I'll be the voice of the unpopular opinion here and say they are worth it, if you don't need to try out other switches. I knew exactly what I wanted in a switch; the deepest thock I could get, and the smoothest actuation. Optical switches, when done right (Razer, Steelseries and the Epomaker folks), are unbelievably smooth. You'd actually have to try them to understand just how much of a difference there is. Imagine pressing as linear switch and not feeling even a single grain of grit you might feel on a contact-based. I mean like freakishly smooth, like "how the f- is this possible" smooth. The first optical board I got was the Razer Huntsman Elite TE--obviously being on this sub the "gamer box" brands are pretty much anathema, but my mind was literally blown at how effortless and smooth they were. They were certainly too light, being "red"-ish weighting, but I was sold on opticals right then and there. Now, my main board is the SK68S with LK Blacks. I shit you not, this board, after lubing with 205, clip/bandaid modding and foaming the case, is by far my best sounding board. And I have a board with lubed Milky Yellows in it. The thock is deep, and the keys are smooth. Swapped out the shit caps for a Mistel WoB set from amazon, and I have a straight up endgame sounding board with the smoothest switches my fingers have ever touched. I couldn't ask for more than that--if I could put this sound and feel in every board I own, I would. Answer from Ghrave on reddit.com
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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?

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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.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/keychron › mechanical vs optical
r/Keychron on Reddit: Mechanical vs Optical
September 26, 2022 -

I’m new to keyboards, and I’m looking to get one for my new Mac mini. I really like the Keychron K3 low profile, because it’s kinda like a more mechanical version of the Magic Keyboard.

My problem is I can’t find the configuration I want, and I need to buy a keyboard so I can use my computer. I originally wanted the RGB with the hot swap blue optical switches; but that configuration is sold out everywhere. I found a guy on eBay selling an open box RGB with the mechanical blue Gateron switches for $90.

My only problem with this is that if one of the switches gets fucked up, I can’t replace the single switch; unless I’m understanding this incorrectly?

The mechanical seems like the nicer switch, but the optical makes it easier to customize and replace.

I also can just buy the brown switch version and buy the optical blues for $125 altogether. That’s more than I really wanted to spend, but if you keyboard-experts think it’s the better choice; I will do that.

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The mechanical seems like the nicer switch, but the optical makes it easier to customize and replace. Why would you think this? Optical switches just give you fewer options you could replace them with.
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I prefer optical to traditional switches, they're faster, more reliable, easier to clean, and cheaper. However there just aren't many options and they're often sold out. So I'll buy optical if it's available, but generally I've given up on them. The K3, for example, is nowhere near as good a keyboard as the K3 Pro and S1, and there's even more great options out of Keychron like the NuPhy Air75. You say you're brand new to mechanical keyboards? I strongly encourage buying a K3 Pro, or S1, or NuPhy Air75. They are all way better than a K3 and only a little more expensive. I prefer K3 switches (banana and mint specifically) to the switches that come with (or are compatible with) all those other keyboards, but they are so much better in every other way that they're the better overall product. My only problem with this is that if one of the switches gets fucked up, I can’t replace the single switch; unless I’m understanding this incorrectly? The K3 Optical switches are hot swap, so you can just pull out the bad switch and swap it for another switch on the keyboard (one you rarely use for example), then order a replacement or try to repair the switch yourself - there isn't much that can go wrong with Optical switches. Mostly they might just get dust/dirt in them. (That assumes it really is the switch that failed. Obviously if the light transmitter or sensor fail that's a different story. They are on the PCB not on the switch... but they're solid state components and unlikely to fail)
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/mechanicalkeyboards › are optical switches worth it given the choice?
r/MechanicalKeyboards on Reddit: Are optical switches worth it given the choice?
April 10, 2021 -

I’m looking to replace my Anne Pro 2. It has Gateron Blue and my girlfriend told me to get an alternative 😁

My current top candidate seems to be the Keychron K6. It has Bluetooth and I have the choice to re-evaluate my switch choices, I guess it’s getting either brown or red then. I also realised I could use optical switches. I don’t game so I don’t need the few ms less latency. Are there any other advantages in that case besides having twice the lifetime per button? I read that LK Optical Switches are less common and so on and I’m worried a bit that I might end up with some exotic keyboard and would soon want to switch again.

If someone has the keyboard, any reason to wait for the K12 besides not having arrow keys there?

