Kailh switches are a type of switch used in keyboards. Kailh switches are popular because they are affordable and easy to manufacture. They come in a variety of colors and are available in both linear and tactile varieties.
Most people think that Kailh switches are just for gaming keyboards. But the fact is, Kailh switches can be used for so much more. In this article, we will explore some of the ways in which Kailh switches can be used to improve your productivity.
First, Kailh switches are a great choice for people who work with computers all day. They offer a smooth, responsive feel that makes it easy to type quickly and accurately. Additionally, they come in a variety of colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your personality and style.
Second, Kailh switches are perfect for people who need to keep their hands on the keyboard at all times. They allow you to type without having to remove your hands from the home row, which can save you a lot of time and energy over the course of the day.
Finally, Kailh switches are ideal for people who want to customize their typing experience. With so many different switch types available, you can find one that matches your unique preferences and needs.
The History of Kailh
Kailh Electronics is a 27-year-old company specializing in the development, production and sale of precision electronic products, switches, jacks, digital encoders, connectors and other electronic components. The company was founded in 1990 in Zhejiang Province, formerly known as Longhua Electronics, and moved to Dongguan in 1998. In 2005, Kelley Electronics was established and entered the international market.
Innovation creates dreams. Kailh has been involved in the development of microswitches for mouse products since 1995 and has made great achievements in improving service life and hand feel. In addition, Kailh has successfully improved the functional stability and processing techniques of the encoder and tactile switch.
Kailh was well-known as the “Kailh switch” at that time. Due to the expansion of the keyboard market in 2009, domestic keyboard manufacturers lacked keyboard switches and could not accept the delivery time of most suppliers. Kailh’s team seized the opportunity and led the R&D team to begin research on mechanical key switches. After a series of tasks including market research, product design review and SOP process development, Kailh successfully completed all of them and took the opportunity to become a leader in the keyboard switch industry.
Despite its achievements, Kailh does not neglect product quality and never stops innovating. In order to break the stereotype of cookie-cutter keyboard design, Kailh constantly develops new key switches. Kailh spent nine years working on keyboard switches and more than 140 patents with the sole mission of creating classic high-tech products.
Based on Kailh’s relentless pursuit of innovation and technical achievement, several world-renowned companies have incorporated Kailh’s products into their gaming offerings. With superior manufacturing capabilities, professional technicians, successful case studies and company strength, Kailh aims to target high-level industries such as automotive and medical.
Introduction to Kailh Switches
The Kailh switch was designed and built by China Kaihua Electronics Co., LTD., a company best known for producing cherry clone switches. Kailh Corporation is one of the largest manufacturers of mechanical switches among other well-known key switch brands. Kailh switches are manufactured from the following important components that provide excellent stability and robustness.
Kailh switches have a variety of switches in their lineup. There are some special and exclusive switches from the Kailh, which are the Kailh box switch, the Kailh Speed switch, and the Kailh Low -Profile switch.
These different switches have their own characteristics, unique colors and different purposes. Each variant contains different driving forces, a sound profile, and different keys, as some Kailh switches are easy to press, while others require touch and have a jarring feel when typing.
The Kailh switch is a clone of the Cherry MX switch, and like them, these switches have more than 50 million keystrokes, meaning they are durable and can survive for years with regular use. These switches are compatible with most keycaps, as is the cherry switch.
Cherry is a German-based manufacturer known for producing top-of-the-line switches that are leading the way in every aspect of technology. And Kailh Switch is a China-based manufacturer known for making economical switches with excellent performance (not as good as the cherry switch), but with strong quality.
The Main Switch Line-up
Kailh Red
Type: Linear
Actuation Force: 50g
Actuation Point: 2mm
Kailh Blue
Type: Clicky
Actuation Force: 50g
Actuation Point: 2mm
Kailh Brown
Type: Tactile
Actuation Force: 50g
Actuation Point: 2mm
Kailh Black
Type: Linear
Actuation Force: 60g
Actuation Point: 2mm
The main Kailh switch lineup includes the typical red, blue, brown, and black switches. They follow the traditional Cherry MX design but are much cheaper. This is a good option if you’re on a budget, but if you’re looking for a tactile or linear switch, I usually prefer the Gateron switch.
As mentioned before, the Kailh switch is usually rough on the side, especially the direct Cherry MX clone. All the Kailh switches in this area have the same driving force of 50g. This force is fairly standard for a switch, it’s not too light or too heavy, the weight is in the middle.
Kailh Box Switches
It is easy to identify a Kailh box switch by looking at the box design around the cross bar. This box protects the switch from dust and moisture and also provides a convenient transition to fit any keycaps you might like customized. It is worth mentioning that the box design works well with your keycap, greatly reducing any wobble, and enhancing your typing experience. Each box switch has the same pre-travel (1.8mm) and travel distance (3.6mm), slightly shorter than the ordinary switch. You can feel the difference a little bit when it comes to speed.
Kailh Box Red
Type: Linear
Actuation Force: 50g
Actuation Point: 1.8mm
It has a pleasant, gentle typing experience. The linear motion is easy on the fingers and the voice is a bit muted. The drive is very smooth and fluid. Because of Kailh’s box design, the bottom sounds and feels better. The red box is a smooth and solid linear switch.
