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Kaihua Kailh Speed Switches
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Kaihua Kailh Speed Switches
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Product Description
Kaihua has been producing mechanical switches in a variety of industries for 25 years, which has established the company as one of the most well-known manufacturers in the community. Combining industry experience with attention to consumer feedback, Kaihua has consistently improved and refined its switches to stand out as much more than just a simple clone Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downQuakemz
280
Mar 21, 2017
Alright, so a lot of people have asked my opinion of the switches. Once I get my hands on the tactile version (I hope before the drop ends, but that's probably not likely), I'm planning to release a more in-depth review of them on r/mechanicalkeyboards. Anyways, the 3 version I do have are pretty neat.
- The Silver linear is actually fairly smooth. Not quite as smooth as Gateron, but the trade-off is the decreased wobble, in comparison. The spring is also quite interesting. It's probably due to the pre-travel, but it feels like it ramps up a lot faster, giving it that "cushion-y" feel that I enjoy.
- The Bronze clicky is one of the more unique switches I've used in a long time. It's absurdly smooth and the click is very bright and crisp. The click is actually not achieved by normal means. Instead, there is a thin metal pin on the opposite side of the switch (from the leaf) that gets triggered almost immediately in the press. This results in a click that basically lacks all tactility, so you end up with what is essentially a clicky linear switch. As a fan of linear and thing that are different, I enjoy this one a lot.
-The Gold clicky is a bit more "normal". It sounds and feels more akin to what you'd expect from a clicky MX clone. The click sounds fine, but not impressive. The tactility is okay, but oddly enough it's more tactile on the upstroke. It's pretty smooth, however.
These have been linked here before already, but HaaTa has been kind enough to measure these on his force curve machine. You can find those in here: https://plot.ly/~haata/152
One of the first things you'll notice is how light the spring seems. One the linear, for example, the switch actuates with only 27g of force, while the peak force is a measly 53g. While I'm not 100% sure, I think these numbers are skewed slightly, due to the "pre-travel". Comparing them side-by-side with Gateron Reds, the Kailh Silver actually feels a tad heavier to me, even though the Gateron Red is heavier on paper. In fact, the Silver feels heavier than all of the Red switches in my collection, from Cherry, Gateron, Kailh v1, and Outemu. So take that as you will. I'm not claiming HaaTa's graphs to be wrong, but just know that, with these particular switches, the shown weights might not tell the whole story, in terms of feel.
Overall, I'm pretty happy about the switches. I will definitely be ordering some. Kailh is here and they can finally compete with the likes of Gateron, because this new line-up is very interesting. This isn't the Kailh we knew from years ago.
- The Silver linear is actually fairly smooth. Not quite as smooth as Gateron, but the trade-off is the decreased wobble, in comparison. The spring is also quite interesting. It's probably due to the pre-travel, but it feels like it ramps up a lot faster, giving it that "cushion-y" feel that I enjoy.
- The Bronze clicky is one of the more unique switches I've used in a long time. It's absurdly smooth and the click is very bright and crisp. The click is actually not achieved by normal means. Instead, there is a thin metal pin on the opposite side of the switch (from the leaf) that gets triggered almost immediately in the press. This results in a click that basically lacks all tactility, so you end up with what is essentially a clicky linear switch. As a fan of linear and thing that are different, I enjoy this one a lot.
-The Gold clicky is a bit more "normal". It sounds and feels more akin to what you'd expect from a clicky MX clone. The click sounds fine, but not impressive. The tactility is okay, but oddly enough it's more tactile on the upstroke. It's pretty smooth, however.
These have been linked here before already, but HaaTa has been kind enough to measure these on his force curve machine. You can find those in here: https://plot.ly/~haata/152
One of the first things you'll notice is how light the spring seems. One the linear, for example, the switch actuates with only 27g of force, while the peak force is a measly 53g. While I'm not 100% sure, I think these numbers are skewed slightly, due to the "pre-travel". Comparing them side-by-side with Gateron Reds, the Kailh Silver actually feels a tad heavier to me, even though the Gateron Red is heavier on paper. In fact, the Silver feels heavier than all of the Red switches in my collection, from Cherry, Gateron, Kailh v1, and Outemu. So take that as you will. I'm not claiming HaaTa's graphs to be wrong, but just know that, with these particular switches, the shown weights might not tell the whole story, in terms of feel.
