▷ Gateron switch: history, models and is it better than cherry mx? ?

For quite some time, mechanical keyboard switches have been dominated by the German Cherry . However, we are seeing how little by little cheaper brand alternatives are emerging. Today we will see the Gateron switch from the hand of a brand that has been in the wild peripheral market for some years.

Index of contents

The Gateron switch is a type of mechanical keyboard parts belonging to the company of the same name GATERON Jianda Long Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.

Resident in China, the company creates different peripheral parts like sensors or plastic parts for peripherals and since 2014 (when Cherry lost the patent) the brand has entered the world of switches.

The Gaterons are known as one of the best clones of the German brand by many users. Some even label it as even improving the original formula offering a very smooth and pleasant to the touch experience. However, as they are not the cheapest even among competitors, it is no surprise that Gateron switch keyboards are not very successful in the Chinese market.

We recommend reading the guide on switches.

Unfortunately, the Gateron switches are in a strange limbo. These switches are not very well known, but they are not priced as cheaply as their competitors either. This unfortunate combination favors that we have few mechanical keyboards that mount the brand switches.

The types of switches

The brand guarantees a life of about 50 million keystrokes, so you can relax, they will last you for years. Among the most relevant Gateron switches we have:

Color / Name	Touch Type *	Actuation Force **	Sound	Experience
Clear	Linear	35g	Silent	Very light switches with a very soft touch. They greatly reduce fatigue.
Net	Linear	45g	Silent	Silent switches with quick and light actuation. Very famous, especially among gamers.
Black	Linear	50g	Silent	They are light, but have a little more resistance. If you find the Reds too soft, they are a good choice.
Brown	Tactile	45g	Intermediate	Linear and Tactile (clicky) hybrid switch that does not generate such a loud sound, but generates a satisfactory tactile response.
Blue	Touch (clicky)	55g	Sonorous	The classic super sonic switches. They generate a very satisfactory answer, which is why it is common among people who write.
Green	Touch (clicky)	80g	Sonorous	Stronger version of the Blue. For those people who feel they like hard buttons, although they can cause fatigue.

They have recently released the Yellow switches, which are from the Lineal family, but with an intermediate acting force between the Red and Black. If you want some more resistance, but don't like tactile feedback, this option is good for you.

SMD LED lighting

The pieces created by Gateron are designed to mount SMD LED lighting system, which, if you know about it, may seem like a questionable decision.

SMD (Surface Mounted Device) distributions have the disadvantages of shining less than normal LED distributions. Also, they are not designed to be shining all day, as the heat generated would damage performance. But of course, this system was chosen for the advantages it offers in the face of problems.

Simple scheme on types of LEDs

One of the most interesting things about these devices is that they can shine 360º, since the lights can be distributed over the entire surface. Also, if one of the LEDs melts, another one replaces it, to allow the device to continue working. On the other hand, a single SMD device can shine in multiple colors, something that peripheral brands are sure to love.

As they will be lights for a not very large device, lumens are not as relevant. The game or use sessions will last several hours, but nothing extensive (usually) and, more importantly, being small pieces, there is not too much danger from the heat. The strong point is the characteristic of being able to shine in 360º, since this way the LEDs will illuminate more parts of the keyboard. Being made up of several points of light, if one breaks, the others replace it, and can even do so in various colors.

Keyboards with Gateron Switches

As we have previously mentioned, there are not many keyboards with these switches, so the options are not excessive. Most Gateron switch keyboards are 60% format as users in this niche have found a unique experience with these parts. Here we will show you some of the devices that may interest you:

Drevo Gramr 60%

The Drevo Gramr keyboard is an ultra compact device that dispenses with the entire number block.

Dreva Gramr mechanical keyboard

It is excellent for transporting and with Gateron switches we enjoy a high quality response. We can get it with the Red, Brown and Black, so we understand that it is an option designed for gamers, mainly.

As is customary among these peripherals, it has light to help us work in low-light places. Unfortunately, it is only in a sober white color. We can modify the style in which they shine based on various button combinations.

Finally, note that it has 84 mechanical keys, with an option of three rear channels to solve the drag of the rope. Thanks to this, and to the construction, the keyboard is more solid and improves the experience when it comes to typing. Plus, the price is great!

Mars Gaming MK4 MINI, mechanical keyboard, 6 colors, blue OUTEMU switch, ES / US It offers double layout, and can be used interchangeably in two languages: English and Spanish

They want Magicforce

Slightly more expensive than the Drevor Gramr, the Quisan Magicforce is a highly recommended alternative. In this case, you only have the distribution with brown switches.

Qisan Magicforce mechanical keyboard

This keyboard has 68 keys, so it only contains the essential buttons for your use. This benefits us in the space they occupy and the weight it will have if you plan to move it (highly recommended), since, to be a mechanic, it weighs only 582g.

The keyboard has a very nice matte white design with white RGB lighting. We can remove the cable to transport it better, which is protected to avoid jerks and others.

It has three buttons with specific functions to block the Windows button, exchange capslock with the windows key or the function key for the windows one.

Mechanical keyboard GATERON gaming keyboard Brown switch with backlit cable Mini mechanical design (60%) 68 keys keyboard White Silver Magicforce by Qisan € 59.69

Conclusions about Gateron

The Gateron switch is a very good alternative to Cherry if we only consider the piece. Somewhat cheaper and with a different feel, they are high-quality pieces that many users have already loved. The problem arises when we see that the brand has not found its place yet.

Despite its great quality and excellent touch, the biggest scourge that follows is the lack of models. We have just two or three brands that sell Gateron keyboards on Amazon, so if we are looking for any other brand we have to dig deep into the network. There is no problem searching alternative sites, but it can be difficult to get reliable reviews, user opinions, guarantees of these products as they are little known.

For our part, we recommend these two small keyboards. If you would like to take a trusty keyboard with you, either of these two options is a good decision and, luckily, if anything happens to the device, Amazon covers your back. Although there is some Varmilo with Gateron switches and Spanish Layout super interesting. My partner Miguel has one and is delighted with his Gateron Clear?

We recommend reading the best keyboards

Tell us, would you buy a Gateron switch keyboard? Would you like to try one or you stay with the Cherry?

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