What is a mechanical switch and why should it matter to you if you're a gamer?

If you've been into gaming for a while — whether you're grinding in Valorant, playing ranked in LoL, or farming in Diablo IV — you’ve probably heard about mechanical keyboards. And if you haven’t… this post is for you. Because trust me, knowing what’s under your keys can be the difference between an epic win or just staring at the respawn screen.

But… what exactly is a mechanical switch?

A mechanical switch is the individual mechanism underneath each key on a mechanical keyboard (yes, every key has its own). Its job is to detect when you press it and send that signal to your PC. But we’re not talking about those membrane office keyboards that feel like chewing gum... We're in a whole different league: precision, instant response, and durability that can handle intense gaming sessions.

Most common types of mechanical switches

Each type of switch offers a different experience. Choosing the right one depends on your gaming (or typing) style:

• Red (linear): Smooth, fast, and quiet. Perfect for shooters like CS2, Fortnite, or Apex. You press, and it responds without resistance. These are the go-to choice for those seeking pure speed.

• Blue (clicky): Produces that famous click sound when pressed. Great for typing or if you enjoy the tactile feedback of each key. They’re not the fastest for gaming, but awesome for writing, programming, or simply enjoying the clicky feel.

• Brown (tactile): The perfect balance. They have a slight bump when pressed but don’t make noise. Great for gaming, studying, or working from the same keyboard.

Why does this matter in gaming?

1. Millimeter precision

In competitive games like Valorant, Call of Duty, or Overwatch, you need ninja-like reflexes. Mechanical switches register the press faster than membrane switches. Less latency, more headshots.

2. Instant response

Some switches detect the press without needing to be fully pressed down (actuation point). This means your combo in Tekken or your ulti in LoL activates before your opponent’s.

3. Brutal durability

A mechanical switch can handle between 50 and 100 million keystrokes. Seriously: years and years of intense gaming without any degradation. Membrane switches, on the other hand, lose responsiveness much earlier.

4. Premium feel

It’s not just for show. A good mechanical keyboard enhances your experience: you feel every key, get real feedback, which translates into more control, better timing, and more confidence in the game.

What if I only game occasionally? Or I type a lot?

It still matters. If you chat, write papers, program, or stream, the type of switch can make a difference in your everyday experience:

• Blue, if you enjoy the click when typing and love the feel of writing.

• Brown, if you're looking for a balance between gaming and typing comfortably.

• Red, if you prefer speed and silence, with no fuss.

Is it worth switching to a mechanical keyboard?

If you use a keyboard every day, even if you game casually, you’ll notice a huge difference. Membrane keyboards just can’t compare in terms of precision, speed, or durability.

It’s like running in flip-flops versus wearing proper running shoes: you can do it... but it’s not even close to the same experience.