Gateron KS-33 Low Profile Banana Chocolate

Quick Summary

The Gateron KS-33 Banana Chocolate is a low-profile tactile switch built for thin boards and travel-friendly builds that still want a clear bump. It pairs a roughly 50g actuation with a defined 1.7mm tactile event and a shortened 3.0mm bottom-out, so you get genuine feedback without the deep throw of a full-height MX switch. It’s a strong pick for anyone wanting a tactile typing feel in a slim case rather than a mushy low-profile linear.

Specs and Feel

This is a properly tactile low-profile, not a linear with a hint of texture. The bump arrives early in the stroke, around the 1.7mm actuation point, and reads as rounded and rolling rather than sharp or clicky. At about 50g it lands in a comfortable middle weight, and the dual-stage spring gives the return a brisk, slightly springy snap that helps the tactility feel intentional. Total travel is a compact 3.0mm, so the whole keypress feels quick and shallow. The POM stem riding in a POK top and POM bottom housing keeps things smooth, and factory lube means scratch is minimal out of the package. Stem wobble is well controlled for a low-profile, though, as with most plate-mount low-pros, you won’t get the rock-solid stability of a premium full-height switch.

Tuning

There’s little to do here. The factory lube is applied sensibly and the switch feels finished stock, so most builders should run it as-is. Low-profile housings are awkward to film or hand-lube and the payoff is marginal, so save the effort for the keyboard’s plate foam and case acoustics instead.

Verdict

Buy it if you want a low-profile board that still types with a clear tactile bump. The Banana Chocolate delivers a real tactile bump in a slim, factory-lubed package at a friendly per-switch price, which is exactly what most low-profile tactile builds are missing. Skip it only if you specifically want a heavier or sharper bump, or if you’d rather have the deeper travel of a standard-height switch.