Gateron is no unfamiliar name in the mechanical switch community as they have been manufacturing top-quality switches for over 10 years now. Now since most people purchase mechanical keyboards to play games, we will look at the best Gateron switches for gaming.
The best Gateron switch for gaming is the Gateron Red, Milky Clear, and Milky Yellow. However, this is not it. There are a few other options as well including Milky Red, Optical Silver, and a couple more that are just as great for your gaming keyboard. All of these switches have a fast actuation and no tactile bumps.
What Are The Best Gateron Switch For Gaming?
Now since there are so many options to choose from, a newbie may get confused about which switch he or she should buy. Well, I am here to solve that problem with a list of 7 of the best Gateron gaming switches that you can get.
1. Gateron Red
Gateron Reds are the regular red linear mechanical switches that are preferred by gamers around the globe. Even though they are a clone of Cherry, Gateron has changed some aspects to give a better feel when you press the key.
These switches have a 45 g operating force which is pretty standard for red switches. Similarly, the pre and total travel distances are 2 mm and 4 mm, respectively.
The sound level of the keys is low and they don't have any tactile bumps.
They are an excellent choice for any kind of game you play whether MOBA, FPS, RPG, or others.
2. Gateron Clear
Gateron Clears are ideal if you want a switch with a very light pressing force. These switches only require 35 g of force to actuate while having a pre-travel of 2 mm and a total distance of 4 mm.
These linear switches can be a better bet if you don't prefer switches with a higher actuation force. Upon using them, they feel very light and smooth while having a very dim sound.
All in all, they are an excellent choice if someone likes soft keyboard switches for gaming.
3. Gateron Milky Red
Gateron Mily Red is similar to the regular red Gateron switch except for a few differences. Firstly, it has a better milky housing, which basically diffuses the RGB lighting a bit and stops it from directly affecting your eyes.
Moreover, it has a better sound which is deeper and fuller as compared to the regular switch. The operating of this switch is the same as the regular one i.e. 45 g.
Similarly, the pre-travel and total distance are also 2 mm and 4 mm, respectively.
This switch can be a better option if you prefer less intense RGB lighting and a deeper sound.
4. Gateron Low-Profile Red
As evident from the name, Gateron low-profile Red switches are made for low-profile mechanical keyboards. These switches have a much shorter pre-travel and total distance than the regular switches.
The low-profile red switches, in particular, have a 1.5 mm pre-travel and a 2.5 mm total travel, making them extremely fast switches.
The operating force required to actuate the switch is 50 g and the sound level is pretty low.
These switches are fast and responsive and are ideal for fast-paced gaming.
5. Gateron Milky Yellow
Gateron Milky Yellow is one of those fan-favorite keyboard switches that everyone loves. These switches are super smooth and super responsive thanks to the milky housing, again.
Milky Yellows require a slightly more operating force than their red counterparts. They are actuated at 50 g of force, but you won't feel much of a difference.
They have a pleasing sound as well and the overall feel of the switch is really great.
They require a medium pressing force and can be ideal for people who think the red ones will be too light for them.
6. Gateron Milky Black
Gateron Milky Blacks should be the choice of those who have heavy fingers but still want to use a linear switch that is fast, responsive, and without any tactile bumps.
This switch has the same milky housing and its actuation force is 60 g, which is much more than the Milky Red and Milky Yellow. The pre-travel and total distance is the same at 2 mm and 4 mm.
Black Milky switches are not like the regular black switches that you'd found. These have a better actuation feel, a pleasant sound, and a smooth press.
7. Gateron Optical Silver
These switches use light for actuations and not the regular metal-to-metal connection. This increases the overall speed of the switch and makes them a lot faster than mechanical switches.
The Gateron Optical Silver does require 45 g of force to actuate, but at the same time, its pre-travel is just 1 mm and the total distance is 3.2 mm.
This indicates that your keypress will register as soon as you touch the key.
These are ideal for fast-paced gaming and will help you improve your speed.
The 45 g force compliments the 1 mm pre-travel making the switch a perfect blend of speed and great responsiveness.
Key Factors in Choosing your Gateron Switch
There are a few factors that you should keep in mind not only before buying Gateron switches, but any kind of mechanical switch. I'll be discussing them below:
1. Usage Purpose
Gateron has dedicated switches for gaming and typing. If you're a gamer, you'll have a variety of choices, and likewise, if you are a typist.
