Mechanical Keyboard Switch Types Explained: A Complete Guide (2025)
Mechanical Keyboard Switch Types Explained
Mechanical keyboard switches are the components under each key that register keystrokes. Unlike membrane keyboards that require bottoming out keys for activation, mechanical switches can register at various points in the keystroke, often with tactile or auditory feedback. The seemingly subtle differences between switch types can dramatically alter your typing experience, making switch selection one of the most important decisions when choosing a mechanical keyboard.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the major types of mechanical switches, their characteristics, and how to choose the right one for your specific needs.
Fundamentals of Mechanical Switches
Key Switch Anatomy
All mechanical switches share a similar structure, though designs vary by manufacturer:
- Stem: The moving part that connects to the keycap
- Housing: The outer shell (top and bottom) that contains the mechanism
- Spring: Provides resistance and return force
- Metal contacts: Completes the circuit when the key is pressed
- Slider: Guides the stem movement (in some designs)
Cherry MX Switch Tester
www.amazon.com — $24.99Test and compare 9 different Cherry MX switch types to find your ideal feel and sound before investing in a keyboard
Critical Switch Specifications
When evaluating switches, consider these key specifications:
1. Actuation Force
The amount of pressure (typically measured in grams) required to register a keystroke:
- Light: 35-45g (easier to press, faster for gaming)
- Medium: 45-60g (balanced for typing and gaming)
- Heavy: 60-80g+ (more deliberate, reduces accidental presses)
2. Actuation Point
The distance at which a keystroke registers:
- Standard: 2mm actuation (total travel ~4mm)
- Speed-focused: 1.0-1.5mm actuation (faster response)
- Precision-focused: Some switches now offer adjustable actuation points
3. Travel Distance
The total distance a key moves from resting position to fully depressed:
- Standard: ~4mm total travel
- Low-profile: 2.5-3.5mm total travel
- Ultra-low profile: Under 2.5mm total travel
4. Tactility
The physical feedback during a keypress:
- Linear: Smooth keystroke with no bump
- Tactile: Noticeable bump indicating actuation
- Clicky: Tactile bump plus audible click sound
Three Major Switch Categories
Linear Switches
Gateron Pro Red Linear Switches (10-pack)
www.amazon.com — $12.99Smooth linear switches with factory lubrication for silky key action, 45g actuation force, ideal for gaming and quiet typing environments
Linear switches provide a smooth, consistent keystroke from top to bottom with no tactile bump or audible click. The lack of tactile feedback means you’ll typically feel the actuation only through bottoming out the key.
Ideal for: Gamers who need rapid keystrokes and those who prefer a smoother typing experience.
Popular Linear Switches:
| Switch | Actuation Force | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry MX Red | 45g | Lighter, smoother | Gaming, fast typing |
| Cherry MX Black | 60g | Heavier, more controlled | Deliberate typing, reduced errors |
| Gateron Yellow | 50g | Smooth, middle-ground between Red/Black | Balance of gaming and typing |
| Gateron Ink Black | 60g | Premium smooth feel, deeper sound | Enthusiasts seeking premium feel |
| Kailh Box Red | 45g | Smoother than Cherry, dustproof | Gaming in varied environments |
| JWK/Durock Linear | 62g | Ultra-smooth, popular for custom builds | Custom keyboards, enthusiasts |
Advantages:
- No tactile interference for rapid, repeated keystrokes
- Often quieter than tactile/clicky alternatives
- Smooth feel preferred by many gamers
Disadvantages:
- Less typing feedback (harder to know when actuation occurs)
- Can lead to more typing errors initially
- May feel “mushy” to those who prefer tactile feedback
Tactile Switches
Drop Holy Panda X Tactile Switches (35-pack)
www.amazon.com — $35Premium tactile switches with pronounced tactile bump, 67g actuation force, and a unique sound profile prized by enthusiasts
Tactile switches feature a noticeable bump during the keystroke, providing physical feedback when actuation occurs. This feedback helps typists know when a keystroke has registered without needing to bottom out the key.
Ideal for: Typists and programmers who want confirmation of keystrokes without the noise of clicky switches.
