What Keyboards Use Gateron Switches? A Complete Guide to Compatible Keyboards and Brands
DashanYuan
When people go looking for a smooth, responsive, affordable mechanical keyboard, Gateron comes up almost immediately. The switches are a long-standing alternative to Cherry, and they turn up in a very wide range of boards. So: what keyboards actually use Gateron switches? This guide covers the prebuilts, the custom kits, and how to check what is inside a board you already own.
What Are Gateron Switches?
Gateron switches are keyboard switches made by Gateron, one of the largest manufacturers in the industry. They use the MX-style stem, which means they are compatible with essentially all MX keycaps and with any MX-footprint PCB.
Their main selling point is smoothness. Gateron linears are widely reported to feel smoother out of the box than many competing options, largely down to tighter manufacturing tolerances and a slightly different internal geometry.
Gateron produces the full spread of switch types — linear (Red, Yellow), tactile (Brown), and clicky (Blue) — which is a large part of why so many keyboard brands build around them. If you are still deciding which family suits you, start with our guide to the mechanical keyboard switch types.
Which Keyboards Use Gateron Switches?
Gateron shows up most heavily in the budget and mid-range segments, where the balance of price and performance matters most.
Prebuilt Mechanical Keyboards
Several prebuilts ship with Gateron switches straight out of the box:
- Keychron K-series (K2, K6, K8)
- Royal Kludge RK series (RK61, RK84)
- Akko keyboards (select models)
- Epomaker keyboards
These target buyers who want a working mechanical keyboard without building one.
Custom Keyboards and Hot-Swap Kits
The bigger answer is that almost any hot-swap custom keyboard can use Gateron switches. Because they are MX-footprint, they drop into any hot-swap PCB with no soldering. That makes them a common default for first-time custom builders — and an easy thing to swap out later once you know what you actually like.
Popular Brands That Ship Gateron
| Brand | Keyboard Series | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Keychron | K Series, Q Series | Office, productivity, enthusiasts |
| Royal Kludge | RK61, RK84 | Budget gaming and typing |
| Epomaker | TH Series, GK Series | Custom builds and RGB setups |
| Akko | 3068, 3098 series | Stylish designs, typing comfort |
Why Do Keyboard Brands Pick Gateron?
Smoothness
The main reason. Gateron linears generally feel less scratchy than entry-level alternatives, which matters in both gaming and fast typing.
Cost
Gateron switches are cheap to produce at volume, so brands can hit an aggressive price point without an obviously bad typing feel.
Range
One supplier covers the whole catalogue:
- Linear switches — smooth, no bump
- Tactile switches — a bump partway through the press
- Clicky switches — a bump plus an audible click
That lets a single keyboard line offer three feels without changing suppliers.
How to Check If a Keyboard Uses Gateron
Check the listing
The fastest method. Any reputable brand states the switch make and model on the product page or the box.
Check the manual or packaging
If you already own the board, the documentation almost always names the switch.
Check the switch itself
If the board is hot-swappable, pull a keycap. Gateron housings are usually branded on the top housing. This is the definitive method, though it helps to have seen a few switches before.
Are Gateron Switches Hot-Swappable?
This is a common point of confusion. Hot-swap is a property of the keyboard, not the switch. Gateron switches work in any hot-swap board, but they will not make a soldered board hot-swappable.
If your board does take hot-swap, that is the whole appeal: you can try different Gateron keyboard switches — or move on to other manufacturers entirely — without touching a soldering iron.
What to Try After Gateron
Gateron is a solid starting point, not a ceiling. Most people who stick with the hobby eventually try switches from manufacturers focused on the enthusiast segment, where mold precision and material selection are pushed harder — HMX, Keygeek, and BSUN are the usual next steps, and typically cost about the same. Browse the full range of keyboard switches to compare.
FAQs
Are Gateron switches better than Cherry?
Gateron is usually praised for smoother keystrokes; Cherry for consistency and long-run durability. Neither is categorically better. We break the comparison down properly in Is Gateron Better Than Cherry?
Can I replace Cherry switches with Gateron switches?
Yes, provided your keyboard is hot-swappable and MX-compatible. Both use the same stem and footprint.
Which Gateron switches are best for gaming?
Linears such as Gateron Red or Yellow are the usual pick, for the smooth actuation and lack of a bump to push through. That said, plenty of competitive players use tactiles — it is preference, not a rule.