Kailh Red Bean Pudding vs Gateron KS-3X Full Black Switches

Quick answer

Choose the Kailh Red Bean Pudding Box Switch if you want a compact 45-switch set for a small board or a first linear trial. Choose the Gateron KS-3X Full Black Switch if you need a full 110-switch set with a wider choice of spring weights for a larger build or office board.

Set size and options decide the practical winner

The biggest difference is not the switch type but what comes in the box. The Kailh Red Bean Pudding is sold in 45-switch and 110-switch sets, so you can buy only what your board needs. The Gateron KS-3X Full Black comes as a 110-switch set with a bottle, and you can pick Red, Blue, Brown, Yellow, Black, or Green. That makes the Gateron the easier one-stop purchase for a full-size or TKL build, while the Kailh is more flexible for a 40% or 60% board where extra switches would sit unused.

Linear feel and office noise: what the listings do and do not tell you

Both switches are linear, so you get a smooth press without a tactile bump. The Gateron KS-3X Full Black's color options include Red, Yellow, Black, and Green, which are typically linear weights, but the listing does not publish spring weights or travel, so you cannot compare them numerically here. The Kailh Red Bean Pudding Box is a box-style linear, and box designs often appeal to people who want a consistent, sealed feel, but the listing does not include a sound test. For a quiet office board, treat both as candidates and confirm noise with a small sample or a return-friendly purchase rather than relying on the product name.

Price and availability trade-off

The Kailh set is listed at USD 35.99 (compared with USD 47.99), and the Gateron set at USD 15.99 (compared with USD 24.99). Per switch, the Gateron set is the lower-cost way to fill a large board, while the Kailh 45-switch option lets you spend less overall if you only need a small number. The Kailh listing also notes that out-of-stock models can be reserved by email, so availability may delay a build; the Gateron listing shows multiple color options, which gives you more chances to find a set in stock.

Trade-offs to weigh before buying

• Board size vs. leftover switches: If your keyboard needs 45 switches or fewer, the Kailh 45-switch set avoids waste; if it needs 60–110, the Gateron 110-switch set is the simpler buy. Count your board's switch count before choosing a set size.
• Option variety vs. linear focus: The Gateron set offers six color options, but some are tactile or clicky, so confirm you are selecting a linear color if smooth travel is the goal. The Kailh listing focuses on a single linear model. Check the selected option's switch type, not just the set name.
• Quiet-office confidence: Neither listing includes measured sound data, so buy a small quantity first or choose a retailer with returns if low noise is a hard requirement. Test noise in your own case and desk before committing to a full build.

Product facts

• Kailh Red Bean Pudding Box Switch: Sold in 45-switch and 110-switch sets. You can match the set to a small or full-size board instead of buying surplus switches.

  

• Gateron KS-3X Full Black Switch: Comes as a 110-switch set with a bottle and options in Red, Blue, Brown, Yellow, Black, and Green. One purchase covers a full board, and the color range lets you choose a weight family without buying multiple sets.

  

Which switch fits your build

Best for

• Small-board builders who want a 45-switch linear set without surplus
• Typists trying a box-style linear for the first time

Not for

• Builders who need a guaranteed 110-switch set in one order
• Shoppers who want a published choice of spring weights