When you're choosing a mechanical keyboard, understanding the types of keyboard switches can make a big difference. Keychron is a popular choice in the mechanical keyboard market, we offer three main switch types: Linear, Tactile, and Clicky. Each type changes how typing and gaming feel and sound!
Linear switches are smooth and quiet, perfect for quick and easy keystrokes. Tactile switches provide a slight bump, giving you feedback that the key has registered. And if you love a satisfying "click" sound, Clicky switches are just what you're looking for.
Curious to discover which switch suits your style? Keep reading to learn how each option can enhance your typing and gaming experience!
Types of Mechanical Keyboard Switches
Mechanical keyboard switches come in three main types, each offering unique features that affect how your keyboard feels and sounds. Understanding these types will help you choose the best switch for your typing or gaming needs.
What Are Linear Switches?
Linear switches offer smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, moving straight down without a tactile bump. This makes them fast and responsive—ideal for gamers who need quick reactions.
Plus, their quiet operation is great for shared or noise-sensitive spaces. With options from multiple manufacturers, you’ll find plenty of configurations to suit your style.
📌 Check out this featured product: Gateron Oil King Switch
What are Tactile Switches?
Tactile switches give you a slight bump at the actuation point, letting you know a keypress has registered without fully pressing down. Favored by typists, this feedback boosts accuracy and speed, especially in quieter environments where you want the feel but not the noise of a clicky switch.
Perfect for both work and home setups.
The photo above is the Gateron Baby Kangaroo 2.0 Tactile Switch - a popular option for improved typing feedback and precision, ideal for office environments.
What Are Clicky Switches?
Clicky switches provide a satisfying tactile bump and audible click with each keystroke, making them ideal for typists who enjoy clear feedback.
The click sound enhances typing satisfaction and allows you to release keys sooner, reducing fatigue and improving efficiency—perfect for those who love both sound and feel in their typing experience.
The photo above is the Kailh Box Summer Clicky Switch
Switch Types and Their Uses
|
Switch Type |
Use Case |
Actuation Force |
Noise Level |
Typical Applications |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Linear |
Gaming |
45g |
Low |
FPS Gaming |
Smooth keystrokes |
Lacks tactile feedback |
|
Tactile |
Typing |
50g |
Moderate |
Office Work |
Noticeable bump |
Can be louder |
|
Clicky |
Enjoying Feedback |
55g |
High |
Typing Sessions |
Tactile and auditory |
Not suitable for quiet spaces |
To help you further understand which type suits your needs, consider the table above that highlights the key characteristics of each switch.
Whether you're looking for the best Keychron mechanical keyboard switches for typing or ideal switches for silent gaming keyboards, there is a perfect match for everyone.
Comparing Linear vs. Tactile vs. Clicky Switches
Choosing the right keyboard switch can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. Below, you'll find a comparison of linear, tactile, and clicky switches to help you decide which is best for you.
Feel Comparison
Linear vs. Tactile for Productivity:
- Linear: Smooth and consistent keystrokes without any tactile bump, ideal for those who prefer uninterrupted keypresses.
- Tactile: Provides a noticeable bump with each keystroke, giving you feedback at the actuation point—great for improving typing accuracy.
Clicky vs. Linear Switches Keychron:
- Clicky: Offers tactile feedback along with an audible click, perfect if you enjoy auditory feedback while typing.
Sound Level
- Linear Switches: Quiet, making them ideal for shared workspaces or silent environments.
- Tactile Switches: Moderate sound level; provides feedback without a loud click.
- Clicky Switches: Loud and distinctive due to the click sound—ideal if you enjoy audible confirmation of each keypress.
Best Use Cases
Typing:
- Tactile Switches: Great for typists who want feedback without excessive noise.
- Clicky Switches: Best for those who enjoy the classic “click” sound with each keystroke, enhancing the typing experience.
- Linear Switches: Less fatiguing for long typing sessions due to smooth action but may lack feedback.
Gaming:
- Linear Switches: Fast and uninterrupted key presses, beneficial for high-paced games that require rapid keystrokes.
- Tactile Switches: A good choice if you prefer some tactile feedback during gaming without the additional noise of clicky switches.
When choosing between linear, tactile, and clicky switches, consider your primary use—whether it's for productivity, gaming, or a mix of both. Also, think about your environment and how much noise is acceptable.
Each switch type offers unique advantages, and Keychron provides options tailored to meet your specific needs.
Popular Mechanical Switch Brands
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, there are several popular brands that stand out. Let's explore Cherry, Gateron, and Kailh switches, comparing their unique features to help you decide which suits your needs b
Cherry MX Switches
Cherry MX is one of the most well-known names in the mechanical keyboard market, celebrated for their durability and consistent performance.
Cherry MX Red switches are linear, providing smooth key presses ideal for gaming. Cherry MX Brown switches, on the other hand, offer a tactile bump, which makes them popular among typists who prefer feedback without excessive noise.
If you enjoy a clicky sound, Cherry MX Blue switches deliver satisfying auditory feedback, while Cherry MX Brown and Red offer heavier resistance for those who prefer sturdier key presses.
Gateron Switches
Gateron switches are often praised for their smoothness, even more so compared to Cherry switches. They offer a similar range, including Gateron Red (linear), Brown (tactile), and Blue (clicky) switches.
Many users find Gateron Reds smoother than Cherry MX Reds, making them enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Gateron switches are also a more budget-friendly option without compromising on performance, especially in gaming scenarios.
