Gateron vs Cherry switches. It’s a question that has been debated by keyboard enthusiasts for years: which switch is better? In this article, we will compare and contrast the two types of switches to help you decide which one is right for you. We’ll discuss the benefits of each type of switch and offer reviews to help you make an informed decision. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
What are Gateron and Cherry switches?
Gateron and Cherry are both types of mechanical switches. They are made up of individual key switches that, when pressed, send an electrical signal to your computer telling it which letter or number has been typed. There are several different types of mechanical switches on the market, but Gateron and Cherry are among the most popular.
Both Gateron and Cherry switches have their pros and cons, so let’s take a closer look at each one:
- Cost less than Cherry switches;
- Tactile feedback is not as strong as Cherry switches.
- More expensive than Gateron switches;
- Offer stronger tactile feedback than Gateron switches;
- Come in a wide range of colors (e.g., red, black, blue);
- Available with different actuation points (i.e., how far down you need to press; the key before it registers your input).
Blue switches have an actuation point of 60 gf and are great for typing but can be noisy if used too much; Red switches have an activation point at 45 gf which makes them good for gaming but not ideal when typing because they require less force to activate than Blue or Black ones do.
You’ll also find that Cherry MX Brown Switches have an activation strength between those two values so they’re suitable as both gaming and typing keyboards due to their middle ground design choice!
If you’re still unsure about which switch is best for you, don’t worry! We’ll go over some more specific scenarios below.
Gateron vs Cherry Guide: Which Switch is Right for You?
Let’s face it, gateron vs cherry is not a fair comparison. Cherry MX switches are one of the most well-known switch types in mechanical keyboards. Gateron, on the other hand, is an unknown brand to many people outside of the keyboard community despite being one of the leading switch manufacturers for years now.
But even within gaterons product line there are numerous options like gateron red vs brown which work differently and appeal to different kinds of people for various reasons.
One of the first things to consider when looking at gateron switches is that they come in both linear and tactile varieties whereas cherry only has a tactile option. This means that if you are someone who likes a bit of feedback with each keystroke, gateron is the way to go as all their switches have this feature. If you are interested in trying out a mechanical keyboard for the first time and don’t know what any of this means then we would recommend starting with a gateron red switchboard as it provides an enjoyable typing experience without being too overwhelming for those new to mechs. Gateron brown switches offer a similar feel but require slightly more force to actuate, making them ideal for those who prefer heavier typing.
One of the other major differences between gateron vs cherry is that gaterons are made from a different material than cherries which means they have their own unique characteristics such as how much force needs to be applied before an action takes place and what kind of feedback you get when pressing down on them. If we look at gatreon reds vs browns specifically then this becomes even more apparent because while gatreons come in both linear (smooth) or tactile (bumpy/clicky) variants. There only exists one type of each gatreon switch which makes it easier for people looking through different options without having too many considerations about their final decision, whereas if someone were interested in cherry mx reds they would need to decide if they wanted a tactile (bumpy/clicky) or linear (smooth) switch.
One of the benefits that gateron switches have over cherries is that their stems are removable. This means that in the event that a keycap pops off or becomes damaged, it can be easily replaced without having to replace the entire switchboard.
Cherry MX switches do not have this feature which can make repairing them more difficult and expensive should something go wrong; however, with gaterons you also run the risk of losing your stem if you’re not careful which could render your keyboard useless until you can find a replacement.
How do Gateron and Cherry switches feel to type on?
Gateron switches are smooth and have a light tactile bump, while Cherry switches are tactile with a pronounced click. Some people prefer Gaterons for typing because they feel lighter and smoother, while others prefer the feedback of Cherry switches. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference.
