Posted in: Switches

The 11 Fastest Switches for Mechanical Keyboards

Last Updated on October 19, 2023

In the world of mechanical keyboards, the need for speed and precision is paramount. Whether you’re a professional gamer seeking that crucial edge in a competitive match or a typist aiming for lightning-fast productivity, the choice of switches can significantly impact your performance. Among the myriad of mechanical switches available, some stand out as the fastest and most responsive. In this in-depth article, we explore these switches and their unique characteristics, focusing on the response time, actuation force, actuation point, reset point, travel distance, and force curve. Let’s delve into the world of “The Fastest Switches.”

Switch NameResponse TimeActuation ForceActuation PointReset PointTravel DistanceForce Curve
OmniPoint Adjustable SwitchLess than 1ms45g – 71g0.4mm – 3.6mm0.4mm3.6mmLinear
Razer Red Optical SwitchLess than 1ms45g1.0mm0.2mm3.5mmLinear
Corsair OPX RGB Optical SwitchLess than 1ms45g1.0mm0.2mm3.2mmTactile, with a bump at 1.5mm
LK Optical Clicky SwitchLess than 1ms60g1.5mm0.5mm3.5mmClicky, with audible and tactile feedback at actuation
Gateron Optical YellowLess than 1ms50g1.1mm0.5mm3.5mmLinear
Cherry MX Speed SilverLess than 1ms45g1.2mm0.2mm3.4mmLinear
Kailh Speed SilverLess than 1ms40g1.1mm0.3mm3.5mmLinear
Gateron Silver ProLess than 1ms45g1.0mm0.2mm3.5mmLinear
Kailh Speed CopperLess than 1ms40g1.1mm0.3mm3.5mmTactile, with a bump at 1.1mm
Razer Yellow Mechanical SwitchLess than 1ms45g1.2mm0.2mm3.5mmLinear
Akko CS SilverLess than 1ms35g1.5mm0.3mm3.5mmLinear

1. OmniPoint Adjustable Switch

OmniPoint Adjustable Switch
  • Response Time: Less than 1ms
  • Actuation Force: 45g – 71g
  • Actuation Point: 0.4mm – 3.6mm
  • Reset Point: 0.4mm
  • Travel Distance: 3.6mm
  • Force Curve: Linear

The OmniPoint Adjustable Switch is renowned for its exceptional speed, with a response time of less than 1 millisecond. It’s a switch that can be found in the SteelSeries Apex Pro mechanical keyboard and is celebrated for its lightning-fast responsiveness.

What sets the OmniPoint switch apart is its adjustability. Users can customize the actuation points to suit their preferences, ranging from 0.4mm to 3.6mm. The actuation force can be set anywhere between 45g and 71g, offering flexibility for different typing and gaming styles.

With a shallow actuation point of 0.4mm and a quick reset at 0.4mm, the OmniPoint switch is highly sensitive and registers key presses with minimal force and travel distance.

The linear force curve ensures a consistent keystroke experience, making it ideal for gamers requiring precision and rapid reactions. Whether you’re into competitive gaming or need a highly responsive keyboard for your work, the OmniPoint Adjustable Switch is a top choice for speed and customization.

2. Razer Red Optical Switch

Razer Red Optical Switch
  • Response Time: Less than 1ms
  • Actuation Force: 45g
  • Actuation Point: 1.0mm
  • Reset Point: 0.2mm
  • Travel Distance: 3.5mm
  • Force Curve: Linear

Razer Red Optical switches are synonymous with speed and precision. These switches can be found in various Razer gaming keyboards, including the Huntsman V2 Optical Gaming Keyboard and Huntsman Elite.

Boasting a response time of less than 1 millisecond, Razer Red Optical switches are among the quickest on the market. The 45g actuation force ensures that key presses are effortless, while the 1.0mm actuation point and 0.2mm reset point mean keys register with minimal travel.

