Gateron Blue mechanical switches are a good option if you want to save money while keeping quality. They give the same satisfaction as Cherry MX Blues with a sharp click and tactile bump. Gateron Blues switches are great for typing enthusiasts and they don’t put a hole in your pocket.
Gateron Brand & the “Blue” Switch Line
Gateron, founded in 2000, has earned a reputation for smooth‑feeling switches at accessible price points. The Blue variant in their lineup is explicitly designed for users who enjoy both a pronounced tactile bump and a clear click sound—ideal for typing-heavy workflows and traditional “clicky” keyboard setups.
Switch Design & Construction
- Housing: Two‑piece nylon housing (top and bottom) provides moderate rigidity. The transparent top cap allows backlighting to shine through, while the colored bottom cap (blue) signifies the clicky characteristic.
- Stem: A central POM (polyoxymethylene) stem with MX‑style cross‑mount ensures compatibility with most keycaps and minimizes wobble.
- Contact Leaves: A metal leaf and click jacket inside produce the audible click on actuation, housing the electrical contact points.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Type | Clicky |
| Actuation Force | ≈ 55 gf |
| Bottom‑Out Force | ≈ 65 gf |
| Pre‑Travel | ≈ 2.2 mm |
| Total Travel | ≈ 4.0 mm |
| Pin Configuration | 3‑Pin |
| LED Support | 2‑Pin & SMD |
| Lifecycle | ≥ 50 million keystrokes |
Click Mechanism & Tactile Feedback
The click jacket produces a sharp click with a bump as well when it is released. This occurs around the 2.2 mm mark or actuation point. The best part when releasing the click is it provides an additional sound. This is great for typing in a rhythm and key registration.
Sound Profile & Acoustic Characteristics
They are louder compared to other switches because of the high-pitched click. The sound can be around 65-70 decibels which is recommended in personal places or gaming environments. Using them in an office is might not be the best idea because the noise can disturb others.
Durability & Lifespan
Each switch can endure up to 50 million clicks so they purchasing them won’t be a waste. With everyday use the gateron blue switches will still last long. The nylon housing protects from damage and the internal metal parts are resistant to rust helping maintain feel and sound.
Installation & Compatibility
- Hot‑Swap & Solder‑In: The standard 3‑pin design fits most plate‑mount PCBs; 5‑pin variants are also available for extra stability in plate‑mount and hot‑swap boards.
- RGB & Backlighting: Transparent housings allow single‑color LEDs or RGB underglow to illuminate key legends evenly.
- Keycap Fit: MX‑style stems accept the full ecosystem of Cherry‑compatible keycaps, from OEM profiles to high‑end custom sets.
Comparison with Other Clicky Switches
| Feature | Gateron Blue | Cherry MX Blue | Kailh Box Jade |
| Actuation Force | ≈ 55 gf | ≈ 50 gf | ≈ 50 gf |
| Click Mechanism | Click jacket | Click jacket | Metal click‑bar |
| Housing Style | Nylon, open‑top | Nylon, open‑top | Sealed box |
| Sound Level | Loud, bright | Moderate, crisp | Very loud, sharp |
| Durability | 50 M actuations | 50 M actuations | 80 M actuations |
Gateron Blues feel slightly heavier and smoother compared to Cherry MX Blues, but lack the dust protection of box‑style switches.
Modding & Lubrication Potential
While factory‑stock Gateron Blues are unlubed to preserve click clarity, enthusiasts sometimes apply a light film of Krytox GPL 205 on the spring and leaf pivot to reduce ping and smooth out travel—though over‑lubing can dampen the signature click.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Gateron Blue mechanical switches deliver the classic clicky performance soft typists and click-switch users enjoy. They are a staple of low-cost custom keyboards. These switches are great for budget builds. Gateron provides bright feedback, smooth actuation, and an enjoyable typing experience. That said, they can be on the louder side. For those looking for a satisfying “clicky” feel without spending too much, Gateron Blues offer exceptional value.
