Kailh Switches
Cherry MX & Kailh switches are some of the most common mechanical switches today. It should be noted that Kailh also manufactures Razer Switches and Cherry clones. All Cherry & Kailh switches use a spring in conjunction with a stem that lowers when pressed. When pressed, the stem pushes two contacts to touch, completing a circuit.
Cherry MX/Kailh switches are generally louder than rubber dome switches, but quieter than buckling spring switches. Cherry MX/Kailh switches use a cross looking stem, and finding replaceable keycaps is quite easy. Cherry MX/Kailh’s switches do vary in tactility, actuation force, and loudness depending on what design they use. For example, blue switches have a tactile bump, and a click, whereas brown switches only have a bump.
Kailh Switch Colors, Comparison, & Differences
Color | Actuation Behavior | Actuation Force |
Black | Linear | 60cN |
Red (previously yellow) | Linear | 50cN |
Brown | Tactile | 55cN |
Blue | Clicky | 60cN |
See Also
- Cherry MX Switches
- Razer Switches
- Romer G Switches