| Switch Type: | Tactile |
| Mount Type: | PC Mount |
| Travel Distance: | 1.1mm Actuation | 3.5mm Total |
| Force: | 40g Operating | 62g Bottom-out |
| Stem Length (mm): | 13.59 |
| Price: | $31.00 (110 pieces) on Kailh |
The Kailh Speed Copper is a tactile speed switch designed for gaming. It is one of the very few tactile gaming switches to exist.
TL;DR
A tactile gaming switch – A concept that sounds great on paper, but not in practice. At least not with the Kailh Speed Copper.
Its scratchiness, inconsistencies, mild key chattering and lack of a tactile bump are aspects most wouldn’t appreciate. I’d go as far as to say that these are a downgrade to the infamous Cherry MX Brown.
Smoothness: 3/10
On-centre keypresses are somewhat smooth with minor scratchiness on most switches.
Off-centre keypresses are considerably scratchy and very noticeable binding is present even when typing normally. This is exasperated when keys are pressed slowly.
Overall, this isn’t just one of the scratchiest gaming switches around, it’s one of the scratchiest switches I know of. I wouldn’t even bother lubing this one.
Kailh Speed Copper switch disassembled.
Weighting: 4/10
According to Kailh, these switches have an actuation force of 40g at 1.1mm, have a peak tactile force of 50g, and have a total travel of 3.4mm.
In the real world, the specs matched its performance and I didn’t find any inconsistencies there. However, I will say that the tactile bump is much less prominent than what Kailh’s force curve would have you believe. It’s very similar to that of the Cherry MX Brown with the tactility being hardly noticeable. Also, its light weighting and high actuation point aren’t to my preferences.
Additionally, while there weren’t any inconsistencies with its specs, the switches themselves performed inconsistently throughout my testing period with the majority binding on occasion. It makes it seem like Kailh didn’t bother to test them before release.
Overall, I’ve definitely encountered worse switches out there, but even these performed below average. They would make for decent switches if Kailh sorted these issues out, perhaps the newer Super Speed Copper is a better switch.
Sound: 4/10
Apart from them sounding clacky due to my aluminium case, they also sound very thin and empty with hints of scratchiness on top.
Overall, let’s just say that they aren’t the most pleasant switch soundtrack to listen to.
The Kailh Speed Copper stem length is 13.59 mm.
Typing Performance: 4/10
One of the first things I noticed was the lack of tactility at medium to fast typing speeds. The tactile bump on the Speed Copper is barely noticeable even at slow keypresses. The infamous Cherry MX Brown came to mind here.
The lack of tactile feedback aside, these switches had more issues. Namely [Inconsistency] and mushiness. The mushiness is mainly caused by the occasional binding at off-centre keypresses, and given the switches have lots of overtravel, this is a very noticeable feeling.
Additionally, light chattering is present on some switches and given these are brand new with only a couple weeks of use, this is a sign of very poor QC. Again, did Kailh even bother to test these switches?
Overall, this is quite a substandard switch from Kailh. It’s clear that more refinement should’ve gone into them.
Gaming Performance: 4/10
This is one of the very few switches designed for a specific task, but the Kailh Speed Copper fails to be a good gaming switch.
Firstly, the whole point of a gaming switch is to give you a competitive advantage. However, given the Speed Copper is mushy and inconsistent, this is close to impossible. In fact, the Speed Copper feels more or less like a regular switch.
Secondly, the whole point of a tactile switch is to give the user tactile feedback with minimal noise. And whilst it does achieve this, you’d have to be pressing the keys very slowly and even then, the tactile feedback is barely noticeable. It’s unlikely you’ll feel any tactility in the heat of battle.
Lastly, the return of the tactile bump is ever so slightly more tactile than the press which makes the switches feel sluggish at times. Yep, Kailh officially created a slow speed switch.
Overall, if you’re looking to gain a competitive edge, ignore these and buy a regular switch.
Final Score = 19/50 (38%)
Places to purchase this switch:
Mechboards | AliExpress | Kailh