Mechanical keyboard switches are the heart of every mechanical keyboard. These small, spring-loaded components sit beneath each keycap and determine how a keyboard feels and sounds when typing. Understanding the different types of switches can help you find a keyboard that matches your typing style and preferences.

Switches come in various forms, including linear, tactile, and clicky varieties, each offering a unique typing experience. The switch you choose affects everything from typing speed to noise level, making it an important consideration for anyone interested in mechanical keyboards. Whether you’re a gamer, programmer, or casual typist, the right switch can make a significant difference in your daily computer use.

1) Cherry MX Red

Cherry MX Red switches are linear mechanical switches that offer a smooth typing experience without any tactile bump or click sound. They were introduced in 2008 as a lighter variant of the Cherry MX Black switch.

These switches require 45g of actuation force, making them relatively light to press compared to other mechanical switches. This light actuation force makes Cherry MX Red switches popular among gamers who need to press keys rapidly during gameplay.

Cherry MX Reds have a direct and consistent feel throughout the entire keystroke. The switches are also lubricated, which enhances their smooth operation and reduces friction.

Many gaming-oriented keyboards feature Cherry MX Red switches due to their speed and minimal resistance. However, some typists find them too light, which can lead to accidental key presses.

Cherry MX Red switches are fully compatible with hot-swappable keyboard models, allowing users to install them without soldering. This makes them accessible for keyboard enthusiasts who like to customize their typing experience.

2) Gateron Brown Pro

The Gateron Brown Pro is a popular tactile switch option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. These switches provide a balanced feel that works well for both typing and gaming activities. The tactile bump is noticeable but not overwhelming.

Gateron Brown Pro switches have an actuation force of approximately 45g, making them light enough for extended typing sessions while still providing feedback. They are part of Gateron’s G Pro line which features optimized molds and upgraded stem pole structures.

The improved design makes these switches more stable and less wobbly than ordinary Gateron switches. This stability contributes to a more consistent typing experience across all keys.

Many users appreciate Brown Pro switches because they offer more precise typing compared to linear alternatives like Red switches. The tactile bump provides physical feedback when a key is pressed.

The switch housing is designed with a hollowed-out light position and transparent upper housing. This design choice ensures compatibility with SMD-LED and RGB-LED lights, making them ideal for keyboards with lighting features.

These 3-pin switches are widely available and compatible with many mechanical keyboard models. They represent a good middle ground for users who want some tactile feedback without the loud clicking of blue switches.

3) Kailh Box White

Kailh Box White switches are light clicky switches designed to replace the Kailh Blue switch, which was originally a Cherry MX Blue clone. These switches have gained popularity in the mechanical keyboard community for their distinctive feel and sound.

The feel and sound is amazing, with some users noting they feel similar to Cherry MX Browns when pressed quickly, almost having a linear quality. However, they still maintain their unique tactile feedback.

These switches feature a POM stem and are part of Kailh’s BOX-style design. The newer Box V2 versions come with a black translucent cover and solid black base with a 5-pin positioning column.

Gamers appreciate Kailh Box White switches for their high actuation point, which can provide an advantage in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Some users enhance the experience by adding o-rings to their keycaps to reduce travel distance and create a softer bottom-out feel.

Kailh has become known for their variety of BOX-style stems, speed switches, and low profile options in the mechanical keyboard market.

4) Holy Panda

Holy Panda switches are highly regarded in the mechanical keyboard community for their distinctive tactile feel. They combine stems from Halo Clear or Halo True switches with Invyr Panda housings, creating a unique tactile experience that many enthusiasts seek.

The switch features a pronounced tactile bump that occurs near the top of the keypress. This creates a snappy, responsive typing experience that provides clear feedback without being too jarring.

Holy Pandas typically have a 67g actuation force, making them moderately heavy compared to other tactile switches. This weight contributes to their distinct feel during typing sessions.

Many keyboard enthusiasts consider Holy Pandas to be among the best tactile switches available on the market. Their popularity has remained strong despite numerous competitors attempting to replicate their feel.

It’s worth noting that Holy Pandas are primarily designed for custom keyboard builds rather than pre-built keyboards. Enthusiasts often install these switches in custom mechanical keyboards to achieve their preferred typing experience.

Several variations exist in the market, including the Holy Panda X, which offers slightly different tactile characteristics compared to the original design.

5) Drop + Invyr Holy Panda

Holy Panda switches are a popular tactile option known for their distinctive feel. These switches combine stems from Halo Clear or Halo True switches with housings from Invyr Panda switches, creating a unique typing experience.

