TACTILE, CLICKY or LINEAR? A Guide to Mechanical Keyboard switches

Mechanical keyboards are known for their customizability, tactile feedback, and durability. The most common types of switches in mechanical keyboards are tactile, linear, and clicky, each offering unique typing experiences for different applications.

Understanding Actuation and Operating Force

Actuation is the moment when a keystroke is registered by the keyboard, which can influence typing speed and accuracy. Operating force, measured in grams (g), is the amount of pressure required to press the key to its actuation point. This aspect is crucial in determining the overall feel of the switch. Tactile switches often have a variable actuation force due to their tactile bump, while linear switches offer a consistent force throughout the keypress.

Ideal Uses for Different Switch Types

• Gaming: Linear switches, with their smooth and consistent keystroke, are preferred for rapid, precise responses in gaming.

• Typing: Tactile switches, with their tactile bump, are favored by typists and writers as they provide physical feedback at each actuation point, helping to improve typing accuracy and rhythm.

• Office Environments: In shared spaces, the sound of a keyboard is crucial. Silent linear switches or quieter tactile switches are ideal for maintaining a low noise level while offering a satisfying typing experience.

• Clicky switches: Best for those who enjoy auditory feedback and a more pronounced tactile feel. However, they can be loud, which might be distracting in shared or quiet environments.

The 3 Popular Types of Mechanical Keyboard Switches

Tactile Switches

Tactile switches are distinguished by a noticeable bump in the middle of the keypress. This bump provides physical feedback to the typist, indicating that the key has been actuated without needing to press the key all the way down. Tactile switches are favored by typists and writers who appreciate this feedback as it can enhance typing rhythm and reduce errors, making for a more efficient typing experience.

1. Kinetic Labs Salmon: These switches come with a 63.5g spring and provide an operating force of 2.0mm. The total travel is 3.5mm, and they are known for their large rounded bump, offering a unique tactile sensation akin to Holy Pandas.

2. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Switches: These exhibit a tactile force of 70±10g and feature a pre-travel of 2.0±0.5mm. The total travel distance is 3.0~3.2mm, which is ideal for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feedback.

3. Chosfox Voyager: These switches are designed with a 45g actuation force and a 62g bottom-out force. Their two-stage spring design provides a distinctive tactile bump.

4. Gateron Beer: With a 50g actuation force and a 40g bottom-out force, these switches offer a light tactile feel, suitable for users who prefer a gentler typing experience.

5. Gazzew Boba U4T: Featuring actuation options of 62g, 65g, and 68g, these switches are crafted for an ergonomic tactile experience, come factory lubed, making them a great choice for bounce and thock.

Linear Switches

Linear switches are characterized by their smooth and consistent keystroke, without any tactile bump or audible click. They offer a straightforward path from the start to the end of a keypress, making them a popular choice for gamers and users who prefer a seamless, frictionless typing experience. Their consistency and speed are ideal for situations where quick and repeated keystrokes are necessary.

1. Cherry MX Red: A staple in gaming keyboards, Cherry MX Red switches provide a smooth keystroke with an actuation force of around 45g, allowing for rapid and consistent keypresses.

2. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) Linear Switches: These switches have an actuation weight of 50g and a bottom-out weight of 62g. They feature a pre-travel distance of 2.00mm and a total travel distance of 4.00mm. The switches are known for their smoothness and buttery goodness, making them suitable for both gaming and typing.

3. Tealios V2: Targeted at the premium market, Tealios V2 switches come with a 67g actuation force and are favored in fast-paced gaming due to their swift and fluid keystroke.

4. Wuque Studio WS Morandi Linear Switches: The WS Morandi switches feature a bottom-out force of 60g. They are made with a complete POM housing and UPE stem and are designed with an 18mm double-stage spring.

5. Gateron Oil King: These unique switches require around 55g of force to actuate and are noted for their smooth and stable keypress, bottoming out around 65g.

Special Mention: Gamakay Pegasus Silent Linear Switch

The Gamakay Pegasus switch is a notable silent linear switch with 40g actuation force. It is designed for quiet operation and smooth key travel, making it ideal for both office use and general typing where noise reduction is key.

Clicky Switches

Clicky switches combine the characteristics of tactile switches with an added audible click mechanism at the actuation point. This sound provides both physical and auditory feedback, which many typists find satisfying. Clicky switches are ideal for those who prefer a pronounced tactile and auditory typing experience.

1. Kailh BOX White: 50g actuation force. Known for a stable and clear click, versatile for various typing needs​​.

2. Kailh BOX Jade: Also with a 50g actuation force, it's famed for its loud, crisp click, suitable for those who love strong feedback​​​​.

3. Kailh Speed Copper: With a 50g actuation force, this switch is tailored for gaming due to its quick response and crisp sound​​.

4. Glorious Panda: Around 67g actuation force, it's distinctive for its tactile feedback and pronounced click, balancing responsiveness and tactile sensation.

5. Cherry MX Blue/White: The Cherry MX Blue has a 60g actuation force, and the Cherry MX White is at 70g. They are renowned for their quality and classic clicky sound​​.

Pros and Cons of Each Switch Type:

• Tactile Switches: Pros - Provides physical feedback, enhances typing rhythm. Cons - Might be too "bumpy" for some users.

• Linear Switches: Pros - Smooth keystroke, ideal for rapid typing or gaming. Cons - Lack of tactile feedback can lead to more typing errors.

• Clicky Switches: Pros - Audible feedback, satisfying clicky feel. Cons - Can be noisy, potentially disturbing in shared spaces.

The choice between switch types is subjective and depends on personal preference, intended use, and environment. Each type offers a unique combination of feedback, sound, and force, catering to diverse needs in the mechanical keyboard community.

If you are in the market for new switches for your mechanical keyboard or just want to explore more about the types discussed today, we recommend heading over to KineticLabs or Divinikey (where you can save $5 off your first order) for all your switch and keyboard needs!