Discovering YOUR Perfect Feel: Mechanical Keyboard Switch Ultimate Guide
• Apr 30, 2025 •
"There's no 'best' switch, only the best switch for you."
Mechanical keyboards aren't just a trend, but a doorway to more enjoyable and productive typing experience. At the center of any mechanical keyboard, though, are switches, and trying to find the correct ones can seem like learning to decipher a secret language.
This guide is here to demystify it and help you find the mechanical keyboard switches that are just right for you.
Why Mechanical Keyboard Switches Matter (More Than They Just Feel Nice)
You are likely thinking, "Switches? What's the big deal?"
Ah, the switches are your keyboard's behind-the-scenes heroes. They are the physical mechanisms beneath each keycap that record your keystrokes. While membrane keyboards are made of a single rubber dome sheet, mechanical keyboards are composed of independent switches with moving parts, which means an infinitely superior feel and performance.
Here's why they matter:
Better Typing Experience:
That's where mechanical keyboards really stand out. You feel each key press, resulting in greater accuracy and even possibly greater typing speeds.
Improved Gaming Performance:
Mechanical switches' defined actuation points and quicker response times can be the advantage you need. There's a switch on the market to fit every type of gamer, from quick successive key presses to slow, deliberate inputs.
Increased Durability and Lifespan:
Mechanical keyboards are built to last. Individual switches are typically rated for tens of millions of keystrokes, several times more than the lifespan of most membrane keyboards. What this implies is that your mechanical keyboard purchase will be a solid investment for years to come.
Customization Options:
Mechanical keyboards are extremely customizable. Switches usually have the hot-swappable option, and you can simply switch them in without soldering. You can even customize your keyboard's appearance and feel with various keycaps, O-rings (tiny rubber rings that dampen the sound and shorten key travel), and the like.
Lastly, the benefits that you'll appreciate the most will depend on your individual tastes and requirements. This is why it's so important to be acquainted with the various mechanical keyboard switch types.
3 Main Types of Mechanical Keyboard Switches: Knowing the Root Differences
Although there's a staggering amount of mechanical keyboard switches available, they generally fit into three general categories according to their feel and sound profile:
Linear
Tactile
and Clicky.
Now, let's analyze each type:
1. Linear Switches (aka "Red")
Main Information:
Linear mechanical keyboard switches provide a smooth, linear keypress from the instant you press down until the key bottoms out. There's no tactile bump or audible click to let you know the key has registered.
Feel:
Think of pressing a switch that travels in a straight line down without any stop. That's what a linear switch feels like.
Key Features:
Smooth Travel: The handle travels smoothly without drag or feedback to the bottom.
Generally Quieter: Linear switches are quieter compared to tactile and clicky switches, but the sound may differ based on the keycaps and general keyboard construction.
Ideal For:
Gamers who value speed and fast actuation: The smooth, linear travel enables fast and successive key presses, which can be useful for games that are fast-paced.
People who enjoy a smooth, frictionless experience: There are some users who simply like the sensation of a key that drops straight down without any resistance.
Popular Examples:
Cherry MX Red: An extremely popular and common linear switch with a light actuation force.
Gateron Yellow: Usually thought to be a smoother option than Cherry MX Red with a somewhat heavier actuation force.
Kailh Speed Silver: It is renowned due to its smoothness of functioning and stability.
2. Tactile Switches (aka "Brown")
Main Info:
Tactile mechanical switches provide a noticeable bump in the keypress, usually close to the actuation point. The bump is a physical feedback that the key is registering before it hits bottom.
Feel:
When you press a tactile switch, you will notice a small bump along the way down, indicating that the key has been actuated.
Key Features:
Satisfying Tactile Bump: The bump is tactile, which allows for more precise typing and less necessity to bottom out the key entirely.
Usually Slightly Louder Than Linear: Tactile switches, though not as loud as clicky switches, will still produce some sound from the internal movement of its parts.
Ideal For:
Typists who appreciate tactile feedback and the positive reinforcement of a keystroke: The bump can result in a more precise and pleasing typing experience.
Gamers who want a compromise between tactility and speed: The bump can provide a sense of control without being as audible as a clicky switch.
Popular Examples:
Cherry MX Brown: A highly popular and general-purpose tactile switch with a light tactile bump.
Gateron Brown: Identical to Cherry MX Brown but frequently complimented on how smoother it feels.
3. Clicky Switches (aka "Blue")
Main Information:
Clicky mechanical switch keyboards go one step beyond tactile feedback by adding an audible "click" sound in addition to the tactile bump. This gives physical and auditory feedback of each keystroke.
Feel:
Activating a clicky switch gives you a physical bump you can feel and an audible "click" sound you can hear.
Key Characteristics:
Clear Tactile Bump and Loud Click: Both the bump and the click together provide a very pronounced and satisfying feedback.
Highly Satisfying to Some: A lot of users like the clicky feedback and find it highly satisfying and pleasant to type on.
Ideal for:
Users who like the sound and a definite tactile bump: If you like to hear and feel every keystroke, clicky switches may suit your taste.
