Exploring A120 Series Mechanical Switches: The Ultimate Guide

Post by Redragon, September 18, 2023 Buyer's Guide

Introduction

Mechanical keyboards have revolutionized the way we type and game, offering a superior experience compared to traditional membrane keyboards. At the heart of these mechanical wonders are the switches, each with its own unique feel and sound.

Redragon's A120 series mechanical switches are a testament to this diversity, providing users with a wide range of options to suit their preferences.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the world of Redragon A120 series mechanical switches to help you choose the perfect switch for your keyboard.

Understanding Mechanical Keyboards and Switches

Before we embark on our exploration of the A120 series switches, it's essential to grasp why mechanical keyboards and switches are celebrated. Unlike membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards employ individual mechanical switches beneath each keycap. These switches offer distinct tactile feedback, actuation points, and, in some cases, audible clicks, catering to various tastes and typing styles.

Click to view mechanical keyboards compatible with the A120 switches.

Also check out to learn more definitions of the mechanical keyboards.

Introducing the Redragon A120 Series

1.Bean Switch:

Operation Style: Linear
Operating Force: 35±5 gf
Total Travel: 4.0mm±0.3mm
Sound Level: Soft
Suitable For: Office/gaming

The Bean switch offers a smooth, linear keystroke with a soft sound profile, making it versatile for both work and play.

It is a linear switch, offering a consistent and smooth keystroke without a tactile bump or audible click. With an operating force of 35±5 gf, it's relatively light and easy to actuate.

Featuring a total travel distance of 4.0mm±0.3mm, the Bean switch provides a satisfying keypress depth. Its soft sound profile makes it suitable for various tasks, whether you're typing reports or engaged in intense gaming sessions.

The Bean switch's linear actuation and soft sound ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for users seeking versatility and reliability in their mechanical keyboards.

2.Rose Switch:

Operation Style: Linear
Operating Force: 40±10 gf
Total Travel: 3.6mm
Sound Level: Silent
Suitable For: Office

The Rose switch is ideal for office environments with its silent operation and moderate actuation force.

It's also a linear switch, requires a slightly higher operating force of 40±10 gf, providing a bit more resistance while maintaining a smooth keystroke.

With a total travel distance of 3.6mm, the Rose switch offers a relatively shorter keypress depth, ideal for those who prefer a quicker keypress. Its standout feature is its silent operation, ensuring a tranquil typing experience perfect for office environments.

Typing with the Rose switch is a breeze, and the absence of audible clicks ensures that you won't disrupt your coworkers while you work diligently on your projects.

3.Maple Switch:

Operation Style: Linear
Operating Force: 45±10 gf
Total Travel: 3.5±0.4mm
Sound Level: Soft
Suitable For: Office/gaming

The Maple switch provides a soft tactile feedback, making it a balanced choice for both office tasks and gaming sessions.

Moving on to the Maple switch, we encounter another linear switch, which means it offers a consistent keystroke without a tactile bump or audible click. It requires an operating force of 45±10 gf, providing a slightly greater resistance for a more pronounced feel.

The Maple switch offers a total travel distance of 3.5±0.4mm, providing a comfortable keypress depth. Much like the Bean switch, it features a soft sound profile, making it suitable for both office tasks and gaming.

The Maple switch's balance between tactile feedback and operating force makes it versatile for various tasks, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for all users.

4.Cypress Switch:

Operation Style: Tactile
Operating Force: 50±10 gf
Total Travel: 3.5±0.4mm
Sound Level: Clicky
Suitable For: Office/gaming

The Cypress switch offers a tactile bump and a satisfying clicky sound, enhancing the typing experience for gamers and office users alike.

The Cypress switch introduces us to a tactile switch, providing tactile feedback in the form of a noticeable bump when the key is actuated. It requires an operating force of 50±10 gf, offering more substantial resistance compared to linear switches.

With a total travel distance of 3.5±0.4mm, the Cypress switch provides a satisfying keypress depth. What sets it apart is its clicky sound profile, adding an auditory element to your typing or gaming experience.

For users who enjoy both tactile feedback and the audible click of each keypress, the Cypress switch is an excellent choice, excelling in both office and gaming scenarios.

5.Carnation Switch:

Operation Style: Tactile
Operating Force: 45±5 gf
Total Travel: 4.0±0.3mm
Sound Level: Clicky
Suitable For: Office/gaming

With tactile feedback and a pronounced clicky sound, the Carnation switch is perfect for those who enjoy an audible response during typing or gaming.

The Carnation switch is another tactile switch, requiring an operating force of 45±5 gf. This force is relatively light, providing a noticeable tactile feedback when a key is pressed.