Top answer
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I'll be the voice of the unpopular opinion here and say they are worth it, if you don't need to try out other switches. I knew exactly what I wanted in a switch; the deepest thock I could get, and the smoothest actuation. Optical switches, when done right (Razer, Steelseries and the Epomaker folks), are unbelievably smooth. You'd actually have to try them to understand just how much of a difference there is. Imagine pressing as linear switch and not feeling even a single grain of grit you might feel on a contact-based. I mean like freakishly smooth, like "how the f- is this possible" smooth. The first optical board I got was the Razer Huntsman Elite TE--obviously being on this sub the "gamer box" brands are pretty much anathema, but my mind was literally blown at how effortless and smooth they were. They were certainly too light, being "red"-ish weighting, but I was sold on opticals right then and there. Now, my main board is the SK68S with LK Blacks. I shit you not, this board, after lubing with 205, clip/bandaid modding and foaming the case, is by far my best sounding board. And I have a board with lubed Milky Yellows in it. The thock is deep, and the keys are smooth. Swapped out the shit caps for a Mistel WoB set from amazon, and I have a straight up endgame sounding board with the smoothest switches my fingers have ever touched. I couldn't ask for more than that--if I could put this sound and feel in every board I own, I would.
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If you never plan on upgrading and have no interest in anything but basic switches, opticals are fine. Otherwise hard pass.
Find elsewhere
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/pcmasterrace › optical or mechanical keyboards?
r/pcmasterrace on Reddit: Optical or Mechanical Keyboards?
June 2, 2024 -

Okay, so I keep doing research online. I want to buy a new corsair keyboard after feeling my buddy's corsair mechanical keyboard (brown keys) the other day. I just love the heavy feel of hitting those keys, its the closest thing I've felt to love since the day I married my now ex-wife.

I looked into the model of keyboard he had to go buy one for myself.... its the K70... but after going online and realizing I wanna splurge on a nice ass keyboard. I've decided to go with the K100 instead, however, theres a choice between optical and mechanical switches. After studying the difference, I just cant tell what the difference in feel would be. I get that optical are faster... and smoother. But i just cant seem to tell if that means only the mechanical keys are gonna give me that heavy feel i like.

But here's the deal, I dont have the money to buy both an optical and mechanical keyboard to feel the difference, I want that heavy feel... but I think optical just seems so cool... and after seeing how they work, I like how fast and smooth the typing is on them. So I guess I'm asking, can someone explain to me the difference in feel and performance for these two types of switches?

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/mechanicalkeyboards › opinion on mechanical vs optical switches
r/MechanicalKeyboards on Reddit: Opinion on mechanical vs optical switches
May 13, 2018 - I see what you mean for sure. Yeah, I’ve tried optical keyboard switches before and they are smooth, but speed wise the actuation point seems to be more important than anything. I am a bit of an avid gamer, but didn’t feel any speed difference between mechanical and optical.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/keyboards › optical vs mechanical switches
r/keyboards on Reddit: Optical vs Mechanical Switches
May 12, 2024 -

I’ve been hearing a lot about optical switches recently and was wondering if it’s a good idea to switch from my normal mechanical switches to optical switches. If so what are the best optical switches to get

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/mechanicalkeyboards › optical switches vs mechanical? feel & sound, not how it works
r/MechanicalKeyboards on Reddit: Optical Switches vs Mechanical? Feel & Sound, not how it works
December 21, 2019 -

Apologies in advance for the long post.

Ignoring how they work for a sec, what is the difference between optical switches and mechanical switches in terms of sound, feel and etc?

For example if we take a blue mechanical switch and a blue optical switch, will one feel more clicky than the other, or will one sound louder compared to the other, or is there virtually no difference? Will there be any major differences in how they feel and sound?

I'm going to be buying my first mechanical keyboard soon and after hearing how nice it is, I'm excited to start typing, but I'm currently torn between the different types of switches.

I have mainly been looking for mechanical brown switches as I feel like I'll enjoy the clickiness of the blue but the quietness of the red, so brown seems like a good mid-point, but I have recently come across a keyboard that I really like that has Gateron Optical switches.

I was going to go for the Brown, but the Brown is out of stock for a while so I'm torn between either Black, Red, or Blue. I dismissed Black as an option because I don't want a heavy feeling experience, but I'm torn between Red and Blue.

I've considered going for Blue as I would probably prefer to experience the clicky keys as opposed to having a quiet keyboard, but I'm quite unsure as I don't want a keyboard that's too loud, hence why I would like to know if optical switches are quieter than mechanical ones.

I've considered using o rings to quieten the sound of the Blues down, but again idk how well this will work.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/mkindia › optical switches vs mechanical switches
Optical Switches vs Mechanical Switches : r/mkindia
June 19, 2021 - You'll be well beyond bored with your keyboard at that point. Not sure about the second part of your comment. ... Mechanical anyday. Most of the optical switches are advertised to be more faster (which they are) as compared to mechanical but the thing is the difference is so minute that for ...
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/mechanicalkeyboards › unpopular opinion: optical switches are still good.
r/MechanicalKeyboards on Reddit: Unpopular opinion: Optical switches are still good.
April 8, 2019 -

I have seen a lot of hate for optical switches, and I haveno idea why. My first mechanical keyboard (though I was naive when looking for the first one i wanted) was an optical and let me tell you it was amazing. It was my first experience using clicky gateron blues, and though being a newbie who only wanted clicky nonsense, it was a surreal and awesome feeling to use something so premium (to me). So, moving forward I learned I could buy more switches and got into my first set of linears (gateron blacks).

