I can't believe I didn't put this in the video (well I did, but I guess it wasn't too clear): OPTICAL AND MECHANICAL SWITCHES DO NOT MIX. They are exclusive to their respective boards. Optical keyboard? ONLY optical switches. Mechanical keyboard? ONLY mechanical switches. End of sentence. No BUTS. Cheers, mates!
Do you know if Gateron has a patent on these PCBs that accept their switches? Is it possible more switch manufacturers could make compatible switches or is this a Gateron switch only kind of thing?
I made a standard outemu blue optical because I was bored. You can take off the pins and cut off the stub that makes space for the bottom of the stem. This is rather dumb but it does actually work, with the click actually being in tune with the actuation. Wouldn’t work with box switches i think though.
he left out the part where if the mechanical switch fails you simply exchange it for a new switch. if the laser fails, you exchange it for a new keyboard.
Excellent comparision. I don't usually comment but the depth and breadth you went into really made the differences between the switches clear to me. keep up the good work and stunning videos!
Keyboard Used: SK68 with DSA PBT keycaps (review coming soon) P.S. I hate typing on DSA keycaps. Note: I couldn't find the bottom out force for the Optical Silvers anywhere on the internet, so I just used the 15g increase found in most of the other switches. But regardless of the switch springs, they don't feel any heavier bottoming out than your typical Gateron switch.
I can't afford any key switches. I hope my pencil tip will suffice. Wait. Optical yellow is 35 grams and optical brown is 55 grams? Wth is going on here, Gateron?
@@JubbsEntertainment It seems that optical yellows actuate at 35 grams; Whereas mechanical yellows actuate at 50 grams. So optical yellows function like mechanical clears. I am so confused.
@@3shottzz optical silver are the same thing just 10grams more of force needed. imo silver switches are slept on and they sound the same as yellows too
@@luvvjd I can’t speak on that myself since I’ve never owned a keyboard with silvers. But my friend who did own silvers tried my keyboard with yellows and ended buying yellow switches for himself
I have watched dozens of videos about the differences between mechanical keyboards, and yours was the most rigorous regarding the concepts and most thorough regarding demonstration. Thank you very much!
Thank you! I have never come across such a comprehensive, satisfying, and cheery video on mechanical/optical switches, and I have been looking! It's like you typed all that information right into my grey matter at a gentle yet fast 100wpm!
Thank you! I just learned about mechanical keyboards 2 weeks ago and now am trying to make a decision on which to get for my first setup. This was a huge help!
I just picked up an Epomaker SK61 with Gateron Optical Brown switches and I love it, the switches are absolutely perfect for me. I just had a board with reds but found they were too light and couldnt really get used to them after moving from blues so I ordered one with Gateron Optical Browns, they're really nice to type on very smooth and sounds great
thanks bro... I've used cherry mx blues, reds and even tactile Romer Gs. I've recently switched to optical yellows and I'm not ever turning back to traditional mech switches...
i only tried cheap blue's cherry mx brown/red and not optical gateron reds. I must say this is the best switch i've experienced so far but i've noticed i bottom out alot especially on the spacebar so i might try blacks even tho my usage is mostly gaming-oriented. The cherry mx clip-in stabilizers dont really like em but i can only see screw-in durocks so maybe i'll just start building from scratch again xD It's just so damn hard to find good keycaps in stock especially for 64 layout.
i have an anne pro 2 with gateron browns and a sk64 w/ gateron brown optical switches. the opticals sound way better ngl. it sounds 'thockier' than the gateron browns and feels way smoother too.
I like the way you explain and compare switches. So keep it up. For me, I learn something new today from you that my Keychron K8 is an optical switch keyboard. At first I pulled the switch out to see if its 3 or 5 pins so I can by the right one to replace them (for fun). Turn out it has no pin and I was like... what is going on here. Do some research and come to your video and enlightened. Everything is clear to me now. Thanks.
@@j.uliekim6411 Nice! It’s awesome. Love how compact it is on my desk because it gives me more mouse space and it makes for an aesthetically pleasing setup. The RGB looks great with the white one and the keycaps feel pretty good. I got the optical blue switches :)
Im confused. Is there a difference with the Gateron optical switches compared to the Keycrhon Optical switches? or are they the same thing? I want the best one.
