A blue switch keyboard uses clicky tactile switches that produce an audible click and a tactile bump with each keypress.
Blue switches are the most recognizable mechanical keyboard switches on the market. Each keypress produces a distinct click sound and a tactile bump you can feel, giving you physical and audible confirmation that your keystroke registered. The name “blue switch” refers to the color of the switch stem, and it’s a family label used by multiple manufacturers rather than one standardized design.
For anyone looking for a blue switch keyboard, the typing experience is the main draw. But the loud click that makes them satisfying for some users can drive others crazy in shared spaces.
How Blue Switches Work
Blue switches combine a tactile bump with an audible click. When you press a key, you feel resistance build, then a noticeable bump as the switch actuates, accompanied by a click sound.
CHERRY’s official product page describes MX Blue as “tactile and acoustic (with click)” with a “clicky and noticeable” response. The switch uses a two-piece stem design where an internal slider creates the click when it passes a certain point. This design gives typists a clear signal that their keypress registered before they even see the character appear on screen.
Blue Switch Specs Compared
CHERRY MX Blue is the original and most common blue switch, with clones from Gateron, Kailh, and Outemu offering slight variations. The specs below show how they compare.
| Switch | Actuation Force | Pre-travel / Total Travel |
|---|---|---|
| CHERRY MX Blue | 50 cN | 2.2 mm / 4.0 mm |
| CHERRY MX RGB Blue | 50 cN | 2.2 mm / 4.0 mm |
| Kailh Clicky Blue | 50 gf | 1.8 mm / 3.6 mm |
| Outemu Blue | 50 gf | 2.2 mm / 4.0 mm |
| Gateron Blue | 60g | 2.2 mm / 4.0 mm |
The differences between brands matter: Kailh has shorter travel, while Gateron lists a heavier actuation force. These variations change how each switch feels even though they’re all “blue.”
Are Blue Switches Good for Gaming?
Blue switches work well for games that reward precise key presses, because the tactile bump tells you exactly when the key registers. Many gamers prefer them for titles where you want that confirmation without bottoming out the key.
The catch is sound. The click is loud enough to annoy teammates on voice chat and people nearby. For shared spaces or quiet offices, linear or non-clicky tactile switches are usually a better fit — the clicks carry. CHERRY markets MX Blue for “mechanical keyboards and input interfaces where sensitive response and audible confirmation are desirable,” which is exactly right.
The other downside: switching from Cherry MX Blue to other switches means adjusting to different forces and travel distances.
Common Blue Switch Misconceptions
Three mistakes show up constantly when people talk about blue switches.
“Blue” is one switch design. It’s a family label. Cherry MX Blue, Gateron Blue, Kailh Blue, and Outemu Blue all differ in force, travel, and sound. Confirm the actual brand before buying.
All blue switches sound identical. Sound varies by brand and housing tolerances. Cherry’s click is crisp; clones can sound higher-pitched or duller depending on the build.
Louder means better for everyone. The click is a feature for typists who want feedback but a drawback in offices, libraries, and meetings. Blue switches aren’t objectively better — they’re better for people who want that specific feel.
One more confusion point: actuation force versus bottom-out force. Some listings report one, some the other, which makes cross-brand comparisons tricky. Check the exact spec before assuming two switches feel the same.
FAQs
Do blue switches work with any computer?
Yes. Blue switches are a keyboard component, not a software feature. Any device that accepts your keyboard’s connector — USB, Bluetooth, or PS/2 — will work with a blue switch keyboard, whether it’s a desktop, laptop, or tablet with an external keyboard.
Are blue switches worth it for a quiet office?
Probably not. The click is the defining feature of blue switches, and it carries through cubicle walls and conference room doors. Tactile switches without the click, like Cherry MX Brown, give you the bump without the noise.
Can I swap blue switches on a hot-swap keyboard?
Yes, if your board supports hot-swapping. Many DIY and gaming keyboards let you pull and replace switches without soldering. Just verify the mounting style — PCB (5-pin) or plate (3-pin) — matches your board before buying.
References & Sources
- CHERRY. “CHERRY MX2A Blue Product Page.” Official specs: actuation force, travel, and clicky tactile description.
- Mouser Electronics. “CHERRY MX BLUE Datasheet (MX1A-ExxA/B).” Detailed electrical and mechanical specifications for MX Blue switches.
- RTINGS. “Cherry MX Blue Switch Review.” Independent testing and comparison of MX Blue switch characteristics.