The mechanical gaming keyboard industry has been evolving throughout the years. Many brands that previously relied on Cherry MX switches have since employed other keyboard switches or have manufactured their own designs. HyperX is the latest brand to join the custom gaming keyboard switch party.
At present, HyperX offers three in-house developed gaming keyboard switches. They have the Red linear switch, Aqua tactile switch, and Blue clicky switch. These keyboard switches are most notably based on the Cherry MX switches the brand previously used. However, they have been modified to have better gaming performance.
Hyperx’s gaming keyboard switch lineup is still fairly basic. However, they seem to satisfy the needs of their customers pretty well and will likely look to expand their options in the future. In this article, we will be taking a look at Hyperx’s gaming keyboard switch options in more detail.
We will talk about the various specifications of their switches and how they compare to the Cherry MX switches they were based on. This guide aims to help users choose the best HyperX switch for their HyperX gaming keyboard.
Introduction to HyperX Mechanical Switches
HyperX initially offered gaming mechanical keyboards equipped with Kaihl and Cherry MX switches. However, HyperX later explored the idea of manufacturing their own keyboard switch. Many of their competitors, including Razer and Logitech G, have gone this route.
In 2021, HyperX finally revealed their in-house developed switches to the public. The brand provided three variations: HyperX Red linear switches, HyperX Aqua tactile switches, and HyperX Blue clicky switches. All of which will be discussed in the latter part of this article.
The three current HyperX gaming switches are very similar to the Cherry MX and Kailh switches that they previously used. The new Reds, Aquas, and Blues are direct counterparts of the Cherry MX Red/Kailh Speed Silver linear switches, Blue clicky switches, and Brown tactile switches. However, HyperX has made some improvements to make their in-house switches more appealing to gamers.
HyperX switches are designed to have a longer lifespan compared to the older switches they used. The Cherry MX and Kaihl switches are rated for 50 Million clicks, while the HyperX switches are rated for 80 Million clicks. Another key difference is the total travel distance of these new HyperX switches. For example, the Cherry MX Red has a 45g operating force, 2mm actuation point, and 4mm total travel distance. The HyperX Red switch, on the other hand, has a 45g operating force, 1.8mm actuation point, and 3.8mm total travel distance.
One thing to take note of about HyperX switches is that they are proprietary to HyperX keyboards. Furthermore, HyperX keyboards are not hot-swappable, meaning users will not be able to try these different switches without purchasing an entirely new keyboard.
HyperX Switch Models
HyperX Red
Specifications:
- Operation Style: Linear
- Operating Force: 45g
- Actuation Point: 1.8 mm
- Total Travel Distance: 3.8mm
- Life Span: 80 Million clicks
The HyperX Red is the brand’s take on linear switches. In terms of its specs, it has the same actuation force as the Cherry MX red switch that the brand previously used. However, what’s different is that HyperX reduced both the actuation distance and total travel distance by 0.2mm. What this entails is that the HyperX red switches mimic the feel of traditional Cherry MX Reds but have a faster response time.
HyperX’s implementation of the red switches is perfect for gamers who are looking for the fastest performing switch in HyperX’s gaming keyboard switch lineup. And while they can still be used for typing, gaming is truly their forte.
HyperX Aqua
Specifications:
- Operation Style: Tactile
- Operating Force: 45g
- Actuation Point: 1.8 mm
- Total Travel Distance: 3.8mm
- Life Span: 80 Million clicks
The HyperX Aqua switches are very similar to the Cherry MX Brown switches. Unlike with the HyperX Red switches, HyperX did some modifications to the Aqua switches. The actuation force has been reduced from 55g (Cherry MX Brown) to 45g making the HyperX Aqua a lighter feeling switch. Also, the actuation distance and total travel distance have also been reduced to make the Aquas activate faster.
The Aqua switches sit in between the HyperX Blue and Red switches. Like the Blues, they still have a tactile bump which allows the user to identify if the switches are being activated. However, unlike the Blues, there is no clicky sound making the Aquas sound closer to the Reds. Given the characteristic of Aqua switches, they are perfect for both gaming and typing.
HyperX Blue
Specifications:
- Operation Style: Clicky
- Operating Force: 50g
- Actuation Point: 1.8 mm
- Total Travel Distance: 3.8mm
- Life Span: 80 Million clicks
Lastly, we have the HyperX Blue switches. As its name implies, the HyperX Blue is based on the Cherry MX Blue clicky switch. But just like the two other HyperX switches, the HyperX Blues have been modified to respond faster for gaming.
Actuation force has been reduced from 60g to 50g while actuation distance and total travel distance have been reduced. Overall, since they are based on the original Cherry MX Blue switches, they are primarily designed for typing. However, they can still appeal to gamers who love the loud and clicky sound that these switches provide. They will be heavier than both the Reds and the Aquas but they should not feel as fatiguing as the original Cherry MX Blues.
Which Hyperx Switch Do We Recommend?
Since HyperX gaming keyboards are primarily designed for gaming, recommending the HyperX Red linear switches is pretty much a no-brainer. They will respond the fastest and will allow gamers to input commands without any hindrance. Of course, this will still depend on personal preference since some may still prefer having the control that the HyperX Aquas provide. But overall, these two switches are the ones that we will be recommending.
Can You Mod HyperX Switches?
Like any other MX-style keyboard switch, HyperX gaming switches can be modified. Both the Red and Aqua switches should become smoother when lubed and filmed. However, since HyperX switches are soldered into the PCB, they will be harder to modify. Also, unlike most custom keyboard brands, HyperX does not encourage users to open up their keyboards and modify the various internal components.
Doing so may void the warranty. We recommend leaving these switches alone unless the user is truly unsatisfied with their performance.
Where to Buy HyperX Switches?
Unfortunately, HyperX switches cannot be bought separately. They exclusively come with newer HyperX gaming keyboards. There are also no HyperX key switch testers available, meaning users cannot test these switches beforehand.