It's probably too late but he failed to mention that there is no practical or perceptual advantage gained. The performance gap will be changed much more by choosing a lighter spring. We're taking fractions of fractions and fractions of milliseconds of input advantage. It's cool tech but that's about it.
Passing by to know if optical black silent are as good as mechanical ones (i guess youtube hasn't much vids about it) just 2 cents on the way : top/stem already compatible with mechanical Gaterons will be compatible with optical bases. It wont be the exact same thing as a full mechanical combo as the base isn't the same as anything, but it should be pretty darn close.
That was very well explained. I have a question though, can you switch the top housing of Gateron mechanical switches with Gateron optical switches? Like are they the same?Because you only get transparent tops on optical ones, and I want to switch them with opaque.
Hey guys, I’ve been wanting to buy key caps but idk if it’ll fit into my Razed Huntsman. Can I buy any key cap or am I limited to razer’s optical key caps?
lubed gateron optical yellows with milky tops are endgame material. Optical linears have no contact leaf and that inherently makes them smoother. Optical tactiles and clickies use a dummy leaf to generate tactility, and optical blues have a VERY tactile leaf.
If you have used both optical and mechanical switches please answer this. How do mechanical and optical switches feel when typing. And which feels better for long period typing.
i have optical blacks on my KB and they have crazy amount of wobble , without the extra pins + the build tolerances you will not have as consistent a feel and sound vs pinned switches. i noticed after modding my switches they do not fit as snug on the PCB prior to being pulled out.
Hmm.. I wish there was a metal case version of the optical epomaker boards. I think the SK68S would be perfect for me and the metal makes it look very retro/nintendo style which is pretty cool imo.
Hey I have a quick question, I got optical brown switches with the gk61 and was wondering would I get a good advantage in terms of latency for gaming compared to a mechanical brown switches
Just so everyone knows, breaking a beam of light is not faster than closing two electrical contacts. Both of these actions take place at the speed of light, the gaming advantage is purely marketing and placebo.
I've never seen anyone do this (prolly bc no one is crazy enough to do it)- but what would happen if you put a mechanical stem into a Gateron optical housing? If the legs on the stem were cut off would it work- if the stem is long enough to trigger the keypress in the first place
which is better gateron optical bleu or gateron mechanical bleu? Cuz many people say that the optical version feels a little cheaper than the mechanical version, is that treu?
thank you so much for this video I didn’t know that there were different switches when I got my keyboard I want to customize it because I really dislike the sound of the optical blues and I was so confused why there were switches with pins while mine don’t have pins . This just saved me a lot of frustration by buying the right switches right away
Thank you SOO much! I went round and round on the web and couldn't get a solid answer. I went with the optical switches (red) to replace the Optical Blue that came on the board. I will only be swapping the keys needed for gaming to the Red and leaving the rest of the keyboard (60%) on the typing keys. . .
Optical browns feel nice but I keep accidentally pushing down my wasd while I'm standing still in video games. Kinda weird since some people say its hard to push down the keys.
I'm using red switches and they're pretty much great. No accidentally pushed buttons, but i would like to try out more heavier switches or tactile ones. What concerns me the most is the actuation point of 2mm though. Gonna buy some silver switches for qwer and see if there srill be moments when i push button long enough for it to work but it didn't.
Im going to a Redragon Vata K580RGB-PRO, I really love this thin plate and the other stuff like sound wheel and lights... But I have a main point to decide because it comes with Outemu Blue Optical, and how all we know is Outemu. Im in doubt about Kailh Box Optical or Gateron Optical, both in any linear version. I never used optical switches before, what you think that is a better option for me? Thanks!
hello friend, did you manage to change? did it work for you? I have a redragon optical but I can't find anything about changes, please tell me if possible
@@django8361 hello, well... I gave up of optical switches due the lack of information. I decided to go with GMMK PRO and to be honest I do not have regrets on this, since I tested both keyboard I can say the construction of GMMK is soooooo much premium than Vata.
I would suggest Brown as it has the bump to let you know when your key has been registered when you press it -> suitable for gaming and typing. Black it's linear just like Red but heavier, and it's really depends on the user who like it or not.
im confused AF. Ive got a keychron k6 pro... can I put opical switches in it or only regular mechanicals? It seems that a keyboard's PCB is designed for one or the other and not both?
