Gateron Low Profile Red vs Kailh Choc Red
The Gateron Low Profile Red and the Kailh Choc Red are often cross-shopped. The main differences: they are not interchangeable: the Gateron Low Profile Red is a Gateron low-profile switch and the Kailh Choc Red is a Kailh Choc V1 switch, so each needs a keyboard built for it; the Gateron Low Profile Red is lighter to actuate (45g versus 50g); travel is 2.5 mm on the Gateron Low Profile Red and 3 mm on the Kailh Choc Red.
- Cheaper per switchGateron Low Profile Red$0.23 versus $0.35
- Lubed from the factoryGateron Low Profile Redusable out of the box without lubing
Choose the Gateron Low Profile Red if
- you want a switch popular for low-profile boards.
- you want a switch popular for portable keyboards.
- you want a lighter keystroke (45g).
- you want to spend less per switch.
Choose the Kailh Choc Red if
- you want a switch popular for split ergo boards.
- you want a switch popular for ultra-low-profile builds.
- you want a heavier, more deliberate press (50g).
Gateron Low Profile Red vs Kailh Choc Red, spec by spec
| Gateron Low Profile Red | Kailh Choc Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Linear | Linear |
| Compatibility | Gateron low-profile boards only | Kailh Choc V1 boards only |
| Actuation force | 45g | 50g |
| Bottom-out force | 60g | n/a |
| Pre-travel | 1.5 mm | 1.5 mm |
| Total travel | 2.5 mm | 3 mm |
| Stem | POM | POM |
| Top housing | transparent PC | n/a |
| Bottom housing | nylon | n/a |
| Spring | single-stage | single-stage |
| Factory lube | light (stronger spec) | none |
| Pins | 3-pin | 3-pin |
| Price / switch | $0.23 (stronger spec) | $0.35 |
| Sound profile | shallow, clacky | shallow, clacky |
| Released | 2021 | 2017 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 227 switches we track
22% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the Gateron Low Profile Red; 52% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the Kailh Choc Red.
0% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the Gateron Low Profile Red; 2% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the Kailh Choc Red.
12% of the 193 switches tracked here cost less per switch than the Gateron Low Profile Red; 30% of the 193 switches tracked here cost less per switch than the Kailh Choc Red.
Where to buy the Gateron Low Profile Red
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual switch retailers.
Where to buy the Kailh Choc Red
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual switch retailers.
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