Overall, I'm pretty happy about the switches. I will definitely be ordering some. Kailh is here and they can finally compete with the likes of Gateron, because this new line-up is very interesting. This isn't the Kailh we knew from years ago.
YanboWu
8490
Collaborations
Mar 23, 2017
Here's a sound test video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dDeX4KKQwU
The switches tested were Cherry MX Blue, Kailh Blue, Kailh Gold, Kailh Bronze.
Nibiria
30
Mar 27, 2017
YanboWu@YanboWu is there any chance you can arrange a GB for the new Kailh "Box" switches, as described here? http://www.tomshardware.com/news/kailh-mechanical-keyboard-switches-speed-box,33987.html
I would really love to try them.
I would really love to try them.
Ripudio
34
Mar 21, 2017
I know $30 is a small investment, especially in the mechanical keyboard realm, but I'm not going to throw away $30 on a MX Brown clone. You've got to show us the stems or SOMETHING that actually lets us figure something out about the switch. Giving the actuation force and "clicky" is the bare minimum.
YanboWu
8490
Collaborations
Mar 21, 2017
They'll be working on the graph next. I'm hoping to get @haata a switch to test with soon.
CAnderson
16
Mar 21, 2017
I'm still new to much of this stuff myself, but I would gather that the +\- .3mm actually has to do with consistency between batches. I know in the community some folks emphasize getting all of your switches from the same batch to make sure they are all the same.
AndrewLekashman
2368
Input Club
Mar 21, 2017
Just got our pages up on our Comparative Switch Guide so you can see a real measured force curve for the Silver, Gold, and Bronze options. These are cool switches, and the Bronze one is super unique as the click isn't generated by a moving slider. There are photos on our page of how it works if you are interested in seeing something new.
https://input.club/the-comparative-guide-to-mechanical-switches/tactile-clicky/kaihua-gold/ https://input.club/the-comparative-guide-to-mechanical-switches/tactile-clicky/kaihua-bronze/ https://input.club/the-comparative-guide-to-mechanical-switches/linear/kaihua-silver/
https://input.club/the-comparative-guide-to-mechanical-switches/tactile-clicky/kaihua-gold/ https://input.club/the-comparative-guide-to-mechanical-switches/tactile-clicky/kaihua-bronze/ https://input.club/the-comparative-guide-to-mechanical-switches/linear/kaihua-silver/
priyadi
585
Mar 21, 2017
Add a switch sampler consisting of one of each of these switches please. I would buy in a heartbeat.
BiggestMac
375
Jun 5, 2017
HikasakiMy thoughts exactly! Can we PLEASE have a drop of the Kailh Halo switches?
user73
339
Feb 20, 2018
I just got my coppers a few days ago and noticed something.
While I was waiting to get them I picked up a test pack of 27 different Kailh switches from Novel Keys. These speed switches weren't included, and the pins on the bottom of the switches from Novel Keys are of different thickness; one pin is very slightly thicker than the other on all 27 different switches. But on the Massdrop switches, the pins are the same thickness (they are both "narrow").
Can anyone shed some light on this?
While I was waiting to get them I picked up a test pack of 27 different Kailh switches from Novel Keys. These speed switches weren't included, and the pins on the bottom of the switches from Novel Keys are of different thickness; one pin is very slightly thicker than the other on all 27 different switches. But on the Massdrop switches, the pins are the same thickness (they are both "narrow").
Can anyone shed some light on this?
dpmc
29
Feb 21, 2018
Yeah, you're right. I was confused and assumed that this drop was the same switch as came with my K-Type, with a light pipe.
But the description is very explicit that the switches are the ones WITHOUT the light pipe. Which is good news for me, because that's the kind I wanted anyway.