Don't you make any mistakes when you use optical linear switches? In my case, I do a lot but I don't know what is the best without any clicky sound (maybe brown). Any recommendations?
You forgot to mention the most important feature of optical switch that they don't have to suffer from key chatter issue. Key chatter is the only feature that led me to buy an optical switch keyboard
Thank you for making this I was wondering if I should get mechanical black or optical black for my gk61 and when you said optical a were thockier I decided on opticals tysm!
Hi can I ask if you know the differences between gateron switches.. like, clear top black bot, full milky, clear top white bot, or white top black bot? thank you so much!!!
There are currently 5 main variant of Gateron switches ( aka. KS variant ) that are: 1. KS-3 series: Black top housing, black bottom housing . 2. KS-3X1 series: Milky top housing , milky bottom housing aka. Full milky. 3. KS-3X47 series: Milky top housing , black bottom housing . 4. KS-8 series: Clear top housing , black bottom housing . 5. KS-9 series: Clear top housing , white bottom housing . There are more variant of Gateron switches but mostly it's discontinued or optical variant so I'm not gonna list it here. What's the differences between them: 1. KS-3: the most smoothness type of Gateron switches, in my opinion it's even smoother than Cherry MX linear switches. But due to the different in housing material. It sounds is not too good compare to the Milky variant. Another worth to mention is this type doesn't support SMD led. 2. KS-3X1: The Cap Milky or Full milky variant. This one in my opinion has the best sound than other variant ( especially when you lube + film it properly ). But it's a double edged blade, it sound maybe the best but it scratchiness is beyond terrible. So you will have to lube it no matter what. This type doesn't support SMD led too. 3. KS-3X47: This type of switches is a combination between Milky top of KS-3X1 and Black bottom housing of KS-3. The reason why Gateron produce this type of switches is to give the user the balance smoothness and good sound. But imo it's just a "Jakc of all trades" type of switches, it does it role good but not that well. This type doesn't support SMD and other led type due to it Black bottom housing will made the led dimmer. 4. KS-8: One of the most popular and well know switch type of Gateron, it support 4 pin led. It Clear top housing made by different material so it sound is not that good compare to the other three variant above. It smoothness is so-so, not that good but also not so bad compare to other cheap switches such as Outemu, Huano, Redragon. 5. KS-9: Also know as SMD Gateron, another popular type of Gateron switche aside the KS-8. Support all type of led including SMD. But this type imo is the most scratchiness switches ( maybe the same level of KS8 ).
@@huunhanle3809 wow thank you so much for this very informative reply. I actually got the full milky pro yellows. I haven;t attached them yet on my KB. hopefully I made the right decision.
@@CeanKeys You're welcome, I have tried the Pro Milky Yellow and I would say it's a very good upgrade. It fix the annoying stem wobble as well as improve the smoothness of the switch more than the original Milky one :D.
Hello i have a question is the laser sensor built in like to the keyboard not in to the switch cause when you can activate the sensor or the type with pen you didnt have switch on so i think the sensor is built into a keyboard. But correct me if im wrong
I have both gateron reds and the new razer reds, out of the box the razer feels way better! Ok yes you get the rattling sound when you shake the keyboard but seriously that’s not normal use. The gateron switches have a small scratchy feeling out of the box and a hard bottom out, whereas the razer is like landing on a cloud. After applying lube to both switch types my favourite by far is the razer still, it’s so silent and smooth! Don’t get me wrong the gaterons still feel good, but I assume the rubber lined switches of the razer help a lot with it’s over all feel.
That's an interesting take, a mechanical switch SHOULD be scratchier than an optical switch, especially if it's linear. But I'm pressing X to doubt the fact you (properly) lubed the Razer Optical switches. I also don't know where people keep getting these false specs on the switches. There's no rubber lining. It's just plastic. btw, its*, not "it is overall feel"
@@Romsicle I forgot to add the gaterons are optical as well... anyway yes the new razer switches have silicone inserts, watch randomfrankp’s video about the huntsmen mini where he opens a switch and shows it. Ok and it’s not lined but two strips that act as damper make the bottom out of the key feel soft. To lube such a hard to open switch I use a needle to drop down some ptfe dry lube into the slides, then on the outer spring I used a dielectric grease on all the contact points of the wire spring.
