| Switch Type: | Clicky |
| Mount Type: | PC Mount |
| Travel Distance: | 1.1mm Actuation | 3.5mm Total |
| Force: | 50g Operating |
| Stem Length (mm): | 13.59 |
| Price: | $31 (110 pieces) on Kailh |
The Kailh Speed Pink is a clicky gaming switch designed for gaming. However, unlike the Kailh Speed Gold, the Kailh Speed Pink features a click bar.
TL;DR
If you want a clicky switch for gaming and are stuck choosing between the Kailh Speed Gold or the Kailh Speed Pink, the Speed Pink is the slightly better option feels wise, though it is worth noting that the Speed Pink actuates higher up at 1.1mm compared to 1.4mm for the Speed Gold. Additionally, the Speed Pink doesn’t suffer from an unrefined, plasticky sound as they utilize a click bar as instead of a click jacket.
Smoothness: 6/10
On-centre keypresses are very smooth with relatively minor scratchiness present at very slow keypresses.
Off-centre keypresses are noticeably scratchy at slow keypresses. Although, they are smoother at faster keypresses.
Overall, these are decently smooth; they aren’t truly terrible, but they aren’t award winning either.
Kailh Speed Pink switch disassembled.
Weighting: 7/10
According to Kailh, these switches have an actuation force of 50g at 1.1mm and bottom-out distance of 3.5mm.
In the real world, the high actuation point didn’t bother me all that much which is in contrast to many other speed switches. Of course, the main difference here is that the Speed Pink is a clicky switch, not a linear one.
Additionally, unlike clicky BOX switches, the Speed Pink’s tactility is on the lacklustre side – it’s barely present. I understand it’s a clicky switch and not a tactile one, but I do expect a decent amount of tactility from clicky switches too.
Consistency wise, the Speed Pink is a relatively consistent switch. Although, the switch has two main downsides.
Number one: At times, they actuate BEFORE the click. This wasn’t a huge surprise to me as this has been a known issue for clicky BOX switches. However, I’m a little disappointed to see here as well.
Number two: Chattering. I don’t recall recently reviewing a switch where switch chatter has been an issue – it’s not to say that it’s a major problem for the Speed Pink, but they do chatter a heck of a lot more compared to all the other switches I’ve reviewed. I hope it doesn’t get worse with time.
Overall, despite their downsides, I found myself really liking the switch as a whole; and if it wasn’t for its two downsides, they would’ve been an easier recommendation.
Sound: 7/10
It’s a click bar switch, so they’re automatically nicer sounding compared to click jacket switches. Although, unlike clicky BOX switches, the Speed Pinks sound quieter. I’m not sure if this was intended by Kailh, but they do somewhat have a unique sound to them even though they use click bars.
Overall, even though these sound slightly different compared to what you’d hear in BOX switches, they’re still more pleasant to listen to compared to click jacket switches.
The Kailh Speed Pink stem length is 13.59 mm.
Typing Performance: 6/10
If you’re used to typing on clicky BOX switches, these switches may feel like home to you. However, I found them feeling ‘delicate’ during the first few hours of use. This (unfortunately) didn’t last long as I quickly got used to them, but it felt great; it’s quite different to the Kailh BOX White or the Kailh BOX Pink.
As I mentioned before, the switches chatter more than usual making them an unreliable tool for any serious and sensitive typing work. I especially wouldn’t use these for any coding or data input tasks. They also sometimes actuate before the click and while this wasn’t as frequent as the chattering issue, it is another reason to add to its unreliability.
With that said, these switches are decent in other areas. They have no weighting inconsistencies and they’re relatively smooth in normal typing sessions with only hints of scratchiness at times.
Overall, whilst I wouldn’t use them for any serious typing work, they’re a great switch feels wise and I still enjoyed typing on them. Though, if you’re looking for reliability, the clicky BOX switches are a better option.
Gaming Performance: 6/10
The thing they were meant for. Gaming.
Straight off the bat, they aren’t my number one choice for slower-paced games due to the clicking. So, while they are quieter compared to clicky BOX switches, they do still produce clicky sounds which make for really annoying background noise in quieter scenes.
But what about for faster-paced games? Well, they’re better here since the background noise they make isn’t as impactful. However, they bind ever so slightly at times which always threw me off, so they definitely aren’t the most consistent performer under pressure – yep, so much for a “gaming” switch.
Overall, again feels wise, they’re great, but for actual gameplay? I can only really recommend them to casual gamers, non-competitive gamers. So, if you’re serious about gaming, I’d stay away from these.
Final Score = 32/50 (64%)
Places to purchase this switch:
AliExpress | Amazon | Kailh