Cherry MX vs Gateron vs Razer: Best Switches in SA

Your Fingers Deserve Better—Let’s Talk Switches

Typing in a WhatsApp rant? Spamming W, A, S, D at 3am in Apex Legends? Or just slamming keys on that report you should’ve started earlier? Whatever your flow, your mechanical keyboard switch matters. But in South Africa, one question keeps popping up: Cherry MX vs Gateron vs Razer—what’s the best switch for SA gamers and typists alike? We’re breaking it down—tactility, clickiness, lifespan, and real-world local value. ⌨️

Understanding Switch Types: Feel Comes First

Mechanical switches work by sending a signal each time you press a key. But not all switches feel the same. The "big three"—Cherry MX, Gateron, and Razer—each bring their own flavour to the table.

Let’s define the three core switch types:

• Linear: Smooth keystrokes, no bump. Great for gaming.
• Tactile: Small bump mid-press. Ideal for typing feedback.
• Clicky: Tactile with an audible “click”. Love it or hate it.

You’ll find these across most custom keycap-compatible boards, and the difference is night and day—especially if you’re upgrading from a mushy membrane setup.

Glorious Kailh BROWN Mechanical Keyboard Switches / 120 Pack / Compatible with the GMMK & GMMK PRO / Compatible with Cherry/Gateron/Kailh based keyboards / Plate Mounted / Transparent Switch Housing / SMD Led Compatible / KAI-BROWN

R849.00In Stock

Glorious Panda Mechanical Keyboard Switches - Tactile / Compatible with all GMMK Models / 36 switches per pack / SMD RGB light hole for RGB compatibility / GLO-SWT-HPANDA

R499.00In Stock

Glorious Gateron BLUE Mechanical Keyboard Switches / 120 Pack / Compatible With MX Based Keyboards / Compatible With MX Keycaps / PLATE Mounted / Transparent Switch Housing / SMD Led Compatible / GAT-BLUE

R699.00In Stock

Glorious Kailh COPPER Mechanical Keyboard Switches / 120 Pack / Compatible with the GMMK & GMMK PRO / Compatible with Cherry/Gateron/Kailh based keyboards / Plate Mounted / Transparent Switch Housing / SMD Led Compatible / KAI-COPPER

R849.00In Stock

Glorious Panda Mechanical Keyboard Switches - Lubed / Tactile Style / Compatible with all GMMK Models / 36 switches per pack / SMD RGB light hole for RGB compatibility / GLO-SWT-HPANDA-LUBED

R699.00In Stock

Glorious Gateron BROWN Mechanical Keyboard Switches / 120 Pack / Compatible With MX Based Keyboards / Compatible With MX Keycaps / PLATE Mounted / Transparent Switch Housing / SMD Led Compatible / GAT-BROWN

R699.00In Stock

Cherry MX: The OG, But Is It Still King?

Cherry MX has been around forever. Known for German engineering, these switches are rated for 50 million+ presses and have built a reputation for consistency and durability.

Popular variants include:

• MX Red (linear): Light, smooth, great for FPS players.
• MX Brown (tactile): Balanced, not too loud. Typist-friendly.
• MX Blue (clicky): That iconic clack—satisfying but can get you side-eyes in the office.

While premium, Cherry MX boards tend to be priced a little higher. Worth it? If you want long-term reliability, yes. But don’t ignore alternatives—especially if you’re building on a budget.

Gateron: The Smooth Criminal

Gateron switches are often seen as Cherry clones… but some argue they feel even smoother. And they’re cheaper, which matters in the South African market.

What sets them apart:

• Lubed feel out the box—great for newbies
• Affordable boards under R1,000
• Hot-swappable support in many budget keyboards

If you're testing your preferences or just want value, Gateron-equipped boards offer a killer experience for the price. Plus, they’re available in all standard types—Red, Brown, Blue, and even specialty ones like Yellow or Silent Brown.

Razer: Built for the Brand-Loyal ⚡

Razer’s switches are proprietary and built for their own keyboards. They’ve evolved massively in the past few years, especially with their optical switch tech.

What to expect:

• Razer Green: Clicky, loud, and ultra-responsive.
• Razer Yellow: Smooth, silent, designed for speed.
• Razer Optical: Uses light instead of physical contact—lower latency, longer lifespan.

Razer boards aren’t hot-swappable or cross-compatible, but if you’re all-in on the ecosystem (Chroma lights, Synapse macros), they work brilliantly out the box.

Razer's higher-end models also include options for per-key stabilisers and media wheels, found across their latest switch-equipped keyboards.

Local Advice: Which Switch Feels Best in SA?

We asked Byron, a Pretoria-based programmer and occasional Valorant player:

“I used MX Browns for years, but my Gateron Reds feel smoother—and I could afford a hot-swappable board. No regrets.”

South African users tend to lean toward Gateron or budget-friendly Cherry boards. Why? You get quality without paying a premium, and local stock is more available than it used to be.

And if you’re looking to mod your board later—lube, swap, stabilisers—Gateron and standard MX clones make the process way easier.

Final Verdict: It’s About Preference, Not Just Price ✨

Cherry MX vs Gateron vs Razer isn’t just about numbers or specs—it’s about how you type, play, and live on your keyboard. Ask yourself:

• Do you want click or silence?
• Are you gaming 90% of the time or typing documents daily?
• Do you want customisability or plug-and-play simplicity?

The truth? There’s no “best switch for South Africa”—only the best switch for you. But we can help you find it.