Compare Optical Mechanical Switches (2025)
Optical switches use light-based actuation instead of traditional metal contact leaves, offering faster response times, less wear, and a smooth, consistent feel. Popular among gamers and speed-focused typists, these switches are known for their low latency and long lifespan. On this page, you’ll find all the optical mechanical switches we’ve reviewed—organized by type, feel, and specs—so you can find the right switch for your setup.
Switch Types
- All Switches
- Linear
- Tactile
- Clicky
- Silent
- Silent linear
- Silent tactile
- Optical
- Low profile
- Plate mount
- PCB mount
- Box
Optical Switch Comparison
| Switch Name | Type | Operation | Sound | Pre-Travel | Total Travel | Mount | Lubrication |
|---|
Optical Mechanical Switch FAQ
What are optical switches?
Optical switches are mechanical switches that use light to detect keypresses. When a key is pressed, it interrupts a beam of infrared light inside the switch housing, sending a signal to the PCB—no metal contacts required. This reduces wear and improves durability over time.
Are optical switches better than mechanical switches?
“Better” depends on your needs. Optical switches generally offer faster actuation and less debounce delay, which can benefit competitive gamers. They also have fewer moving parts and less friction, resulting in smoother presses and longer lifespans. However, they’re usually only compatible with optical-specific PCBs, limiting customization.
Do optical switches feel different from regular switches?
They can. Some optical switches are designed to mimic the feel of standard mechanical switches (linear, tactile, clicky), while others have their own distinct smoothness or snap. The key difference is that they feel lighter and more “slippery” to some users due to the lack of metal-on-metal contact.
Are optical switches hot-swappable?
Only if your keyboard supports optical hot-swap sockets. Optical switches have different pin layouts compared to standard MX switches, so they won’t fit in regular mechanical hot-swap boards. Always check compatibility with your board before buying.