When choosing the keyboards for gaming, optical switches and mechanical switches are two common choices. But they differ in terms of how they work, performance, durability and price. Here’s how the optical switch compares to the mechanical switch in the game to help you make a better choice for you.
1. Working Principles
1.1. Mechanical switch
Mechanical switches register key presses through metal contacts that physically touch. When pressing the key, the contacts close, and the circuit is completed. Then a signal is transmitted to the computer. Commonly, mechanical switches include Cherry MX, Razer, Romero-G, etc.
1.2. Optical switch
Optical switches detect key presses using an optical sensor, usually an infrared beam. Pressing the key will interrupt the light beam, triggering a signal without the need for physical contact.
2. Response speed and latency
Optical switches: Because of not relying on physical contacts, optical switches are typically faster than mechanical switches, with extremely fast response times. They typically have a response time between 0.2ms and 0.3ms, which can significantly reduce input lag.
Mechanical switches: While mechanical switches also have fast response times, between 1 ms and 2 ms, they are slower than optical switches. This difference is not noticeable in most games, especially for casual games.
Advantages in games: Optical switches have advantages in response speed and latency. As a result, they are especially suitable for competitive games such as FPS (first-person shooter) or RTS (real-time strategy) games.
3. Durability of optical and mechanical switch
Optical switches: optical switches are more durable because they have no physical contacts. And they can typically withstand 100 million keystrokes. In comparison, mechanical switches have a relatively short lifespan.
Mechanical switches: Mechanical switches typically have a service life of 50 to 80 million keystrokes. Although durable, the metal contacts will gradually wear out over time, resulting in reduced performance.
Advantages in gaming: Optical switches are more durable and suitable for players who use the keyboard frequently.
4. Key feel and sound
Mechanical switches: Mechanical switches offer different feel depending on the type. For example:
Tactile: Such as Cherry MX Brown, provides obvious tactile feedback.
Clicky: Such as Cherry MX Blue, with obvious clicking sound and tactile feedback.
Linear: Like Cherry MX Red, the keys have no tactile or clicky feel and offer a smoother key action.
Optical switches: Optical switches are generally quieter, and since there are no physical contacts, their keypresses may feel smoother or more linear, although there are some optical switches that mimic the feel of mechanical switches (such as optical tactile or clicky).
Advantages in the game: This is mostly a matter of personal preference. Mechanical switches offer more choices and customization options, allowing you to choose the right feel and sound for your gaming needs. Optical switches are generally quieter and smoother.
5. Price of optical and mechanical switch
Mechanical switches: Mechanical switches are generally more expensive, especially from brands like Cherry MX, which are more expensive. High-end mechanical switches usually require higher manufacturing costs.
Optical switches: Optical switches are generally cheaper because optical technology is simpler and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Therefore, keyboards with optical switches are generally cheaper than those with mechanical switches.
Advantages in gaming: Optical switches are usually more affordable and suitable for players with limited budgets.
6. Customization and Modification
Mechanical switches: Mechanical switches generally offer a wider range of customization and modification options due to their variety of designs. Players can replace different types of switches, and even use lubricants, adjust the springs of the keyboard, etc. to adjust the feel.
Optical switches: Optical switches have fewer customization options because they work differently than mechanical switches and cannot be easily replaced or modified.
Advantages in games: Mechanical switches are suitable for players who like to adjust the feel themselves because of their rich customization options.
7. Anti-ghosting and responsiveness
Optical switches: Since there are no physical contacts, optical switches usually provide lower debounce time and can reduce the “ghost key” phenomenon (i.e. accidentally touching other keys), making them suitable for games that require high-precision input.
Mechanical switches: Although many high-end mechanical switches also have anti-ghosting technology, due to the limitations of physical contacts, ghost keys or unresponsive keyboard keys may still occur under extreme conditions.
Advantages in gaming: Optical switches are better at reducing ghosting and improving input precision.
8. Conclusion:
Optical switches are suitable for players who care about responsiveness, low latency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, especially in competitive games.
Mechanical switches are suitable for players who value keyboard feel, customization, and comfort, especially for casual players and those who prefer a specific feel.
The final choice depends on your personal needs, gaming genre, and budget. If you’re a competitive gamer, the quick response of optical switches may be more suitable for you. If you value a comfortable keyboard feel and customization options, mechanical switches may be the better choice.
