Choosing the right mechanical switches for gaming is important because it can affect how you play the game. Without having the right switches, you won’t be able to achieve the speeds and accuracy that are needed for competitive gaming. Different types of switches are better for different purposes.
There are a wide variety of mechanical switches available, but perhaps the most popular for gaming is blue switches. But are blue switches good for gaming?
The short answer is no; blue mechanical switches are not the best choice for gaming. The main reason for this is that these switches are not as responsive or fast as other switches that are better suited for gaming. Also, blue switches tend to be much louder than other switches, which can be a distraction when gaming.
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of blue mechanical switches, why you shouldn’t use them, and some other switches that may be better suited for avid gamers.
So, keep reading the article to the end.
Blue mechanical switches or Cherry MX Blue switches are a type of keyboard switch that is designed to offer enhanced tactile and audible feedback when pressed.
These switches produce a clicky sound, which offers a very clear indication that the key has been pressed. This can be helpful for touch typists or for people who need to be able to feel when they have hit a key. But, if you work in quiet environments like the home or office, this sound can be quite distracting.
Read: Are Mechanical Keyboards Better for Your Hands?
Compared to other keyboard switches, such as the traditional membrane model or the more advanced buckling spring design, blue mechanical switches offer superior performance and greater durability. They can take up to 100 million keystrokes.
However, one disadvantage of blue switches is that they require more force to press down than other types of switches. These switches require 60g of actuation force, which is considerably more than membrane or some other mechanical switches.
| Type | Actuation Force | Actuation Travel | Total Travel | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clicky | 60g | 2mm | 4mm | Check Price |
So, are blue switches good for gaming?
You wouldn’t be the first person to develop an infatuation for mechanical keyboards because of the loud, satisfying click noises. And since the blue mechanical switches are known for their clicky sound, it’s logical to think that they would be great for gaming. This, however, is not true. I will explain why.
The main reason for this is that blue switches are not as responsive or fast as other switches that are better suited for gaming. These switches have an inconsistent tactile bump that can slow down your keystrokes and affect your gaming performance.
In addition, communication is important while gaming because it allows players to coordinate their moves and strategies. But, since blue mechanical switches tend to be much louder than other switches, your teammates will hear every single keystroke, and you won’t be able to communicate effectively.
Read: How to Reduce Keyboard Noise?
Also, if you mostly play FPS (First Person Shooting) games, then these loud switches will prevent you from hearing enemy footsteps and other important cues that could affect your performance.
So, while it’s true that blue mechanical switches can be fun to type and game with, they are not the ideal option for gamers. Instead, look for a more responsive and fast switch, such as red or brown switches. However, if you are a casual gamer, then you can choose any switch you want since the performance difference will be negligible.
Why are red switches better than blue switches for gaming?
Here are a few reasons why red switches are a better option for gamers than blue switches:
1. More responsive and faster
Red switches fall under the linear switch category, which means they are more responsive and faster than blue ones. You get an instant and quick response. This makes them a better choice for highly competitive gaming, where speed and accuracy are important.
2. Less noise
A key reason why people like using mechanical keyboards is that they produce a satisfying click noise while typing or gaming.
But red switches are designed to be a lot quieter than blue switches. There is no tactile bump or loud click. This makes them perfect for gaming, as it allows you to focus more on your game and less on the clicky noise that can distract you or your teammates.
2. Consistent keystrokes
If you are a competitive gamer, then you should know how important it is to have consistent keystrokes. It allows you to perform at your best and be competitive against other players.
However, blue switches have an inconsistent tactile bump that can affect your gaming performance. They also tend to slow you down, as you may be tempted to push the key all the way down just to hear that satisfying click sound.
Read: How to Convert a Membrane Keyboard to Mechanical?
In contrast, red switches provide a smooth and consistent linear keystroke that is perfect for gaming. There is no tactile interference from top to bottom like blue switches, so you can be sure that every keystroke is registered quickly and accurately.
Switches to avoid for gaming:
First of all, blue or any other clicky switches are generally considered bad for gaming. They’re too loud and will likely annoy everyone in the room. Plus, they’re not as responsive as linear switches, so you might miss a keystroke or two. Also, they tend to wear out faster than linear ones, so you’ll have to replace them more often.
In addition, tactile switches like grey, clear, and brown are not ideal for gaming. These switches have slight tactile interference, which may not be a big deal for casual gamers but could cause problems for more serious gamers. Plus, the loud keystrokes can be distracting.
Read: Best Keyboard for Day Traders
So if you’re looking for a keyboard that’s good for gaming, I’d recommend going with linear switches like red or black. These keys have very little tactile interference and will help you avoid making any mistakes during intense moments in your game. They also last longer than clicky switches, so they’ll save you money in the long run.
Final thoughts
So, are blue switches good for gaming? At first glance, the answer to this question might seem obvious. After all, most people think of blue switches as the gold standard when it comes to gaming keyboards. But the truth is, they’re not always the best option.
Due to the tactile bump of blue mechanical switches, it can be difficult or even painful to click these switches rapidly if you are not used to them. Also, some gamers have complained that the tactile feedback interrupts their rhythm by signaling movement too quickly or letting out an audible click at just the wrong time.
Also Read: North Facing VS South Facing Switches
Therefore, while blue switches may seem like the perfect choice for most gaming situations, they are not necessarily ideal in every context. In this article, we have explained this in more depth and looked at some alternative switch types that may be better suited for gaming.
Hopefully, this information will help you decide which mechanical switch is the best for your gaming needs. So if you’re currently on the market for a new gaming keyboard, consider looking into switches like red or black instead of blue. You’ll be glad that you did!
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