Gateron switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes, which is still an insanely high number. Instead the switch will feel slightly different, but some keyboard enthusiasts find the worn-in feel to be incredibly enjoyable to use and prefer that over stock. After the limit is reached, the switch can still work perfectly fine, but it will no longer follow the ideal force curve. Cherry MX switches can last 100 million keystrokes before deviating from factory conditions. Durability: Winner = Cherry MXĪs mentioned in the previous section, you can’t beat Cherry MX when it comes to quality standards, so Cherry MX destroys Gateron in this area.Ĭherry MX switches are rated for a lifespan double that of Gateron. Overall Gateron wins in price, but there is a definite trade-off when choosing the cheaper option in this situation. Instead they are made out of a factory in China. Gateron takes the design of the Cherry MX switches and produces them in a cheaper way by slashing the expensive costs of producing parts in Europe and the strenuous testing of Cherry MX switches. The patent for the Cherry MX switch expired a while ago, so now there are dozens of clone switches being produced from companies such as Gateron, Kailh, and Outemu. Gateron switches are also considered a clone switch, which means they copy the design of the original Cherry MX switch. With Gateron, you don’t really know what you’re getting out of the box. With Cherry MX you are getting an extremely reliable (albeit expensive) switch. Gateron switches on the other hand are produced out of a factory in China and it’s unclear about what sort of testing is done on the switches. Cherry MX switches are produced in Germany and undergo extremely strict temperature and stress testing to make sure they have a long lifespan. When looking at the price between both switches, Gateron wins hands down as they are significantly cheaper than Cherry MX switches. The winner for overall feel is Gateron because their linear switches are smoother than Cherry MX, but if you’re looking at other switch types it’s tied.

Cherry MX tactile and clicky switch variations such as the Blue and Brown switches are comparable overall to the Gateron switch variation. When looking at switch variations other than linear, however, the playing field is a bit more even. Cherry switches are toleranced more precisely which makes the stem fit more tightly.

The switch design has a smaller stem which allows for a smoother keystroke. Gateron switches, especially the linear switch variation, feel extra smooth to use. From our experience testing out dozens of switches from both Gateron and Cherry, we’ve concluded that Gateron switches feel better overall. When looking at overall feel, we’re determining which feels better to use and would be the best for an enjoyable gaming and typing experience. Cherry MX vs Gateron: Which is Better? Cherry MX We’ll also go over the specifications for both switches to see how they differ on a technical level. Let’s look at the different switches and compare them based on a variety of factors. If you’re on a budget Gateron switches are the way to go, while Cherry can be better for a higher-end keyboard. Cherry MX switches last longer than Gateron switches but are pricier. Gateron switches are smoother, which make them feel better than Cherry. When comparing Gateron and Cherry MX switches, the main difference is the feel. The question is, which switch type is better? Let’s compare the two switches and break down the overall price, performance, and durability of each switch. Cherry MX and Gateron switches are some of the most popular switches currently on the market.

Gateron clicky switches