I see. They only advertise the dampeners for the Gen2 Linears for the huntsman mini only...what's interesting is that Razer doesn't publicly share the fact that the switches are lubed, which begs the question whether they're really lubed or it's a marketing ploy told to reviews to make the switches seem better. Thanks for letting me know, appreciate it!
![Don’t get the Gateron Optical Yellows! Get these instead! [GK61]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dCqZy_K7fkA/mqdefault.jpg)
I can't believe I didn't put this in the video (well I did, but I guess it wasn't too clear): OPTICAL AND MECHANICAL SWITCHES DO NOT MIX. They are exclusive to their respective boards. Optical keyboard? ONLY optical switches. Mechanical keyboard? ONLY mechanical switches. End of sentence. No BUTS. Cheers, mates!
Do you know if Gateron has a patent on these PCBs that accept their switches? Is it possible more switch manufacturers could make compatible switches or is this a Gateron switch only kind of thing?
@@justinc8157 Not sure if it's patented, but Kailh has optical switches with a base that will fit a Gat optical board.
@@Romsicle wait what, optical blues and optical browns are the same?
I made a standard outemu blue optical because I was bored. You can take off the pins and cut off the stub that makes space for the bottom of the stem. This is rather dumb but it does actually work, with the click actually being in tune with the actuation. Wouldn’t work with box switches i think though.
but but
Never understood this topic until you told me so clearly. Great content.
he left out the part where if the mechanical switch fails you simply exchange it for a new switch. if the laser fails, you exchange it for a new keyboard.
Excellent comparision. I don't usually comment but the depth and breadth you went into really made the differences between the switches clear to me. keep up the good work and stunning videos!
Keyboard Used: SK68 with DSA PBT keycaps (review coming soon) P.S. I hate typing on DSA keycaps.
Note: I couldn't find the bottom out force for the Optical Silvers anywhere on the internet,
so I just used the 15g increase found in most of the other switches. But regardless of the switch springs, they don't feel any heavier bottoming out than your typical Gateron switch.
Which one is good optical or mechanical in your expirience
Im honestly very sorry for necroing but is the sk68 better than the hk61 in your opinion?
@@aryanb5749 In terms of performance, the SK series are better. But for flexibility, the GK series would be better, ie. trying different switches.
I can't afford any key switches. I hope my pencil tip will suffice.
Wait. Optical yellow is 35 grams and optical brown is 55 grams? Wth is going on here, Gateron?
i cant tell if you mean the weight of the switches or the force needed to actually actuate/bottom out the switches XD
@@JubbsEntertainment It seems that optical yellows actuate at 35 grams; Whereas mechanical yellows actuate at 50 grams. So optical yellows function like mechanical clears. I am so confused.
@@CaveyMoth optical yellows are the fastest switches in the world as of right noe
@@3shottzz optical silver are the same thing just 10grams more of force needed. imo silver switches are slept on and they sound the same as yellows too
@@luvvjd I can’t speak on that myself since I’ve never owned a keyboard with silvers. But my friend who did own silvers tried my keyboard with yellows and ended buying yellow switches for himself
I have watched dozens of videos about the differences between mechanical keyboards, and yours was the most rigorous regarding the concepts and most thorough regarding demonstration. Thank you very much!
Thank you! I have never come across such a comprehensive, satisfying, and cheery video on mechanical/optical switches, and I have been looking! It's like you typed all that information right into my grey matter at a gentle yet fast 100wpm!
Bro ily keep up the great work you are so underrated only 6k subs?!? get this man to at least 30k by the end of the year
Bless LOL gotta get the word out
This was really helpful you need more fame thanks for the help! definitely going to subscribe~
[From the UK, September 2022] This has got to be the best summary & examination of keyboard switch tech on the Internet, full stop! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Thank you! I just learned about mechanical keyboards 2 weeks ago and now am trying to make a decision on which to get for my first setup. This was a huge help!