The 3.5mm travel distance provides ample keypress feedback without compromising on speed. Additionally, the linear force curve ensures a consistent keystroke experience for gamers seeking accuracy and rapid execution.

For those in need of a fast and responsive keyboard, Razer Red Optical switches offer a winning combination of low actuation force and a shallow actuation point.

3. Corsair OPX RGB Optical Switch

Corsair OPX RGB Optical Switch
  • Response Time: Less than 1ms
  • Actuation Force: 45g
  • Actuation Point: 1.0mm
  • Reset Point: 0.2mm
  • Travel Distance: 3.2mm
  • Force Curve: Tactile, with a bump at 1.5mm

The Corsair OPX RGB Optical switch is engineered for speed and precision and can be found in high-end Corsair gaming keyboards, including the Corsair K100 RGB Optical Gaming Keyboard and the Corsair K70 PRO RGB Optical Gaming Keyboard.

This switch is celebrated for its incredibly fast response time, registering keystrokes in less than 1 millisecond. The 45g actuation force ensures a comfortable and responsive typing experience.

With a 1.0mm actuation point and a 0.2mm reset point, the Corsair OPX switch enables rapid key registration and quick rebound. Its 3.2mm travel distance offers ample feedback for tactile typing.

What sets the Corsair OPX apart is its tactile force curve, featuring a bump at 1.5mm. This provides satisfying feedback to users, making it easier to know when a keystroke is registered.

If you’re a gamer or typist seeking a high-performance keyboard with speed and tactile feedback, the Corsair OPX RGB Optical switch is an excellent choice.

4. LK Optical Clicky Switch

LK Optical Clicky Switch
  • Response Time: Less than 1ms
  • Actuation Force: 60g
  • Actuation Point: 1.5mm
  • Reset Point: 0.5mm
  • Travel Distance: 3.5mm
  • Force Curve: Clicky, with an audible and tactile feedback at actuation

LK Optical Clicky switches are among the fastest switches available, thanks to their Light Strike technology. They can be found in gaming keyboards like the EVGA Z20 RGB Optical Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and the Bloody B840 Light Strike LK Optical Gaming Keyboard.

These switches have an astonishing response time of less than 1 millisecond, making them perfect for competitive gaming. The 60g actuation force ensures responsive and deliberate keypresses.

The 1.5mm actuation point and 0.5mm reset point allow for rapid keystrokes and quick recovery. The 3.5mm travel distance, combined with a clicky force curve, provides both audible and tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience.

If you need a keyboard that excels in both speed and tactile feedback, LK Optical Clicky switches are an excellent choice.

5. Gateron Optical Yellow

Gateron Optical Yellow
  • Response Time: Less than 1ms
  • Actuation Force: 50g
  • Actuation Point: 1.1mm
  • Reset Point: 0.5mm
  • Travel Distance: 3.5mm
  • Force Curve: Linear

Gateron Optical Yellow switches are renowned for their lightning-fast response time, registering keystrokes in less than 1 millisecond. These switches can be found in various mechanical keyboards, including the EPOMAKER SKYLOONG GK75 Lite and the HK GAMING GK61.

The 50g actuation force provides a balanced and responsive keystroke experience. The 1.1mm actuation point and 0.5mm reset point mean keys register quickly and return to their original position with minimal travel.

With a 3.5mm travel distance and a linear force curve, Gateron Optical Yellow switches offer a smooth and consistent typing experience. Whether you’re a gamer or typist, these switches provide speed and precision for your needs.

6. Cherry MX Speed Silver

Cherry MX Speed Silver
  • Response Time: Less than 1ms
  • Actuation Force: 45g
  • Actuation Point: 1.2mm
  • Reset Point: 0.2mm
  • Travel Distance: 3.4mm
  • Force Curve: Linear

Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are synonymous with speed and precision, found in gaming keyboards like the Corsair K100 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and the Durgod Taurus K320 TKL Mechanical Keyboard.

