| Switch Type: Tactile | Mount: Plate Mount (3-pin) | Spring: Single Stage | Price: £24.99 (36pcs) on Razer |
| Top Housing: | Bottom Housing: | Stem: | Factory Lubed: Yes |
| Actuation Point (mm): | 2.0 | Actuation Point (mm): | 2.07 |
| Actuation Force (gf): | 50 | Actuation Force (gf): | 40.3 |
| Total Travel (mm): | 3.5 | Total Travel (mm): | 3.32 |
| Peak Tactile Point (mm): | Peak Tactile Point (mm): | 0.26 | |
| Peak Tactile Force (gf): | Peak Tactile Force (gf): | 54.4 | |
| Reset Point (mm): | 1.8 | Reset Point (mm): | 2.05 |
| Bottom-out Force (gf): | Bottom-out Force (gf): | 58.7 | |
| Stem Length (mm): | 13.98 | ||
TL;DR
Unlike its clicky counterpart, the Razer Orange offers a different tactile feel when compared to its earlier iterations. In its 3rd generation, the tactile event is now at the top of the travel instead of in the middle; whether you’ll like this or not will come down your preferences.
Additionally, they’ve significantly improved the consistency for this generation. So, while they are still pricier when compared to the rest of the market, they at least now have the performance to back them up.
However, if you’re on a lookout for a cheaper alternative, the Akko Creamy Blue Pro (V5) is a fantastic choice.
Smoothness: 8/10
On-centre keypresses are very smooth with only very minor inconsistencies at very slow keypresses.
Off-center keypresses are also very smooth, with again, only very minor inconsistencies at very slow keypresses.
Overall, considering Razer’s past reputation, I didn’t have high hopes for these switches, but I’m more than happy to learn that they’ve taken measures to improve their smoothness. This alone makes them a worthy upgrade if you’re still using the older generations.
Side note: These are factory lubed with GPL 205g0
Razer Orange (Gen-3) switch disassembled.
Weighting: 9/10
Now, according to Razer these switches have an actuation force of 50g at 2.0mm and a total travel of 3.5mm.
Razer Orange (Gen-3) force curve.
As you can see from the force curve above, the Razer Orange (Gen-3) is on spec apart from its actuation force. Razer states that the actuation force is 50g, however, this is closer to 40g in practice.
Razer Orange (Gen-3) consistency force curve.
As you can see above, the switches are relatively consistent with the tactility of Switch 1 only being ever so slightly lighter compared to the other two.
Razer Orange (Gen-3) vs. Cherry MX Brown force curve.
The force curve above shows the comparison between the Razer Orange (Gen-3) and the Cherry MX Brown. Unlike previous generations of the Razer Orange, where its tactility resembled that of the Cherry MX Brown, the 3rd generation Razer Orange has a much earlier tactile event and a significantly shorter travel.
Razer Orange (Gen-3) vs. Durock T1 force curve.
The force curve above shows the comparison between the Razer Orange (Gen-3) and the Durock T1 – a much heavier tactile switch. The T1 is more or less a heavier version of the Razer Orange with a 4mm total travel.
Overall, I really like the weighting – they’re basically almost perfect for my tastes. Plus, unlike its clicky counterpart, these Orange switches are very consistent, which made them pleasing to use.
Sound: 8/10
They have a decent clack to them, which I really like – it’s a very chunky/creamy sounding switch. Plus, I think they would also sound quite nice in a thocky based build… I just don’t see why not.
Overall, I very much like how they sound, there’s no spring ping, unlike its clicky counterpart, and the sound of scratchiness is almost non-existent.
The Razer Orange (Gen-3) stem length is 13.98mm.
Typing Performance: 9/10
I really LOVE typing on them, which I didn’t think I would be saying about a Razer product, let alone one of their switches, and especially after just reviewing the disaster that is the Razer Green 3rd gen. But these are definitely up there among the best tactile switches I’ve tried. And yes, I’m deadly serious about that.
Their level of tactility isn’t the strongest, but it really doesn’t need to be. It’s present enough even when typing normally. Its tactility, at least for me, never “disappears”, which is a BIG PLUS in any tactile switch.
Their level of smoothness and consistency are also up there. I didn’t notice any major issues here that I would say affected my typing. So, in case if you’re still wondering, no, it’s not at all like the Cherry MX Brown – far from it.
Although the switch installed in my spacebar would chatter more often than I would like (other keys did it too, but not as much). I’m not sure why this is, though. Still, it’s not a major setback.
Overall, this is the sort of tactility I absolutely adore in a tactile switch. It’s certainly different from what the Cherry MX Brown (or its clones) offers, so just keep this in mind if you’re thinking of buying them.
Gaming Performance: 9/10
Firstly, forget the clicky counterpart, these Orange switches are actually the ones designed and optimised for gaming. These were excellent in both fast and slow-paced games.
Secondly, they were very smooth and consistent throughout my gaming sessions with no obvious faults… at least none that I can find. However, if you do, let me know, because I love these switches so much, I’ll be keeping them for future references!
Overall, I once doubted Razer could make a great product, but I can no longer sit here and mock them (technically, TTC manufactured these, but you get what I mean). So, if you can get these for a reasonable price, consider them.
Final Score = 43/50 (86%)
Places to purchase this switch:
Razer | Currys | Overclockers UK