Patriot's Guide to Kailh Switches

Kailh is one of the biggest names in the world of gaming keyboards. As one of the most commonly used mechanical switch producers on the market, it’s important for gamers to understand the difference between Kailh’s switches when researching keyboards.

However, with so many different kinds and personal tastes, it can be difficult to pick the right switches or keyboard. 

In this article, we will be discussing Kailh’s switches, their major features and difference, what purpose they all serve and Viper Gaming products that feature Kailh’s switches.

Keywords to Know

To decide which switches and keyboards are right for you, it's important to understand what attributes each Kailh switch offers and how much it fits with your taste and lifestyle. 

Switch types: Perhaps the most important attribute of a keyboard is what type of switches a keyboard has. Kailh switches will come in 3 different types: linear, clicky and tactile.

• Linear: Smooth and consistent feel; quiet sound 
• Tactile: Slightly bumpy with slight feedback; semi-loud/normal sound
• Clicky: Slightly bumpy with slight feedback; loud/very loud sound

Actuation Force: Key travel distance where the keystroke is recognized by the keyboard measured in grams (g) of force. This details how hard you need to press a key for the action to be recognized by the keyboard and translate onscreen.  

Actuation Point: The point where the key switch needs to depress to register keystroke, measured in millimeters (mm). 

Sound Profile: Sound is a crucial part of a keyboard for many users. While many will prefer quieter keystrokes to not make too much noise or dampen the sound coming from games, some still prefer the traditional aesthetic and click of a keystroke. The sound profile of Kailh switches will mainly vary from quiet to very loud. 

Now that we've gone over the things to know about Kailh switches, let's discuss the different Kailh lines. 

Main Kailh Line

Kailh’s main line of mechanical switches are the most common switches you will see on keyboards. Their main line includes Kailh Red, Blue, Brown and Black. This main line includes switches of all similarly designed factors, with the biggest differences being their switch type and sound profile.

This chart will show the main differences between each switch in their main line.

Kailh Switch	Switch Type	Actuation Force	Actuation Point	Sound Profile
Kailh Red	Linear	50g	2mm	Quiet
Kailh Blue	Clicky	50g	2mm	Loud
Kailh Brown	Tactile	50g	2mm	Gentle, semi-quiet
Kailh Black	Linear	60g	2mm	Quiet

 

 

Kailh BOX Switch Line

Kailh's BOX switches are designed to decrease keypress activation time. As seen in the chart below, the main difference between Kailh's BOX line and the main line is the BOX line's 1.8mm actuation point down from 2mm, resulting in an overall faster keystroke that results in some units being marginally louder.  

Kailh Switch	Switch Type	Actuation Force	Actuation Point	Sound Profile
BOX White	Clicky	50g	1.8mm	Normal-Loud
BOX Navy	Clicky	75g	1.8mm	Very Loud
BOX Jade	Clicky	65g	1.8mm	Very Loud
BOX Red	Linear	50g	1.8mm	Quiet-Normal
BOX Burnt Orange	Tactile	60g	1.8mm	Gentle, semi-quiet
BOX Dark Yellow	Linear	70g	1.8mm	Normal-Loud
BOX Pale Blue	Clicky	60g	1.8mm	Loud
BOX Black	Linear	60g	1.8mm	Quiet-Normal

 

Kailh Speed Switch Line

Kailh's Speed switches are, as the name suggests, designed primarily with speed in mind. These switches boast a much lower actuation point than Kailh's other lines at 1.1mm. As a result, these switches are highly sensitive and require less force on keystrokes to be pushed. 

Kailh Switch	Switch Type	Actuation Force	Actuation Point	Sound Profile
Speed Copper	Tactile	50g	1.1mm	Semi-Quiet
Speed Bronze	Clicky	50g	1.1mm	Loud
Speed Silver	Linear	40g	1.1mm	Quiet
Speed Gold	Clicky	50g	1.1mm	Loud

 

Kailh Low-Profile Switch Line

For a more low-profile switch, Kailh has got you covered. These switches are shorter and look more like that of a laptop keyboard, but are very responsive with a 1.5mm actuation point, sensitive to force and smooth for both gaming and typing. 

Kailh Switch	Switch Type	Actuation Force	Actuation Point	Sound Profile
ML Choc White	Clicky	50g	1.5mm	Loud
ML Choc Red	Linear	50g	1.5mm	Semi-Quiet
ML Choc Brown	Tactile	50g	1.5mm	Quiet

 

Kailh Silent Switch Line

Kailh's Silent switches are among the quietest switches in their body of work. These switches are all fairly quiet due to their damping rubber attached to soften clicks and vibrations. Though this rubber can create a higher actuation point, these switches can make up for it by requiring less force. With this line, Kailh offers a choice between a quiet switch with less sensitivity (Silent Brown) and one with more sensitivity (Silent Pink)

Kailh Switch	Switch Type	Actuation Force	Actuation Point	Sound Profile
Silent Pink	Linear	35g	1.8mm	Quiet
Silent Brown	Tactile	65g	1.8mm	Quiet

 

Kailh Pro Switch Line

Rounding out our guide is Kailh's Pro switches. These switches are heralded among Kailh's best for the combination of their best attributes. The Pro switches have a good sensitivity mixed with good smoothness and strong actuation points. 

Kailh Switch	Switch Type	Actuation Force	Actuation Point	Sound Profile
Pro Light Green	Clicky	50g	1.7mm	Quiet-Normal
Pro Burgundy	Linear	50g	1.7mm	Quiet-Normal
Pro Purple	Tactile	50g	1.7mm	Normal-Loud

 

Viper Gaming Products with Kailh Switches

With our keyboards, Viper Gaming uses Kailh switches for a top-quality feel and long lifespan. With our V770 keyboard that features Kailh Red switches, you can expect a more quiet, low-profile feel with smooth keystrokes. If you prefer a more clicky keyboard with a slightly higher and louder push to the keystrokes, our V765 with Kailh BOX White switches is a good choice. If you like something in the middle with a slight noise, our V730 featuring Kailh Brown switches might be for you.