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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?

Top answer
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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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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.
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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 - Optical keyboards are a relatively new technology in the keyboard market. They utilize light to detect key presses instead of physical switches, which is a departure from traditional mechanical keyboards.
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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.
Price   $9 - $250
Call   +84366004095
Address   30 Tran Huu Duc, Nam Tu Liem District, 10000
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Overclock.net
overclock.net › home › forums › components › keyboards
Optical vs. Mechanical Keyboards. Which do you prefer? | Overclock.net
Only problem I personally have with optical is the lack of choice and the fact that you can't really swap out the switches for very different ones. Optical is still pretty new, and most of the ones available now are very gamery in look and quality. You don't really have any specialty boards yet like you do with enthousiast grade mechanical keyboards.
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Keychron
keychron.com › blogs › news › the-difference-between-optical-switches-and-mechanical-switches
The Difference Between Optical Switches And Mechanical Switches – Keychron
July 31, 2020 - Additionally, optical switches remove the need for soldering switches to a PCB. However, since optical switches are not widely used in mechanical keyboards, there are limited switches to choose from unlike mechanical switches.
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H|ard|Forum
hardforum.com › [h]ard|ware › mice and keyboards
Optical vs. Mechanical Keyboards. Which do you prefer? | [H]ard|Forum
November 26, 2018 - I know mechanical keyboards have ... Due to the fact that optical keyboards use light as an actuation point rather than metal to metal contact like a mechanical keyboard, they have more reliable, consistent latency, and a better and longer lifespan....
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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 - On the other hand, there are only a few keyboards out there that come standard with optical switches. If you go to a big box store, almost every keyboard available will be mechanical, while their might be one or two optical.
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Mechkeys
mechkeys.com › home › optical vs mechanical keyboard switches: our take!!
Optical Vs Mechanical Keyboard Switches: Our Take!! – mechkeysshop
Since they have a complete work mechanism with physical contact better the switch and the electrical plate, they tend to have a better typing feel but with a slower response time than the Optical Switches. There are certain things that we follow while deciding on our next keyboard switch, things as actual feel, sound, response, and durability.
Find elsewhere
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MakeUseOf
makeuseof.com › home › technology explained › optical vs. mechanical switches: what’s best for gaming?
Optical vs. Mechanical Switches: What’s Best for Gaming?
July 20, 2023 - When it comes to mechanical switches, you have the option between linear, tactile, and clicky. This means you can choose satisfying, quiet, fast, or any middle ground. Optical keyboards don't have as many options.
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AZIO Corporation
aziocorp.com › blog › mechanical, optical & membrane keyboards — which one is right for you?
Mechanical, Optical & Membrane Keyboards — Which One Is Right For You? - AZIO Corporation
November 17, 2021 - Another perk for some users is the fact that optical keyboards are usually engineered to resist liquid intrusion, making this style of keyboard a solid option for use in environments where moisture poses a risk to peripheral devices. Unlike optical and mechanical keyboards that have individual keys that cover each switch, membrane keyboards consist of a flexible, one-piece printed silicone keyboard, or membrane.
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Akkogear
akkogear.eu › home › news › news
Optical vs Mechanical Switches: Which is Right for You?
August 28, 2024 - Optical switches are not widely available, and those that are are typically employed by keyboard makers on completed products. There is no conclusion on which one is better, mechanical switches or optical switches. They have their own advantages and disadvantages.
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Lorgar
lorgar.com › home › all › mechanical, optical & membrane keyboards
Mechanical, Optical & Membrane Keyboards - Gaming Accessories Lorgar Blog
July 3, 2025 - They tend to be more expensive ... keyboard. Optical keyboard – is a device with individual switches, which instead of purely mechanical action of connecting the contacts, use light to detect keystrokes....
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Goblintechkeys
goblintechkeys.com › blogs › news › what-are-optical-switches-optical-vs-mechanical
What are Optical Switches | Optical vs Mechanical – Goblintechkeys
January 21, 2024 - Ever wondered how your keyboard clicks and clacks when you type? Well, there's more to it than just the sound. Imagine pressing a key, and instead of a physical mechanism making it work, it's all about light doing the trick. That's the magic of optical keyboard switches, shaking things up in the world of keyboards dominated by the familiar clicks of mechanical switches.
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Meetion
meetion.com › which is better optical or mechanical keyboard
Which Is Better Optical Or Mechanical Keyboard - Meetion
March 11, 2025 - Dust and debris are less likely to affect the performance of optical keyboards, providing a hassle-free user experience. If you are someone who values speed and longevity in a keyboard, an optical keyboard might be the perfect choice for you. Mechanical Keyboards: Precision and Customizability
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Voltcave
voltcave.com › home › optical vs. mechanical switches: which one’s better?
Optical vs. Mechanical Switches: Which One's Better? – Voltcave
March 22, 2023 - Optical switches have quicker response times and better durability, but neither is important enough to overcome the advantages mechanical switches have elsewhere. If you’ve shopped for a new mechanical keyboard lately, you’ve probably noticed ...
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MelGeek
melgeek.com › blogs › melgeek-lab › are-optical-or-mechanical-switches-better
Are optical or mechanical switches better – MelGeek
June 3, 2024 - Optical switches utilize light technology to detect typed keys, providing the advantages of mechanical switches. They are based on light sensors that allow detecting hits and thus they become quicker.
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Hp
hp.com › home › it tips › accessories › mechanical vs optical: a pro gamer’s guide to gaming keyboards
Mechanical vs Optical Keyboards: Which is Best for Gaming? | HP® Tech Takes - Hong Kong
May 5, 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.
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YouTube
youtube.com › chukwubuikem oguagha
Membrane vs Mechanical vs Optical Keyboards | Everything You Need To Know! - YouTube
Today you learn everything about Mechanical, membrane and Optical keyboards. PAY ATTENTION, IT COULD SAVE YOU LIFE ONE DAY!0:00 - Differences between the key...
Published   March 3, 2022
Views   333K