DESIGNED FOR GAMING

Mechanical switches have always been superior for speed and accuracy, and before 2010, they were only used for typing – because they were made precisely for that purpose. Razer then made the radical decision to use mechanical switches for a gaming keyboard, and that birthed the world’s very first gaming mechanical keyboard, the Razer BlackWidow.

Four years later, Razer redefined the limits of gaming performance by creating mechanical switches that were designed specifically to meet the demands of gaming - the Razer™ Mechanical Switch was born.
The classic. For those who want to feel and hear every keypress, the Razer™ Green Mechanical Switch features a tactile bump and distinctive click sound along with optimized actuation and reset points for best in class gaming and typing performance.
Feel: Tactile and Clicky
Actuation Force: 50 G
Travel Distance: 4.0 mm
Actuation point: 1.9 mm
Actuation vs Reset Point: 0.4 mm

The fastest and quietest switch. Best for rapid-fire keypresses and fast-paced gaming, the Razer™ Yellow Mechanical Switch has an ultra-fast actuation of only 1.2mm, which allows you to press keys multiple times as fast as possible.
Feel: Linear and Silent
Actuation Force: 45 G
Travel Distance: 3.5 mm
Actuation point: 1.2 mm
Actuation vs Reset Point: 0.0 mm

Silent, but deadly. The Razer™ Orange Mechanical Switch are for those who enjoy a tactile bump and feedback without the audible click. Enjoy the same optimized performance with less actuation force as a Razer™ Green Mechanical Switch, while maintaining a quiet gaming experience.
Feel: Tactile and Silent
Actuation Force: 45 G
Travel Distance: 4.0 mm
Actuation point: 1.9 mm
Actuation vs Reset Point: 0.05 mm

THE RAZER MECHANICAL SWITCHES

Razer controls the entire manufacturing process of each switch, even the blueprint. Through this, Razer Switches are designed from the ground up and optimized to cater for the demands of competitive play. This enables tighter tolerance and quality assurance protocols, to make sure that every switch lasts. Featuring an 80 million keystroke lifespan – designed to last 60% longer than other leading switches – Razer™ Mechanical Switches give gamers the assurance they need in the most intense situations.

Razer Switches Timeline

undefined

1970

The Introduction of Mechanical Keyboards
The use of mechanical keyboards started around the 1970s. Back then, keyboards were big, bulky, and expensive to manufacture.
undefined

2010

World's First Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - The Razer BlackWidow
In 2010, Razer created the Razer BlackWidow. Equipped with tactile keys, it was the only keyboard then to meet the needs of gamers. Read More
undefined

2016

World's First Ultra-Low-Profile Mechanical Switch
The exploration of mechanical switches on mobile devices birthed Razer's own ultra-low-profile mechanical switches—with true actuation and reset points. They were introduced with the Razer Mechanical Keyboard Case, and subsequently, the Razer Blade Pro. Read More
undefined

2017

Razer's First Linear Switch – Razer™ Yellow Switches
The launch of the Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 featured the new Razer™ Yellow Switch. Its linear and silent design with reduced travel distance allowed rapid-fire keypresses, giving gamers everywhere the competitive advantage. Read More
undefined

2018

Razer™ Mechanical Switches with Dual Side Walls
Alongside the new Razer BlackWidow Elite comes with a switch upgrade - the new Razer™ Mechanical Switch now comes with dual side walls for increased stability and consistency. Read More
undefined

1990

Keyboards Become Mainstream
PCs appearing in every home drove a demand for cheaper keyboards—which typically used membrane switches. However, mechanical keyboards were still favored for durability and performance.
undefined

2014

Razer™ Mechanical Switches - Designed for Gaming
Razer started producing proprietary switches in-house. By controlling the entire design and manufacturing process, every switch made was of the highest quality and durability. Read More
undefined

2016

The Introduction of Razer™ Mecha-Membrane
By combining the soft, cushioned touch of a membrane switch with the crisp, tactile click of a mechanical keyboard—Razer™ Mecha-Membrane technology made its debut with the Razer Ornata. Read More
undefined

2018

Razer Opto-Mechanical™ Switches Speed of Light
Found in the Razer Huntsman keyboards, the Razer Opto-Mechanical Switch offers faster performance without compromising tactility. It has the same actuate and reset points for rapid fire keypresses as found in a linear switch, and provides a similar tactile feel found in the best-selling Razer Green switches with a lighter actuation force of 45 g. Read More

AN EVOLVED MECHANICAL SWITCH

The Razer™ Mechanical Switch has evolved—dual side walls for greater stability, in addition to increased protection against dust and liquids. With an industry-leading 80 million keystroke lifespan, the Razer BlackWidow Elite is built for reliability and extended peak gaming performance.

Hear The Difference

Brainbean : Razer Switch Comparison and Sound Test
Why did we make the Razer™ Mechanical Switch?
What does it take to make a Razer™ Mechanical Switch?

THE RAZER BLACKWIDOW KEYBOARDS

The Razer BlackWidow has been consistently redefining gaming excellence, securing its position as the best-selling gaming keyboard in the world and the clear choice of pro gamers everywhere. Available in an impressive range of variations, you can choose the specific combination of design, features, and switches to suit your exact needs.

Discover

Razer BlackWidow V3

Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Razer Chroma RGB
Learn More

Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro

Wireless Full-height Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Razer Chroma RGB
Learn More

Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless

Compact Mechanical keyboard with Razer Chroma RGB
Learn More