Razer™ Optical Switches

Razer™ Optical Switches

The Speed of Light

Razer™ Optical Switches deliver the fastest performance you’ll ever experience.Pushing innovation to elevate the gaming experience is something we constantly strive for. It was what drove us to create the first mechanical keyboard for gaming, then subsequently design our own Razer™ Mechanical Switches to meet the needs of different gamers. With Razer™ Optical Switches, we’re redefining the standards of speed once again.

How The Razer™ Optical Switch Works

The Swiftest Actuation Ever

Unlike traditional mechanical switches that have a lot of moving parts and actuate via metallic contact, Razer™ Optical Switch enables actuation via light. Imagine this: you press a key and a light beam instantly passes through the switch stem—which is when actuation happens—and sends a corresponding signal to your computer to perform the intended action.

Discover The Difference

  • Razer™ Clicky Optical Switch

    Razer™ Clicky Optical Switch

    The only clicky switch in the market with a 1.5 mm actuation point. Measured to be 30% shorter than standard clicky mechanical switches.

    Key Feel Light and Clicky
    Actuation Method Light Actuation
    Actuation Force 45 g
    Actuation Point 1.5 mm
    Durability 100 million clicks
    Stability Cross Stem with Stabilizers

  • Razer™ Linear Optical Switch

    Razer™ Linear Optical Switch

    Featuring an ultra-low 1.2 mm actuation point for faster inputs. Measured to be 16.67% shorter than standard linear mechanical switches.

    Key Feel Light and Instant
    Actuation Method Light Actuation
    Actuation Force 45 g
    Actuation Point 1.2 mm
    Durability 100 million clicks
    Stability Cross Stem with Stabilizers

What Goes Into The Switch

The Razer™ Optical Switches are found in our Razer Huntsman family and outfitted with the best components to make it our fastest switches yet.

  • Key Stabilizer Bar

    A metal key stabilizer flanks both sides of the switch. When combined with optical actuation technology, makes for fewer moving parts in the switch.

  • Unrivalled Durability

    Razer switches are known for their durability—and are now even better. With optical actuation providing less physical contact, Razer™ Optical Switches eliminate switch degradation almost completely. This provides durability of up to 100 million keystrokes, compared to the industry standard of 50 million.

  • Balanced Keypress

    A new stem shape, when combined with the key stabilizer bar, allows for a more balanced keypress. Regardless of where you press on the keycap, you need the same exact 40g or 45 g of force for actuation—unlike traditional switches that can feel wobbly or misfire if you hit the edge of the key.

Zero Debounce Delay

As optical switches actuate via light, they do not suffer from the bouncing found in traditional mechanical switches, ensuring the signal is sent the instant the key is actuated.

  • Razer™ Clicky Optical Switch
  • Standard Mechanical Switch

Supported By True 8,000 Hz Polling Rate

By combining a true 8,000 Hz polling rate with the virtually instantaneous response of Razer™ Optical Switches, the Razer Huntsman V2 line are our fastest gaming keyboards from point of actuation to PC output—making them the best choice for competitive play.

Available With

Razer Huntsman V2

Optical Gaming Keyboard with Near-zero Input Latency

Razer Huntsman V2 Tenkeyless

Tenkeyless Optical Gaming Keyboard

Razer Huntsman Mini

60% Gaming Keyboard with Razer™ Optical Switch