People who type in settings where there isn't a noise issue: The click can be audible and disturb other people in quiet settings.
Common Examples:
Cherry MX Blue: A classic clicky switch with a distinct tactile bump and a noticeable click sound.
Gateron Blue: Identical to Cherry MX Blue but with a somewhat smoother sensation.
Kailh BOX White: Offers a crisper and occasionally louder click than the standard clicky switch due to the "BOX" shape. Unlocking Switch Specifications: Terminology You Need to Understand
Decoding Switch Specifications: Key Terms to Know
Knowing a few important specifications can also help narrow down your switch choice.
These numbers and terms specify the physical characteristics of the switch and mostly determine its functionality and feel:
Actuation Point:
This refers to how far (typically in millimeters) the key must move from its home position to be detected as an input. The key will register faster with less travel if the actuation point is lower.
Travel Distance:
This is the distance the key can be pressed down from the rest position to the bottoming out point.
Actuation Force:
This is gauged in grams (g) and describes how much pressure or force you need to apply to the key in order to reach the actuation point and register a keystroke. The actuation force is the lower, the lighter and easier the keys are to press.
Bottom-Out Force:
This refers to the amount of force needed to push the key all the way down until it reaches the bottom of its travel. Although the actuation point takes the input, most individuals have the tendency to push the key all the way down.
These specifications all combine to produce the overall feel of a switch.
A small example:
A switch that has a low actuation point and light actuation force will be very responsive and light to press, which may be favored by gamers.
On the other hand, a heavy typist might appreciate a switch with a greater actuation point and greater actuation force to assist in preventing unintended keystrokes.
Finding Your Type: Questions to Ask Yourself
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the different types of mechanical keyboard switches and their specs, it's time to consider your personal preferences.
Ask yourself the following questions to narrow down your options:
What will you use the keyboard for most?
Gaming? → In case gaming is your top priority, you can go for linear switches for speed or tactile switches for a balance between feedback and control.
Typing/Coding? → Clicky or tactile switches will be more precise and enjoyable if you type for the majority of your time.
General Use? → For general use, any of the switch types will suffice, and most of the time it boils down to personal preference.
What type of sensation do you like?
Smooth? → Do you like the sensation of a key that presses down smoothly, without bumps? Linear switches might be for you.
Bumpy? → Do you prefer to have a noticeable physical bump when the key activates? Tactile switches might be your cup of tea.
Clicky? → Are you a fan of the audible click and solid tactile bump? Clicky switches are your friend.
How important is the noise level to you?
Quiet Environment? → If you game or work in a shared area where noise is an issue, linear or some quieter tactile switches may be the preferable option.
Personal Sound Preference? → If you enjoy the sound of a clicking keyboard and it annoys no one in your environment, clicky switches can be highly rewarding.
Do you like a lighter or firmer keypress?
Lighter? → If you like keys that need less force to press, seek out switches with lower actuation force.
Heavier? → If you like a lighter touch or want to prevent accidental key presses, look for switches with higher actuation force.
Did you ever experiment with other kinds of switches before?
If you have, reflect on what you enjoyed and hated about them. This can give useful ideas regarding your interests.
The Ideal Method of Decision Making: Try Before You Buy (Where Possible)
Reading about keyboard switches is a good place to start, but really, the best thing to do is to go out and try them in person.
Following are some practical ways to test before you invest:
1. Going to Electronics Shops with Keyboard Displays:
Most electronics shops carry gaming peripheral sections, and you should be able to locate mechanical keyboards on display that you can test out.
2. Purchasing a Switch Tester:
These are small boards with many various types of mechanical keyboard switches installed on them. They enable you to press them all individually and find out what they are like without needing to purchase a whole keyboard.
3. Borrowing Friend's Keyboards:
You may also request your friends who are fond of mechanical keyboards to allow you to borrow their keyboards to gain experience with other switches.
Seriously, do not belittle the value of this step. What reads well on paper is another thing when it is under your hands.
Most Popular Mechanical Keyboard Switch Brands and Their Products
The field of mechanical keyboard switches is filled with many brands, each placing its own twist on the three types. Some well-known brands and some of their well-respected switch models are:
Cherry MX: Often the industry standard, Cherry MX switches are durable and provide consistent quality.
Linear: MX Red, MX Speed Silver (lower actuation point).
Tactile: MX Brown, MX Clear (more pronounced tactile bump than Brown).
Clicky: MX Blue (heavier clicky switch).
Gateron: Gateron switches are highly touted for their smoothness and have emerged as a popular substitute for Cherry MX.
Kailh: Kailh has a vast range of switches, such as their "BOX" design that is famous for its stability and dust/water resistance.
Linear: BOX Red, BOX Black, Speed Bronze (linear with click bar).
Tactile: BOX Brown.
Clicky: BOX White.
Glorious PC Gaming Race (GPBT): Glorious offers their own line of switches that are usually pre-lubricated for a smoother sensation.
Other respected brands: Durock, JWK, and ZealPC.
So, what's your type?
