| Switch Type: | Linear |
| Mount Type: | PCB Mount |
| Travel Distance: | 2.0mm Actuation | 4.0mm Total |
| Force: | 35g Operating | 50g Bottom-out |
| Price: | ~£4.00 (10 pieces) |
The Gateron Clear is an extremely light linear switch with an operating force of 35g and bottom-out force of 50g!
It’s definitely a unique switch, but not exactly in a good way.
Smoothness: 6/10
On-centre keypresses are decently smooth for most switches with very little scratchiness throughout.
Off-centre keypresses are a little scratchier with some inconsistencies. The switch installed in my “P” key was the scratchiest whilst the switch installed in my “A” key was the smoothest. There is a distinct difference in smoothness between the two, but it was minor. The rest of the switches were average at best.
Overall, as expected from Gateron for their linear clone switches – they’re smooth, but not quite top tier.
Gateron Clear switch disassembled.
Weighting: 4/10
One of the worst aspects of the Clear switch is its weighting. It’s extremely light with an actuation of 35g and a bottom-out force of 50g, guaranteeing a very uncomfortable typing experience for most people.
As for me, I was making approximately 1 typo for every 5 words as the switches were just too light. I guess I should be glad my backspace key worked throughout my test period.
Overall, unless for some reason you find regular ‘Red’ switches to be too heavy, stay away from these. Seriously.
Sound: 7/10
Sound is pretty good.
Again, as a reminder, I’m testing on a new, better keyboard. So, no big surprises here.
Now, the fact that the switches are smooth also helps with this. However, for the most part – at least for a good while, all you’ll just be hearing is bottom-out sound as you’ll probably be bottoming-out every single keypress with these switches.
At least they sound good. No complains here. Let’s move on.
Typing Performance: 4/10
Personally, I judge typing performance based on smoothness, weighting and sound, with a large portion being dedicated to weighting, because as for me, that’s what I am most sensitive to.
Now, I’m sure with some more practise I can probably get used to typing on these. However, throughout my testing, I’ve made far too many typos as the switches were just too easy to actuate.
Overall, they are smooth, good sounding switches. I can see it being a viable switch for a select few, but I’m definitely not one of those.
Gaming Performance: 3/10
Gaming. Possibly the most painful part throughout my test period.
Now, after a few days, I did eventually get slightly better with them, but not in the same level as with a heavier switch.
However, even after 2 weeks of constant use, I still press keys unintentionally. I found myself crouching, strafing and jumping when not intended. Additionally, I tend to ‘lean’ on the switches when gaming as it’s I’m used to doing which obviously didn’t help. So, yes, it’s still barely unusable for any type of gaming.
Overall, not recommended. Avoid at all cost (unless it’s for experimental purposes).
Final Score = 24/50 (48%)
This is a real review? This just sounds like a you issue and being too clumsy to use sensitive keys. Why would you even bother going through the facade of reviewing this if you already had a strong predisposition against light keys? This is like having a vegan review a hamburger. The gaming excuse was the worst. It was like “my gun keeps firing because I keep leaning my finger into the trigger so don’t buy one” while the solution is to not squeeze the trigger while idle and not just avoid the product.
Great for RSI, they’re literally the lightest switch on the market. Not as high quality as Kailh Speed Silvers (the pins tend to bend easy and are quite thin), but you won’t find anything better for hand strain than these.
Yo los uso hace mucho tiempo, y me gustan la escritura es comoda son suaves y eso me gusta para túnel carpiano, creo que son una buena opción, escribo con ellos hace unos dos (2) años compro en aliexpress, y no los cambio, salvo que hubiera algo más suave pido me informen para probarlos 🙏
Looking for reviews on these switches, they basically only say they’re bad because they’re too light, but super duper light switches are what I want….. would be nice to see more detail about the other aspects
I did mention that these would be an uncomfortable typing experience for most people, as you don’t see this light of a weighting in many builds. I find them too light hence why they are “bad”, but of course, weighting is down to personal preference. (I’ll try to add a force curve some time for a visual when I can).
But as you’ve mentioned, if super duper switches are what you want. Then, these are the switches could be for you.
It’s a review written by a reviewer bub. Ever read one before?
literally all of this is subjective and there is zero objective testing done. nice.
Im a beast gamer on the pro level in FPS games with these smooth, buttery, beauties. Finger fatigue is non-existent .
I really gotta disagree with you on this one. This review makes it seem like this switch is bad from a neutral standpoint although it just really comes down to preference. I personally absolutely love my clears especially because they are so light. If you got light fingers these switches might be perfect for you. Gaming on these can be an absolute breeze if you like lightweight switches, typing as well
Im a beast gamer on the pro level in FPS games with these smooth, buttery, beauties. Finger fatigue is non-existent .
thanks so much for the great information. love your research