Mechanical Keyboard Switches | Razer Mechanical Switches
RAZER™ MECHANICAL SWITCHES
A LEGACY OF INNOVATION
In the past, mechanical keyboard switches were only designed and used for typing—but our vision was of something greater. Driven to change the game, we pioneered an entire industry with the creation of the world’s first mechanical gaming keyboard: the Razer™ BlackWidow.
Not long after, we pushed the envelope yet again by designing our own mechanical keyboard switches. Specially engineered to meet the rigorous demands of competitive gaming, Razer™ Mechanical Switches redefined the limits of gaming performance and continue to raise the bar more than a decade on.
Created the first mechanical keyboard switches for gaming: Green Clicky switches for clicky, tactile keystrokes and Orange Tactile switches with a quiet, tactile bump. Both feature a lighter actuation force for quicker response and a 60‑million keystroke lifespan, which is 20% more durable than the industry standard.
Introduced Yellow Linear switches in the Razer BlackWidow V2, featuring a shorter actuation distance with smooth, silent key travel for greater responsiveness and focus when gaming.
Introduced our new generation of mechanical keyboard switches with the Razer BlackWidow V3 line, swapping to transparent top housing with a built‑in LED lens for brighter RGB lighting. Other improvements include an 80‑million keystroke lifespan and dual side walls for better stability and protection against dust and liquids. The Yellow Linear switches also feature built‑in silicon dampeners to further reduce bottoming‑out sounds.
Introduced our next generation of mechanical keyboard switches with the Razer BlackWidow V4 line, featuring bottom housing with a new milky translucent finish for better RGB light diffusion. Switch construction was also improved and rated with a 100‑million keystroke lifespan, which is double the industry standard.
Introduced our revamped tactile switches with the Razer BlackWidow V4 75%. Created to meet the resurging interest amongst keyboard enthusiasts, they feature new tactile bump mechanics that deliver satisfying feedback with a pleasant ‘pop’ sound, while retaining a light actuation force for greater response.
RAZER MECHANICAL SWITCHES GEN‑3
 Razer Green Clicky Mechanical SwitchThe classic. For those who want to feel and hear every keypress, the Razer Green Clicky Mechanical Switch features a tactile bump and distinctive click sound along with optimized actuation and reset points for best‑in‑class gaming and typing performance. |
 Razer Yellow Linear Mechanical SwitchEnhanced with sound dampeners, the Razer Yellow Linear Mechanical Switch delivers quick execution that’s smooth and silent. With zero distance between the actuation and reset point, this switch allows you to press keys multiple times as fast as possible. |
 Razer Orange Tactile Mechanical SwitchThe Razer Orange Tactile Mechanical Switch delivers a satisfying tactile bump with every keystroke, while ensuring quieter actuation when compared with its Green Clicky variant—making it the perfect choice for those who want tactility without the clicks. |
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|---|---|---|---|
| KEYSTROKE LIFESPAN |
100-million | 100-million | 100-million |
| KEY FEEL | Tactile and Clicky | Smooth and Silent | Tactile and Quiet |
| TRAVEL DISTANCE |
4.0 mm | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm |
| ACTUATION POINT |
1.9 mm | 1.2 mm | 2.0 mm |
| RESET POINT |
1.5 mm | 1.2 mm | 1.8 mm |
| ACTUATION FORCE |
50 g | 45 g | 50 g |
| OTHER FEATURES |
LED Lens for brighter RGB illumination Cross stems with dual side walls |
LED Lens for brighter RGB illumination Cross stems with dual side walls Built‑in sound dampener |
LED Lens for brighter RGB illumination Cross stems with dual side walls |
| X | Regular Typing Single Key |
Regular Typing Single Key |
Regular Typing Single Key |
Transparent Switch Housing with LED Lens
Greater Lighting Immersion
Our mechanical keyboard switches sport clear switch housings outfitted with an LED lens that focuses the light from the source onto the keycaps. This reveals the true brilliance of your backlit keyboards and brings forth greater lighting immersion for your battlestation.
100‑MILLION KEYSTROKE LIFESPAN
Maximum Durability
Fully designed and built by Razer to withstand the rigors of competitive play, Razer Mechanical Switches are engineered to last up to 100‑million keystrokes, which is double the industry standard.
VERSATILE 3‑PIN CONNECTORS
Unmatched Compatibility
Designed to be compatible with most hot‑swappable keyboards, the 3‑pin connectors on Razer™ Mechanical Switches allow for an endless possibility of custom builds.
BOX‑STYLE CROSS STEMS
Enhanced Stability and Protection
Razer Mechanical Switches are fitted with cross stems that support most keycaps. They also feature dual side walls for greater stability, in addition to increased protection against dust and liquids. These switches are built for reliability and extended peak gaming performance.
THE RAZER BLACKWIDOW KEYBOARDS
The Razer BlackWidow has been consistently redefining gaming excellence, securing its position as the best‑selling gaming keyboard in the world and the clear choice of gamers everywhere. Available in an impressive range of variations, you can choose the specific combination of design, features, and switches to suit your exact needs.
FAQ
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What mechanical keyboard switch types does Razer have?
We have 3 different mechanical keyboard switch types. Razer Green Clicky Mechanical Switches produce an audible click and tactile bump with every keypress. Razer Yellow Linear Mechanical Switches feature sound dampeners that result in a quieter and smooth experience. Razer Orange Tactile Mechanical Switches feature quieter actuation while delivering a satisfying tactile bump with every keystroke.
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What kind of keyboards are Razer Mechanical Switches compatible with?
Razer™ Mechanical Switches feature 3‑pin connectors which are compatible with most mechanical keyboards.
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What kind of keycaps are compatible with Razer Mechanical Switches?
Razer Mechanical Switches have cross‑shaped stems, which is the most common stem. Most keycaps with a cross‑shaped mount will fit these switches.
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What are the differences between Razer Optical Switches and Razer Mechanical Switches?
Razer Optical Switches are designed for speed and performance as they use light to actuate, which eliminates any debounce delay. Razer Mechanical Switches are designed to achieve the traditional mechanical switch feel and deliver the brightest RGB illumination‑all while maintaining optimal gaming performance.