JBX SWITCH TECH BLOG Optical vs Mechanical Switches
Optical vs Mechanical Switches
Switch Electronics • 6 Min Read

Optical vs. Mechanical Switches: Speed & Durability

By JBX Tech Experts • Published August 2026

Infrared Light Beams vs. Physical Metal Leaves

Optical keyboard switches replace traditional mechanical metal contact leaves with an infrared light beam sensor inside the switch housing.

1. Speed & Zero Debounce Delay

Optical switches actuate instantly when the stem blocks the light beam (0.2ms response), completely eliminating mechanical debounce delay filters required on physical leaf switches.

2. 100 Million Click Lifespan

Because there is no physical metal-on-metal friction contact to oxidize or bend, optical switches last over 100 million keypresses with zero risk of double-clicking bugs.

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