| Switch Type: Linear |
| Actuation Point: | 1.0mm | Actuation Point: | 1.19mm |
| Actuation Force: | 45g | Actuation Force: | 44.6gf |
| Total Travel: | 3.2mm | Total Travel: | 3.07mm |
The Fnatic Speed Low-Profile is based on the Kailh Choc V2 switch. This switch in particular has been spec’d for Fnatic hence the orange-coloured stem.
TL;DR
Low-profile gaming switches are a very niche market. There aren’t too many of them out there. But Fnatic’s take on them hasn’t been very good; their switches are noticeably scratchy with an unwanted light tactile event.
Smoothness: 3/10
On-centre keypresses are noticeably scratchy with light tactility present on both the up and downstroke.
Off-centre keypresses are very scratchy with noticeable binding and tactility present on both the up and downstroke.
Overall, they’re very scratchy and have noticeable binding that can be felt at slow keypresses.
Weighting: 4/10
Now, according to Fnatic these switches actuate at 45g at 1mm and have a total travel of 3.2mm.
Fnatic Speed Low Profile force curve.
As you can see from the force curve above, the Fnatic Speed Low-Profile were within its outlined specs.
Fnatic Speed Low Profile consistency force curve.
However, they weren’t as consistent with Switch 2 (orange line) and Switch 3 (black line) being noticeably different from each other. Switch 3 is around 5-7g heavier throughout its entire travel downstroke wise, but interestingly enough, it closely matches it in the upstroke around the -1.4mm mark. Although, I’m not exactly sure why.
Fnatic Speed Low Profile vs Cherry MX Silver force curve.
The above force curve shows a comparison between the Fnatic Speed Low-Profile and the Cherry MX Speed Silver. The Cherry switch is generally 3-5g lighter, apart from when the Fnatic switch dips in force between 0.7 – 1.2mm.
Fnatic Speed Low Profile vs Akko POM Silver force curve.
The above force curve shows a comparison between the Fnatic Speed Low-Profile and the Akko POM Silver. Both switches start off similarly, but the Fnatic switch is clearly the heavier one from around 1.4mm onwards. There’s roughly a 10g difference at the bottom-out, but both switches have almost the same total travel.
Overall, these are inconsistent, lightly weighted switches with an unwanted tactile event. I personally don’t like these switches and I’m glad to not see them in other keyboards.
Sound: 5/10
Fnatic has referred to them as “…quiet without the need for any dampeners.” And while they are relatively quiet, they still make more noise compared to a dampened switch.
Additionally, I have to add that the spacebar stabilizer is VERY rattily, and that the switch installed in my “B” has noticeable spring crunch when pressed slowly.
Overall, they have a scratchy, thocky-esque sound signature. But I’m not a fan of the scratchiness.
Typing Performance: 4/10
I had to be extremely careful not to actuate them by accident given their light weighing and very high actuation point. I’ve made it clear in the past that I’m not the biggest fan of speed/gaming switches. So, these are clearly not within my preferences.
To add to that, these were also very scratchy and inconsistent to type on. At slower typing speeds, a slight tactile event could be felt on both the up and downstroke which shouldn’t happen for a linear switch, and some switches have it worse than others.
Overall, weighting aside, these are not good performing switches and I wouldn’t recommend them as typing switches to anyone.
Gaming Performance: 4/10
Similarly to typing, these were also scratchy when used in gaming.
However, its scratchiness wasn’t super noticeable in super-fast gameplay – it’s only real upside.
They were quite poor performing in slower-paced games though. Its scratchiness and inconsistencies were made worse by its unwanted tactile event.
Overall, it should come to you that I didn’t enjoy gaming on these, and that would probably apply to you to… unless you like suffering.
Final Score = 20/50 (40%)
Places to purchase this switch:
Fnatic | Overclockers UK | Amazon