Popular Tactile Switches:
| Switch | Actuation Force | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry MX Brown | 45g | Light tactile bump, subdued tactility | Office environments, beginners |
| Gateron Brown | 55g | Slightly more tactile than Cherry | General typing, programmers |
| Zealio V2 | 62g/67g/78g | Pronounced, crisp tactile bump | Typists who love feedback |
| Holy Panda | 67g | Strong, rounded tactile bump | Enthusiasts, satisfying feedback |
| Kailh Box Brown | 50g | Water/dust resistant, crisper feel | Office environments, durability |
| Boba U4T | 62g/68g | ”Thocky” sound, prominent tactility | Sound enthusiasts, satisfying typing |
Advantages:
- Physical feedback confirms actuation without bottoming out
- Can improve typing accuracy once acclimated
- Quieter than clicky while providing feedback
Disadvantages:
- Tactile bump can slow down rapid, repeated keystrokes
- Not as smooth as linears for gaming
- Varying quality of tactile feedback between brands
Clicky Switches
Kailh Box White Clicky Switches (10-pack)
www.amazon.com — $14.99Crisp clicky switches with improved click bar mechanism, 50g actuation force, and water/dust protection for a satisfying typing experience
Clicky switches combine the tactile bump with an intentional audible click sound that provides both physical and auditory feedback when the key actuates.
Ideal for: Typists who enjoy auditory feedback and aren’t concerned about noise levels.
Popular Clicky Switches:
| Switch | Actuation Force | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry MX Blue | 60g | Classic clicky switch, high-pitched | Home use, typists who love feedback |
| Kailh Box White | 50g | Crisper click, less wobble | Cleaner typing feel, slightly quieter |
| Kailh Box Jade | 50g | Thick click bar, very tactile | Maximum tactile and auditory feedback |
| Kailh Box Navy | 70g | Heaviest thick click, very loud | Those who want maximum feedback |
| Gateron Blue | 55g | Similar to Cherry Blue, smoother | Budget-conscious clicky lovers |
| Outemu Blue | 60g | Loudest, cheaper alternative | Budget builds, maximum noise |
Advantages:
- Maximum feedback (both tactile and auditory)
- Highly satisfying for many typists
- Clear confirmation of each keystroke
Disadvantages:
- Too loud for shared spaces and offices
- Click mechanism can slow down rapid keypresses
- Usually not preferred for competitive gaming
Comparative Analysis of Switch Types
Sound Profile Comparison
Linear SwitchesSmooth consistency throughout keypress | Tactile SwitchesNoticeable bump during keypress | Clicky SwitchesTactile bump with audible click | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $12.99 | $35 | $14.99 |
| Sound Level | Low to Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Sound Pitch | Low to Medium | Medium | High to Very High |
| Sound Character | Soft "thock" when bottoming out | Subtle "bump" sound with bottom-out | Distinct "click" plus bottom-out sound |
| Ideal Environment | Shared spaces, offices, gaming setups | Home offices, workspaces with moderate noise tolerance | Private spaces, home use, sound-tolerant environments |
Gaming Performance
| Switch Type | Rapid Keypresses | Double-Tapping | Fatigue Level | Overall Gaming Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | Excellent | Excellent | Low to Moderate | Excellent |
| Tactile | Good | Good | Moderate | Good |
| Clicky | Fair | Fair | Moderate to High | Fair |
Typing Performance
| Switch Type | Typing Accuracy | Typing Speed | Feedback | Noise Level | Overall Typing Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | Fair | Excellent | Minimal | Low | Good |
| Tactile | Excellent | Good | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Clicky | Excellent | Good | Excellent | High | Excellent (in appropriate settings) |
Major Switch Manufacturers Compared
Cherry MX
The original mechanical switch manufacturer and still considered the benchmark against which others are measured.
Strengths:
- Consistent quality control
- Wide availability
- Industry standard naming conventions
- 100 million keystroke rating
Notable Cherry MX Switches:
- Red: Light linear (45g)
- Black: Heavy linear (60g)
- Brown: Light tactile (45g)
- Blue: Standard clicky (60g)
- Silver: Speed linear with shorter actuation (45g)
- Clear: Heavy tactile (65g)
- Silent Red: Dampened linear (45g)
Gateron
Often considered to offer smoother switches than Cherry at a lower price point.
Strengths:
- Smoother operation than Cherry equivalents
- More affordable
- Wide range of options including premium lines (Ink, Oil King)
Notable Gateron Switches:
- Yellow: Medium linear (50g) - popular middle ground
- Ink Black V2: Premium linear with deep sound (60g)
- CJ: Premium linear with factory lubrication (55g)
- Oil King: Premium linear with smooth operation (55g)
- Milky Yellow Pro: Budget-friendly with good sound (50g)
Kailh (Kaihua)
Innovator in switch design with unique offerings like Box switches and speed switches.
