Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Keygeek Raw and Kailh Sage mechanical keyboard switches offer unique experiences for users looking for different qualities in their typing. The Keygeek Raw provides a creamy and lightweight feel, thanks to its blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon materials. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage delivers a heavy and sharp clicky typing experience that is invigorating and crunchy. While the Keygeek Raw is more textured and subtle, the Kailh Sage is sharp and distinct. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Keygeek Raw suitable for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches and the Kailh Sage ideal for those who enjoy a crisp and satisfying click with each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and Kailh Sage switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, providing a distinct sound that is exclusive to these switches. In contrast, the Sage boasts a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and more resonant sound, particularly ideal for those looking to enhance RGB lighting effects. While both materials offer their own advantages, the Keygeek Raw's housing material may appeal to those seeking a more exclusive sound experience, while the Sage's polycarbonate housing is geared towards achieving a crisper sound profile with added visual appeal.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw employs a UMPE & Si blend that is also exclusive to these switches, offering a unique sound profile that differs from the more classic nylon bottom housing of the Sage. The nylon bottom housing of the Sage produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder overall sound profile. These differences in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the typing experience and sound quality of each switch, catering to different preferences depending on whether a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound is preferred.
Overall, the choice between the Keygeek Raw and Kailh Sage switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. While the Keygeek Raw switches offer a more exclusive blend of housing materials for both the top and bottom housings, the Kailh Sage switches provide a classic nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing for a different typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, whether you value a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw is lighter with a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Kailh Sage is heavier with a bottom out force of 70 grams. Both switches have a similar actuation force of None grams. The Keygeek Raw would be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage would suit individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Considering the importance of weight in determining typing comfort, users can choose between these switches based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, the Keygeek Raw has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm while the Sage has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Keygeek Raw would provide a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance compared to the Sage. For those who prefer a more abrupt keystroke, the Keygeek Raw would be the better option, while the Sage may provide a slightly more pronounced typing experience with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
The Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of purposes and preferences. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch provides a crunchy and sharp clicky typing experience, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a textured and mildly resistant typing experience, with a subtle sound signature that is suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the Kailh Sage switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, with a firm actuation force for a snappy and reactive typing sensation. The Keygeek Raw switch leans towards a smoother and more gentle typing experience, while the Kailh Sage switch offers a more pronounced and intense feedback with each keypress.
In conclusion, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a mild, textured typing feel, the Keygeek Raw switch would be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a loud and crunchy typing sound with a sharp tactile feedback, the Kailh Sage switch would be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and choosing between the two would ultimately depend on your personal taste and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a unique and lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel, the Keygeek Raw linear switch would be a great choice for you. It is a neutral switch that offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy and sharp clicky typing experience with pronounced feedback, the Kailh Sage clicky switch would be the better option. It offers a crunchy sound and an invigorating typing sensation, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and responsive feel. Ultimately, the decision between the Keygeek Raw and Kailh Sage switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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