Kailh Mechanical Key Switches

Kailh Red mechanical switches are used in the MSI Vigor GK50 Elite TKL. They are fast linear, with a 50g actuation force, 1.9 mm actuation, 4.0mm travel, and a guaranteed 50 million keystrokes.

The Kailh Low Profile switches are clicky. Clicky switches are sub-set types that produce a tactile bump and loud audible click with each keystroke. Other switch types (tactile & linear) exist, but we will focus on clicky ones. Loud and clicky switches offer great feedback when typing, so you know everything is working properly by sound. Not to mention, the sound is satisfying and nice to use. When typing, the tactile feedback from (Tactile and) Clicky switches gives more accuracy. You’d know if a keypress has been registered without bottoming out your keys. Once you feel the bump, you can quickly move on to the next key.

Mechanical switches give you a more perceptible feel than the rubber membrane used in cheaper keyboards. Why’s that? The crucial features are 50 g of actuation force, linear response, and rapid bounce back. If you use a keyboard like that, you get used to typing faster without bottoming out the keys. Still, some switches work better for writing, e.g., MX Browns or Blues.

The feedback type is an audible click, not a linear one. The keycaps are made of ABS, less reliable and resistant than the PBT, but the per-key RGB backlighting makes them look nice.

The MTBF is 50 million strokes, so it’s a nice figure. Still, you’ve got a warranty if something breaks.