The Holy Panda features a large, round tactile bump that begins right at the top of the keystroke. This provides immediate feedback to typists who prefer pronounced tactile responses.

These switches are compatible with plate-mounted Cherry-style PCBs and work perfectly with hot-swap keyboards like the Drop ALT, CTRL, and other Drop models. This makes them easy to install without soldering.

Holy Pandas are known for their satisfying sound profile. Many keyboard enthusiasts appreciate the distinctive bottom-out sound created when the stem hits the housing.

Pricing for Drop + Invyr Holy Pandas tends to be on the higher end. They typically cost around $85 for 70 switches, $105 for 90 switches, and $125 for 110 switches, making them one of the pricier MX-based options available.

Despite their popularity, some keyboard enthusiasts suggest researching alternatives as well. The market now offers several tactile switch options that may provide similar experiences at different price points.

6) NovelKeys Cream

NovelKeys Cream switches stand out in the mechanical keyboard community due to their unique construction. They feature both housing and stems made entirely from POM (polyoxymethylene) material, giving them distinctive characteristics.

These linear switches have a 55g actuation force, providing a medium-weight typing experience. The all-POM construction creates a smooth feel that many enthusiasts appreciate.

One interesting aspect of Cream switches is how they “break in” over time. With extended use, the POM-on-POM friction polishes the contact surfaces, potentially making them even smoother.

NovelKeys has expanded the Cream lineup with variations like the Cream+ switches, which feature a hollowed stem design. This innovation allows users to insert different materials to customize the switch’s sound profile.

For those who prefer clicky feedback, NovelKeys offers Cream Clicky switches with a unique “snapple cap” mechanism. This design creates a distinctive popping sound unlike traditional click jackets.

The NK_ Cream Series has gained popularity among keyboard enthusiasts who value their smooth linear action and distinctive sound signature. They’re priced at approximately $23.40 per pack.

7) Boba U4T

Gazzew Boba U4T switches are highly regarded in the mechanical keyboard community for their distinctive tactile feel and sound profile. These switches are often called “thocky” due to the deep, satisfying sound they produce when typing.

The Boba U4T comes in different spring weight options, with 62g being a common variant. They feature a medium tactility with what keyboard enthusiasts describe as a D-bump tactile profile and a solid bottom-out feel.

A newer version, the black Boba U4T V2, has recently been released. These switches are sold through official vendors to ensure authenticity.

Boba U4T switches utilize a 5-pin design for stable mounting in keyboard PCBs. They’re available in both RGB-compatible and opaque housing variants to suit different lighting preferences.

While many users praise these switches, opinions can vary. Some keyboard enthusiasts have reported disappointment with their sound, finding them thinner sounding than expected.

For those seeking a tactile switch with a pronounced feedback and rich sound profile, the Boba U4T remains a popular choice in custom mechanical keyboards.

8) Akko Jelly Purple

Akko Jelly Purple switches are tactile mechanical keyboard switches that have gained popularity among keyboard enthusiasts. They feature a slightly heavier actuation force compared to the Akko Lavender Purple switches and adopt a unique structure with a dustproof stem and PC bottom.

These switches are priced at about $11.99 for a pack of 45 pieces, making them an affordable option for custom mechanical keyboards.

Many users describe Jelly Purples as incredibly smooth with a perfect tactile bump and spring weight. The typing experience feels clean and precise without being too loud or distracting.

Jelly Purples are 3-pin switches, which means they can be easily installed in most hot-swappable keyboards. This design allows for simple installation without the need for desoldering.

For those who enjoy modifying their switches, Jelly Purples respond well to lubing. This process can further enhance their smooth feel and sound profile.

Akko offers these switches as part of their larger CS (Crystal) switch lineup, which includes various other options for different typing preferences.

9) Glorious Panda

Glorious Panda switches are premium tactile mechanical keyboard switches known for their distinctive feel and sound profile. They feature a buttery smooth operation with a snappy tactile bump, making them particularly popular among typing enthusiasts.

These switches are designed with a cross-style stem that accepts most mechanical keyboard keycaps. A cutout in the switch allows LED backlighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of backlit keyboards.

Glorious Pandas deliver a prominent tactile bump that provides immediate feedback when a keypress is registered. This makes them excellent for both gaming and typing tasks where precise feedback is important.

The switches are engineered using premium materials, contributing to their perfectly tactile response and sweet-sounding “thock” that many keyboard enthusiasts prize. Compared to other tactile options, they rank highly among enthusiasts.