With a total travel distance of 4.0±0.3mm, the Carnation switch offers a comfortable and satisfying keypress depth. Similar to the Cypress switch, it features a clicky sound profile, enhancing the auditory experience of typing or gaming.

The Carnation switch strikes a balance between tactile feedback and sound, making it a suitable choice for those who enjoy both tactile response and audible clicks in their mechanical keyboards.

6. Stars Switch:

Operation Style: Tactile
Operating Force: 40±10 gf
Total Travel: 3.2mm
Sound Level: Silent
Suitable For: Office

The Stars switch offers a silent typing experience with a tactile bump, making it suitable for quiet office environments.

The Stars switch is a tactile switch with an operating force of 40±10 gf, offering a light actuation force for effortless typing.

With a total travel distance of 3.2mm, the Stars switch provides a comfortable keypress depth. Its silent operation makes it ideal for quiet office environments where noise should be minimized.

Typing with the Stars switch is both comfortable and discreet, ensuring that you can focus on your work without disturbing those around you.

Other New-in Switches

1.Purple Switch:

Operation Style: Tactile
Operating Force: 35±10 gf
Total Travel: 3.3mm
Sound Level: Soft
Suitable For: Office/gaming

What sets the Purple switch apart is its soft sound profile, making it a great choice for both office work and intense gaming sessions. Whether you're crafting emails or embarking on epic gaming adventures, the Purple switch enhances your experience with its tactile precision and soft acoustics.

Check out Redragon GAREN K656 PRO.

2. Transparent Switch:

Operation Style: Linear
Operating Force: 42g±5 gf
Total Travel: 3.6mm
Sound Level: Gentle
Suitable For: Office/gaming

The Transparent switch combines a gentle sound profile with a linear feel, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing experience.

The Transparent switch offers a linear keystroke with a gentle touch. With an operating force of 42g±5gf, it strikes a balance between ease of typing and a controlled keypress feel. Featuring a total travel distance of 3.6mm, it provides a comfortable and responsive keypress depth.

What sets the Transparent switch apart is its gentle sound profile, ensuring a quiet and unobtrusive typing or gaming experience. Whether you're in the office or the gaming arena, this switch delivers a smooth and discreet performance that allows you to focus on your tasks without distraction.

Check out Redragon Transparent Keyboards .

3. Mint Lemon Switch:

Operation Style: Linear
Operating Force: 37±5 gf
Total Travel: 3.8mm
Sound Level: Soft
Suitable For: Office/gaming

The Mint Lemon switch offers a linear keystroke with a soft sound profile, providing versatility for various applications.

The Mint Lemon switch provides a delightful linear keystroke, devoid of tactile bumps or clicks. With an operating force of 37±5 gf, it offers a balance between ease of actuation and a satisfying keypress feel. The switch boasts a total travel distance of 3.8mm, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience.

Check out Redragon CASTOR K631 PRO SE.

4. Gold-Melt Switch:

Operation Style: Linear
Operating Force: 42g±15 gf
Total Travel: 3.5±0.4mm
Sound Level: Quiet
Suitable For: Office/gaming

The Gold-Melt switch offers a quiet linear keystroke, making it suitable for both office and gaming scenarios where noise levels need to be minimized.

It offers a linear keystroke with a touch of refinement. With an operating force of 42g±15gf, it provides a balanced resistance that caters to a variety of typing styles. Featuring a total travel distance of 3.5±0.4mm, it offers a precise and comfortable keypress depth.

Check out Redragon ELF K649.

How to Choose the Right A120 Series Switch?

With such a diverse range of A120 series switches, selecting the right one can be a delightful but challenging endeavor. Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing the perfect switch for your needs:

Tactile Feedback:Determine whether you prefer switches with a tactile bump or a smooth, linear keystroke.

Operating Force:Consider the force required to actuate the switch. Lighter switches may be preferred for quick typing, while heavier switches provide more resistance.

Total Travel:Think about the depth of keypress that suits your typing style. Some prefer shorter travel distances for quicker typing, while others prefer a deeper keystroke.

Sound Level:Decide whether you enjoy an audible click with each keypress or prefer a quieter, more discreet experience.

Intended Use:Consider whether you'll be using the keyboard primarily for office work, gaming, or a combination of both.

Conclusion

The Redragon A120 series mechanical switches offer a world of options, each designed to cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you seek a soft, tactile experience or a silent, linear keystroke, there's a switch in the A120 series that perfectly matches your needs. Take your time to explore and experiment with these switches to find the one that elevates your typing or gaming experience to new heights.

With the A120 series, Redragon has successfully combined quality, versatility, and innovation to provide users with an unparalleled mechanical keyboard experience. Discover the joy of typing and gaming like never before with the Redragon A120 series mechanical switches.