With a response time of less than 1 millisecond, Cherry MX Speed Silver switches ensure rapid key registration. The 45g actuation force strikes a balance between ease of use and responsiveness.

The 1.2mm actuation point and 0.2mm reset point make these switches quick to actuate and reset. The 3.4mm travel distance provides ample feedback.

The linear force curve ensures a consistent and predictable typing experience, making Cherry MX Speed Silver switches an excellent choice for gamers and typists who require speed and accuracy.

7. Kailh Speed Silver

Kailh Speed Silver
  • Response Time: Less than 1ms
  • Actuation Force: 40g
  • Actuation Point: 1.1mm
  • Reset Point: 0.3mm
  • Travel Distance: 3.5mm
  • Force Curve: Linear

Kailh Speed Silver switches are designed for speed and responsiveness, making them ideal for gaming and typing. These switches can be found in keyboards like the EVGA Z15 RGB Gaming Keyboard and the DROP ALT Mechanical Keyboard.

With a response time of less than 1 millisecond, Kailh Speed Silver switches excel in quick and precise keystrokes. The 40g actuation force strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort.

The 1.1mm actuation point and 0.3mm reset point ensure rapid key registration and quick recovery. The 3.5mm travel distance offers a satisfying typing experience.

Kailh Speed Silver switches feature a linear force curve, ensuring a consistent and smooth keystroke experience. If you’re looking for speed and precision in a keyboard switch, Kailh Speed Silver is an excellent choice.

8. Gateron Silver Pro

Gateron Silver Pro
  • Response Time: Less than 1ms
  • Actuation Force: 45g
  • Actuation Point: 1.0mm
  • Reset Point: 0.2mm
  • Travel Distance: 3.5mm
  • Force Curve: Linear

Gateron Silver Pro switches are celebrated for their speed and responsiveness, with a response time of less than 1 millisecond. These switches are used in keyboards like the KEMOVE K68 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and the KBParadise V65.

The 45g actuation force ensures responsive and comfortable keystrokes. The 1.0mm actuation point and 0.2mm reset point make Gateron Silver Pro switches quick to actuate and reset.

With a 3.5mm travel distance and a linear force curve, these switches provide a consistent and predictable typing experience. If you require speed and precision in your keyboard, Gateron Silver Pro is an excellent choice.

9. Kailh Speed Copper

Kailh Speed Copper
  • Response Time: Less than 1ms
  • Actuation Force: 40g
  • Actuation Point: 1.1mm
  • Reset Point: 0.3mm
  • Travel Distance: 3.5mm
  • Force Curve: Tactile, with a bump at 1.1mm

Kailh Speed Copper switches are engineered for speed and tactile feedback, making them an excellent choice for gamers and typists. These switches are used in the Ducky One 2 Mini Keyboard.

With a response time of less than 1 millisecond, Kailh Speed Copper switches excel in rapid key registration. The 40g actuation force ensures responsive and comfortable keystrokes.

The 1.1mm actuation point and 0.3mm reset point offer quick key registration and rapid recovery. The 3.5mm travel distance provides tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience.

Kailh Speed Copper switches feature a tactile force curve with a bump at 1.1mm, providing users with clear feedback when a keystroke is registered. The linear force curve ensures consistent and predictable typing.

Whether you’re a gamer or typist seeking speed, precision, and tactile feedback, Kailh Speed Copper switches have you covered.

10. Razer Yellow Mechanical Switch

Razer Yellow Mechanical Switch
  • Response Time: Less than 1ms
  • Actuation Force: 45g
  • Actuation Point: 1.2mm
  • Reset Point: 0.2mm
  • Travel Distance: 3.5mm
  • Force Curve: Linear

Razer Yellow Mechanical switches are celebrated for their speed and responsiveness. They are used in various Razer gaming keyboards, including the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and the Razer BlackWidow Elite.

With a response time of less than 1 millisecond, Razer Yellow Mechanical switches provide rapid key registration. The 45g actuation force ensures a balanced and responsive typing experience.

