As mechanical keyboards continue to gain traction in the gaming community, understanding the different switch types is crucial for choosing the optimal keyboard setup. Among these switches, clicky switches, known for their distinct tactile feedback and audible click, have carved a niche for themselves, popular with both gamers and typists.
Clicky switches are named after the distinct clicking sound produced every time a keypress is registered. The noise comes from the ‘click jacket’ – a component of the switch that creates the click upon actuation. This feedback adds a rhythm to your typing and creates a sense of precision that is satisfying to many gamers and typists.
Different types of clicky switches include Cherry MX Blue, Kailh Blue, Razer Green, Outemu Blue, and Gateron Blue. While each brand varies slightly in features, all provide a tactile bump and clicking sound on actuation. The required force for actuation also varies, with Cherry MX Blue requiring the most at around 50g, and the others usually coming in slightly lower.
Cherry MX Blue switches are arguably the most popular clicky switches. These switches were designed for typing, but they’ve found a home among gamers. MX Blue switches are infamous for their ‘hysteresis’— a lag between the actuation and reset points. This means that you have to lift your finger higher to reset the key. While it’s a non-issue for typists, gamers double-tapping the same key may find it problematic.
Kailh Blue switches are almost identical to Cherry’s blues in terms of force required and the amount of sound they make. Players note that the Kailh Blue switches feel a bit smoother than the Cherry MX Blue switches, which gives them a slightly different, potentially more enjoyable feel.
Razer Green, designed in-house by Razer, has a similar clicky offering. The actuation force required is 50g, which is on par with Cherry MX blues. They have slightly less audible noise, which some may prefer for a quieter gaming environment.
Outemu Blue and Gateron Blue switches are often found in budget-friendly mechanical keyboards due to their lower cost. Although less expensive, many gamers appreciate these switches for their consistent quality.
When choosing a clicky switch, it’s important to consider the typing noise level. Clicky switches are loud, and the noise can create a hollow echo depending on the keyboard’s structure. For some players, the loud clicky noise provides satisfying feedback, while for others, it can be distracting or disruptive, especially in shared spaces.
The actuation point of a switch, the point at which a keypress registers, is a crucial consideration for gamers. Faster actuation points can lead to quicker game responses. Clicky switches like Razer Green, with actuation points of 1.9mm, offer competitive gaming advantages.
However, not all games benefit from speedy actuation. In strategy games, where precision trumps speed, heavier switches like Cherry MX Blue with a 2.2mm actuation point are better choices.
Durability is another significant factor when choosing a switch for a gaming keyboard. Most clicky switches boast a lifespan of 50 to 80 million keystrokes. So, whether you’re an aggressive button masher or a soft key toucher, a clicky switch keyboard can take the beatings of your intense gaming sessions for a good few years.
Keep in mind the factor of ‘key ghosting’— when you press multiple keys, and some keypresses are not registered. Gaming keyboards with anti-ghosting technology or full N-Key rollover (NKRO) support, where each key is scanned independently, make clicky switches more desirable by guaranteeing precision and accuracy, especially in games requiring simultaneous keypresses.
In summary, the choice of clicky switches depends on personal preferences and gaming requirements. They offer tactile feedback, confirmed with an audible click, satisfying those who crave a sense of rhythm and assertiveness in their gameplay or typing. However, clicky switches aren’t for everyone. The loud ‘clicking’ can be a deal-breaker for those after a quieter keyboard or those who share their gaming space.
Balancing the advantages and potential downsides, clicky switches remain a top contender in the world of gaming keyboards. They offer a satisfying, tactile, and engaging gaming experience that, for the right player, make every keypress a strategic and assertive move in the virtual gaming world.