As I have always said, linear switches are perfect for gamers and tactile or clicky switches are the best for typists.
2. Switch Feel
Not everyone would prefer a switch that makes a lot of noise. Similarly, some people might want to avoid the switches that require a hard pressing force. In the end, you must know what kind of switch you want and how it should feel and sound.
3. Surrounding Environment
If you work in an office environment, it is better to avoid clicky switches that have high noise. However, if you have a separate room, then getting the same clicky switches won't have any problems.
In short, take a look at your surroundings and decide what switch will prove to be the best here.
Which switch type is best for gaming?
Linear and speed switches are the best for gaming because of their low travel distance and a lack of tactile bump. These switches get actuated almost immediately and your keystroke is registered without any delays.
Many pro gamers opt for these switches since gaming requires quick keypresses. If you are behind by even a millisecond, the match can be over.
This is the reason why you should always prefer linear or speed switches for this purpose.
Another good option is the optical switches but they are not as compatible as the regular mechanical switches.
Is Gateron red or yellow better for gaming?
Gateron Red is better than Gateron Yellow for gaming. The reds require a lighter pressing force (45 g) than yellows (50 g) making them a bit more quicker and smoother.
Moreover, the red switches have no tactile bump which means the switch actuates as soon as you press it.
Meanwhile, the yellow switches do have a tactile bump, making them a little slower than their red counterparts.
What Gateron switches are best?
Gateron milky switches are considered to be the best out of the lot overall. Many users have been using them and the overall feedback has been very positive.
These switches use a milky housing which diffuses the RGB a bit and gives a smoother pressing experience. Apart from them, the Gateron low-profile and optical switches are also great for gaming.
Lastly, if we talk about the regular Gateron switches, then reds and clears are also very fine options for gamers. The Reds also have a silent variant for those who prefer no switch sound.
Are Gateron optical switches good for gaming?
Yes! Gateron optical switches are excellent for gaming. They have a much faster trigger speed than regular switches since they use light for actuation and not the metal-to-metal connection.
Furthermore, they have a lifespan of 100 million keystrokes which implies that they can last for years. Gateron's optical switches are also loved by the community for their sublime performance and good resistance to wear and tear.
In short, these switches are ideal for gamers who prefer optical switches over mechanical ones.
Which Gateron optical switch is best for gaming?
Gateron optical silver, yellow, white, and red, all are best for gaming. It all comes down to what you prefer. If you like a medium-light pressing force, then go for the reds.
If you prefer a medium pressing force with a fast trigger, then silvers are ideal.
Moreover, yellow optical switches are good for those who want a switch with an extremely quick actuation without any tactile bumps.
White switches are also pretty similar to the red, except that they require a lighter actuation force.
Is Gateron better than Cherry Gaming?
It is hard to declare one winner out of the two. Gateron switches are a clone of Cherry MX switches and are a bit softer and smoother in usage. On the other hand, Cherry switches are deemed to be more stiff as compared to Gateron.
In the end, it is up to the individual what they prefer. If you want smoothness, Gateron can be a slightly better choice. But if you don't mind the switches being a bit more hard, Cherry is the better choice.
Functionality-wise, Cherry MX switches have a better lifespan than Gateron switches. However, Cherry switches are more pricey and can be unaffordable for some people.
At the same time, Gateron switches are more budget-friendly which gives them an advantage.
Conclusion
Gateron switches have been around for a long time and will maintain their place in the community. They are a top choice for both gaming and typing and have a long lifespan as well.
Their dedicated gaming switches like the optical and low-profile ones along with a few regular and milky ones are ideal for gamers.
For more switch and keyboard reviews, make sure to keep an eye on TheTechSetup's latest posts!
Related Posts:
- What Keyboard Switches Do Pro Gamers Use?
- Top 5 Keyboards Pro Gamers Use!
- 8 Best Linear Switches for Your Keyboard
- Are Gateron Black Inks Good For Gaming?
- Gateron Brown Review - A Comprehensive Guide
- Cherry Mx Vs Gateron switches
- Gateron Yellow vs Milky Yellow
- Gateron Blacks vs Black Inks
- Gateron Milky Yellow vs Akko Jelly Black