What Is The Best Keyboard Switch Color?

Introduction

The keyboard is an essential tool for any computer user. But did you know that there are different types of keyboard switches? Each type offers a different typing experience, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in how you use your computer.

In this article, we''ll explore the various types of keyboard switches and help you decide which one is the best for you.

What are keyboard switches?

Keyboard switches are the mechanisms that allow the keys on your keyboard to register when you press them. There are two main types of keyboard switches: mechanical and membrane.

Mechanical switches are more expensive than membrane switches, but they offer a better typing experience. They have a tactile feedback that makes them feel more satisfying to use. They also make a distinctive clicking sound, which some users find satisfying.

Membrane switches, on the other hand, are cheaper and more common. They are made of a thin layer of rubber that sits on top of a circuit board. When you press a key, the rubber presses down on the circuit board and completes a circuit, registering the keystroke.

Mechanical switches

Within mechanical switches, there are several different types of switches, each with their own characteristics. The most common types are:

- Linear switches: These switches have a smooth, consistent feel when you press them. They don''t offer any tactile feedback, so you won''t feel a bump or click when you press them. This makes them great for gaming, where you need to press keys quickly and accurately. However, some users find them dull to type on.

- Tactile switches: These switches have a tactile bump that you can feel when you press them. This makes them great for typing, as you can feel when you''ve pressed a key and can release it. They''re also good for gaming, as you can get feedback when you''ve pressed a key without having to bottom out the key and waste time.

- Clicky switches: These switches have an audible click when you press them. They also have a tactile bump, so you can feel when you''ve pressed the key. Some users find the sound satisfying, but others find it distracting. These switches are great for typing, as you can feel and hear when you''ve pressed a key. They''re also good for gaming, as you can get feedback without having to look at the screen.

Membrane switches

Within membrane switches, there are two main types: rubber dome and scissor.

- Rubber dome switches: These switches are made of a thin layer of rubber that sits on top of a circuit board. When you press a key, the rubber dome collapses and presses down on the circuit board, registering the keystroke. They''re cheap to produce and are the most common type of keyboard switch. They''re also quieter than mechanical switches.

- Scissor switches: These switches are a variation of the rubber dome switch. They use a scissor-like mechanism to keep the key stable and prevent wobbling. They''re commonly used in laptop keyboards, as they''re thin and don''t take up much space. However, they''re not as durable as mechanical switches and can wear out over time.

Which switch color is the best?

Now that we''ve explored the different types of keyboard switches, let''s talk about switch colors. Each manufacturer uses their own color-coding system to indicate the type of switch that a keyboard uses. Here are the most common colors and their characteristics:

- Cherry MX Brown: These switches are tactile and require a bit of force to press down. They''re great for typing, as you can feel when you''ve pressed a key and can release it. They''re not as loud as clicky switches, making them a good choice if you don''t want to disturb others around you.

- Cherry MX Blue: These switches are clicky and tactile. They have an audible click when you press them and a tactile bump that you can feel. They''re great for typing, as you can feel and hear when you''ve pressed a key. They''re also good for gaming, as you can get feedback without having to look at the screen.

- Cherry MX Red: These switches are linear and require a consistent force to press down. They don''t have a tactile bump or an audible click, making them great for gaming, where you need to press keys quickly and accurately. However, some users find them dull to type on.

- Cherry MX Black: These switches are linear and require more force to press down than other switches. They don''t have a tactile bump or an audible click, making them great for gaming, where you need to press keys quickly and accurately. They''re not as popular for typing, as the extra force required to press down the keys can be tiring.

- Cherry MX Speed: These switches are linear and require a very light force to press down. They''re great for gaming, as you can press keys quickly and accurately. They''re not as popular for typing, as the light force required can lead to accidental keystrokes.

Conclusion

So, which switch color is the best? The answer is that it depends on your personal preference. If you do a lot of typing, you might prefer a tactile switch like the Cherry MX Brown or Blue. If you''re a gamer, you might prefer a linear switch like the Cherry MX Red or Black.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which switch is right for you is to try them out for yourself. Visit a store that sells mechanical keyboards and try typing on different switches. You might find that you prefer a particular switch color that you hadn''t considered before.

Remember, choosing the right keyboard switch can make a big difference in how you use your computer. So take your time and find the switch that feels right for you.