Gateron Mechanical Keyboard Switches
Best mechanical switches for custom keyboard builders and DIY enthusiasts.
Elevate your mechanical keyboard experience with Gateron Mechanical Switches, the core components for customization and repair. Available in a wide array of tactile and linear options, including popular choices like Red, Blue, Brown, Black, Yellow, Green, and silent variants, these switches cater to diverse typing preferences. Designed for DIY enthusiasts, they feature a standard 3-pin plate-mounted style for broad compatibility with many keyboard PCBs. Purchase in convenient quantities of 10 or 70 pieces to perfectly match your project size, ensuring reliability for builders.
$15.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1604
/ 6542
#1604 in Keyboard Keys & Caps
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Mounting Style
3
/ Plate-mounted (-pin)
Who it's for
- Typists wanting a premium feel without manual lubrication
- Budget-conscious builders seeking high-performance components
- Custom keyboard enthusiasts needing specific sound and tactile profiles
Who should skip it
- Perfectionists requiring absolute uniformity across every key
- Users demanding maximum stability for their keycaps
- Typists sensitive to friction in entry-level switches
Performance breakdown
Switch Variety
Extensive lineup covers every typing preference from tactile clicks to silent linear.
DIY Compatibility
Standard 3-pin design ensures seamless integration with most custom keyboard builds.
Keycap Versatility
Universal MX-style stems accommodate a massive ecosystem of aftermarket keycap sets.
RGB Integration
Transparent housing allows for vibrant, uniform backlighting across your entire board.
Build Reliability
Durable construction provides consistent performance for long-term daily typing sessions.
Purchase Flexibility
Convenient pack sizes cater perfectly to both small repairs and full builds.
Key Specs
Mounting Style
Plate-mounted (3-pin)
Switch Types Available
Blue, Red, Brown, Black, Silent Red, Silent Brown, Silent Black, Yellow, Green
Backlighting Support
RGB
Available Quantities
10pcs, 70pcs
Material
PBT Plastic
Stem Mount Type
MX Style (Cross)
Switch Compatibility
Cherry MX Style
Backlight Compatible
true
Features
- Wide variety of switch types
- Supports RGB backlighting
- Standard 3-pin design
- Ideal for DIY projects
- Offers silent options
- Available in bulk or small packs
- Durable PBT plastic construction
- Compatible with Cherry MX stems
What customers say
Gateron mechanical switches are highly regarded for delivering exceptional value and superior smoothness. Enthusiasts consistently note that even stock Gateron switches feel remarkably smooth compared to competitors, making them an excellent starting point for custom builds. The Gateron Yellow, celebrated for its satisfying linear feel and unique spring weight, exemplifies this premium experience at an accessible price. Reviewers confirm Gateron offers fantastic quality for the money across various types, including tactile and heavier options. This reliability and inherent quality solidify Gateron's position as a top choice for both newcomers and experienced keyboard builders seeking a high-end typing foundation.
Know before you buy
Yes, these switches feature a standard MX-style cross stem, making them compatible with the vast majority of aftermarket keycaps designed for Cherry MX-style switches.
Yes, 3-pin switches are fully compatible with 5-pin PCBs. The two extra holes on a 5-pin PCB are simply for additional stability, which the 3-pin switch does not utilize.
Linear switches (Red, Black, Yellow) offer a smooth, consistent keystroke ideal for gaming. Tactile switches (Brown, Blue) provide a physical bump or click to confirm a press, which is often preferred for typing. Silent variants include internal dampeners to significantly reduce noise for office or shared environments.
Yes, these switches are designed to support RGB backlighting. They feature a housing that allows light to pass through, ensuring your keyboard's illumination remains bright and vibrant.
Whether these switches are hot-swappable depends entirely on your keyboard's PCB, not the switches themselves. If your keyboard supports hot-swapping, these 3-pin switches will work perfectly; otherwise, they will require soldering.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.