I just picked up an Epomaker SK61 with Gateron Optical Brown switches and I love it, the switches are absolutely perfect for me. I just had a board with reds but found they were too light and couldnt really get used to them after moving from blues so I ordered one with Gateron Optical Browns, they're really nice to type on very smooth and sounds great
Holy shit man I learned so much about mechanical keyboards from this one video! Thanks for making it. Your channel is really under appreciated.
thanks bro... I've used cherry mx blues, reds and even tactile Romer Gs. I've recently switched to optical yellows and I'm not ever turning back to traditional mech switches...
i only tried cheap blue's cherry mx brown/red and not optical gateron reds. I must say this is the best switch i've experienced so far but i've noticed i bottom out alot especially on the spacebar so i might try blacks even tho my usage is mostly gaming-oriented. The cherry mx clip-in stabilizers dont really like em but i can only see screw-in durocks so maybe i'll just start building from scratch again xD It's just so damn hard to find good keycaps in stock especially for 64 layout.
I heard the yellow is SUPER light and too easy to press down. Is this true for u?
Came across this video researching Keychron's low profile optical vs Gateron's. Subbed!
literally same lol
i have an anne pro 2 with gateron browns and a sk64 w/ gateron brown optical switches. the opticals sound way better ngl. it sounds 'thockier' than the gateron browns and feels way smoother too.
Im about to order a gk61 with brown gateron switches, should i get mechanical or optical switches for overall feel and gaming?
best 8 min vid on youtube no cap!! Even helpful today thank you!!
Love the video man , keep it up
3:04: Typo: Blue and Browns say “Acutation” instead of “Actuation”.
I used to think clicky switches were the bomb. But, after using linear switches, I really don't like clicky switches.
I like the way you explain and compare switches. So keep it up. For me, I learn something new today from you that my Keychron K8 is an optical switch keyboard. At first I pulled the switch out to see if its 3 or 5 pins so I can by the right one to replace them (for fun). Turn out it has no pin and I was like... what is going on here. Do some research and come to your video and enlightened. Everything is clear to me now. Thanks.
Wow, a keyboard reviewer and a touch typist! Youre the best! Subbed!
Amazing straight to the point video, and super helpful! Subbed subbed!
Wow. Very helpful and insightful video. I'm ready for my first keyboard. Thank you, Romsicle!
OMG every since I bought a GK61 and it came with optical switches I had no idea what they were!! Thanks for this video :D
Omg, I just got a GK61 yesterday. Was wondering the same thing!
@@perrry_ho my gk61 is coming in the mail! how is it so far ? i got the gateron optical reds
@@j.uliekim6411 Nice! It’s awesome. Love how compact it is on my desk because it gives me more mouse space and it makes for an aesthetically pleasing setup. The RGB looks great with the white one and the keycaps feel pretty good. I got the optical blue switches :)
So the gateron reds are optical? Because it dosent specify on banggood for the gk61 if it’s optical
@Coji I get it but idk which keys the keyboard comes eight
@Coji ya I’m switching over to the womier 60% keyboard, it comes with optical gateron choices and I love the rgb better than the gk
Explanation was too good! Loved it Romiscle bro
Im confused. Is there a difference with the Gateron optical switches compared to the Keycrhon Optical switches? or are they the same thing? I want the best one.
Gateron no.1
@@s1l3nt40 thank you
7:15 gateron switches? meaning regular mechanical or optical?
Thank you I was getting second thoughts about getting a optical keyboard THANK YOU!!!!!!!
It's probably too late but he failed to mention that there is no practical or perceptual advantage gained.
The performance gap will be changed much more by choosing a lighter spring. We're taking fractions of fractions and fractions of milliseconds of input advantage.
It's cool tech but that's about it.
Passing by to know if optical black silent are as good as mechanical ones (i guess youtube hasn't much vids about it) just 2 cents on the way : top/stem already compatible with mechanical Gaterons will be compatible with optical bases. It wont be the exact same thing as a full mechanical combo as the base isn't the same as anything, but it should be pretty darn close.
You deserve more subs :) great video !
hey could u pls tell me how long the stem od an gateron brown is ?
definitivamente el video que buscaba. gracias campeon
Excellent comparison. Thank you!
What are your opinions on the lubed gat optical blacks? Do they sound nice? Good typing experience?
amazing exactly what i was looking for and more for sure
That was very well explained. I have a question though, can you switch the top housing of Gateron mechanical switches with Gateron optical switches? Like are they the same?Because you only get transparent tops on optical ones, and I want to switch them with opaque.
thank you man, definitely getting that gk61 with optical brown switches, thanks for the help!