The 1.2mm actuation point and 0.2mm reset point make these switches quick to actuate and reset. The 3.5mm travel distance provides keypress feedback without sacrificing speed.

Razer Yellow Mechanical switches feature a linear force curve, offering a consistent and smooth keystroke experience. Whether you’re a gamer or typist, these switches are a top choice for speed and responsiveness.

11. Akko CS Silver

Akko CS Silver
  • Response Time: Less than 1ms
  • Actuation Force: 35g
  • Actuation Point: 1.5mm
  • Reset Point: 0.3mm
  • Travel Distance: 3.5mm
  • Force Curve: Linear

Akko CS Silver is a type of mechanical keyboard switch that is considered one of the fastest switches available in the market. It is being used in the Akko 5075B Plus Mechanical Keyboard.

This switch has a response time of less than 1 millisecond, which means that it can register keystrokes very quickly. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers or anyone who requires a fast and responsive keyboard.

The actuation force required to activate this switch is only 35g, which is relatively light compared to other mechanical switches. This means that typing or gaming with this switch requires less force and can result in less fatigue over extended use.

The actuation point for this switch is at 1.5mm, which is the distance the key must be pressed down before the keystroke is registered. The reset point is at 0.3mm, which is the distance the key must be released before it is ready for another keystroke.

The travel distance for this switch is 3.5mm, which is the distance the key travels from the resting position to the bottoming out position. This is a relatively short distance compared to other mechanical switches, which can make typing or gaming with this switch faster and more efficient.

Finally, the force curve for this switch is linear, which means that the force required to press down the key is consistent throughout the entire travel distance. This can make typing or gaming with this switch more predictable and accurate.

Overall, Akko CS Silver is a fast and responsive switch that is well-suited for gaming and typing. Its light actuation force, short travel distance, and linear force curve make it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

What Makes a Switch Fast?

A switch’s speed is determined by several key characteristics, including:

  1. Response Time: The response time of a switch measures how quickly it can register a keypress. Faster response times, often less than 1 millisecond, are a hallmark of fast switches. This is crucial for gamers who require near-instantaneous input recognition.
  2. Actuation Force: The actuation force is the amount of force required to press a key and register a keystroke. Lighter actuation forces, typically between 40g and 60g, reduce the effort needed to press keys quickly.
  3. Actuation Point: The actuation point is the distance a key must be pressed down before it registers the keystroke. A shallow actuation point, usually less than 2mm, ensures rapid key registration.
  4. Reset Point: The reset point is the point at which a key must be released before it’s ready for another keystroke. A shorter reset point, often less than 1mm, enables quicker recovery for subsequent keypresses.
  5. Travel Distance: Travel distance measures how far a key travels from its resting position to the bottoming-out point. Shorter travel distances reduce the time it takes for a key to be pressed and released.
  6. Force Curve: The force curve represents the force required to press a key across the entire travel distance. A linear force curve indicates a consistent and predictable keypress, while tactile or clicky force curves can provide feedback but may not always be the fastest for repetitive keystrokes.

Fast switches are often characterized by a combination of these factors, such as a low actuation force, shallow actuation and reset points, and a linear force curve. Gamers and typists seeking speed and responsiveness prioritize these characteristics, as they allow for quicker and more accurate input. Ultimately, the right switch for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Fastest Switch

When selecting the fastest switch for your mechanical keyboard, several key factors should be considered to ensure that it meets your specific needs. Here are the factors to take into account:

