Reddit
reddit.com › r/mechanicalkeyboards › can someone please explain what are optical mechanical switches?
Can someone please explain what are optical mechanical switches? : r/MechanicalKeyboards
September 24, 2020 - This is because boards that use optical switches are only compatible with optical switches. Same goes for mechanical switches ... Hi, it appears you may be new to this subreddit! Please check out the wiki for general information about mechanical keyboards and consider posting questions in the ...
Keychron
keychron.com › home › optical switches
Optical Switches – Keychron
Keychron Keyboard Dust Cover · Gateron Switch and Keycap Puller · Gateron Switch Puller (Version 2) Keychron Q1 HE Acoustic Upgrade Kit · Gold Plated PCB Mounted Stabilizers · (4 products) Keychron Optical Switches Collection · FilterFilter & Sort · Sort by · Best selling ·
Mechanical vs Optical Switches
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.) More on reddit.com
Optical orange switch or standard brown switch? (Fantech MK851 vs. MK884)
checked Mk884, the RGB amazing
More on reddit.comBest optical keyboard?
The latency will not be noticeable. Don't fall for marketing bullshit.
More on reddit.comWhat is the quietest optical switch keyboard?
Is there any particular reason you're looking for an optical keyboard? If you get a normal (hotswap) mechanical keyboard, you could just replace the switches with silent ones. More on reddit.com
Videos
Optical Key Switches Explained - TechteamGB
01:00
Optical Switches Explained - YouTube
12:01
How to Choose the Perfect Keyboard Switch For YOU. - YouTube
Are Optical Keyboards Better Than Mechanical Keyboards?
18:51
These New Keyboards Are Here To Replace Hall Effect - YouTube
02:25
💥 Razer Showdown: Linear vs. Clicky! Optical Switches Mechanical ...
Amazon
amazon.com › optical-switches › s
Amazon.com: Optical Switches
Gateron KS-15 Optical Switches for MX Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | 55g Force | Tactile| Clear Top RGB Switches for Backlit Keyboard | (65 PCS, Brown) · KBDiy Wisteria Keyboard Switch for Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, 5-Pin 39gf Linear Switches (35pcs) · Gateron KS-15 Optical Switches for MX ...
Best Buy
bestbuy.com › best buy › category directories › computers & tablets directory › gaming keyboards directory
Optical Keyboards - Best Buy
Experience response without rival on a scale you’ve never known with the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini White Edition—a 60% keyboard featuring our latest analog optical switches. Supercharged by Razer Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger Mode, execute more responsive inputs at unfair speeds.
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
21
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.)
2 of 5
11
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.
Corsair
corsair.com › us › en › s › keyboard-switches
Magnetic, Optical & Mechanical Key Switches | CORSAIR
We cannot provide a description for this page right now
SteelSeries
steelseries.com › gaming keyboards
SteelSeries Gaming Keyboards
The SteelSeries Apex 5, Apex 7 and Apex Pro collection of mechanical gaming keyboards includes advanced features designed specifically for gamers. The mechanical gaming keyboards all come with a customizable OLED display, per-key RGB backlighting, and adjustable mechanical switches to suit every gamer style.
Amazon
amazon.com › optical-keyboard › s
Amazon.com: Optical Keyboard
EPOMAKER HE68 Hall Effect Keyboard, 8000hz Polling, 0.01mm Adjustable Trigger, 0.125ms Latency, Creamy Gasket, Snap Key, SOCD, RGB, Wired Magnetic Gaming Keyboard for Mac/PC (Black) · Corsair K60 RGB TKL RGB Tenkeyless Optical-Mechanical Wired Gaming Keyboard - OPX Switches - Polycarbonate ...
Corsair
corsair.com › us › en › c › keyboards › keyboard-switches › optical
Optical Gaming Keyboards | CORSAIR
We cannot provide a description for this page right now
Hirosart
hirosarts.com › home › optical vs mechanical switches – which is better?
Optical vs Mechanical Switches – Which is better? - Hirosart
June 13, 2024 - Unlike mechanical switches, optical switches use light (typically infrared) for actuation. When you press a key, it interrupts the light beam, directing it to the sensor component.
IGN
ign.com › articles › best-gaming-keyboard
Best Gaming Keyboards: Top Reviewed Picks for 2026
3 weeks ago - At $250 for a wired keyboard, you’re still getting your money’s worth, especially if you get the K100 with Corsair’s proprietary OPX Optical switches. You can still opt for the mechanical Cherry MX Speed switches, which are superb, but optical switches have a unique and satisfying feel to them.
Razer
razer.com › technology › razer-analog-optical-switch
Razer Analog Optical Switches Gen-2 for Keyboards | Razer United States
The Razer™ Analog Optical Switches Gen-2 features a lighter actuation force of 40 g for even faster keystrokes. Adjustable Actuation Analog Input Dual-Step Actuation · With an actuation range of 0.1 to 4.0 mm, Razer™ Analog Optical Switches Gen-2 can be adjusted via Razer Synapse to meet your preference—offering different kinds of benefits at every height.
Amazon
amazon.com › Razer-Huntsman-Tenkeyless-Gaming-Keyboard › dp › B09C13WYDX
Amazon.com: Razer Huntsman V2 TKL Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard: Fast Linear Optical Switches Gen2 w/Sound Dampeners & 8000Hz Polling Rate - Detachable TypeC Cable - Doubleshot PBT Keycaps - Ergonomic Wrist Rest : Electronics
Meet the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL - a tenkeyless optical gaming keyboard with improved acoustics, near-zero input latency, and other high-end features to ensure a compact form factor geared for full-sized performance ... With lightning-fast actuation speeds backed by a 100-million keystroke lifespan, Razer Optical Switches are superior to traditional mechanical designs - a crucial edge essential for esports