[Guide] Are Red Linear Switches Good For Gaming And Typing?

Introduction:

Are linear switches good for my keyboard? When looking for linear switches, one encounters many options, including red, yellow, white, black, and many others. All of these have varying specifications, with multiple usage, i.e., typing and gaming.

In this post, I will focus on the RED switches, their basic specifications, and their usage. I will also mention some of the basic reasons why the red linear switches are best for gaming and why they are not much suitable for typing.

Check it out! Are Linear Switches Good For Typing?

Parts of a red switch:

A Red (linear) switch consists of these essential parts:

Stem
Metal spring
Switch housing
Metal leaves

Are red linear switches good for gaming?

Let me tell you the most simple answer to this, YES, the red linear switches are suitable for gaming.

It’s one of the most basic questions people ask when looking for linear switches for their mechanical keyboard. I am going to clear this query once and for all here.

Firstly, there are a few things that PC gamers are always on the search for while configuring their keyboards. These include;

A fast and responsive experience
A competitiveness advantage
A pleasant gaming experience
And a light, pleasing sound

And it’s undeniable that there are also switches, other than red, that are excellent for gaming; ultimately, it just basically comes down to strong preference.

Like the Cherry MX Reds, red linear switches are frequently chosen for gaming because of their smooth, quick, and responsive keystrokes.

Another reason for considering red linear switches for gaming is that they require relatively lesser force to actuate each keypress than heavier linear switches like yellow or black do (generally preferred for fast gaming).

Therefore red linear switches are by FAR the preferred option for mechanical keyboards than other ones.

Check it out! ARE LINEAR SWITCHES GOOD FOR GAMING?

Are red linear switches good for typing?

When looking for keyboard switches for typing tasks, there are two things to consider:

Accuracy
Speed

Linear switches (red) are not the greatest pick for typing, especially for beginners. But for professionals, the red switches work best for fast typing tasks.

In the case of writing, they have one significant advantage: quieter or, more precisely, peaceful typing work. These are, therefore, more appropriate for use than blue switches, for instance, in an office.

Why are red switches not suitable for typing?

As the actuation for linear switches is imperceptible, we frequently press the button all the way down without needing to. It increases the distance that needs to be traveled, slowing down the writing process. Moreover, it is simpler to accidentally push a button and type a mistake due to the minimal pressure required for activation.

How do red linear switches work?

The red linear switches work like most conventional mechanical linear switches. The keystrokes are recorded when you press a specific mechanical switch beneath each key on a mechanical keyboard. The curvature of the stem at the switch’s base determines the switch’s type.

In case of red linear switches, the keystroke is smooth on linear switches, going down and returning up. There isn’t a “tactile bump” when it’s happening.

When you push the stem (which is supported by a spring), it descends vertically to make contact with the metal (or gold alloy) “leaves,” signaling to your keyboard that the switch has been pressed.

Common Brands and their red linear switches:

Here is a list of some of the common brands that offer red linear switches, along with their specifications:

Cherry MX Red switch:

Linear switching characteristics
45 cN operating force
2.0 mm pre-travel
4.0 mm total travel
No click

Gateron G Red Pro 2.0 Pre-lubed Switches:

Switch Type: Linear
Compatible Devices: keyboard
Keyboard Description: Gaming
Color: Red
Material: Stainless Steel, Metal, Polycarbonate
3-pin hot-swappable
Number of Buttons: 3
Operating force: 45±15gf
Improved RGB spotlight
Lifetime: 80 million cycles

Granvela OUTEMU Red Switches:

Switch style: Linear
Life span: 50 million
Pins: 3-pin
Pre-travel: 2.0±0.6mm
Total travel: 4±0.4mm
Actuation force: 45±15gf
Bottom out force: 60±15gf

Cherry MX Silent Red:

Linear, smooth, no click
Plate mount
Initial force: 30 cN
Actuation force: 45 cN ± 15 cN
50 million keystrokes
Noiseless gaming

Logitech G Pro X Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Switch Kit:

Compatible Devices: Gaming Console
Keyboard Description: Gaming
Color: Gx Red Linear
Number of Keys: 92
Item Dimensions: 7.28 x 6.18 x 2.76 inches
Feedback type: Fluid and Smooth
Actuation distance: 1.9 mm
Total travel: 4.0 mm
Average force: 50 gf

kutethy Gateron G Red Pro Switches:

Pre-lubed linear switches
3pin RGB SMD
Recommended Uses For Product: Gaming
Color: Red
Number of Keys: 72
Keyboard backlighting color support: RGB
Dimensions: 7.48 x 3.54 x 1.97 inches

Red linear switches pros, and cons:

Pros

Highly responsive, best for gaming
Noiseless
High speed and less responsive time
A smooth and soft feel
Consistent keystroke

Cons

No tactile feedback
Not suitable for accurate typing for beginners

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to some of the frequently asked questions related to the red linear switches are as follows:

Yes. In fast-paced games like FPS shooters, red switches (and lighter linear switches with a smooth, quick keypress) will perform admirably! In that regard, my favorite is the Cherry MX red switches.

You might also consider “speed switches,” made expressly for speedy gameplay, such as the Cherry MX red Speed switches.

No, they are not considered bad for gaming. In fact, they are most popular among FPS gamers.

As linear switches have entirely different functional characteristics from conventional switches, many people believe they are more challenging to write. As their name implies, they function linearly. It indicates that the resistance is constant across the button, making it impossible to determine exactly when it is pressed.

The claim that linear red switches are not so good for typing is supported by the fact that they are “faster,” in my opinion. They are, therefore, considerably simpler to press. As opposed to blue switches, you don’t need to use as much force here. Yet, it might result in more blunders and unintentional clicks when typing.

No, the red switches are not loud. Compared to their competitors, they are super smooth and quieter with a buttery feel. Also, they do not have any tactile feedback or clicky bump during usage.

Regarding linear switches for gaming, the Red ones are pretty much better than the Brown ones. But, I found the Brown switches a safe choice to consider for typing work.

Final verdict:

Summing up, the choice of a linear switch highly depends on their specifications and your preferences. So is the case with the red linear switches.

The answer to ‘are red linear switches good’ is both yes and no. They are perfectly good for gaming and moderately to less suitable for typing work. But they are still a considerable option for those professional typists who prefer a peaceful, quiet, and smooth typing experience over all things.