Mechanical switches have long been considered the most popular and basic type of switch on the market today, creating a series of resounding successes for prestigious mechanical keyboard brands. Since then, the development of mechanical switches has almost only revolved around the different characteristics of switches using the same contact technology without any major changes. However, with the advent of optical switches, the situation has changed with a series of valuable upgrades, considered superior to any previous type of mechanical switch.
What is an optical switch?
Optical switch is a type of switch that replaces the signal reader with light and sensor instead of using resistor and closed circuit like traditional switches. By using light sensor, vertical movements of the switch (keypress action) will be recorded as a keystroke action. This mechanism eliminates the disadvantages of metal wear, rust, and dust that mechanical keyboards using switches often encounter.
Principle of light blocking
1/ Light-block principle: represented by Razer
- Instead of using two copper pieces like a mechanical contact switch, here the signal generator includes a signal LED and a light signal receiver.
- The path of light from the emitter to the receiver is divided by the stem.
- When the key is pressed, the stem moves down, opening the shutter to let light through, helping the machine recognize the corresponding character.
2/ Principle of refraction: represented by Flaretech
- There is a light transmitter and receiver like the light blocking principle, but the path of light is changed by a prism located on the stem.
- The signal light is always on but does not shine directly on the part. When there is a tapping force, the stem moves down, the prism will enter the light beam and direct part or all of the light beam to the new position of the receiving part to create the corresponding signal.
So what makes optical switches so great? What are they made of and how do they work?
In terms of structure , an optical switch also has the same basic components as a mechanical switch.
A Flaretech optical switch.
- 1. Top housing
- 2. Stem
- 3. Lens assembly
- 4. Bot housing
- 5. Spring
The signal LED and receiver are usually located directly on the circuit board rather than on the switch to increase operational reliability and reduce manufacturing costs.
Outstanding advantages of optical switches
1/ Super high durability
Very high durability. Using optical mechanism instead of mechanical makes the durability of the switch very high, the durability limit of the switch depends only on the materials that make up the LED bulb and sensor, these factors can be controlled by the manufacturer, unlike normal switches that use mechanical mechanisms with friction and dust factors that greatly affect durability. Optical switches have a durability of up to about 100 million clicks.
2/ Provides a smooth, superior typing experience
Traditional mechanical switches always generate two types of friction when operating: between the stem and housing; between the stem and copper plate. Friction reduces the smoothness when pressing the key, so when using a mechanical switch, there will always be a certain amount of delay, whether there is a notch or not. With optical switches, it is different, there is only friction between the stem and housing, so operation is smoother and lighter. Some manufacturers even have the ambition to eliminate this currently very small friction so that the optical switch is completely smooth and as light as possible.
3/ High responsiveness, for instant clicking effect
Extremely fast response speed. Because it uses an optical sensor, the signal transmission is very fast, the response speed is only about 0.02ms, 250 times faster than the 5ms when using a mechanical keyboard with a normal switch.
Summary comparison of optical switches and traditional mechanical switches
- Optical switch:
- Maximum latency 0.3ms
- Key travel: 3mm
- Signal type: tactical, linear
- Waterproof, high stability, compatible with cross stem keycap
- Lifespan: 100 million clicks
- Mechanical Switch (Cherry MX):
- Maximum delay 50ms
- Key travel: 4mm
- Signal type: tactical/ linear
- No water resistance and low stability, not compatible with cross stem keycap
- Lifespan: 50-60 million clicks
Experience typing on Keychron K3v2 with Keychron optical switches
Keychron K3v2 will use the homegrown switch "Keychron Switch" on the Optical Switch version.
Because it uses a Low-profile switch, the typing experience on the Keychron K3v2 will be a little different from the normal switch on other keyboard models. Because the key travel is quite short, only 2.5mm instead of 4mm like on other mechanical switches, switching to Low-profile will be a little confusing and disappointing. However, that is only the initial feeling, when you get used to the feeling of typing on a low-profile optical switch, you will absolutely love this feeling, extremely interesting and extremely good, fast response, sensitive.
The gaming experience is also extremely valuable, with a shorter key travel, the ability to glide on the optical key is also significantly faster, without having to use too much pressing force. In many combat games, even when using Bluetooth mode, I also noticed low latency, the ability to receive pressing force immediately and extremely accurately.
If you want a thin and light mechanical keyboard that still gives a good typing feel, you definitely cannot ignore the Keychron K3.
