Gateron Black
LinearGateron's heavy linear: 60 g actuation with the brand's trademark smooth slide. A budget-friendly alternative to MX Black for typists who like weight behind their keystrokes.
Sound & feel
Gateron Black delivers the heavy-linear experience (60 g actuation, ~70 g bottom-out) with a noticeably slicker stroke than legacy Cherry Blacks. For deliberate typists who anchor their fingers on the keys, the extra spring weight prevents mispresses and gives each stroke a planted, purposeful feel.
The sound sits deeper than Gateron's lighter linears, a firm clack that hardens further with heavier typing technique. It responds well to the usual lube-and-film treatment if any spring noise surfaces.
As a budget base for heavy-spring builds, it's a quiet workhorse; less famous than Yellow, but exactly right for the subset of typists who know they want 60 g.
Sound on this page is synthesized from the switch's published specs and community-documented character: an honest simulation, not a recording. We're progressively replacing simulations with our own studio recordings. How our sounds are made
Compare it
- Gateron Black vs Cherry MX Black MX2A , or jump to Cherry MX Black MX2A
- Gateron Black vs Gateron Yellow , or jump to Gateron Yellow
- Gateron Black vs Gateron Ink Black V2 , or jump to Gateron Ink Black V2
- Gateron Black vs Kailh BOX Black , or jump to Kailh BOX Black
Frequently asked questions
What does the Gateron Black sound like?
firm, deeper clack with a planted landing. Use the player on this page to hear simulated press and release sounds derived from its real specifications.
Is the Gateron Black good for gaming or typing?
As a linear switch with 60g actuation force and 2mm pre-travel, it suits fast, repeated presses, which is why linears are a common gaming pick. It types perfectly well too if you like a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke.
How heavy is the Gateron Black?
60g actuation, 70g bottom-out (our estimate). Note that Gateron officially rates actuation force and publishes no bottom-out, so the bottom-out above is our derivation. Brands differ, so check the basis when comparing switches.