But the description is very explicit that the switches are the ones WITHOUT the light pipe. Which is good news for me, because that's the kind I wanted anyway.
user73
339
Feb 22, 2018
Great post! Thank you for all that. I have the following to contribute...
Problem Inconsistencies in Kailh switch form factor.
Goals 1) Get my board up and running the way I envision. 2) Draw attention to the fact that the way we refer to switches is insufficient, if we value accuracy.
Points of Interest * Pins - All of the switches I'm working with have 2 pins. Images are taken from the same angle, so we can refer to the pins as being either left or right. * Pin contour - I've noticed two types: straight, and what I'm going to call serrated. * Pin width - This was new to me, and has proven to be the main problem with my current build. I'm going to go with thin and thicker, and very thick.
Abstract Learning in progress. I received the K-Type with Halo Trues as a gift a few months ago. Loved the switches, but not the keyboard; returned to Massdrop. In an effort to build something similar, I bought an inexpensive switch-swappable keyboard on Amazon that came with blue switches. These switches turned out to be Outemo. My plan was to swap these out with the Kailh Copper Speed Switches (available in this drop). For the hell of it, I also purchased a sample pack of 27 different Kailh switches from Novel Keys. With everything in-hand, here's what I've found:
Samples
Outemo Blue clicky, straight out of the switch-swappable keyboard Contour left - somewhat serrated Contour right - straight Width left - thin Width right - thicker
Kailh Copper Speed tactile, straight from Massdrop (this drop) Contour left - straight Contour right - straight Width left - thin Width right - thicker
Unspecified Kailh tactile, from Novel Keys Contour left - straight Contour right - straight Width left - thicker Width right - very thick * * *Also notice the depressed center post
Unspecified Kailh clicky, from Novel Keys Contour left - straight Contour right - straight Width left - thicker Width right - very thick * * *This is a very, very heavy clicky switch that I wanted to use for Caps Lock, which I frequently activate on accident. I tried to file the thicker pin down, only to learn that it is hollow. More accurately, it appears to be two concave pieces laid belly-to-belly, as evidenced by the way it split down the seams on either side.
Concluding Comments Only after all this hands-on testing did I learn that the board I bought - the one that came with Outemo blues - will only accept thin and thicker switches. Filing down the very thick pins resulted in destruction of the pin.
Clearly, there is inconsistency in the Kailh switch pins. I'm sure there's a good reason for this but I don't know why. If any of you know, please do speak up and inform those of us that aren't in the know. Because of these inconsistencies, it's difficult to communicate all the information required to do custom work with simple references like "Outemo blues" or "Kailh coppers."
For example - remember those Halo Trues that I said I like so much? I have no idea what the pins on those are like.
Or how about the other color switches in this drop. Do they have the same pins as the coppers I received? *shrug* I guess I wouldn't know unless I bought them.
What about that one board I got from that one place, and those switches I got from that drop last year - are those compatible? *shrug*
Admittedly, I still have a great deal to learn, but doing so can be expensive. And yeah, yeah - "If u sodder then you dun have to wory about pins lul" - If any of you are reading this, then this discussion clearly isn't for you.
Finally, this is my cat, Ike. He's watching me Dremel and destroy switch pins. He was just diagnosed with advanced diabetes and I've spent thousands of dollars that I don't have over the past weeks on testing and treatment. That's why I'm cheapin' out on putting together a new keyboard for him to lay on. He loves Halo Trues, too. Wish him well!
Problem Inconsistencies in Kailh switch form factor.
Goals 1) Get my board up and running the way I envision. 2) Draw attention to the fact that the way we refer to switches is insufficient, if we value accuracy.
Points of Interest * Pins - All of the switches I'm working with have 2 pins. Images are taken from the same angle, so we can refer to the pins as being either left or right. * Pin contour - I've noticed two types: straight, and what I'm going to call serrated. * Pin width - This was new to me, and has proven to be the main problem with my current build. I'm going to go with thin and thicker, and very thick.
