By analysing the mechanism and influential factors of initial electrons generated on gas switch cathode surface , we point out that the gas switch?s electric field strength is a key factor affecting the field emission current density . According to the collision ionization theo-ry , the influence of the electric field strength , pressure , and temperature on Townsend?s first ionization coefficient has been analyzed . While the pressure and temperature are retained constant , Townsend?s first ionization coefficient increases with the increase of the electric field strength . Experimental researches on the gas switch?s output pulse front and its main influential factors show that by increasing the pressure and the breakdow n electric field strength , Townsend?s first ionization coefficient increases , the gas ionization process is ac-celerated , and the output pulse edge will be reduced , so that increasing the breakdown elec-tric field strength is an effective way to steep the forefront