If you recently purchased a budget-friendly 60% keyboard like the SK61 or GK61, you likely noticed that it uses “optical” switches instead of traditional mechanical ones. Because optical technology is relatively new, finding replacement parts can be confusing.
The best Gateron optical switches for gaming are the Gateron Optical Yellows. Because optical switches use infrared light to register keystrokes, they have zero debounce delay. Combined with the ultra-light 35g spring of the Yellow switch, they offer incredibly fast response times for competitive esports.
Whether you are looking to replace a broken key or completely overhaul the feel of your budget keyboard, here is a deep dive into the various Gateron optical switch options and our recommendations for the best ones to use for different purposes.
What Makes Gateron Optical Switches Unique?
To understand why optical switches are so popular in budget gaming keyboards, you first need to understand how a standard mechanical switch works.
In a traditional switch (like a
), pressing the key pushes a plastic stem down until two copper metal leaves touch each other. When the metal touches, the electrical circuit is completed, and the computer registers the keystroke.Gateron Optical Switches are completely different. There are no metal leaves inside the switch. Instead, a continuous beam of infrared light shines across the circuit board (PCB) directly underneath the switch. When you press the key down, the plastic stem physically blocks or breaks that beam of light. The exact millisecond the light is broken, the keyboard sends the signal to your PC.
This allows for a number of benefits, including faster actuation speed, longer lifespan (over 100 million keystrokes), and more durability since there is no physical metal contact to wear down. (Want to learn more about how standard switches work? Read our Ultimate Mechanical Keyboard Switches Guide).
The Compatibility Warning (Read Before Buying)
The single biggest drawback of optical switches is cross-compatibility. You cannot put a Gateron optical switch into a standard mechanical keyboard.
If you have a keyboard designed for standard 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches, it does not have the infrared lasers on the circuit board required to read an optical switch.
Furthermore, you cannot mix optical brands. A Gateron optical switch will not work in a Razer optical keyboard, and it will not work in a Kailh optical keyboard. If you bought a keyboard with Gateron optical sockets, you can only ever use Gateron optical replacement switches. (If you want to stick to traditional, highly compatible switches, read our guide to the 5 Best Linear Switches for Gaming).
The 6 Best Gateron Optical Switch Colors
Because the actual optical sensor is mounted to the circuit board, the switch itself is just a plastic housing with a spring. Gateron offers several different spring weights and stem shapes to mimic the feel of traditional mechanical switches.
1. Best for Gaming: Gateron Optical Yellow
Gateron Yellow optical switches are linear switches, meaning they don’t have any bump or tactile feedback. Unlike standard mechanical Gateron Yellows (which are 50g), the Optical Yellow is incredibly light with an actuation force of just 35 grams. This makes them the absolute fastest choice for competitive games like Apex Legends or Fortnite. (Want to optimize your movement further? Check out our Best Apex Legends Keybinds).
2. Best Standard Linear: Gateron Optical Red
If the Optical Yellow is too light, the Gateron Red optical switch is the perfect middle ground. They have a medium weight with an actuation force of 45 grams. These switches are smooth and quiet, making them a great, reliable choice for a balanced gaming experience.
3. Best Heavy Switch: Gateron Optical Black
If you have heavy hands, you might find yourself accidentally pressing the spacebar or movement keys when resting your fingers on your keyboard. Gateron Black optical switches are linear switches with a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This gives them a slightly more pronounced actuation, making them a good choice for those who prefer a bit more resistance.
4. Best for Typing: Gateron Optical Brown
If you use your PC for homework or coding during the day and gaming at night, the hyper-sensitive linear switches might cause you to make too many typos. Gateron Brown optical switches are tactile switches, meaning they have a bump or tactile feedback when actuated. They feature a light actuation force of 45 grams, making them fast enough for gaming while still providing the tactile feedback that many typists prefer.
5. Best Heavy Tactile: Gateron Optical Green
Gateron Green optical switches are heavier tactile switches, with an actuation force of 80 grams. They have a more pronounced bump and a longer actuation distance, making them a good choice for those who want a more defined, deliberate tactile experience. (We highly recommend heavy tactile switches for slow-paced, tactical games. See our Best Keyboards for Escape from Tarkov guide).
6. Best Clicky Switch: Gateron Optical Blue
We only recommend the Gateron Blue optical switch if you live alone and love the sound of vintage typewriters. It is a clicky switch with a medium weight of 50 grams. While it provides incredibly satisfying auditory feedback for solo typists, it is notoriously loud and will quickly annoy anyone else in your Discord call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Gateron optical switches feel different than mechanical switches?
No. Despite the massive difference in how they register the keystroke, the physical feel of the switch is identical to a traditional mechanical switch. A Gateron Optical Red feels exactly as smooth and linear as a standard Gateron Red, and a Gateron Optical Blue produces the exact same tactile click mechanism.
Can I lube Gateron optical switches?
Yes! Because the switch housing, stem, and spring are identical to standard mechanical switches, you can safely open them and apply Krytox 205g0 to the rails and spring to improve the sound and feel. Just be careful not to get any thick grease on the bottom hole of the stem where the laser passes through, or you will block the light beam.
Are optical switches faster than magnetic switches?
While optical switches are faster than standard mechanical switches (because they eliminate debounce delay), magnetic (Hall Effect) switches are the new gold standard for esports. Magnetic switches allow for “Rapid Trigger” technology, which resets the key the exact millisecond you lift your finger. (Read our guide to the Best Keyboard for Valorant to see magnetic switches in action).