I’m getting the sk64
@@amuuusing6713 nicee
@@blondst7372 thanks u too!
IM getting the gk61 with the optical red switches. Or should I get brown. Does color even matter?
@@yaziyah4001 bruh
Hey guys, I’ve been wanting to buy key caps but idk if it’ll fit into my Razed Huntsman. Can I buy any key cap or am I limited to razer’s optical key caps?
As far as I know, Razer switches use the same Cherry style stem design ( the cross shape ) so you can slap on it any keycaps set you want on it.
@@huunhanle3809 yea I sent on some blue and red caps and they look great! thanks!
Excellent guide. Thanks!
the black luped switches sound great, will get them for my keychron, thanks for the vid
lubed gateron optical yellows with milky tops are endgame material. Optical linears have no contact leaf and that inherently makes them smoother. Optical tactiles and clickies use a dummy leaf to generate tactility, and optical blues have a VERY tactile leaf.
If you have used both optical and mechanical switches please answer this. How do mechanical and optical switches feel when typing. And which feels better for long period typing.
Man, Im 3 years late on this tech. This is awesome!
Do gateron blues sound and feel the same to the gateron optical blues? Btw great video 👍🏼
i have optical blacks on my KB and they have crazy amount of wobble , without the extra pins + the build tolerances you will not have as consistent a feel and sound vs pinned switches. i noticed after modding my switches they do not fit as snug on the PCB prior to being pulled out.
Hmm.. I wish there was a metal case version of the optical epomaker boards. I think the SK68S would be perfect for me and the metal makes it look very retro/nintendo style which is pretty cool imo.
You could probably just buy a 3rd party case
Great short explanation. Thanks a lot!
Are there still no other branded optical switches out there since the release of this video, other than Gateron?
There are a rare few out there, but most of the keyboards only support Gateron opticals.
This video was very informative, thank you!
very nice video, very clear explanation and testing. Thank you! :)
i have sk61 and i hope in the future that they will make a lot of more custom optical switches
i hope u replied
should i buy sk61 with optical switched or buy gk61(mechanical ) which costs 20$ more than the optical one
Sk61
@@direntechtips1714 okay thanks
This was so well explained! Thank you! Great content
Hey I have a quick question, I got optical brown switches with the gk61 and was wondering would I get a good advantage in terms of latency for gaming compared to a mechanical brown switches
Theoretically, yes.
You mean optical switch is better than mechanical switch
Lol no, all is marketing
What game do you play?
Does it require high APM?
Just so everyone knows, breaking a beam of light is not faster than closing two electrical contacts. Both of these actions take place at the speed of light, the gaming advantage is purely marketing and placebo.
FACTS.
wow
best video of detailed explaining
thanks
Can I use optical switches from different brands? Or is it just for Gateron?
I've never seen anyone do this (prolly bc no one is crazy enough to do it)- but what would happen if you put a mechanical stem into a Gateron optical housing? If the legs on the stem were cut off would it work- if the stem is long enough to trigger the keypress in the first place
The stem pole is simply too short for it to work.
@@Romsicle not even stems that are rougly the same length such as Akko CS Rose Red switches?
which is better gateron optical bleu or gateron mechanical bleu? Cuz many people say that the optical version feels a little cheaper than the mechanical version, is that treu?
This channel is very underrated
Yeah. I recently discovered that optical switches are MUCH MORE different that traditional mechanical switches.
This video is too good. Had to turn off my adblock & refresh. Thank you for posting this!
thank you so much for this video I didn’t know that there were different switches when I got my keyboard I want to customize it because I really dislike the sound of the optical blues and I was so confused why there were switches with pins while mine don’t have pins . This just saved me a lot of frustration by buying the right switches right away
my switches arrived and they fit perfectly! thank you so much again for this video !!
is there a cherry profile interference with optical switches?
I think so since most optical keyboard is north facing PCB and eventually you will have to push the stem to the bottom to register the key.
