KiiwiGateron Black vs Red sound
Hear Gateron Black vs Red on Mac: they play in your browser as you type below. Gateron's two classic linears, one heavy and one light. Type below and switch between them.
Type the words below, then switch above. Headphones make the difference obvious.
The short answer
Both are smooth linears with no bump and no click. The Black is the heavier one, with a dry, muted bottom-out. The Red is light, with a clean, modest clack at the bottom.
Gateron Black
The heavier of the classic pair. The sound is dry and muted, a dull bottom-out with little ring after it.
Gateron Red
A light 45cN linear, common in budget and mid-range boards. Light and smooth, with a clean, modest clack at the bottom.
At a glance
| Gateron Black | Gateron Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Linear | Linear |
| Maker | Gateron | Gateron |
| Feel | Heavy | Light |
| Tone | Dry, muted | Clean, modest clack |
Keep exploring
Open each switch Gateron Black, Gateron Red
Choosing an app Kiiwi vs Klack, more switch vs switch pairs
Questions
What's the difference between Gateron Black and Red?
Weight and tone. Both are smooth linears. The Black is heavier with a dry, muted sound; the Red is light with a clean, modest clack.
Which is quieter, Gateron Black or Red?
The Black sounds more muted, with little ring after the bottom-out. Type the same words on each above to compare.
Are Gateron Black and Red clicky?
No. Both are linear, with no bump and no click.
Can I hear the Gateron Black and Red on my Mac?
Yes. Kiiwi plays the Gateron Black and Red, recorded from real switches, under the keyboard you already own, from the menu bar, in every app.
Get these sounds on your Mac
Kiiwi has all 36 recordings, these included, and plays them under the keyboard you already own, in every app, from the menu bar. It needs macOS 14 or later, costs $4.99 once, and hears that a key was pressed, never what you typed.
Download for macOS