Kailh Box White
Type: Click
Actuation Force: 50g
Actuation Point: 1.8mm
It has a slightly lower pitch than Kailh Gold, and they click to the point of being a little brittle. The drive is slightly lighter, and it feels like the box design might contribute a slightly more resonant click. The box white drive and click is extra crisp and clicks without jingling, so many people like to get feedback from their haptic.
Kailh Box Brown
Type: Tactile
Actuation Force: 60g
Actuation Point: 1.8mm
It’s a subtle touch. These feel solid, somewhere between loud click-on-switch and smooth linearity. When the switch reaches the touch point, it starts slowly with an almost buckling effect.
People generally feel a smoother, more enjoyable experience when they use them.
Kailh Speed Switches
If you want to improve your competitive edge, the Kailh speed switch is a good choice. The speed switch has a shorter drive distance, which should improve your reaction time when playing. They may gain a one-second advantage in the game. Cherry MX also offers a Speed Silver switch, but Kailh is unique in that they also have an additional Speed switch. You can get a touch or click option, so you’re not limited to a linear switch. The Kailh Speed switch is perfect for players who don’t like linear switches but still want a competitive edge in the game. When the drive point is 1.1mm, you will find other activities such as typing more uncomfortable.
Kailh Speed Silver
Type: Linear
Actuation Force: 50g
Actuation Point: 1.1mm
It’s smooth, light enough that your fingers don’t get tired, and quiet. It feels smoother than the Kailh Box switch. Reduced drive and travel result in faster game response times.
Kailh Speed Copper
Type: Tactile
Actuation Force: 50g
Actuation Point: 1.1mm
These switch fingers feel heavier than silverware. But they’re as smooth as silver. They sound louder and more muscular.
Kailh Speed Bronze
Type: Clicky
Actuation Force: 50g
Actuation Point: 1.1mm
The high, crisp clicking sound, is light, precise, and unique. This key switch is addictive. They start before an audible click.
Kailh Silent Switches
Kailh BOX Silent Pink
Type: Linear
Actuation Force: 35g
Actuation Point: 1.8mm
Kailh BOX Silent Brown
Type: Tactile
Actuation Force: 45g
Actuation Point: 1.8mm
Kailh also offers its own Silent switch. Rubber dampers are installed on the stem of the mute switch to reduce the impact of the keys when recording keystrokes. Perfect for working in the office or playing games while the family sleeps.
The BOX mute switch also has an odd stem design. They’re not the typical box shape, they’re round. It’s important to note that the mute switch isn’t for everyone. Each key has a rubbery feel, which may strike those used to normal mechanical switches as odd. Test the Silent switch before buying a full set. It’s a completely different experience.
Kailh Low-Profile Switches
Kailh ML Choc White
Type: Clicky
Actuation Force: 50g
Actuation Point: 1.3mm
Kailh ML Choc Brown
Type: Tactile
Actuation Force: 50g
Actuation Point: 1.3mm
Kailh ML Choc Red
Type: Linear
Actuation Force: 50g
Actuation Point:1.3mm
Low-profile keyboards are all the rage these days, especially in the gaming community. These keyboards are usually thinner and have shorter switches. The low-profile switch is designed for low-profile mechanical keyboards. Similar to the Speed switch, we found that the low-profile switch had no significant effect on game reaction time.
But if a mechanical keyboard is really too thick for you, a low-profile keyboard with a switch allows your wrists to type and play games without having to lift your fingers so high. Low-Profile switches are much thinner because they need to fit into a smaller case than the Low-Profile keyboard. That’s why they have a drive distance of just 1.3 millimeters, compared to the normal 2 millimeters.
FAQs
1. Are Kailh switches as reliable as Cherry ones?
According to our own testing and the general opinion of the mechanical keyboard community, the Kailh switch is just as reliable as the Cherry-built switch. The company has been making switches for decades, and its new models show the company’s interest and skill in this area.
2. Are Kailh Switches Good?
Determining whether the Kailh switches are good or not is largely up to the user and their preferences, but I think they are fine, with one big exception. Kailh switches are often considered harsh, making them not the best choice for those who prefer tactile or linear switches. However, clicky switches are really well done by Kailh.
3. Are Kailh switches hot-swappable?
Kailh switches are compatible with hot-swappable PCBs. They have the typical 3-pin mechanical switch design. This means that if you have a hot-swappable keyboard, the Kailh switch is likely to fit perfectly. A Kailh switch tester is available so that you can test several different Kailh switches on a hot-swappable keyboard.
4. Are Kailh switches better than the Gateron switches?
The Kailh and Gateron switches share many similarities for several reasons, as the two switches have different circuits in their families and are used for different purposes. Gateron has the Gateron Ink switch, Gateron Silence, Gateron Milk, and Gateron Low profile switch, while Kailh has the Kailh Box, Kailh Silent, and Kailh Low profile switch in his lineup.
That’s why many professionals and keyboard enthusiasts compare the two switches. Although the Kailh and Gateron switches are excellent. But the Kailh switch is more economical and performs well in various technical aspects.
Conclusion
Kailh is a large switch manufacturer. They make switches of all sizes and types. You can find several different switch types, including the standard lineup, the BOX switch, the Speed switch, the Low-Profile switch, and more. Although Kailh is known for its cheap Cherry MX clones, they have proven that it can make its own unique and interesting switch designs. Hope this article would be helpful to you.
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