Gateron · KS-3 Series

KS-3-BLUE

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Gateron Blue Clicky Keyswitch

Gateron KS-3 Series Introduced circa 2014

Gateron Blue — budget clicky switch.

Common Applications

Clicky with audible feedback. Louder than Cherry MX Blue. Popular for budget mechanical keyboard builds where click is desired.

Specifications

Actuation Force
55g
Color
Blue stem
Mechanical Life
80,000,000 cycles
Travel Distance
2.3mm actuation, 4mm total

Installation Quick Reference

Panel cutout: 22mm. Insert from the front of the panel, secure with mounting nut from behind (tighten to 2-3 Nm).

Contact block: Snap or screw the contact block onto the rear of the button body. Ensure the contact block orientation matches the wiring diagram — NO terminals are usually marked.

Wiring: Use 0.5-2.5mm² stranded wire with ferrules. Tighten screw terminals to 0.8 Nm. Test the button function before energizing the circuit.

Dimensions

Troubleshooting

Button doesn't respond when pressed

Check the contact block first — it's the most common failure point. Test continuity across the NO or NC terminals with a multimeter. If no click is felt, the return spring in the head may be broken.

Works intermittently

Contact block contacts are pitted or burned. Replace the contact block — don't try to file the contacts. Check if the rated cycle count has been exceeded.

Button feels mushy or doesn't click

The spring return mechanism in the button head is worn. Replace the head. The contact block can usually be reused if it tests OK.

Where to Buy

Price range

$11.2 — $44.64

across 2 distributors

Quick Specs

Actuation Force
55g
Color
Blue stem
Mechanical Life
80,000,000 cycles
Travel Distance
2.3mm actuation, 4mm total

What People Are Saying

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“Clicky with audible feedback. Louder than Cherry MX Blue. Popular for budget mechanical keyboard builds where click is desired.”

Reddit r/MechanicalKeyboards 26 upvotes View thread →