Update 6/23/2016 12:10PM: Razer has contacted us to report earlier sources were mistaken. The company has not changed to a single manufacturer.
Razer is now using a sole manufacturer to source the Green switches used in its keyboard products. Previously, it had been determined that the company was outsourcing production of the components to multiple makers.
The switches are now manufactured by Kaihua Electronics, the outfit behind Kailh switches. After an initial tip-off suggested that this was the case, sources at the company confirmed that all Razer Green switches are now being produced by Kaihua, according to a report from Tom’s Hardware.
However, this shouldn’t be taken as an indication that Razer’s Green line of keyboard switches is simply a rebranded version of the Kailh components built by Kaihua. While there are some similarities, the differences between the two products confirm that Kaihua is working to specifications delivered by Razer.
It seems that this change to the manufacturing process was made at some point over the last few months. At the beginning of 2016, switches were still being made by several different companies, but the transition to a sole manufacturer has been in effect since at least the announcement of Razer’s BlackWidow X line in March.
Razer’s Green switches are marketed as a premium component, with all manner of proclamations about their impeccable build quality, and endorsements from pro gamers. As you can imagine, inconsistencies relating to the way the switches are manufactured aren’t exactly in line with the desired public image for these products.
PC gamers can now purchase a Razer keyboard safe in the knowledge that its Green switches are certain to have been manufactured on the premises of Kaihua Electronics. However, this situation serves to confirm that discrepancies between the advertised product and the components under the hood aren’t always easy to identify.
