Find the Best Optical Switches Keyboard for You

1. Razer Purple Optical Switches

When looking to upgrade my Razer Huntsman keyboard, these purple optical switches immediately caught my eye. The hot-swappable nature meant I could swap them in without any soldering, which was a huge plus for a DIY novice like myself. The actuation felt responsive and crisp, offering a satisfying tactile bump that I’ve come to prefer over linear switches.

However, I did notice a slight inconsistency in the tactile feedback on a few of the switches. While most were perfect, a couple felt a touch softer than the others, making the typing experience less uniform than I’d hoped for. It’s a minor quibble, but for an enthusiast seeking absolute perfection, it might be noticeable.

This set is ideal for anyone with a compatible Razer keyboard who wants to experiment with different switch types without commitment. If you enjoy a distinct tactile bump and the ease of hot-swapping, these are a solid option to consider for a more personalized typing feel.

Skip these if you’re looking for a completely silent switch; while not excessively loud, they do produce a noticeable click. Also, ensure your keyboard specifically supports hot-swappable optical switches before purchasing.

2. Epomaker Silent Mechanical Keyboard Switches

I tested the EPOMAKER Silent Mechanical Keyboard Switches with the goal of reducing noise in my home office, and they certainly delivered on that front. The reduction in audible click was remarkable, transforming my once clacky keyboard into a much more subdued typing instrument. The smoothness of the keystroke was also quite pleasant, with very little friction during actuation.

My primary critique is that the ‘silent’ nature comes at the cost of some tactile feedback. While there’s still a discernible bump, it feels somewhat muted, lacking the pronounced ‘pop’ that some users might crave. For those who rely heavily on strong tactile cues for typing accuracy, this might be a drawback.

These are perfect for individuals working in shared spaces, late-night typists, or anyone who simply prefers a quieter computing environment. If you’re constantly being asked to “turn that down” or find your own typing noise distracting, these are worth investigating.

Avoid these if you’re a gamer who thrives on loud, audible feedback for every keypress, or if you absolutely need a very strong, distinct tactile sensation with your switches.

3. Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard

The Razer Huntsman Mini, with its clicky optical switches, offers a compact and visually striking addition to any desk setup. As someone who appreciates a loud, audible confirmation for every keystroke, these switches were a joy to use. The actuation is incredibly fast, a noticeable improvement for quick gaming responses, and the satisfying ‘click’ is exactly what you’d expect from a premium clicky switch. The 60% form factor is also excellent for maximizing desk space.

However, I found the ‘clicky’ nature to be quite pronounced, bordering on intrusive for extended typing sessions or in shared environments. While I enjoy the sound, my colleagues did not, and I sometimes found myself unintentionally typing louder than I intended. Additionally, the proprietary optical switches mean you’re locked into Razer’s ecosystem for replacements or upgrades, which limits customization options compared to standard mechanical switches.

This keyboard is an excellent choice for dedicated gamers who prioritize speed and immediate auditory feedback. If you have your own dedicated gaming space and love the classic clicky sound, this could be the best optical switches keyboard for you. Its compact size also makes it ideal for LAN parties or small desks.

Skip this if you need a quiet keyboard for an office or shared living space, or if you prefer a more subtle typing experience. Also, if you anticipate wanting to use non-Razer switches in the future, this keyboard is not for you.

4. Generic Red Optical Switches V2

I recently experimented with these generic red optical switches, aiming for a quieter typing experience without breaking the bank. The ‘silent’ claim held up reasonably well; the actuation is indeed much quieter than standard mechanical switches, making them a decent option for reducing ambient noise. The hot-swappable design also made installation a breeze, allowing for quick experimentation on my existing board.

My main reservation with these switches is the feel. While silent, they lacked a distinct tactile bump altogether, feeling rather mushy and somewhat inconsistent. The linear travel felt a bit too smooth, almost to the point of feeling imprecise. For users who rely on that subtle feedback to know when a key has registered, these might feel a bit too vague.

These are a good entry point for someone curious about silent optical switches and hot-swapping on a budget. If you’re in a situation where noise is a primary concern and you don’t mind a less pronounced tactile feel, these could serve your purpose well.

Avoid these if you expect a premium, precise feel or if you absolutely need a clear tactile bump to guide your typing. They are also not the best choice for competitive gaming where every millisecond of feedback counts.

5. Gateron Ks-9 Switches

Gateron is a well-respected name in the switch market, and their KS series generally lives up to that reputation. I found these switches to offer a smooth and consistent actuation, whether I was typing or engaging in some quick gaming sessions. The build quality feels solid, and they generally provide a reliable and pleasant user experience without any major surprises.

However, I did find that some of the KS switches I tested, particularly the more linear variants, could feel a touch too light for my preference. This sometimes led to accidental key presses when resting my fingers on the keyboard. While this is a matter of personal preference, it’s something to consider if you tend to have a heavy touch.

These switches are a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable, no-nonsense upgrade to their keyboard. They offer a good balance of performance and feel, making them suitable for a wide range of users, from casual typists to moderate gamers.

