XDA Developers
xda-developers.com › home › keyboards & mice › mechanical, magnetic, or optical: which keyboard switch should you choose?
Mechanical, magnetic, or optical: which keyboard switch should you choose?
December 17, 2024 - This action registers the respective key, detecting the varying strength in the magnetic field inside the switch. The recent explosion in the number of Hall effect keyboards on the market has been driven, in part, by the popularity of excellent models from brands like Wooting, Razer, and SteelSeries. Optical switches are similar to mechanical switches in the sense that they have mechanical components inside them, but the process of actuation is completely different.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/keyboards › optical vs. magnetic vs. mechanical for high level comp gameplay
r/keyboards on Reddit: Optical vs. Magnetic vs. Mechanical for High Level Comp Gameplay
January 28, 2024 -
I know most pro's just use the equipment from their sponsors so that's an unreliable source for information.
That being said is there a tier list or even a list that some one has developed for competitive gamers? I don't mind the price, I just want to make sure I don't scam myself with a high cost low tier keyboard.
Thank you for the help in advanced!
Edit: I prefer full size over 60%
Top answer 1 of 3
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Mechanical
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U might need wooting he80, it's just came out btw. For killer combo I could also replace case with something more premium, keycaps of Ur choice and switches(wooting switches are definitely not bad but there could be 3rd party options that are much nicer in terms of overall quality but they won't be cheap for sure). Opticals even high end are not worth it imo cuz they're just not as great as magnetic and those that actually work well (like razer ones) are not even cheaper than wooting and hard to customise so getting them feels a lose lose situation.
Videos
Understanding the Difference Between Mechanical and ...
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Are Optical Keyboards Better Than Mechanical Keyboards?
GravaStar
gravastar.com › home › learn › learn
Magnetic vs Mechanical Keyboard I Switch Keyboards Compared
April 20, 2025 - Optical switches use infrared light to detect input, which makes them fast and contactless. They respond quicker than mechanical switches but lack the depth control of magnetic ones and offer limited tactile variety or customization.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/mechanicalkeyboards › mechanical vs optical switches
r/MechanicalKeyboards on Reddit: Mechanical vs Optical Switches
October 17, 2022 -
I am quite new into mechanical keyboards. How to choose between them? Please advice, thank you.
Also, low profile vs normal mechanical keyboard, which to choose?
Top answer 1 of 5
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Mechanical and normal is the default. Unless you have a specific reason to choose it, you're limiting yourself to a much smaller pool of possibilities and in general are considered worse, which is why they're not the default. For mechanical vs optical: Mechanical was the default and still is because nothing else offers a good enough trade off to switch. Optical does offer some benefits, but wasn't enough for the entire market to swap. As far as I know, the most common selling points are: 1. They last longer because they use light instead of electrical contacts (While it might be technically true, in most cases people aren't replacing keyboards or switches because a switch dies from regular use. You're probably replacing it for other reasons, so in most cases switch lifespan shouldn't affect your decision IMO. If you're able to swap switches anyway whether because you can solder or it's hotswap, it's not really a big deal to replace dead switches. Even if you're not going to fix dead switches, if you used your keyboard down to actually wear out a switch, you're probably more than happy with how long it lasted anyway) 2. They actuate faster (Sometimes, but not always as this just depends on the actuation distance. Some mechanical switches, often called speed switches, offer shorter actuation points, but it isn't always desired since it can also increase the frequency of fat finger mistakes) 3. They have less latency (I don't know too much, but apparently using optical switches can offer lower latency than mechanical switches because they have to work around something called debounce. So while it technically can reduce latency, I haven't seen anything regarding the difference in latency and whether it's an amount that someone would or could even notice in the context of everything else that adds latency.) As for low profile, I don't know if you mean low profile cases or low profile switches. Low profile cases is almost purely an aesthetic choice, one that most people don't like. Me personally I used to use low profile cases exclusively because I used my palm to press left ctrl. I've since swapped my left ctrl to where caps lock normally is and have moved away from low profile cases. They're super limited in choice, so unless you have a specific desire, it's generally not recommended. Unless you REALLY want to see your switches from the side or something (even then, just get something with a clear case). If you're talking low profile switches, I don't have personal experience in these. As far as I know, most low profile switches require low profile keycaps as well, though I believe I have seen cherry compatible low profile switches. You'd only really look for low profile switch keyboards if you really wanted it for it's thinness. Nobody picks and uses low profile switches for any other reason. (Basically they offer nothing other than its lack of thickness, but you are giving up a lot such as a lot of options, lower travel time, etc.)
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All I’ll say is, I was global elite in csgo when I had a £30 ordinary msi keyboard, than a razer huntsman elite with optical switches. You’re all deluded and take this subject way too far.
Akkogear
akkogear.eu › home › news › news
Magnetic Keyboard: Features, Benefits, and Comparisons
July 6, 2024 - Magnetic switches offer flexibility and precision control, ideal for gaming enthusiasts, while mechanical switches excel in providing an enhanced typing experience suitable for office and general use.
ATTACK SHARK
attackshark.com › home › blogs › blogs
Magnetic vs. Mechanical Switch Keyboards A Comprehensive Comparison for the Savvy Buyer
April 29, 2025 - Mid-range keyboards offer better build quality and features, and high-end or custom mechanical keyboards can cost several hundred dollars or more. The price depends on factors like the brand, the specific type of switches used (e.g., genuine Cherry MX vs. clones), the materials of the case (plastic vs. metal), keycap quality (ABS vs. PBT), and extra features like RGB lighting or wireless capability. Magnetic switch technology is newer to the consumer market and generally more complex to produce.