Glorious Pandas are available in both lubed and unlubed versions, allowing users to choose based on their preference for smoothness and sound characteristics. They are plate-mounted switches that can be installed in compatible mechanical keyboards.

10) Zealios V2

Zealios V2 switches are highly regarded tactile switches created by Zeal Generation Inc. They offer a distinct tactile experience that many keyboard enthusiasts seek out for their custom builds.

These switches come in four different spring weights: 62g, 65g, 67g, and 78g. The 62g variant provides a lighter typing experience while still maintaining the tactile feedback that makes these switches popular.

What sets Zealios V2 apart is their pronounced tactile bump. They’re more tactile than Holy Pandas with a bigger, smoother bump. This creates a very noticeable feedback when pressing each key.

Another advantage of Zealios V2 is their reduced wobble. This results in a more stable typing experience compared to some other tactile switches on the market.

The 62g Zealios are often described as smooth and crisp, slightly heavier than Cherry MX Browns but offering a much smoother experience with a crisper tactile bump.

Some users report issues with spring grind in these switches, which is something to consider when choosing them for a keyboard build.

Understanding Mechanical Keyboard Switches

Mechanical keyboard switches are the physical components beneath each keycap that register keypresses. These switches determine how a keyboard feels and sounds when typing, making them crucial for both typing and gaming experiences.

How Mechanical Switches Work

Mechanical switches operate through a spring-loaded mechanism that creates an electrical connection when pressed. Each switch contains a stem, spring, housing, and metal contacts. When you press a key, the stem pushes down on the spring, allowing the metal contacts to touch and complete an electrical circuit.

This completion signals to your computer that a key has been pressed. Unlike membrane keyboards which require you to press keys fully down (bottoming out), mechanical keyboards offer unmistakable feedback when activated.

Most mechanical switches actuate midway through the keypress, around 2mm down on a 4mm total travel distance. This allows for faster typing and gaming responses since you don’t need to press keys completely.

The physical feedback provides a precise typing experience that many users prefer over membrane or scissor switches found in laptop keyboards.

Different Types of Switch Mechanisms

Mechanical switches come in three primary categories based on their feel and sound:

Linear switches provide smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps or audible clicks. They require consistent force from top to bottom, making them popular for gaming. Examples include Cherry MX Red and Gateron Yellow.

Tactile switches have a noticeable bump when the key activates. This feedback lets you know a keystroke has registered without looking at the screen. Tactile experience helps reduce typing errors and provides satisfaction during typing. Popular tactile switches include Cherry MX Brown and Glorious Panda.

Clicky switches combine tactile feedback with an audible click sound. They provide both physical and auditory confirmation of keystrokes, which some typists love. However, they can be loud in shared environments. Common options include Cherry MX Blue and Kailh Box White.

Switch characteristics also vary by:

• Actuation force (measured in grams)
• Actuation point (how far you press before activation)
• Total travel distance
• Sound profile

Choosing the right switch significantly impacts your typing or gaming experience, especially if your keyboard isn’t hot-swappable.

Choosing the Right Switch for Your Needs

Selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch depends on your specific usage patterns and personal preferences. The right switch can significantly improve your typing experience and productivity.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Switches

Usage Environment plays a crucial role in switch selection. For office settings, quieter switches like Cherry MX Brown or similar tactile options minimize noise disruption while providing feedback.

Primary Activities should influence your choice. Gamers often prefer linear switches with lower actuation force for rapid keystrokes. Writers and programmers typically favor tactile switches for precision and error reduction.

Typing Style affects which switch feels best. Heavy-handed typists might prefer switches with higher resistance, while light typists may enjoy switches that require less force.

Personal Preference remains the most important factor. Many enthusiasts recommend trying several switch types before deciding. Switch testers allow users to experience different options without purchasing multiple keyboards.

Comparing Actuation Forces and Feedback

Switch Types vary in feedback mechanism:

• Linear switches (like Cherry MX Red) provide smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps or audible clicks
• Tactile switches offer a noticeable bump during actuation
• Clicky switches provide both tactile feedback and an audible click sound

Actuation Force requirements differ between switches. Lighter switches (35-45g) allow faster typing but may cause accidental keypresses. Heavier switches (60-80g) reduce errors but may cause finger fatigue during extended sessions.

Actuation Point refers to how far a key must be pressed before registering. “Speed” switches with shorter travel distances improve response time for gaming or fast typing.