SteelSeries OptiPoint Linear

Linear SteelSeries

SteelSeries OptiPoint Linear switch
Image courtesy of SteelSeries

The SteelSeries OptiPoint Linear is a hot-swappable optical switch shipped stock in the Apex 9 lineup, with dual actuation points at 1mm and 1.5mm and roughly 3.2mm of total travel; SteelSeries also sells Tactile and Clicky OptiPoint variants separately.

SteelSeries OptiPoint Linear specs

Type Linear
Compatibility SteelSeries optical boards only
Actuation force 35g
Bottom-out force n/a
Pre-travel 1 mm
Total travel 3.2 mm
Stem n/a
Top housing n/a
Bottom housing n/a
Spring n/a
Factory lube n/a
Pins n/a
Typical price n/a
Sound profile Light, consistent linear sound with no need for factory lube since actuation is optical.
Released n/a

Spec fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers rather than guesses.

Unverified: specs compiled from manufacturer listings

Where to buy

Compatibility check: The SteelSeries OptiPoint Linear does not work in standard MX mechanical hot-swap sockets. It needs a keyboard built around SteelSeries's own optical-sensing PCB; optical light gates are proprietary, so switches from other optical makers do not fit.

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Switches similar to the SteelSeries OptiPoint Linear

Corsair OPX Linear Corsair OPX is a short-travel optical linear switch used in select Corsair gaming keyboards, designed for fast actuation in esports-oriented layouts.
HMX Swift Linear The HMX Swift is a light 50g-bottom linear with an LY stem and 22mm spring, tuned for a fast, creamy mid-pitched stroke.
Gateron KS-3 Milky Yellow Linear Gateron KS-3 Milky Yellow is a budget milky-housed linear long favored for hand-lubing projects, later refined into the factory-lubed Milky Yellow Pro.

Keyboards sold with the SteelSeries OptiPoint Linear

SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL TKL · $140 · hot-swap The SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is an 87-key wired tenkeyless gaming keyboard with hot-swappable OptiPoint optical switches offering dual actuation points at 1mm and 1.5mm, double-shot PBT keycaps, and an aluminum alloy top plate with adjustable tilt legs.

Which keyboards can use it?

The SteelSeries OptiPoint Linear needs a keyboard built around SteelSeries's own optical-sensing PCB; optical light gates are proprietary, so switches from other optical makers do not fit, such as the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL. It is not compatible with standard MX mechanical hot-swap sockets. Check the keyboard manufacturer's supported-switch list before buying.

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