Overclock.net
overclock.net › home › forums › components › keyboards
Optical vs. Mechanical Keyboards. Which do you prefer? | Overclock.net
Also it seems that at least some optical keyboards don't have a single LED and detector per key but maybe just 8 LEDs, meaning they're scanned like other keyboards. Another type of key switch is magnetic, using Hall Effect sensors, and they supposedly have little or no debounce delay.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/keyboards › optical mechanical keyboard vs magnetic keyboard difference
r/keyboards on Reddit: Optical mechanical keyboard vs magnetic keyboard difference
July 25, 2024 -
https://www.monsgeek.com/product/fun60-pro-max/ I bought the model but I am confused about the model of Asus https://rog.asus.com/tr/keyboards/keyboards/aura-rgb/rog-strix-scope-ii-rx/ one is magnetic and the other is optical keyboard, which one do you think should be bought?
HP
hp.com › us-en › shop › tech-takes › mechanical-vs-optical-gaming-keyboards
Mechanical Vs Optical a Pro Gamers Guide To Gaming Keyboards | HP® Tech Takes
January 24, 2025 - Speed and Durability: Optical keyboards provide faster key detection and longer lifespans due to the absence of physical contact components, making them an ideal choice for those prioritizing performance.
Switch and Click
switchandclick.com › home › blog › optical vs mechanical: which is better?
Optical vs Mechanical: Which is Better? | Switch and Click
March 8, 2021 - In mechanical keyboards, there are two kinds of switches, optical and mechanical. In this guide, we explain which is better for you and how they compare.
Quora
quora.com › Do-you-prefer-optical-or-mechanical-keyboards
Do you prefer optical or mechanical keyboards? - Quora
Answer (1 of 4): As I have three rather different keyboards, I’ll answer. * One is a UHK, which is currently broken, it has got brown Kailh switches (mechanical). * The other one is a Havit keyboard with low profile blue switches (mechanical). * And I’m currently typing this on a Wooting one,...
Corsair
corsair.com › us › en › s › keyboard-switches
Magnetic, Optical & Mechanical Key Switches | CORSAIR
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Akkogear
akkogear.eu › home › news › news
Optical vs Mechanical Switches: Which is Right for You?
August 28, 2024 - How do mechanical and optical switches work? And key differences between optical and mechanical switches. Learn about their actuation mechanisms, speed, durability, and which switch type is best suited for gaming, typing, and customization
ATTACK SHARK
attackshark.com › home › blogs › blogs
Hall Effect vs Optical: The Future of Gaming Keyboards
September 17, 2025 - They last longer: No metal parts means nothing can rust or wear out. So, optical switches have a very long life, often for 100 million key presses or more. Optical switches use light, but a Hall Effect switches gaming keyboard uses magnets.
Quora
quora.com › Which-keyboard-switches-are-best-mechanical-like-Cherry-MX-optical-like-Light-Strike-or-magnetic-like-OmniPoint
Which keyboard switches are best, mechanical (like Cherry MX), optical (like Light Strike), or magnetic (like OmniPoint)? - Quora
Answer (1 of 3): Define “best”. For most people, that means the one they’re used to. Personally I think they’re all about the same. When I got my first computer the key switches were about 2 inches long and contained a reed switch and a magnet. Now they’re less than a sixteenth thick and consist ...
Mechkeys
mechkeys.com › home › optical vs mechanical keyboard switches: our take!!
Optical Vs Mechanical Keyboard Switches: Our Take!! – mechkeysshop
Mechanical keyboards especially gaming keyboards are now getting a new type of switch profile called the Optical-Mechanical switches. So how different are these Optical Switches in comparison to the standard mechanical switches that we have? These are being advertised as having faster response time and better lifespan with improved durability.
Fantech World
fantechworld.com › blogs › fantech-tips › optical-vs-mechanical-keyboards-whats-the-difference
Optical vs Mechanical Keyboards - What's The Difference? – Fantech World
April 6, 2023 - Mechanical keyboards are the traditional type of gaming keyboard that has been on the market for decades. They use physical switches to detect key presses, which gives them a distinct feel and sound. Mechanical keyboards have several advantages over optical keyboards.
KEYMOU
keymou.com › optical-vs-magnetic-keyboard-switches-a-comprehensive-comparison
Optical vs Magnetic Keyboard Switches: A Comprehensive Comparison
September 13, 2025 - Overall, optical keyboard switches ... in their keyboards. Magnetic keyboard switches utilize magnetic fields for detecting key presses, differentiating them from traditional mechanical or optical switches....
Keychron
keychron.com › blogs › news › what-is-optical-switch-and-why-choose-it
What is Optical Switch and Why Choose It? – Keychron
April 19, 2021 - Mechanical switches are triggered through the metal leaf connection and disconnection to trigger the key, while optical switches are triggered by the optical sensor to the induction of the light signal to register a key.
PC Gamer
pcgamer.com › hardware › gaming keyboards
Razer claims optical gaming keyboards are more precise than Hall effect ones because magnets are 'hard to control' | PC Gamer
August 14, 2025 - But over the last few years we've seen companies move to Hall effect, with some of the best gaming keyboards using this technology. Razer, however, reckons optical is better. The reason, the company says, is primarily due to the inherent nature of magnetism and optical technologies.