Strengths:
- Innovative designs (Box, Speed, Pro, etc.)
- Water and dust resistance in Box switches
- Unique click bar mechanism in Box clicky switches
Notable Kailh Switches:
- Box White: Crisp clicky with click bar (50g)
- Box Jade/Navy: Heavy-duty clickies with thick click bars (50g/70g)
- Speed Silver: Ultra-fast actuation linear (40g)
- Box Red/Black: Dust-proof linears (45g/60g)
- Polia: Strong tactile bump (70g)
JWK/Durock
Known for smooth linear switches popular in the enthusiast community.
Strengths:
- Exceptionally smooth linear switches
- Solid tactile options
- Popular choice for custom keyboards
Notable JWK/Durock Switches:
- Alpaca V2: Ultra-smooth linear (62g)
- Lavender: Smooth linear with pleasant sound (65g)
- T1: Strong tactile bump (67g)
- L7: Smooth linear with deeper sound (78g)
- Sunflower POM: Linear with unique POM housing material (63.5g)
Newer Players and Boutique Options
The market continues to evolve with new manufacturers offering innovative products:
- TTC: Growing presence with switches like TTC Gold Pink (linear) and TTC Bluish White (tactile)
- Tecsee: Known for unique materials like Tecsee Ice Candy and Tecsee Diamond
- Invokeys/JWK: Collaboration switches with unique characteristics
- Zeal PC: Premium switches like Zealios (tactile) and Tealios (linear)
- Akko: Budget-friendly options with unique colorways
Special Categories of Switches
Silent Switches
Cherry MX Silent Red RGB Switches (10-pack)
www.amazon.com — $18.99Factory-dampened linear switches designed for quiet operation in noise-sensitive environments, 45g actuation force with soft landing pads
Silent switches include internal dampening to reduce noise from both the downstroke and upstroke. They’re ideal for shared spaces where noise is a concern.
Popular Silent Switches:
- Cherry MX Silent Red/Black
- Gateron Silent Red/Black/Brown
- Bobagum Silent Linear
- Boba U4 Silent Tactile
- Durock Silent Linear/Tactile
- Zeal PC Zilent (Tactile)/Healios (Linear)
Speed Switches
Designed with gaming in mind, these switches have a shorter actuation distance for faster response times.
Popular Speed Switches:
- Cherry MX Speed Silver (1.2mm actuation)
- Kailh Speed Series (1.1mm actuation)
- Gateron KS-9 Speed Silver (1.2mm actuation)
- Razer Linear Optical (1.0mm actuation)
Low-Profile Switches
With shallower total travel distance, these switches enable thinner keyboard designs without sacrificing the mechanical feel.
Popular Low-Profile Switches:
- Cherry MX Low Profile Red/Speed
- Kailh Choc V1/V2
- Gateron Low Profile
- TTC Low Profile
Optical Switches
Keychron Optical Switch Set (90-pack)
www.amazon.com — $39.99Hot-swappable optical switches compatible with optical PCBs, faster actuation with infrared light technology instead of mechanical contacts
Instead of metal contacts, optical switches use light detection to register keystrokes, offering faster actuation and increased durability.
Popular Optical Switches:
- Gateron Optical
- Keychron Optical
- Razer Optical
- Bloody LK Optical
- SteelSeries OmniPoint (adjustable actuation)
Hybrid/Specialty Switches
The cutting edge of switch technology includes magnetics and other innovations:
- Hall Effect Magnetic: Fully analog input possible (Wooting, SteelSeries)
- Topre: Electrocapacitive hybrid between mechanical and membrane
- Adjustable Actuation: Switches that allow users to set actuation points (OmniPoint, Gateron KS-20)
Modifying and Customizing Switches
Switch Lubrication
Applying lubricant to switch components reduces friction, improves smoothness, and can alter sound characteristics.
Common Lubricants:
- Krytox 205g0 (Linear switches)
- Tribosys 3203 (Tactile switches)
- Krytox 105 (Springs)
Components to Lubricate:
- Stems (sides, legs if linear)
- Springs
- Housings (contact points)
- Avoid lube on tactile legs (for tactile switches) and contact points
Switch Films
Thin pieces of material inserted between switch housings to reduce wobble and change sound characteristics.