Abstract Learning in progress. I received the K-Type with Halo Trues as a gift a few months ago. Loved the switches, but not the keyboard; returned to Massdrop. In an effort to build something similar, I bought an inexpensive switch-swappable keyboard on Amazon that came with blue switches. These switches turned out to be Outemo. My plan was to swap these out with the Kailh Copper Speed Switches (available in this drop). For the hell of it, I also purchased a sample pack of 27 different Kailh switches from Novel Keys. With everything in-hand, here's what I've found:
Samples
Outemo Blue clicky, straight out of the switch-swappable keyboard Contour left - somewhat serrated Contour right - straight Width left - thin Width right - thicker
Kailh Copper Speed tactile, straight from Massdrop (this drop) Contour left - straight Contour right - straight Width left - thin Width right - thicker
Unspecified Kailh tactile, from Novel Keys Contour left - straight Contour right - straight Width left - thicker Width right - very thick * * *Also notice the depressed center post
Unspecified Kailh clicky, from Novel Keys Contour left - straight Contour right - straight Width left - thicker Width right - very thick * * *This is a very, very heavy clicky switch that I wanted to use for Caps Lock, which I frequently activate on accident. I tried to file the thicker pin down, only to learn that it is hollow. More accurately, it appears to be two concave pieces laid belly-to-belly, as evidenced by the way it split down the seams on either side.
Concluding Comments Only after all this hands-on testing did I learn that the board I bought - the one that came with Outemo blues - will only accept thin and thicker switches. Filing down the very thick pins resulted in destruction of the pin.
Clearly, there is inconsistency in the Kailh switch pins. I'm sure there's a good reason for this but I don't know why. If any of you know, please do speak up and inform those of us that aren't in the know. Because of these inconsistencies, it's difficult to communicate all the information required to do custom work with simple references like "Outemo blues" or "Kailh coppers."
For example - remember those Halo Trues that I said I like so much? I have no idea what the pins on those are like.
Or how about the other color switches in this drop. Do they have the same pins as the coppers I received? *shrug* I guess I wouldn't know unless I bought them.
What about that one board I got from that one place, and those switches I got from that drop last year - are those compatible? *shrug*
Admittedly, I still have a great deal to learn, but doing so can be expensive. And yeah, yeah - "If u sodder then you dun have to wory about pins lul" - If any of you are reading this, then this discussion clearly isn't for you.
Finally, this is my cat, Ike. He's watching me Dremel and destroy switch pins. He was just diagnosed with advanced diabetes and I've spent thousands of dollars that I don't have over the past weeks on testing and treatment. That's why I'm cheapin' out on putting together a new keyboard for him to lay on. He loves Halo Trues, too. Wish him well!
Hikasaki
1282
Jun 5, 2017
Alternatively, you can get them in white housings from Novelkeys some time soon, but not as cheap as Massdrop.
https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/6e0vtr/vendor_big_novelkeys_update_new_website_outemu/
ChuckDee
1906
Mar 22, 2017
I wish we knew more about the Copper. Very skittish on this one, but as long as it's tactile, I'll at least know I'm getting the right switch to try even if it disappoints (looks at that box of Gat clears sitting untouched).
wsjones1981
163
Keyboard Club Member
Mar 24, 2017
ChuckDeeLOL, too many my box of gateron clears is the same way too. I even recently picked up some some tactile cherry mx clears & 180g springs due to this problem. I'm in for the bronze & copper kailh switches!
bmilcs
196
Jun 6, 2017
I'm considering these for a gaming build. I'm a diehard 62g Ergoclear & Lubed Zealios fan. Will the actuation point be noticably higher on these when compared to Zealios' Gateron housing?
Hows the QC?
Hows the QC?
Pascalj04
17
Jun 8, 2017
Aren't these switch what razer use now? They still call them *razer* branded switch but I tought they were made by kailh
Gimli123262
151
Jun 8, 2017
Pascalj04Razer has been using greetech for a while now. They used to use kailh switches, but they were different from these.
The new speed and box switches from kaihua are very nice. They are smooth and have little wobble. The QC is much better than on the old switches, these new switches are very consistent now.
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