Are Linear Key Switches Good for Gaming?

If you are a gamer, you must have heard many people talking about linear key switches and how they can improve your gaming experience. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you should know about linear key switches so keep on reading to learn more.

What Is a Linear Key Switch?

The linear key switch doesn’t have an audible click or bump when a key is pressed. However, these switches are faster than office keyboards because mechanical switches need less force, and keypresses are registered faster.

Why Is Linear Preferred in Gaming?

Speedy Operation

Linear mechanical switches provide smooth operation; pressing down creates an unimpeded glide till it reaches a keyboard. This precise and quick actuation is perfect for those who use mechanical keyboards for fast-paced typing or high-intensity gaming. Less resistance means a faster reaction time, which allows your fingers to effortlessly glide across the board.

Some linear switches are faster than others. Switches with higher actuation weights or springs may take more time and force them to press down completely. Certain users prefer a more pillow-like nature of the heavier switches, while others prefer “bottoming out” the switches, letting them strike a keyboard’s plate.

Quieter Sound

Linear switches don’t produce an audible sound when pressed. In case you regularly bottom out the keys, you may hear a sound when a cap strikes a plate. But installing O-rings for reducing the bottom out’s harshness makes the keyboards very quiet. The quieter keyboard can be helpful for the office or other situations where loud sounds are distracting. Especially during gaming.

What Brands Of Linear Key Switch Should I Look For?

There are different kinds of linear key switches based on one’s preferences. Below are some of the best ones you can choose from:

1. Cherry MX

Cherry MX switches are considered the gold standard for mechanical keyboards. There is not any magical quality that makes Cherries highly responsive and comfortable; just excellent, old-fashioned German engineering as well as versatility.

Brand	Switch Name	Cherry MX Equivalent	Key Switch Type	Actuation Force	Actuation point	Durability (Key Presses)
Cherry	Red	Cherry MX Red	Linear	.45 N	2.00 mm	>100 million
Cherry	Black	Cherry MX Black	Linear	.60 N	2.00 mm	>100 million

	Cherry MX Red Key switches (Check availability and prices at Amazon.com)
	Cherry MX Black key switches (Check availability and prices at Amazon.com)

2. Outemu

Outemu is an inexpensive Chinese switch brand. However, this doesn’t mean that they have terrible quality. Both brands are fine, although they are not premium products. They generally imitate Cherry MX, so if you don’t have a lot of money but want to get linear key switches similar to those Cherry MX produces, Outemu can be a good option for you.

Brand	Switch Name	Cherry MX Equivalent	Key Switch Type	Actuation Force	Actuation point	Durability (Key Presses)
Outemu	Red	Cherry MX Red	Linear	.50 N	1.50 mm	50 million
Outemu	Black	Cherry MX Black	Linear	.70 N	2.40 mm	50 million

	Outemu Red Key switches (Check availability and prices at Amazon.com)
	Outemu Black Key switches (Check availability and prices at Amazon.com)

3. Kailh Speed Silver

This one comes with shorter key travel distances and light springs. The speedier operation makes Kailh Speed Silver quick to press in rapid succession – ideal for fast-paced games such as shooters and MOBAs.

Brand	Switch Name	Cherry MX Equivalent	Key Switch Type	Actuation Force	Actuation point	Durability (Key Presses)
Kailh	Speed Silver	Cherry MX Speed Silver	Linear	.50 N	1.3 mm	50 million
Kailh	Red	Cherry MX Red	Linear	.50 N	1.9 mm	50 million
Kailh	Black	Cherry MX Black	Linear	.60 N	1.9 mm	50 million

	Kailh Speed Silver key switches (Check availability and prices at Amazon.com)
	Kailh Red key switches (Check availability and prices at Amazon.com)
	Kailh Black key switches (Check availability and prices at Amazon.com)

4. Gateron Black

This one is a heavier switch than Kailh Speed Silver, which provides much more resistance while typing. The users especially like the smoothness of Gateron Black and enjoy a heavier spring weight while typing for prolonged periods. Although there are users who experience finger fatigue while using heavier switches so it all depends on your preferences.

Brand	Switch Name	Cherry MX Equivalent	Key Switch Type	Actuation Force	Actuation point	Durability (Key Presses)
Gateron	Red	Cherry MX Red	Linear	.45 N	2.00 mm	50 million
Gateron	Black	Cherry MX Black	Linear	.65 N	2.00 mm	50 million

	Gateron Black KS-15  (Check availability and prices at Amazon.com)
	Gateron Red KS-15  (Check availability and prices at Amazon.com)

Bottom Line

As you can see, linear key switches can improve your gaming experience in various ways so purchasing them can be a good idea. Simply pick one based on your preferences to make the purchase worthwhile.

ALSO READ:

• Mechanical Keyboard Switches Explained
• Keyboard Form Factor and Keyboard Layout – What’s the Difference?