  1. Response Time: Look for switches with a response time of less than 1 millisecond. Faster response times ensure that keypresses are registered with minimal delay, which is crucial for gaming and fast typing.
  2. Actuation Force: The actuation force is the amount of pressure required to register a keypress. Consider your typing or gaming style when choosing this force. Lighter switches (around 40-50g) are ideal for quick keypresses, while heavier switches (60g or more) can prevent accidental keystrokes.
  3. Actuation Point: The actuation point is the distance a key must be pressed before registering a keystroke. A shorter actuation point (around 1.0mm to 1.5mm) allows for quicker keypresses and can be more comfortable for extended use.
  4. Reset Point: The reset point is the distance a key must be released before it is ready for another keystroke. A shorter reset point (around 0.2mm to 0.3mm) means faster rebound and less lag between keypresses.
  5. Travel Distance: The travel distance is the total distance a key travels from its resting position to the bottoming-out point. Shorter travel distances (around 3.2mm to 3.6mm) can contribute to faster typing and gaming.
  6. Force Curve: Consider the force curve of the switch. Linear switches offer consistent resistance throughout the keypress, making them predictable. Tactile switches have a bump in resistance at a certain point, providing feedback. Clicky switches have both a bump and an audible click. Choose the one that suits your preferences for keypress feedback.
  7. Application: Consider your intended use. If you’re primarily gaming, you may prefer linear switches for smooth and rapid keypresses. If you do a lot of typing, you might appreciate tactile or clicky switches for feedback.
  8. Customization: Some switches, like the OmniPoint Adjustable Switch, offer customization options for actuation force and point. If you want the flexibility to fine-tune your keyboard to your liking, adjustable switches can be a great choice.
  9. Keyboards Compatibility: Ensure that the switches you select are compatible with your keyboard model. Not all switches can be easily replaced, so check if your keyboard allows for switch customization.
  10. Personal Preference: Ultimately, your choice of switch should align with your personal preference. Try out different switches if possible to determine which one feels most comfortable and suits your needs.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing the fastest switch that best matches your typing or gaming style and provides the responsiveness you desire in your mechanical keyboard.

Mechanical Switch or Optical Switch?

Mechanical Switches: These switches use a physical mechanism involving metal contacts to register a keypress. Examples of mechanical switches mentioned include Cherry MX Speed Silver, Kailh Speed Silver, and Gateron Silver Pro. These switches are known for their durability and tactile feedback.

Optical Switches: Optical switches, on the other hand, use light-based technology to detect keypresses. Examples of optical switches mentioned include Razer Red Optical, Corsair OPX RGB Optical, and LK Optical Clicky. Optical switches are often favored for their faster response times and smoother keystrokes.

The choice between mechanical switches and optical switches depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Mechanical switches are known for their tactile feel and durability, while optical switches are known for their speed and precision. You can choose the type of switch that best suits your typing or gaming needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of mechanical keyboard switches offers a wide array of options to cater to the diverse preferences of users, particularly in terms of speed and responsiveness. The switches outlined in the provided information are some of the fastest available, each excelling in various aspects that make them ideal for gamers and typists seeking rapid and precise key registration.

The OmniPoint Adjustable Switch stands out with its adjustability, allowing users to fine-tune actuation points and actuation force according to their specific needs. Razer Red Optical switches offer a balance between low actuation force and shallow actuation points, making them well-suited for quick and effortless typing.

The Corsair OPX RGB Optical Switch adds a tactile bump at 1.5mm for feedback, while the LK Optical Clicky Switch offers both auditory and tactile feedback through its clicky force curve. Gateron Optical Yellow provides a balanced experience with a linear force curve.

Cherry MX Speed Silver, Kailh Speed Silver, and Gateron Silver Pro switches all offer rapid actuation and a consistent linear force curve for those who prefer predictable keystrokes. Kailh Speed Copper incorporates tactile feedback with a bump at 1.1mm, providing a satisfying typing experience.

Razer Yellow Mechanical Switch is celebrated for its linear and quick actuation characteristics. Lastly, Akko CS Silver, with its ultra-fast response time and light actuation force, rounds out the selection, offering a linear experience.

Each switch has its unique strengths, catering to different typing and gaming preferences, be it for speed, tactile feedback, or a balance between the two. The choice of switch ultimately depends on individual requirements and comfort, ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming experience tailored to one’s needs.

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