Let’s face the necessity of Red switches and Blue switches.
When it’s about mechanical keyboards, there are more options for customization. So one of those options is switches. Switches can play a vital role in your gaming and typing experience.
At the heart of mechanical keyboard switches, which significantly influence the typing experience. In this article, we will explore two popular switch types: Red switches and Blue switches.
What is a keyboard switch?
A keyboard switch is a mechanism beneath each keycap on a mechanical keyboard that registers a key press. When a key is pressed, the switch completes an electrical circuit, sending a signal to the computer that a key has been pressed.
What is the Actuation Point on Switches?
This is the exact moment when a keypress is registered by your computer, not just when you start pressing the key. Different switches have this point at different depths.
What is the Actuation force on Switches?
The amount of pressure you need to apply to a key for it to register. Higher force means you have to press down harder, which can be tiring but helps prevent accidental presses. Measured in grams (g).
Different Types of switches
Linear Switch: Linear switches have a smooth, consistent press with no bump or click. They are popular for gaming because they are fast and easy to press.
- Color switch: red and black
- Feedback: none
- Sound: silent, no audible feedback
- Ideal for type of game: MMO and action games
- Actuation point: 45g
Tactile Switch: Tactile switches have a bump at the actuation point, which is the point in the keystroke where the key registers a press. This gives satisfying feedback to the user that the key has been pressed. Tactile switches are a good all-around option for typing and gaming.
- Color switch: blue and green
- Feedback: There is a noticeable bump when you press the key down
- Sound: loud click, audible feedback
- Ideal for the type of game: strategy games and daily use
- Actuation point: 50g
Red Switches: Characteristics and Benefits
Red switches are popular on the market and among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts for their smooth and linear actuation, offering a seamless typing experience.
Linear Actuation of Red Switches: The term “Linear actuation” refers to the consistent force that is required to register a keypress to its travel distance.
Advantages of Linear Actuation on Red Switches: Linear Actuation enables the flexibility of enhanced typing speed. On Red switches, this feature alone makes a solid ground for gaming and fast typists.
Low Actuation Force: The Red switches are made with the intention of minimal force to register a keypress, reducing typing pressure and enabling the comfort zone for users.
Benefits of Low Actuation Force on Red Switches: In the end, the low actuation force of Red Switches enables effortless typing, ensuring user efficiency and comfort.
Blue Switches: Characteristics and Benefits
Unlike Red Switches Blue Switches are also popular on the market and with the mechanical keyboard enthusiast because of their tactile feedback and audible clicks, which are made to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Tactile Feedback of Blue Switches: The term “Tactile feedback” refers to a perceptible bump felt when a key is actuated, indicating successful registration.
Significance of Tactile Feedback in Typing: The tactile feedback of Blue switches ensures precise typing and tactile satisfaction suitable for typists.
Audible Click: Blue switches produce an audible click sound on actuation, adding a new dimension to the typing experience.
Explanation of Audible Click: In the end, The audible click of the Blue Switch offers auditory feedback which enables a satisfying typing rhythm.
How Do Blue Switches Work?
Blue switches work because when pressing down on a key, you’ll hear a click, accompanied by a tactile bump once it registers.
The main advantage of using blue switches is – tactile and auditive feedback.
The way blue switches work is that, when pressing down on a key, once it registers, you’ll hear a click, accompanied by a tactile bump.
How Do Red Switches Work?
Unlike blue switches, red switches are what’s known as linear switches.
These don’t have tactile or audible feedback, and when a keystroke is registered, you won’t hear or feel it. The fact that they’re more sensitive and linear means that they’re really easy to press, and they respond faster than clicky switches, making them preferable for gaming purposes, where you’ll need to press down on keyboard keys very fast.
What is better: Red Switches vs Blue Switches?
The truth of the matter is that mechanical keyboards are not one size fits all.
Red switches: Best for Gaming.
Red switches often don’t come with tactile feedback, so you’ll often find yourself pressing down on them completely.
Blue switches: Best for Typing.
Suppose you don’t mind the noise or openly embrace that noisy life, then, by all means, go for a keyboard with blue switches. On the other hand, if you’d rather have something a bit more silent, brown is the way to go.
Cheery MX Red Switches
Cherry MX Red switches are linear switches with a 45g actuation force.
Sound:
Credit: swtichandclick
The actuation distance is a standard 2.0mm, and the total travel is 4.0mm.
As these are smooth and relatively quiet switches, Cherry MX Reds are ideal for gamers, streamers, and office workers.
Cherry MX Blues Switches
Cherry Mx Blue has an actuation distance of 2.0mm, a total travel of 4.0mm, and is also a standard option in many pre-built boards.
Sound:
Credit: switchandclick
Once you feel the snap, it is followed by an operating force of 45g that brings you back to a 60g bottom-out.
The extra force required, along with the click, is what helps so many typists with their accuracy.
Red Switches vs Blue Switches for Gaming?
Red switches are Best for Gaming. Red switches often don’t come with tactile feedback, so you’ll often find yourself pressing down on them completely.
Red Switches vs Blue Switches For Typing
Blue switches are Best for Typing. Suppose you don’t mind the noise or openly embrace that noisy life, then, by all means, go for a keyboard with blue switches. On the other hand, if you’d rather have something a bit more silent, brown is the way to go.
Conclusion
At the end of Red Switches vs Blue Switches – An Expert Guide For Buyers in 2024 – I hope I helped you choose which switches you should select for your mechanical keyboard.
If you’re more interested in Linear and Tactile Switches – I wrote an article(Linear Switches vs Tactile Switches: An Expert Guide For Buyers), you can go through it.
In conclusion, Red and Blue switches offer satisfying experiences, each with its advantages and suitability for specific applications.