Gateron KS-33 Low-Profile 2.0 Switch Comparison at Keebio: Which One Is Right for You?

If you're building a keyboard around the Gateron KS-33 footprint - like the Keebio Iris LM-G - you've got three switch options to choose from, all sold individually starting at $0.25 per switch. They share the same low-profile MX-compatible stem and KS-33 2.0 pin layout, but each one has a distinct feel, weight, and material makeup that makes them worth comparing carefully before you commit to a full board.

Here's a complete breakdown of every Gateron KS-33 switch Keebio carries.

A Quick Note on Compatibility

The Gateron KS-33 uses a different pin layout than both standard MX switches and Choc switches, so compatibility is not interchangeable between those form factors. Make sure your board explicitly lists KS-33 support before ordering. The Iris LM-G is the Gateron-specific variant of the Iris LM lineup - not to be confused with the Iris LM-K, which is built for Kailh Choc V2.

Standard MX keyboards are out too - the pin positions and stabilizer design are completely different.

The KS-33B Low-Profile 3.0 switches like the KS-33B Heron do have pin positions that are the same as MX switch pinouts, but they require a larger center hole on the PCB, so they can't be used on a regular MX keyboard PCB. Keebio does not sell any of these KS-33B Low-Profile 3.0 switches, just KS-33 Low-Profile 2.0.

The Switches

Keebio currently stocks three KS-33 variants: two tactiles and one linear. All three share the same pre-travel distance of 1.7 mm and 2 metal pins, but diverge in materials, actuation weight, and total travel.

Chocolate - POK/POM Tactile (55 gf)

The Chocolate is the premium tactile option in the KS-33 lineup, and the only switch here with a POK top housing. POK (polyoxketone) is a stiffer, more rigid plastic than the PC or nylon used in the other two switches, and paired with a POM stem and POM bottom housing, it gives the Chocolate a notably smooth and refined tactile character.

At 55 gf, the Chocolate sits at a moderate actuation weight - lighter than the Banana but heavier than the Red. The all-POM lower half means the stem glides smoothly through its travel, and the tactile bump is present but not aggressive. If you've tried Gateron's full-size G Pro tactiles and liked them, the Chocolate is the KS-33 equivalent of that tuned, composed feel.

Best for: Typists who want a smooth, well-mannered tactile with a refined material stack and don't mind paying a small premium for it.

Banana - Tactile (60 gf)

The Banana is the heavier tactile option, built with a more conventional PC top and nylon bottom housing around a POM stem. It's the most affordable switch in the lineup at $0.25 per switch, and the heavier actuation makes each keypress feel more deliberate and pronounced.

The PC top housing is transparent, which lets RGB light shine through nicely. The Chocolate also has a dedicated light guide where the LED sits, so RGB comes through normally on either switch. The nylon bottom on the Banana adds a slightly different acoustic character, typically a bit more muted compared to POM.

At 60 gf, the Banana requires meaningfully more force than the Chocolate. That extra weight can feel satisfying for typists who like to really feel their keypresses, but it can also add up to fatigue over long sessions if you're not used to heavier switches.

Best for: Typists who prefer a heavier, more pronounced tactile feel, or anyone who wants to maximize RGB visibility on a budget.

Red - Linear (50 gf)

The Red is the only linear in the lineup - no tactile bump, no click, just a smooth and consistent keystroke from top to bottom. Like the Banana, it uses a PC top housing and nylon bottom with a POM stem, making it RGB-friendly and the same price at $0.25 per switch.

The Red has the longest total travel of the three at 3.2 mm, compared to 3.0 mm for both tactiles. That extra 0.2 mm is minor but noticeable - linears generally benefit from a slightly deeper travel since there's no tactile event to signal actuation. At 50 gf it's the lightest of the three, which makes it the fastest option and the easiest on the fingers during long typing or gaming sessions.

Best for: Gamers and fast typists who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile feedback.

Silent Switches

Gateron does offer these KS-33 Low-Profile 2.0 switches with silent variants now. We're currently trying them out right now to see if we want to add them to our lineup of switches.

How They Compare at a Glance

Which Should You Pick?

Want tactile feedback with the smoothest, most refined feel? Go with the Chocolate. The POK/POM/POM material stack sets it apart from the other two, and the 55 gf weight is a comfortable middle ground.

Want tactile feedback with a more pronounced bump? The Banana is your pick. The heavier 60 gf weight gives clear tactile feedback, and the PC housing keeps it RGB-friendly. Just be mindful of the higher actuation force during long typing sessions.

Want a smooth linear? The Red is the only option in the KS-33 lineup and a solid one. Lighter than both tactiles at 50 gf and with slightly more total travel, it's well-suited for gaming or anyone who prefers an uninterrupted keystroke.

All three are sold individually at keeb.io/products/gateron-ks-33-low-profile-2-0-switches, so mixing and matching a small test batch before committing to a full board is easy to do.

Want to know for sure? You can buy individual switches at Keebio instead of needing to buy a full pack, or you can purchase a Switch Tester to try out a variety of switches, including MX-compatible ones, Kailh Choc V1, Kailh Choc V2, and Gateron KS-33 Low-Profile ones: Keebio Switch Tester

Compatible keyboards include the Iris LM-G and other boards with explicit Gateron KS-33 support. For Kailh Choc V2 boards like the Iris LM-K, check out our Kailh Choc V2 switch guide instead.