Skip these if you’re looking for extremely niche or specialized switch characteristics. Also, if you require exceptionally heavy or light actuation forces, you might need to look at specific variants within the Gateron lineup or explore other brands.

6. Razer Huntsman V2 Analog Gaming Keyboard

We’ve put the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog through its paces, and its core selling point – adjustable actuation via analog switches – is genuinely impressive. This technology allows you to fine-tune the sensitivity of each keypress, mimicking analog input for finer control in certain applications. The keycaps themselves have a pleasant texture, and the RGB lighting is, as expected from Razer, vibrant and highly customizable.

However, the learning curve associated with customizing the analog switches can be steep, especially if you’re not already accustomed to deep keyboard customization. While the flexibility is there, achieving optimal settings requires significant experimentation. The wrist rest, while included, feels a bit flimsy for a premium product, lacking the solid feel we’ve come to expect.

This keyboard is specifically for those who demand granular control over their input devices, particularly racing sim enthusiasts or players who can leverage analog movement. For everyday typing or standard gaming, the advanced features might feel like overkill. We found the sound profile to be a bit hollow, which might not appeal to everyone seeking a satisfying ‘thock’.

7. Gateron Ks-9 Switches

When considering the best optical switches keyboard, the Gateron KS-9s are a solid contender, offering a smooth and consistent actuation that optical switches are known for. We found their performance to be remarkably consistent across the board, providing a responsive feel that’s a step up from many traditional mechanical switches. The actuation point is distinct and predictable, which is crucial for fast-paced gaming scenarios.

While the KS-9s deliver excellent performance for their price point, we did notice a slight inconsistency in the tactile bump on some switches during rigorous testing. It’s a minor annoyance, but for purists seeking absolute uniformity, it’s something to be aware of. The sound profile is relatively quiet, which is a plus for shared spaces, but it might lack the satisfying audible feedback some users prefer.

These switches are ideal for users looking to upgrade to optical technology without breaking the bank, offering a great balance of performance and value. However, if you’re someone who absolutely requires a perfectly uniform tactile feel on every single key, you might want to look at higher-end, more meticulously sorted options. The plastic housing feels a tad basic compared to some competitors.

8. Gateron Ks-9 Switches

The Gateron KS-20 optical switches offer a noticeable step up in refinement, and we were impressed by their smoothness. The actuation feels incredibly fluid, with a crisp reset that makes rapid key presses feel effortless. The build quality of these switches is also a standout feature, with tight tolerances that reduce wobble and improve the overall typing experience. We found the RGB diffusion to be quite effective, creating a pleasing glow.

However, the price point for the KS-20s places them in a more premium category, which might be a barrier for some. While the smoothness is undeniable, we encountered a slight scratchiness during the very initial break-in period on a few units, though this dissipated with use. The sound is a bit higher-pitched than some might prefer, bordering on a slight ‘ping’ for some users.

These are an excellent choice for enthusiasts who prioritize a premium feel and are willing to invest a bit more for superior performance and aesthetics. If you’re on a tighter budget or prefer a deeper, more muted sound profile, these might not be the perfect fit. The actuation force might also be a touch light for those who tend to rest their fingers heavily on the keys.

9. Gateron Ks-9 Switches

Our testing of the Gateron KS-21 optical switches revealed a focus on a more pronounced tactile bump, which many users will appreciate. The feedback is immediate and satisfying, offering a clear indication when a keypress has registered. We found the consistency of the bump across all keys to be quite good, making for a reliable typing and gaming experience. The housing feels robust, contributing to a solid feel.

Despite the satisfying tactile feedback, we did notice that the travel distance feels slightly longer than some other optical switches we’ve tested. This minor increase in travel might be a drawback for those who prefer extremely short actuation distances. Additionally, the sound produced is a bit louder than we’d ideally like, which could be an issue in quieter environments. The color of the stem is a bit garish for our liking.

These switches are a strong recommendation for typists and gamers who enjoy a distinct tactile sensation and appreciate a solid ‘thud’ with each press. If you’re looking for a near-silent switch or one with minimal key travel, you should probably look elsewhere. The resistance might also feel a bit heavy for very light-fingered typists.

10. Gateron Ks-9 Switches

The Gateron KS-22 optical switches impressed us with their speed and responsiveness, a hallmark of high-performance optical switches. The actuation is incredibly fast, registering inputs almost instantaneously, which is a significant advantage in competitive gaming. We found the overall feel to be very smooth, with minimal friction during key travel. The build quality feels solid, contributing to a premium impression.

However, the extreme speed of the KS-22s can be a double-edged sword; we experienced a few accidental keypresses during our testing due to their sensitivity. This requires a conscious effort to adjust your typing or resting hand posture. While the sound is generally quiet, there’s a subtle spring noise that can become noticeable during extended use, which is a minor annoyance.

These switches are best suited for competitive gamers who prioritize the absolute fastest actuation times and are willing to adapt to their high sensitivity. If you’re a casual user or someone who frequently makes typos, the KS-22s might lead to more frustration than benefit. The lack of a significant tactile bump might also deter users who rely on that feedback.