Keyboard Switches: An Introduction
Keyboard switches (or "key switches") are small mechanical components that activate each key on a keyboard. They're important because they impact how well the keyboard performs and how comfortable it is to use. Corsair sells keyboards with two primary options of key switches: Cherry MX switches or CORSAIR'S own OPX switches.
Cherry MX Switches
Cherry MX mechanical switches are durable, precise, and can offer different kinds of feedback. They come in different colors, each with its own unique characteristics. When it comes to mechanical keyboards, there are three main types: linear, tactile, and clicky.
CORSAIR OPX Switches
The Corsair OPX switch is an optical mechanical switch, meaning that it uses a beam of infrared light to register an actuation allow for hyper-fast and precise keypress registration. OPX switches more durable than standard optical-mechanical switches with 150 million keystrokes guaranteed.
As far as feel, it's just like a linear switch meaning smooth keystrokes without any tactile feedback. Accidental key presses are slightly more common with this kind of switch due to the low actuation force, which is the total amount of input force a user must exert to cause any given key to activate consistently.
Mechanical Switch Types
Linear switches offer a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. Corsair OPX switches are a sub-type of linear switches.
Tactile switches provide a bump when being pressed.
Clicky switches provide both a tactile bump and an audible click.
There are several different types of key switches, each with its own unique feel, sound, and actuation force. Whether you're a gamer, writer, or just use your keyboard a lot, choosing the right key switches is really important for a good typing experience. Keep in mind that each CORSAIR keyboard can have multiple choices of switch options, so verify the key switch option that best fits your needs.
Comparison Chart
Below is a chart that breaks down the switches and their characteristics:
| Switch | Type | Actuation Distance | Actuation Force | Total Travel | Images |
| Cherry MX Red | Linear | 2.0 mm | 45g | 4.0 mm | |
| Cherry MX Silent | Linear | 2.0 mm | 45g | 4.0 mm | |
| Cherry MX Speed | Linear | 1.2 mm | 45g | 3.4 mm | |
| Cherry MX Brown | Tactile | 2.0 mm | 55g | 4.0 mm | |
| Cherry MX Blue | Tactile & Clicky | 2.2 mm | 60g | 4.0 mm | |
| Cherry MX Green | Tactile & Clicky | 2.2 mm | 80g | 4.0 mm | |
| Cherry MX Clear | Tactile | 2.0 mm | 65g | 4.0 mm | |
| Cherry MX Grey | Tactile | 2.0 mm | 80g | 4.0mm | |
| Cherry MX Black | Linear | 2.0 mm | 60g | 4.0 mm | |
| Cherry MX Silent Black | Linear | 1.9 mm | 60g | 3.7 mm | |
| Cherry MX Low Profile Red | Linear | 1.2 mm | 45g | 3.2 mm | |
| Cherry MX Low Profile Speed | Linear | 1.0 mm | 45g | 3.2 mm | |
| CORSAIR OPX |
Linear Optical-Mechanical |
1.0 mm | 45g | 3.2 mm |