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- Red switches feel better while gaming. Smaller sentences are fine, but you feel the difference between red and blue switches when typing longer forms of text.
- Due to the lower actuation force of red switches, fast typists are prone to making more errors and double-tapping the same key, decreasing accuracy and overall typing speed.
- The creamier sound of red switches can be too dimmed, making typists think they didn’t press a certain key even though they had already pressed it.
I recently bought a new mechanical keyboard with red switches, hoping to try something different from always using blue switches. There are almost no issues with the keyboard. The sound is amazingly creamy, it’s a joy to type, and my stamina has also improved. However, while red switches are amazing, I don’t recommend them for fast typists. Not to brag, but I average over 130 words per minute (WPM), and I shared a few tips on how you can also get faster. Either way, here’s my reasoning for my statement above:
Red Switches Are Primarily For Gaming, Not Typing
The most significant difference between blue and red switches is that the first is for typing, while the second is for gaming. That means you will feel a difference when typing long text forms. I love my new keyboard while playing games, but I can’t say the same when working. Maybe you won’t feel a difference if you only type a sentence here and there, but if you’re a writer like myself, the difference is like the ground and the sky.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that. I’ve been using the Bloody S510R for about a week and have spent several hours practicing typing on it. However, even so, the number of typing errors I’m making is honestly ridiculous. I am by no means an outstanding typist, but I have some confidence in my fingers when they’re on a keyboard. This time, the problem isn’t with the keyboard or within me; instead, it’s a bad combination. It’s like I’m trying to mix oil and water — it just won’t happen. I’ll get to this in a bit, so hold tight.
The Lower Actuation Force May Decrease Accuracy
The reason why blue switches are better for typing is because of their higher actuation force. Although it doesn’t make sense on paper, if you type over 100WPM, you will have a heavy hand. At that point, a higher actuation force is better for accuracy. My older Redragon Vara K551 keyboard with blue switches had an actuation force of 60g. On the other hand, my new Bloody S510R has a much lower actuation force of 45g.
Whenever I’m typing longer forms of text, like right now, I’m prone to making more errors, which decreases my accuracy and ultimately slows my typing speed. In theory, I’m clicking the keys much faster than before, but I’m making more errors because I’m double-pressing or completely missing a letter. Here’s a video of me doing a typing test on my Bloody S510R red switches mechanical keyboard.
Now that you have watched me type on my new keyboard, watch me type on my older Redragon Vara K551 blue switches mechanical keyboard. You will see the difference in my errors, keystrokes, and overall speed and accuracy.
You might question why I’m double-pressing or missing letters with my Bloody keyboard, right? I was about to get to that in my last point, so buckle up!
They Sound Creamier Than Having A Tactile Bump
Through my years of typing experience, I can confidently state that sound and touch matter a lot when you’re typing, especially if you’re going over 130WPM speeds on average. Again, I am not one of the fastest typists; it’s just something I have noticed with time. I’m trying to say that when you’re clicking over 11 keys a second, the sound and feel of you hitting the keys helps you realize whether you have clicked on a key or not.
As you must have heard in both tests, the Bloody S510R’s red switches sound much creamier, and their noise is dimmed. That means I can’t rely on the feel or sound when typing. On the other hand, the Redragon Vara K551’s blue switches must have sounded louder and bumpier. This noise helped me improve my speed and accuracy a lot the entire time I used the keyboard.
I Still Prefer Red Switches, Though
Red switches are amazing, but I don’t recommend them for fast typists. However, I still prefer red switches. Even after all the bashing and the reasoning, I simply love the lower actuation force and the less noise. For example, I can easily work late at night without disturbing my family members. Similarly, I can type much more before my fingers get exhausted because of the lower actuation force.
Ultimately, whichever switch you use depends on your use case scenario. Whether playing games or typing entire articles, blue and red are pretty efficient in both use cases. It’s just that one tends to be slightly better in some tasks and vice versa. I can’t discriminate between both switches, but I prefer the creamy sound and easier touch. Meanwhile, I also want the tactile bump to type faster. All in all, both switches are decent, no matter how you put it.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Abdemanaf is a skilled creative writer who has been honing his craft since 2011. While initially working in different fields, he found a passion for technology and has been exploring the tech world since early 2015. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the latest tech trends and product offerings by various companies.
Abdemanaf’s writing reflects his analytical mindset and ability to think critically. He has a knack for breaking down complex technical information into easily digestible pieces, making his articles engaging and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. In February 2022, he joined Tech4Gamers as a blog and product comparison writer, where he has been able to hone his skills further.
As a writer, Abdemanaf is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and trends, enabling him to provide readers with the most relevant and accurate information. He is always eager to learn more and is constantly seeking new challenges to improve his skills.
Get In Touch: manaf@tech4gamers.com
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