Pushing innovation to elevate the gaming experience is something we constantly strive for. It was what drove us to create the first mechanical keyboard for gaming, then subsequently design our own Razer™ Mechanical Switches to meet the needs of different gamers. And with Razer™ Switches, we’re redefining the standards of speed once again.
Unlike traditional mechanical switches that have a lot of moving parts and actuate via metallic contact, Razer™ Optical Switch enables actuation via light. Imagine this: you press a key and a light beam instantly passes through the switch stem—which is when actuation happens—and sends a corresponding signal to your computer to perform the intended action.
The Razer™ Optical Switches are found in our Razer Huntsman family and outfitted with the best components to make it our fastest switches yet.
A metal key stabilizer flanks both sides of the switch. When combined with optical actuation technology, makes for fewer moving parts in the switch.
Razer switches are known for their durability—and are now even better. With optical actuation providing less physical contact, Razer™ Optical Switches eliminate switch degradation almost completely. This provides durability of up to 100 million keystrokes, compared to the industry standard of 50 million.
A new stem shape, when combined with the key stabilizer bar, allows for a more balanced keypress. Regardless of where you press on the keycap, you need the same exact 40g or 45 g of force for actuation—unlike traditional switches that can feel wobbly or misfire if you hit the edge of the key.
![]() RAZER™ CLICKY OPTICAL SWITCH |
![]() STANDARD CLICKY MECHANICAL SWITCH |
|
Key Feel | Light and Clicky | Tactile and clicky |
Actuation Method | Light Actuation | Metal contact point |
Actuation Force | 45g | 50g - 60g |
Actuation Point | 1.5mm | 2.0mm - 2.2mm |
Durability | 100 million clicks | 50 million clicks |
Stability | Cross Stem with Stabilizers | Cross Stem |
![]() RAZER™ LINEAR OPTICAL SWITCH |
![]() STANDARD LINEAR MECHANICAL SWITCH |
|
Key Feel | Light and Instant | Linear and Silent |
Actuation Method | Light Actuation | Metal contact point |
Actuation Force | 45g | 45g |
Actuation Point | 1.2mm | 1.2mm |
Durability | 100 million clicks | 50 million clicks |
Stability | Cross Stem with Stabilizers | Cross Stem |