Their smooth keystrokes and less scratchy feel have made them a favorite among enthusiasts seeking an affordable yet quality experience.
📌 Read more about the Gateron Mechanical Switch Guide.
Kailh Switches
Kailh switches are known for their innovative designs, such as the Kailh Box switches, which are dust-proof and highly durable. Kailh offers different types like Kailh Box Red (linear) and Kailh Box Brown (tactile), which are great for users looking for reliable performance with added protection.
Kailh also produces speed switches, designed specifically for rapid actuation, which are particularly popular among gamers who need quick responses. This innovation makes Kailh switches versatile, offering a wide range of options suitable for different preferences, from gaming to office use.
📌 Read more about Kailh Switch Buying Guide
Cherry vs. Gateron vs. Kailh: Comparison Chart
|
Feature |
Cherry MX |
Gateron |
Kailh |
|
Smoothness |
Consistent, slightly scratchy |
Smoother than Cherry |
Comparable to Gateron |
|
Price |
Premium |
Budget-friendly |
Mid-range |
|
Durability |
Highly durable |
Reliable performance |
Durable, dust-proof |
|
Best For |
Typing & Gaming |
Budget options for all uses |
Gaming, durability needs |
Want to learn more? Check out our guide on Gateron vs. Cherry Switches to see which one fits your style!
Choosing the Right Mechanical Switch for Your Setup
Finding the perfect mechanical switch comes down to what you need most—whether it's all-day typing comfort or rapid-fire gaming performance. Let's break down the best switches for specific use cases to help you make an informed choice.
Best Switch for Office Work
If you’re primarily using your keyboard for typing, tactile or clicky switches are ideal choices.
- Tactile Switches: These provide a satisfying bump with each press, letting you know a key has registered without making excessive noise. This makes them perfect for shared office spaces or when you want a quieter setup that still gives good feedback. A medium actuation force (around 0.55 N) makes them comfortable for long typing sessions.
- 🔗 Explore Keychron Q3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard with various tactile switch options, including Keychron K Pro switches, Gateron Baby Kangaroo Tactile switches, and Kailh Box Cream switches.
- Clicky Switches: These add an audible click along with the tactile bump, giving a classic typing experience. They are great for typists who enjoy the clicky sound but may not be suitable for quieter environments. If noise is a concern, consider using silent tactile switches, which provide similar feedback without the sound.
- 🔗 Check out Keychron K series keyboards, which offer clicky switch options, typically featuring blue switches.
Best Switch for Gaming
For gaming, linear switches are often the go-to option.
- Linear Switches: Linear switches are smooth and fast, with no bump or click to slow you down. This makes them highly responsive, especially in fast-paced gaming where milliseconds count. A lighter actuation force, like Cherry MX Reds, helps reduce finger fatigue, making them ideal for long gaming sessions.
- 🔗 Discover Lemokey X5 QMK Wired Mechanical Keyboard with linear options
- Quiet Mechanical Switches: If noise is a concern during gaming, consider quiet linear switches. These switches maintain speed and responsiveness while keeping the noise levels low, which is great for shared environments or late-night gaming.
- 🔗 Browse Keychron Silent K Pro Switch
Each type of switch has its strengths depending on the primary use. Evaluate your environment, typing or gaming needs, and noise tolerance to make the best choice for your setup.
Concluding Thoughts on Keyboard Switch Choices
Choosing the switch type is important when selecting a mechanical keyboard, and Keychron provides a variety of options to suit every typing and gaming need. Whether you prefer the smooth, quiet keystrokes of linear switches, the tactile feedback of tactile switches, or the satisfying click of clicky switches, Keychron has you covered.
Keychron’s keyboards are available with switches in different weights, allowing you to choose the pressure that best fits your typing style. Lighter switches enhance typing speed, while heavier ones offer better control for precision.
Ready to elevate your typing or gaming experience? Discover the best mechanical keyboard for your style today and explore our collection to find your perfect match. Explore Keychron Keyboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mechanical keyboard switches come in various types, each with unique features suited for different uses. You'll find options for quiet operation, optimal typing experience, and gaming performance.
What are the different types of mechanical keyboard switches?
Mechanical keyboard switches are primarily categorized into three types: linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches provide a smooth keystroke and are often quieter. Tactile switches offer a noticeable bump, giving feedback without noise. Clicky switches have both a tactile bump and an audible click, enhancing the typing experience.
Is linear or tactile better for typing?
For typing, tactile switches are often preferred because they provide a noticeable bump, indicating that the key has been activated. This can help reduce typing errors. Linear switches may be less ideal for pure typing tasks due to the lack of feedback.
What is the quietest keyboard switch?
Linear switches are generally the quietest mechanical switches. They lack the bump and click of tactile and clicky switches, making them ideal for silent environments. Some specific silent versions of linear switches are even quieter.
What is the best switch for a gaming keyboard?
Linear switches are often recommended for gaming purposes. They allow for smooth and fast keystrokes, which can improve gaming performance. Popular choices include Cherry MX Red or Gateron Red switches.
What color switches are the quietest?
Red switches, typically linear, are considered among the quietest across various brands. Their design focuses on smooth keystrokes without any tactile feedback or clicking sound.
What is the most popular switch type?
Tactile switches, such as Cherry MX Brown, are widely popular. They offer a good balance for both typing and gaming, providing tactile feedback without the noise of clicky switches, making them versatile for many users.