And thus, started the rabbithole. TL:DR If you feel embarassed because you use optical switches, DO NOT BE. They are only different in 2 ways. 1) they require no pins meaning no soldering or damaged sockets over time. And 2) and optical PCB that may or may not fit into some/most other cases. Love your experiences all the way through, and dont be afraid of learning and trying out things.

Thanks for your time ,r/MK!

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/keychron › gateron mechanical vs keychron optical?
r/Keychron on Reddit: Gateron mechanical vs Keychron optical?
November 18, 2021 -

I’m thinking of getting the new K5, the only thing is that I don’t know for sure if I should get the mechanical ones or the optical ones. With the optical I like that I could actually swap out the switch type, its my first mechanical keyboard and so I’m scared of choosing the wrong switch type, but I’ve also read that the optical switches give a worse typing experience overal. For the gateron mechanical ones I’m thinking of getting the browns. What are some of your experiences?

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I have a large number of Cherry MX compatible mechanical keyboards (almost all of them hot swappable - as I stopped buying otherwise very early in my mechanical keyboard exploration) and I have MANY MX switch sets which I like to rotate on the various keyboard bases. In short, I'm pretty experienced when it comes to using different types of mechanical switches. For reference, I use them solely for typing - I am a computer professional and spend a lot of time in front of the computer (Kailh box jade, Kailh pro purple, box white, box pink and Gateron Red (most favorite) are my favorites). I wanted to try low profile keyboards and I like keychron keyboards very much - so I bought the K5 with Keychron optical banana switches as that and the mint were the only options available after waiting for a long time with nothing in stock. I was THOROUGHLY disappointed by the Keychron optical banana switches (the keyboard is very good otherwise). The typing experience is terrible. The switches are scratchy and nowhere near as smooth as Gaterons and the early tactile bump makes the switch feel much harder than the 57 mg actuation force that the specification mentions. It was so bad that I had to stop using the keyboard and put it back in its box after only a few (frustrating) minutes. It was a huge waste ordering the Keychron optical switch version of the K5 rather than waiting for the Gateron version to be available as returning the keyboard is not an option. For my preference, there is just no comparison between the Gateron mechanical switches (good) and the Keychron optical switches (really bad) when it comes to typing feel. If you are looking for switches primarily for typing, avoid the Keychron low profile optical switches - they are just terrible in my experience.
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I have used 3 type of switches in K1 and K3 V1, V2 Gateron Brown Keychron Brown Keychron Banana Keychron Brown is similar to regular brown (e.g. Cherry brown), but only has around 50% of the traveling distance. When translates to low profile, it is not as tactile as I like. I heard people say Keychron Brown is being too sensitive. I believe they were referring to the old version of the switch since I don't have that problem at all with the new version. Gateron Brown and Keychron Banana have a nearly identical feel. Their tactile bump is at the very beginning of the keystroke. As a result, it feels way more tactile and heavier despite all of the 3 switches having nearly the same actuation force. I like Keychron Banana/Gateron Brown the best. But since Keychron Banana is not an option for K5 and Gateron brown is not hot-swappable, I would say Keychron Brown is the best choice Mainly because it is hot-swappable. In case you are not happy with the brown, you can always buy a pack of new switches and swap them. Also, in case one of your switches just refuse to work, which happened to me before, you can simply replace the switch instead of buying a new keyboard.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/mousereview › mechanical switch vs optical switch. is it worth the conversion?
r/MouseReview on Reddit: Mechanical switch vs Optical switch. Is it worth the conversion?
January 24, 2024 -

I have a question regarding the EGG OP1WE since there are quite a number of complaints regarding its heavy switch. I am new in this so-called "rabbit hole", so my question here might seems silly to some. Hence, I asked, please bear with me gents. Aside from the first issue mentioned, I have also read that optical switch is always better than mechanical switches due to speed and longevity. But, a lot of people are switching the switch inside the op1we into the lighter one sold by EGG or buy a lighter mech switch from a third party. Going from that, I asked this one online shop which switch would be great to be paired with the op1we and he/she recommended the Huano Transparent/White Micro switch.

So, is the conversion to the mech switch worth it for op1we? Is the switch recommended good? And what are the downsides if I were to convert the optical switch to the mech one? Thank you.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/mousereview › optical switches are useless imo
Optical switches are useless IMO : r/MouseReview
February 11, 2023 - Mechanical switches have a long enough lifespan. ... just doubleclicked on the upvote button and the reply button on my crappy logitech mouse and the edit button wow ... Although this is about mice, I’ve had an optical switch keyboard for a few years and about 4 keys have stopped working.