Benefits:
- Reduced housing wobble
- Altered sound profile (usually more defined)
- Tighter switch feel
Spring Swapping
Replacing the original spring to change the actuation force and feel of a switch.
Common Spring Weights:
- 55g: Lighter typing experience
- 62g: Balanced for most users
- 67g: Slightly heavier feel
- 78g+: Heavy, deliberate typing
Spring Types:
- Standard
- Slow (progressive resistance)
- Double-stage
- Gold-plated (smoother, less ping)
Frankenswitching
Creating hybrid switches by combining parts from different switch types.
Popular Frankenswitch Examples:
- Holy Panda: Halo True/Clear stem in Panda housing
- Ergo Clear: Cherry MX Clear stem with lighter spring
- Cream Stem in JWK Housing: NovelKeys Cream stem in JWK/Durock housing
- Gazzew Holy Bobas: Halo stem in Boba housing
How to Choose the Right Switch
For Gaming
Priority factors: Actuation speed, keystroke consistency, fatigue reduction
Recommended starter options:
- Competitive FPS: Linear switches (Cherry MX Red, Gateron Yellow)
- MOBA/RTS: Light tactile or linear (Cherry MX Brown, Gateron Yellow)
- MMO: Medium-weight switches with good feedback (Gateron Brown, Durock T1)
For Typing/Programming
Priority factors: Feedback, accuracy, comfort over long sessions
Recommended starter options:
- Pure typing focus: Tactile switches (Cherry MX Brown, Boba U4T, Zealios)
- Typing in private space: Clicky switches (Kailh Box White, Cherry MX Blue)
- Quiet environment: Silent tactile (Boba U4, Zilents) or silent linear (Silent Alpacas)
For Mixed Use
Priority factors: Versatility, balanced characteristics, fatigue consideration
Recommended starter options:
- Office/Gaming balance: Lighter tactiles or medium linears (Gateron Brown, Gateron Yellow)
- Quiet all-rounder: Silent tactile or linear (Boba U4, Silent Alpacas)
- Home use versatility: Medium-weight switches with good feedback (Durock T1, Boba U4T)
Testing Switches Before Committing
Before investing in a full keyboard, consider these options:
- Switch testers: Small boards with various switches to test feel and sound
- Hot-swap keyboards: Allow changing switches without soldering
- Keyboard meetups: Community events where you can try different keyboards
- Sample packs: Small quantities of different switches for testing
Common Questions and Myths About Switches
”Are more expensive switches always better?”
Not necessarily. While premium switches often offer benefits like smoother operation, better quality control, and pre-lubrication, many budget options provide excellent performance. Gateron Yellows, for example, are relatively inexpensive but highly regarded in the community. Personal preference plays a larger role than price.
”Which switch is the absolute best for gaming?”
There is no single “best” switch for gaming. While many professional gamers prefer linear switches for their consistent keypresses and lack of tactile interference, others prefer the feedback of tactile switches. Speed switches with reduced actuation distance offer potential advantages for competitive gaming, but the difference is marginal and subject to personal preference.
”Do I need to lube my switches?”
No, it’s not required, but lubing can significantly improve switch feel and sound. Factory-lubed switches are becoming more common, offering a good middle ground. For enthusiasts seeking the best possible experience, manual lubing offers the most control over the results, but requires time and patience.
”How long do mechanical switches last?”
Most quality mechanical switches are rated for 50-100 million keystrokes per key. In practical terms, this means many years of heavy use. Cherry MX switches, for instance, are rated for 100 million keystrokes, which would take decades of typical use to reach on any single key.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Switch
The ideal mechanical keyboard switch is ultimately a personal choice that depends on your:
- Use case: Gaming, typing, programming, or a mix
- Environment: Office, home, shared space
- Preferences: Sound profile, feedback type, actuation force
- Physical factors: Finger strength, typing style, fatigue sensitivity
Most enthusiasts find that their preferences evolve over time, and many end up with multiple keyboards featuring different switch types for different purposes. If possible, try before you buy using switch testers or hot-swappable keyboards, which allow for experimentation without committing to a single switch type.
Remember that while switch choice is important, it’s just one factor in the overall typing experience. Keycaps, keyboard layout, case materials, and mounting styles all contribute to the final result.