Written by Elizabeth · Published June 26, 2023
Reviewed & Updated by Olivia · Updated on July 27, 2026
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
⚡ Verdict
Kailh is one of the biggest switch makers in the world, and it stands out for three things: dustproof Box switches, some of the crispest clicky switches anywhere thanks to their click-bar design, and the best low-profile (Choc) switches for slim keyboards. Variety and value are excellent. Kailh’s linears historically trailed Gateron for smoothness, but the Cream and Pro series closed most of that gap.
Who makes Kailh switches?
Kailh is the switch brand of Kaihua Electronics, a large Chinese manufacturer that has made switches since the 1990s. Beyond its own name, Kailh is a major supplier that builds switches and low-profile keys for many other keyboard brands, so you have very likely typed on a Kailh switch without knowing it. That scale is why the lineup is so broad.
What makes Kailh different
- The Box design. Kailh Box switches wrap the contact mechanism in a square box stem that seals out dust and moisture (rated IP56) and reduces wobble. It also lets the clicky versions use a click bar for a crisper, more consistent click and faster reset than a Cherry Blue.
- Low-profile leadership. Kailh Choc switches are the standard for slim, low-profile keyboards, used across popular thin boards. No other maker owns this space the way Kailh does.
- Sheer variety. From heavy thick-click switches to novelty and collaboration switches, Kailh makes more switch types than almost anyone.
The main Kailh switch families
Box switches
The flagship line. Clicky options run from the light Box White to the heavier, louder Box Jade and the heaviest Box Navy, all with that sharp click-bar sound. There are also tactile (Box Brown) and linear (Box Red) versions. Box switches take standard keycaps and resist dust.
Speed switches
Built for gaming, Kailh Speed switches (Silver, Copper, Bronze, Gold) actuate higher up the keystroke for faster inputs. Silver is the linear speed switch; the others add tactile or clicky feedback.
Pro series
The Pro switches (Pro Purple tactile, Pro Burgundy linear, Pro Light Green clicky) are smoother and better-tuned than the basic line, and they are a community favorite for value. Pro Purple in particular is a well-liked budget tactile.
Kailh Cream
Made with NovelKeys, the Cream is a full-POM linear with a unique creamy feel and sound that improves as it breaks in. It is an enthusiast staple, though it benefits from lube.
Choc (low-profile)
The Choc switches power slim keyboards, in linear (Red), tactile (Brown), and clicky (White) flavors plus many colorways. They need Choc-specific keycaps, not standard MX ones, so plan keycaps around the switch.
How Kailh feels and sounds
Kailh’s personality is crisp and lively. The Box clickies are among the sharpest, most satisfying clicks you can buy, and the Choc switches feel snappy in a way no other low-profile matches. On linears, older Kailh switches could feel slightly scratchier than Gateron, but the Cream and Pro Burgundy are smooth and well-regarded. Overall, Kailh leans toward character and variety rather than one signature feel.
The best Kailh clicky switches
Kailh’s Box clickies are its standout products. Here are the three to know.
📷 Add image, Kailh Box White
Kailh Box White, the light clicky. A crisp, lighter click-bar clicky that is the easiest Box clicky to type on all day. The best starting point for the clicky sound.
📷 Add image, Kailh Box Jade
Kailh Box Jade, the loud thick click. A heavier, louder click with a thick click bar and a big, satisfying tactile bump. The pick if you want the most dramatic clicky feel and do not share a room.
📷 Add image, Kailh Box Navy
Kailh Box Navy, the heaviest click. The heaviest thick-click switch, with a firm, deliberate press. For typists who want maximum resistance and a bold click, but too heavy for fast gaming.
Best Kailh switches for other uses
- Best tactile: Kailh Pro Purple, a smooth, budget-friendly tactile. See our best tactile switches roundup.
- Best linear: Kailh Cream or Pro Burgundy, creamy POM or smooth budget linear. More options in our best linear switches guide.
- Best for gaming: Kailh Speed Silver, a light linear with a high, fast actuation point.
- Best low-profile: Kailh Choc Red, the go-to slim linear for thin keyboards.
Pros and cons of Kailh
Pros: huge variety, dustproof Box design, class-leading low-profile Choc switches, crisp click-bar clickies, strong value, wide availability.
Cons: basic linears trail Gateron for out-of-box smoothness, Choc needs its own keycaps, and the sheer number of models can be confusing for beginners.
Who should buy Kailh switches?
Kailh is a great fit if you want a crisp clicky switch, a low-profile keyboard, or simply variety and value. It is also smart for anyone who wants dust and spill resistance from the Box design. If your top priority is the smoothest possible stock linear, Gateron is still the safer default, though Kailh’s Cream and Pro Burgundy are close.
Kailh vs Cherry vs Gateron
- vs Cherry: Kailh offers more variety and, in the Box clickies, a crisper click than Cherry Blue, usually for less money.
- vs Gateron: Gateron generally wins on smooth stock linears, while Kailh wins on clicky switches, low-profile, and range. Many builders own both.
Frequently asked questions
Are Kailh switches good?
Yes. They are reliable, varied, and good value, and they lead the market in clicky and low-profile switches. Their premium linears (Cream, Pro Burgundy) are well-liked too.
Are Kailh Box switches worth it?
If you want a clicky switch, yes. The click bar gives a crisper, more consistent click and faster reset than a Cherry Blue, plus dust resistance from the box stem.
Do Kailh switches fit any keyboard?
Standard Kailh switches use the MX mount and fit any MX-compatible board. Low-profile Choc switches only fit Choc-compatible boards and need Choc keycaps.
Kailh or Gateron, which is better?
Gateron for the smoothest stock linears, Kailh for clicky switches, low-profile, and variety. Neither is strictly better; it depends on what you want.
The bottom line
Kailh is a powerhouse switch brand with something for almost everyone. It is the top choice for crisp clicky switches and low-profile keyboards, offers unmatched variety, and delivers strong value. Its stock linears trail Gateron slightly, but the Cream and Pro series close the gap. For most people, there is a Kailh switch that fits the build perfectly.
We keep our brand guides updated as new switches launch.