Thank you so much! Answered all my questions :D
Thank you SOO much! I went round and round on the web and couldn't get a solid answer. I went with the optical switches (red) to replace the Optical Blue that came on the board. I will only be swapping the keys needed for gaming to the Red and leaving the rest of the keyboard (60%) on the typing keys. . .
Optical browns feel nice but I keep accidentally pushing down my wasd while I'm standing still in video games. Kinda weird since some people say its hard to push down the keys.
I've only had that issue with 35g springs. If it keeps being an issue, you can always buy some heavier springs for cheap on AliExpress.
yes I also have brown switches but mine are lubed and for me they are fine but it is true that they are very sensitive to the touch
When I'm tired I always accidentally press the a or w key and I suddenly wake up because my character magically moved lmao
I'm using red switches and they're pretty much great. No accidentally pushed buttons, but i would like to try out more heavier switches or tactile ones.
What concerns me the most is the actuation point of 2mm though. Gonna buy some silver switches for qwer and see if there srill be moments when i push button long enough for it to work but it didn't.
Im going to a Redragon Vata K580RGB-PRO, I really love this thin plate and the other stuff like sound wheel and lights... But I have a main point to decide because it comes with Outemu Blue Optical, and how all we know is Outemu. Im in doubt about Kailh Box Optical or Gateron Optical, both in any linear version. I never used optical switches before, what you think that is a better option for me? Thanks!
hello friend, did you manage to change? did it work for you? I have a redragon optical but I can't find anything about changes, please tell me if possible
@@django8361 hello, well... I gave up of optical switches due the lack of information. I decided to go with GMMK PRO and to be honest I do not have regrets on this, since I tested both keyboard I can say the construction of GMMK is soooooo much premium than Vata.
which one is better for both gaming and typing? browns or blacks?
I would suggest Brown as it has the bump to let you know when your key has been registered when you press it -> suitable for gaming and typing. Black it's linear just like Red but heavier, and it's really depends on the user who like it or not.
im confused AF. Ive got a keychron k6 pro... can I put opical switches in it or only regular mechanicals? It seems that a keyboard's PCB is designed for one or the other and not both?
Thanks for the vid! Perfect for my buying decision.
Great video. I learned something today!
thank you, this was super helpful!!!
Don't you make any mistakes when you use optical linear switches? In my case, I do a lot but I don't know what is the best without any clicky sound (maybe brown). Any recommendations?
Nice presentatuon man! Appreciate it. Keep on posting.
Amazing breakdown man. Exactly what I was looking for. (smashed the like btn)
Great video, keep up the good work!
Excellent video. Good explanatory info. Very useful thanks 👍
This was genuinely a good video
Thank you
can i put in mechanical switches in my optical keyboard plz help i bought a bunch of milky yellows and i have no use now
No you can't, sadly. Optical mechanical keyboard's PCB are completely different from normal mechanical keyboard's PCB.
@@huunhanle3809 then I'm fucked
Is there a difference of battery life bc of the lasers?
what keyboard are u using
You forgot to mention the most important feature of optical switch that they don't have to suffer from key chatter issue. Key chatter is the only feature that led me to buy an optical switch keyboard
What is key chatter?
@@librast key chatter is when you press a key and it registers a single key press more than one times.
Oh, so its like double click on a mouse? Thanks for the info
@@librast yes its just like that
If I want to build my own keyboard, where can I buy the Gateron Optical pc boards?
Thank you for making this I was wondering if I should get mechanical black or optical black for my gk61 and when you said optical a were thockier I decided on opticals tysm!
this is the video that ive been looking for
Hi can I ask if you know the differences between gateron switches.. like, clear top black bot, full milky, clear top white bot, or white top black bot? thank you so much!!!
There are currently 5 main variant of Gateron switches ( aka. KS variant ) that are:
1. KS-3 series: Black top housing, black bottom housing .
2. KS-3X1 series: Milky top housing , milky bottom housing aka. Full milky.
3. KS-3X47 series: Milky top housing , black bottom housing .
4. KS-8 series: Clear top housing , black bottom housing .
5. KS-9 series: Clear top housing , white bottom housing .
There are more variant of Gateron switches but mostly it's discontinued or optical variant so I'm not gonna list it here.
