Your cart is empty.
Your cart is empty.Theo
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024
Update: I tried them in a keyboard with 5-pin sockets. They pop in easily. Because they have a plain cross mount, I noticed the test keycaps were more wobbly than they are on switches with a cross-inside-a-square mount. Not enough to bother me though.I tested them side-by-side with other switches using opaque black+translucent white pudding key caps (black tops and white characters + bottom rims). On the bottom rims, the upper switch housing imparts a pale green tint to whatever color the LED is emitting; because there is a cutout above the SMD, the green housing didn’t tint the color of the characters on top (more accurately, if I looked REAL close, then I could see that just very bottom of the characters had a slight green tint)_____I ordered these Gateron linear switches to replace the clicks switches on my very first hot-swapable keyboard. Soon after acquiring it, I’d purchased a sampler set of switches and swapped out the one under the spacebar without any issue. Fast forward to now… seems I got lucky that first time.Tonight I sat down, pulled caps and switches, used the mini vacuum to clean up the inevitable crud, and tried to insert one of these Jade Mints. It would go in. I checked that it was oriented properly and tried again. Nope. I push harder. Still no love. Then I looked closely at the switch’s bottom: it’s got two extra plastic, for which there are not corresponding holes in the keyboard’s switch socket. And that, kids, is how I learned some keyboards have 3-pin sockets, while others have 5-pin sockets. (Such a n00b!) At least I knew enough to check (before ordering) and get the SMD lamp type my keyboard uses.Anyway… I’d already really liked the feel and sound of these Gateron switches, but I wanted to get a better idea how they’d feel installed in a keyboard. As they come in a nice tray, I decided to let that serve as a proxy for the keyboard: I attached a couple key caps to Jade Mints and put a couple switches I’d pulled from the keyboard next to them (with caps on of course). Then pretended to type. Oh…. those Jade Mints are nice! I like them quite a bit better than the old switches.The internet tells me that one can convert 5-pin switches to 3-pins with a flush cutter—so all is not lost. It’ll just be more work than I’d anticipated.[Disclosure: I received this product for “free”—in quotes because the IRS considers the item’s retail value as taxable income for federal income tax purposes. This review is my personally written—not AI generated—honest opinion, and is uncensored by the seller.]
Watts of Reading
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2024
Disclaimer I did not get these to install in a keyboard. I am using these for 3d printed keyboard key fidgets. For that purpose, they work perfectly. They have a nice smooth, clean action to them. They appear to be well made. They are quiet and not clicky so if that is what you are after I would look elsewhere. The tension feels right for my needs, not too tight, not too loose. I'm very please with these. I got these to try them to see if they would work for me and they have. I will be back to get more once this batch runs out. Very nice.
Trigger
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2024
I generally prefer a more clicky keyboard. I even have a couple of old 30+ year old IBM Model Ms laying around that I love. That said, I needed something a bit more stealth for evening typing. My blues are a bit loud and could disturb my wife. I took an old keyboard I had with blue switches and swapped to these. They are definitely quieter. It takes getting used to typing on a linear switch after years of that nice click. These feel just a touch heavier than my blues, but only barely. They respond well and are dead quiet compared to my old switches. My wife says she likes the feel so I'll likely build her a new keyboard based around these keys.
Drew
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2024
These are good switches if you’re looking to mix things up and try a new linear switch. The switches feel great; smooth movement across the travel distance, good actuation force, nice sound when mounted. The dual-stage springs seem to give it a little firmness that I find appealing.
cz
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2024
These switches feel very premium. They came pre-lubed, which saves a lot of time. The linear action is nice and smooth, and there are also no noticeable rattles or noises coming out from these switches. They fit into the gasket and the PCB very nicely with little problem. Overall, very nice linear switches, would recommend.
Jeremy Gray
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2024
If you arrived on this page on the fence ready to buy, then here's your sign. These are great and I'm going to end up buying more so I can rebuild a couple of my keyboards with these.
Thomas
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024
I got these switches for a new keyboard build I was working on and they have been working very nicely. The 55gf actuation force is just right for me, and the factory lubrication is done very well and seems improved over older Gateron switches. These switches remind me of the popular Milky Yellows in terms of how they feel and sound, although they do feel a bit more refined and have a bit of a poppy sound signature which is really pleasant. I will say though that while these switches are fantastic, they are quite pricey which is extremely unfortunate. Overall, I really like these switches and I think they are a fantastic choice for those who want a good no-frills switch, but at this price point, it is hard to truly recommend them as the value proposition just isn't there.
Recommended Products