Best Mechanical Keyboard Switches in South Africa

Choosing your first mechanical keyboard is a rite of passage for any serious South African gamer. You know you want that satisfying feel and competitive edge, but then you’re hit with a wall of options: Red, Blue, Brown, optical, linear… what does it all mean? The switch is the heart of the keyboard, defining how it feels, sounds, and responds. This guide will break down the main types so you can find the perfect switch for your playstyle and budget. ⚡

Your Mechanical Switch Questions Answered

Q: What are the main types of mechanical switches? A: It all boils down to three core feelings:- Linear (e.g., Red switches): These are smooth all the way down. There's no bump or click, just a straight, consistent keypress. They are generally quieter and prized for their speed.

• Tactile (e.g., Brown switches): These have a noticeable "bump" in the middle of the keypress to let you know you've activated the key. They offer great feedback without the loud noise.
• Clicky (e.g., Blue switches): These have both a tactile bump and an audible "click" sound. They are very satisfying for typing but are also the loudest by far.

Q: Which switch type is the best for gaming? A: While it’s highly personal, most competitive gamers lean towards Linear switches. Their smooth, uninterrupted travel makes rapid double-tapping and split-second reactions feel faster and more fluid. Tactile switches are a fantastic all-around option, great for those who game and type on the same keyboard. Clicky switches are generally less popular for gaming as the click can be distracting.

Q: I see brands like Razer have their own switches. How are they different? A: Top brands have invested heavily in creating their own proprietary switches. For example, many Razer gaming keyboards use their Green (Clicky), Orange (Tactile), or Yellow (Linear) switches, which are engineered for high durability and often have a shorter actuation point for a faster response than standard switches.

Q: What about Steelseries and their unique switches? A: Steelseries is known for innovation in the switch space. On their premium models, you'll find their OmniPoint switches, which are adjustable and use magnetic sensors. This allows you to customise the actuation point for each key—making it super sensitive for gaming or deeper for typing. This level of customisation is a key feature of high-end Steelseries gaming keyboards.

Q: Are optical switches better than traditional mechanical ones? A: Optical switches are a newer technology that uses a beam of light to register a keypress instead of a metal contact. This makes them theoretically faster (no debounce delay) and more durable since there are no metal parts to wear out. Brands like Corsair have adopted this tech for their high-performance keyboards, offering a distinct speed advantage for competitive players.

Q: Does the brand of the switch (e.g., Cherry, Gateron, Outemu) matter? A: Yes and no. Cherry MX has long been the industry gold standard for quality and consistency. However, brands like Gateron and Outemu have become incredibly popular and reliable, offering a very similar experience for a more affordable price. In a blind test, most users can't tell the difference. Focus on the switch type (linear, tactile, clicky) first, and the brand second.

Q: What does "hot-swappable" mean? A: A hot-swappable keyboard allows you to pull the switches out and replace them with different ones without any soldering. This is a fantastic feature for enthusiasts who want to experiment with different switch types or for easily replacing a faulty switch. While more common on premium boards, it's starting to appear on more budget-friendly options.

MARVO KG933G Saber 61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Red Switch / Classic 60% Compact Design / Rainbow Backlight with 12 Lighting Modes / Full keys anti-ghosting keyboard / Detachable USB Type-C Cable / KG933G

R399.00In Stock

SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini FaZe Clan Edition – HotSwap Optical Mini Keyboard – 60% Compact Design – Optical Switches – RGB Customization – Aluminum Alloy Frame – Double Shot PBT Keycap / 64853

R4299.00In Stock

Corsair K70 Core TKL RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Pre-Lubed MLX Red v2 Switches - Sturdy Double-Shot Keycaps - Ultra-Satisfying Typing Acoustics - QWERTY NA Layout / CH-911911E-NA

R1799.00In Stock

MARVO KG958W Meqa 80W Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Yellow Linear Pre-Lubed Switch / 75% TKL Design / Tri-modes Wired, 2.4G and BT Mechanical / Hot-Swappable / Full keys anti-ghosting keyboard / Detachable USB Type-C Cable / KG958W

R999.00In Stock

Razer Ornata V3 Gaming Keyboard: Low-Profile Keys - Mecha-Membrane Switches - 10-Zone RGB Lighting - Spill-Resistant - Magnetic Wrist Wrest - Classic Black - RZ03-04460100-R3M1

R1799.00In Stock

ROCCAT Vulcan 121 AIMO Linear Mechanical Titan Switch Full-size PC Gaming Keyboard with Per-key AIMO RGB Lighting, Anodized Aluminum Top Plate and Detachable Palm Rest – Black / ROC-12-671-RD-AM

R2799.00In Stock

Key Takeaways

• Linear (Reds): The choice for competitive gamers who prioritise speed and smooth, rapid keypresses.
• Tactile (Browns): The perfect all-rounder for those who type and game. You get satisfying feedback without the noise.
• Clicky (Blues): Best for typists who love loud, satisfying auditory and tactile feedback.
• Optical Switches: Offer a slight edge in speed and durability, making them a top choice for high-end gaming keyboards.
• Brand Variations: Top brands like Razer, Steelseries, and Corsair engineer their own switches, often with performance-enhancing features.