Skip to product information
1 of 3

Gateron Optical Switches/Gateron Mechanical Switches

Gateron Optical Switches/Gateron Mechanical Switches

460 total reviews

SWITCH COLORS

Gateron Optical Blue

Gateron blue switches have a tactile and auditory click when you press them. These are the loudest switches that we have available. Gateron Blue switches have a 55 gf actuation force.

Gateron Optical Brown

Gateron Brown switches have a tactile bump but don’t have the auditory click that Blues have. These have historically been the best selling switches for X-Bows. Gateron Browns have a 55gf actuation force.

Gateron Optical Red

Gateron Red switches are quiet with a linear feel. Gateron Reds have an 45gf actuation force. These are a great middle-of-the-road switch that is popular with a broad audience.

Gateron Optical Black

Gateron Black switches are linear, like reds, but have a heavier 60gf actuation force. Black switches are a good option for heavy typists who tend to bottom out their keystrokes often. 


FAQS

What are optical switches?

Optical switches communicate keystrokes through an infrared signal, instead of through metallic contact the way that traditional switches mechanical do. Many of the internal parts are the same and the typing feel is very similar between optical and traditional mechanical switches. 

Hot-swappable switches

All Gateron optical switches are hot-swappable. This means that they can be removed and replaced, without any wiring or electrical work required. On an optical switch keyboard, optical switches simply connect to the PCB beneath them. This allows you to test out different optical switches to find which best suits you. Some users even choose to use different switches for different parts of the keyboard.

Can I use optical switches on my X-Bows keyboard?

Gateron optical switches are compatible with X-Bows keyboard version 2 sold before 2021.

Regular price $22.95 USD
Regular price $40.00 USD Sale price $22.95 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Switch Type
Switch option
Quantity
  • One-Year Warranty
  • 30-Day Return Guarantee
  • Free Shipping Orders $60+
View full details

Collapsible content

Technical Specifications

Dimensions & Weight

What's in the Box

What Users Are Saying

★★★★★

"Getting used to it surprisingly quickly"

"I have used a 'standard' layout for over 40 years... but I am getting used to it surprisingly quickly. The layout is great and definitely reduces excess reach."
— Adam B. Verified
★★★★★

"Reduced pain in wrists and shoulders"

"I'm a database engineer and spend all of my days at my desk... X-Bows did reduce some pain in my wrists and shoulders."
— Chris W. Verified
★★★★★

"Best thing I did for my chronic joint issues"

"Due to hypermobility I am prone to chronic joint issues... It took me a little while to get used to, but for anyone with similar joint pains I can definitely...
— Eline B. Verified
★★★★★

"Best ergonomic keyboard I've used"

"I have both the keyboard and detachable number pad. This is the best ergonomic keyboard I've used and I love that it's mechanical."
— Gabe Verified
★★★★★

"Best of all (15 years experience)"

"This is my third ergonomic keyboard in 15 years... It is the best of all. I am won over. I sold my old ergonomic keyboards."
— Hubert Verified
★★★★★

"Wrist pain reduced dramatically"

"The keyboard has good build quality and it's actually ergonomic. My wrist pain reduced dramatically since my purchase."
— Ivan M. Verified
★★★★★

"A great upgrade from the Microsoft Sculpt"

"I used a Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic keyboard for 5 years... I didn't notice any wrist/posture discomfort switching to the X-Bows. It's really a great upgrade."
— Jean-michel B. Verified
★★★★★

"Amazing for my developer work"

"I use it with Ubuntu and I'm completely happy, everything is Perfecto... amazing for my developer work."
— Jose G. Verified
★★★★★

"My carpal tunnel has improved"

"It took some time getting used to the layout... but I have less strain on my hands now, and my carpal tunnel has improved. I ended up buying a 2nd...
— Karen Verified
★★★★★

"Typing faster than ever before"

"Transition was seamless, after few days I was already typing faster than ever before. Build quality is very good."
— Michał M. Verified
★★★★★

"It took about three days"

"Thought I could beat the curve, but just like everyone else said, it took about three days to get used to. I never realized how uncomfortable normal keyboards are."
— Mike D. Verified
★★★★★

"Far better than Microsoft Ergonomic"

"I used to own a Microsoft Ergonomic keyboard but this one is far better in every way. Once you get used to the layout, typing on it is a breeze."
— Richard M. Verified
★★★★★

"My elbow pain is gone"

"Using this keyboard is a delight. After just a week my elbow pain is gone."
— Santiago M. Verified
★★★★★

"3 months later, pain is gone"

"After having some minor wrist pain I switched over... 3 months later my wrist pain is gone. I actually have ordered 3 of these totally."
— Tony M. Verified
★★★★★

"The best keyboard I have"

"I'm a developer with wrist pain. I bought too many keyboards (Keychron, Moonlander, Dygma, Logitech) to improve comfort. The Knight keyboard is the best keyboard I have."
— Trackvegeta Verified