches | Linear | 45g | 1.5mm | 1 times/s | 70M cycles | Plate Mount |
#5. Kailh Pro Switches
The Kailh Pro series of switches is a noteworthy stride in keyboard switch technology. The Kailh Pro is the switch of choice for speed-typing and quick-key actions.
Available in standard sizes, the Kailh Pro comes in both modern and newly developed low-profile designs.
A plus for all you clicky-clackers out there, Kailh Pro switches feature an earlier activation time than most industry-standard switches.
Select the right switch for your next build and get in there and type!
1. Kailh Pro Burgandy Switches
Kailh Pro Burgandy is an excellent Linear switch from the Kailh Pro range. It is very fast and easily actuated with an actuation force of 35g.
2. Kailh Pro Purple Switches
Kailh Pro Purple is a tactile switch with an operating force of 45g which is decent for a tactile switch.
You would love the tactile feel it produces and feels much similar as the MX Browns.
3. Kailh Pro Light Green Switches
Kailh Pro Light Green switches are Clicky ones with an Actuation force of 50g and produce a good clicky actuation.
| Kailh Box Silent Variant | Switch Type | Actuation Force | Actuation Point | Operation Speed | Operating Life Cycle | Mount Type |
| Kailh Pro Burgundy Switches | Linear | 35g | 1.8mm | 5-6 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mounted |
| Kailh Pro Purple Switches | Tactile | 45g | 2mm | 5-6 times/s | 80M cycles | Plate Mounted |
| Kailh Pro Light Green Switches | Clicky | 50g | 1.7mm | 3-4 times/s | 70M cycles | Plate Mounted |
Here are the Kailh Box Silent Switches available at Amazon:
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are Kailh Switches Good?
The Kailh mechanical keyboard switch has many benefits, including its low price point, longevity, and attractive appearance.
Overall, the Kailh switch is an attractive one that has attracted many mechanical keyboard users.
Are Kailh Switches Hot-Swappable?
Hot-swapping means that you can change them while the system is on. This is very useful for gamers because they can change the keycaps on their mechanical keyboards while the computer is on.
No need to turn off the computer to change the keycaps.
The short answer is no, not really. Kailh switches are not truly hot-swappable, but you can get away with changing them if you’re careful. Kailh switches are extremely difficult to remove, even with the special key.
We can’t be sure if it’s intentional or not. It’s possible that Kailh wants to keep the switches locked in the keyboard to prevent tampering, but it doesn’t make much sense to make them so difficult to remove.
Kailh switches fitted on Hot-swap PCBs are hot-swappable.
So, it depends on the mounting style you do while you place the switches on your keyboard.
Are Kailh switches better than Cherry?
Cherry MX Switches are the typical switch used by mechanical keyboards. They are often considered the gold standard for keyboard switches.
Considering the price point, we can say the Kailh switches are better than Cherry. However, in terms of performance and longevity, the Cherry MX is the better one.
The Kailh switches are popular as they are much cheaper with good quality.
Are Kailh switches better than Gateron?
The popularity of Kailh switches continues to grow. With the growing popularity of these switches, I’ve been seeing a lot of confusion about whether Kailh switches are better than the more well-known Gateron switches.
Kailh switches are very similar as compared to the Gateron switches. Kailh is better in terms of low cost as compared to the Gaterons.
However, in terms of overall quality and experience, the Gaterons have the edge over the Kailh switches.
Still, the Kailh switches are considered good for the price we pay for.
Kailh Switches FAQs
Are Kailh silver speed switches 3 pins?
How fast are Kailh speed switches?
Are Kailh speed silvers good?
Low actuation makes these switches fast to click and hence are very useful for fast gaming.
It gets very useful for FPS and competitive games and performs very well.
Can you put Cherry MX keycaps on Kailh switches?
Are Kailh switches loud?
Which Kailh switches are the quietest?
Does Kailh make Optical Switches?
These switches operate by Light in it to capture the response. The Kailh Optical switches are Kailh Optical Blue, Kailh Optical Red, and Kailh Optical Black.
Conclusion
Let’s conclude the post on Kailh switches.
In this guide, I covered in detail the Kailh switches and how they perform with detailed specifications. You should have a good idea of what switch is best for you from the Kailh switch range.
I hope you enjoyed reading this 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.
