Ethan RileyRK55 SWITCH GUIDE: 5 MYTHS THAT ARE RUINING YOUR KEYBOARD
You just bought a set of RK55 switches. Maybe you heard they’re smooth, maybe you liked the price, or maybe you saw a YouTuber rave about them. Now you’re staring at your keyboard, wondering why it doesn’t feel like the hype promised. The problem isn’t the switches—it’s the myths you believed before you even opened the bag. These five lies are steering you toward bad decisions, wasted money, and a typing experience that feels off. Let’s fix that.
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YOU NEED TO LUBE RK55 SWITCHES TO MAKE THEM GOOD
The myth: “RK55 switches are scratchy and cheap until you lube them. Without lube, they’re unusable.”
Why it’s wrong: RK55 switches come in multiple variants, and not all of them are scratchy out of the box. The RK55 “Red” and “Black” linear switches, for example, are pre-lubed from the factory. The scratchiness people complain about often comes from poor spring quality or inconsistent stem wobble—not a lack of lube. Lube won’t fix a bad spring. It’ll just mask the problem temporarily, and if you do it wrong, you’ll make the switch feel mushy or slow.
The truth: Test your RK55 switches before lubing. If they’re already smooth, leave them alone. If they’re scratchy, check for stem wobble or a weak spring first. Only lube if you’re sure the issue is friction, not a manufacturing defect. And if you do lube, use a light touch—over-lubing turns a tactile switch into a linear one and ruins the feel.
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RK55 SWITCHES ARE JUST BUDGET GATERONS
The myth: “RK55 switches are a knockoff of Gateron Yellows or Reds. They’re the same thing, just cheaper.”
Why it’s wrong: RK55 switches use a different stem design, housing material, and spring profile than Gaterons. The RK55 stem is slightly wider, which reduces wobble but can make the switch feel heavier if your keycaps aren’t a perfect fit. Gateron Yellows use a POM housing, while RK55 switches often use nylon or a nylon blend, which changes the sound and feel. The springs in RK55 switches are also longer (typically 20mm vs. Gateron’s 16mm), giving them a different bottom-out feel.
The truth: Stop comparing RK55 switches to Gaterons. They’re not the same. RK55 switches have their own strengths—like better stability and a more consistent factory lube job. If you want Gateron feel, buy Gaterons. If you want RK55 feel, learn what makes them unique and tune them accordingly.
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ALL RK55 SWITCHES FEEL THE SAME
The myth: “An RK55 is an RK55. Doesn’t matter if it’s Red, Black, Brown, or Blue—they all feel identical.”
Why it’s wrong: RK55 switches come in linear, tactile, and clicky variants, and even within those categories, the feel changes. The RK55 “Red” is a light linear (45g spring), while the “Black” is heavier (60g spring). The “Brown” tactile switch has a subtle bump, but the “Banana” variant has a sharper, more pronounced tactile event. The “Blue” clicky switch uses a different click jacket than the “White” version, changing the sound and feel of the click. Assuming they’re all the same means you’ll end up with a switch that doesn’t match your typing style.
The truth: Pick your RK55 switch based on the variant, not the name. If you want a light linear, go for the Red. If you want a heavier linear, Black is your best bet. If you like tactility, compare the Brown and Banana side by side—don’t assume they’re interchangeable.
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RK55 SWITCHES DON’T NEED FILMING
The myth: “RK55 switches are stable enough. Filming is overkill and won’t make a difference.”
Why it’s wrong: RK55 switches have a reputation for stem wobble, especially in the linear variants. The housing tolerances aren’t as tight as premium switches like Zealios or Tealios. Filming reduces stem wobble, improves consistency, and can even make the switch feel slightly smoother by eliminating friction between the top and bottom housing. If you’re using these switches for gaming or fast typing, wobble will annoy you. Filming fixes that.
The truth: Film your RK55 switches if you want a premium feel. Use 0.125mm or 0.15mm switch films—thicker films can make the switch harder to close. If you’re not sure, film one switch and compare it to an unfilmed one. The difference is noticeable.
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RK55 SWITCHES ARE ONLY FOR BUDGET BUILDS
The myth: “RK55 switches are cheap, so they’re only good for entry-level keyboards. If you want quality, spend more.”
Why it’s wrong: Price doesn’t equal performance. RK55 switches are affordable, but that doesn’t mean they’re low-quality. The RK55 “Banana” tactile switch, for example, has a sharper bump than many $1+ switches. The linear variants are smoother than some Gateron clones. The issue isn’t the switch—it’s how you use it. Putting RK55 switches in a poorly built keyboard will make them feel bad, but so would any switch. The right board, keycaps, and tuning can make RK55 switches feel premium.
The truth: RK55 switches can compete with mid-range options if you pair them with the right setup. Use them in a board with a gasket mount or a sturdy case to reduce echo. Pair them with PBT keycaps for a deeper sound. Don’t write them off just because they’re cheap—write them off if they don’t fit your needs, not your budget.
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HOW TO ACTUALLY CHOOSE THE RIGHT RK55 SWITCH
Now that the myths are busted, here’s how to pick the right RK55 switch for you.
If you want a smooth linear: Go for the RK55 Red or Black. The Red is lighter (45g), making it better for fast typ rk55.