What's the differences between them:
1. KS-3: the most smoothness type of Gateron switches, in my opinion it's even smoother than Cherry MX linear switches. But due to the different in housing material. It sounds is not too good compare to the Milky variant. Another worth to mention is this type doesn't support SMD led.
2. KS-3X1: The Cap Milky or Full milky variant. This one in my opinion has the best sound than other variant ( especially when you lube + film it properly ). But it's a double edged blade, it sound maybe the best but it scratchiness is beyond terrible. So you will have to lube it no matter what. This type doesn't support SMD led too.
3. KS-3X47: This type of switches is a combination between Milky top of KS-3X1 and Black bottom housing of KS-3. The reason why Gateron produce this type of switches is to give the user the balance smoothness and good sound. But imo it's just a "Jakc of all trades" type of switches, it does it role good but not that well. This type doesn't support SMD and other led type due to it Black bottom housing will made the led dimmer.
4. KS-8: One of the most popular and well know switch type of Gateron, it support 4 pin led. It Clear top housing made by different material so it sound is not that good compare to the other three variant above. It smoothness is so-so, not that good but also not so bad compare to other cheap switches such as Outemu, Huano, Redragon.
5. KS-9: Also know as SMD Gateron, another popular type of Gateron switche aside the KS-8. Support all type of led including SMD. But this type imo is the most scratchiness switches ( maybe the same level of KS8 ).
@@huunhanle3809 wow thank you so much for this very informative reply. I actually got the full milky pro yellows. I haven;t attached them yet on my KB. hopefully I made the right decision.
@@CeanKeys You're welcome, I have tried the Pro Milky Yellow and I would say it's a very good upgrade. It fix the annoying stem wobble as well as improve the smoothness of the switch more than the original Milky one :D.
This review was 10/10 thanks for the info bc I have optical now I know what to do now
You should check out the ROG RX optical switches as well
Is there a difference in lubing a gateron optical?
Hello i have a question is the laser sensor built in like to the keyboard not in to the switch cause when you can activate the sensor or the type with pen you didnt have switch on so i think the sensor is built into a keyboard. But correct me if im wrong
That is correct. That's also a reason why all optical switches are hot-swappable.
@@Romsicle Thank you so much i right now have apex pro tkl but if that breaks im getting the gk 61
@@Romsicle hey so i should be able to swap my kailh optical black to some gateron opticals right?
Hey, can you recommend any keyboards that take optical switches, but are also hotswap?
Thanks for the vid, very informative
epomaker sk61
I have both gateron reds and the new razer reds, out of the box the razer feels way better! Ok yes you get the rattling sound when you shake the keyboard but seriously that’s not normal use.
The gateron switches have a small scratchy feeling out of the box and a hard bottom out, whereas the razer is like landing on a cloud.
After applying lube to both switch types my favourite by far is the razer still, it’s so silent and smooth! Don’t get me wrong the gaterons still feel good, but I assume the rubber lined switches of the razer help a lot with it’s over all feel.
That's an interesting take, a mechanical switch SHOULD be scratchier than an optical switch, especially if it's linear. But I'm pressing X to doubt the fact you (properly) lubed the Razer Optical switches. I also don't know where people keep getting these false specs on the switches. There's no rubber lining. It's just plastic.
btw, its*, not "it is overall feel"
@@Romsicle I forgot to add the gaterons are optical as well... anyway yes the new razer switches have silicone inserts, watch randomfrankp’s video about the huntsmen mini where he opens a switch and shows it. Ok and it’s not lined but two strips that act as damper make the bottom out of the key feel soft.
To lube such a hard to open switch I use a needle to drop down some ptfe dry lube into the slides, then on the outer spring I used a dielectric grease on all the contact points of the wire spring.
I see. They only advertise the dampeners for the Gen2 Linears for the huntsman mini only...what's interesting is that Razer doesn't publicly share the fact that the switches are lubed, which begs the question whether they're really lubed or it's a marketing ploy told to reviews to make the switches seem better. Thanks for letting me know, appreciate it!
are gateron yellow switches optical?
It have both optical and normal mechanical version btw :D.
Thank you so much you really helped
Thanks again for this video. And you made another subscriber
hey what gateron optical switches sound the most like omnipoint switches
Can the optical switches go on my rk61 ?
Which keyboard is better SK61 or GK61? And which rgb is lighter and better between the two?