Gateron KS-3X Full Black Switch
Best budget-friendly upgrade for custom mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Elevate your typing experience with the Gateron KS-3X Full Black Switch set. This pack includes 110 switches, designed for a remarkably smooth feel and satisfying sound. Featuring durable POM stems and full nylon housings, these switches offer exceptional value and performance. Built to last with a stainless steel spring and gold alloy contacts, they promise around 50 million keystrokes. Available in linear, tactile, or clicky variants, they are perfect for customizing your hot-swappable keyboard to match your unique typing style.
$24.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
3131
/ 6542
#3131 in Keyboard Keys & Caps
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
Quantity
110
/ Switches
Who it's for
- Budget-conscious builders looking for a reliable modding foundation
- Typists seeking a smooth, consistent linear feel immediately
- Keyboard enthusiasts preferring a deep, thocky sound profile
Who should skip it
- Users prone to finger fatigue during long typing sessions
- Precision-focused builders demanding maximum stem stability
- Beginners wanting a plug-and-play switch without manual lubing
Performance breakdown
Typing Smoothness
POM stems deliver a buttery, consistent travel across every single keystroke.
Build Durability
Nylon housing and gold alloy contacts ensure long-term mechanical reliability.
Acoustic Profile
Full nylon construction produces a deep, satisfying sound signature for enthusiasts.
Installation Versatility
Standard 5-pin design offers broad compatibility with most hot-swappable mechanical boards.
Lifespan Reliability
Rated for 50 million cycles, providing dependable performance for years of use.
Customization Options
Available in three distinct switch types to suit any typing preference.
Key Specs
Quantity
110 Switches
Stem Material
POM
Housing Material
Nylon PA66
Spring Material
Spring steel
Pins
5-Pin
Lifespan
Approximately 50 million cycles
Switch Type
Mechanical
Compatibility
Cherry MX Style
Features
- Smooth typing feel with POM stem
- Durable nylon housing for longevity
- Distinct sound profile
- 50 million cycle lifespan
- 5-Pin PCB mount compatibility
- Available in Linear, Tactile, and Clicky
- Enhanced oxidation resistance
- Cost-effective switch upgrade
What customers say
Gateron KS-3X switches offer outstanding value, consistently exceeding expectations for their price. Users highlight the impressive quality and smooth linear feel, noting their reliability and consistency straight from the package. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone, from newcomers to seasoned enthusiasts, looking for high performance without a high cost. The sleek, all black design is also a popular feature, adding a clean aesthetic. This blend of affordability, dependable performance, and attractive design drives significant customer satisfaction.
Know before you buy
These are 5-pin switches, which are compatible with most modern hot-swappable mechanical keyboards. If your keyboard PCB only supports 3-pin switches, you can simply clip off the two extra plastic legs to make them fit.
Linear switches offer a smooth, consistent keystroke without any bump. Tactile switches provide a noticeable physical bump when the key is pressed, while clicky switches add both a tactile bump and an audible 'click' sound for feedback.
Yes, these switches feature a standard MX-style cross stem. They are compatible with the vast majority of aftermarket keycap sets designed for Cherry MX-style mechanical switches.
The POM stem provides a self-lubricating, smooth travel, while the nylon housing contributes to a deeper, more resonant sound profile compared to standard polycarbonate housings.
The Gateron KS-3X switches are generally considered 'dry' switches. While they are smooth out of the box, many enthusiasts choose to apply their own lubricant to further refine the sound and feel.
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