Types of Mechanical Keyboard Switches

  • HHKB Team

Find the best mechanical keyboard switch for you and learn what makes it click (or not click)

If you spend a lot of your day pressing keys, whether for business or pleasure, making the process more efficient and satisfying is a compelling reason to get into mechanical keyboards. But why does this hobby routinely turn newbies who just picked up their first mass-produced board into mega-fans who build their own custom creations? It’s the variety.

There are many types of mechanical keyboard switches out there — so many that their differences may seem a little mysterious to beginners. While finding your own favorite switch is one of the best parts of the hobby, that doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll know what sets the different types of mechanical keyboard switches apart from each other and how to find your next daily driver.

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What are mechanical keyboard switches?

A mechanical keyboard switch is a small device that sits underneath the keycap. It is the mechanism that makes each keyboard “mechanical,” ensuring every keystroke is registered by the computer. Many keyboards use bubble-like dome switches that, when pressed down by the force of your finger, complete a circuit to send your computer a signal. Mechanical keyboard switches, on the other hand, use more intricate mechanisms that include multiple moving parts for every single key.

Every switch contains a stem that clips into the keycap and holds it in place. The stem is supported by a spring that lifts the key and provides resistance, while the entire mechanism is enclosed in a housing that may include additional features. Most importantly, mechanical switches come in various designs that reflect specific user needs. These switches can come installed in a new keyboard or be customized after purchase.

The three most common types of mechanical keyboard switches are categorized by their sound and feel:

  • Linear switches move straight up and down without any extra click or “bump” as they travel. This makes them handy for users who prioritize speed and sensitivity, such as competitive gamers.
  • Tactile switches feature a “bump” midway through their travel distance, often at or near the point where they actuate. Many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts enjoy the sound and feel of tactile switches as a comfortable midway point between linear and clicky.
  • Clicky switches include an extra mechanism to “click” at a certain point in their travel. Since you can both hear and feel this click, many enthusiasts find them particularly satisfying to use, but they can sometimes be a little noisy for shared spaces.

What makes the best mechanical keyboard switches?

Whether you’re looking for the best mechanical keyboard switch for typing, coding, gaming, or all three, make sure you consider these seven points before making a purchase decision:

Compatibility

If you’re building a custom keyboard or replacing parts on one you already use, you must ensure that your switches are compatible. The good news is that most keyboards on the market use MX-style switches, making it easy to install or swap switches and keycaps as desired. Before you begin, always verify whether your keyboard is MX-compatible or uses less common switch types, such as Topre.

Sound

Do you love keyboards that go clicky-clack? Or do you prefer a quiet working environment? Mechanical keyboards often have a distinct sound, comparable to a classic typewriter, due to specific kinds of clicky switches that provide an auditory cue for each keypress. The sound is ideal for enthusiasts and typists-in-training who want to prioritize speed by knowing exactly when the keyboard registers a press.

That said, the sound of clicky switches is not universally beloved, especially by coworkers who would prefer not to hear every letter in your reply to the latest email chain. If you plan to use your keyboard in an office setting, a more muted switch may be appropriate.

Control

Do you need near-instantaneous keypresses, or do you want each click to be confirmed with a pronounced sound and physical sensation? Linear switches that register presses with minimal force are best for enabling inputs as fast as your reflexes.

Did You Know?:The HKKB layout was custom-built to make executing time-saving commands easier and more ergonomic.

Feel

Beyond practical concerns like how quickly or accurately you can type, the cohesive feel of the switch is also essential. Tactile, clicky, and linear keys are just the beginning. Some switches are meant to register the lightest presses, while others require a satisfying (or tiring, depending on whom you ask) degree of force for each actuation.

Look

Depending on your keyboard, the look of your switches may be more or less of a priority. For instance, boards with lower profile designs let you show off the lower housing of your switches. Similarly, if your board supports RGB — LED lights that shine up and out of the body of the board — you’ll want to make sure your switch housings are either transparent or include a window to let the colorful lighting flow.

Lifespan

Overall, mechanical keyboard switches are remarkably durable. They can last a decade or more with minimal maintenance, such as occasional cleaning. However, heavy use can and will wear out a mechanical keyboard over time, resulting in the need for replacement. Cherry, for example, use a 50 million keystroke baseline for their MX switches. That works out to 10 to 15 years for most customers. However, some brands can last even longer, with switches rated for up to 80 million presses.

Price

The price tag may be one of the most important factors when comparing switches, especially if you’re building an expensive custom model. A typical switch may cost between thirty cents and a dollar on average, but the exact price varies based on brand and individual line. The problem is that you’ll seldom need to buy just one switch — you’ll either purchase them in a package or as part of a whole new keyboard.

If you’re building a keyboard from scratch or overhauling an existing one, you should look for switch bundles that come close to your total key count (which will vary depending on your device’s layout). It’s better to end up with a few spare switches than not have enough, especially since some switches may arrive damaged or become damaged as you install them.

Did You Know?:Want to learn more about what makes switches unique? Check out our explainer on the difference between mechanical keyboard switches.

5 of the best mechanical keyboard switches

Now that you know what to look for in the best mechanical keyboard switches, here are five community-wide favorites to get you started.

The best piece of living history: Buckling spring

The buckling spring switches inside each original IBM Model M keyboard had a heavy and definitive feel and sound, creating a typing experience that many diehards insist is still unmatched. The bad news is that IBM no longer makes these boards, and the design of the switch means it can’t be incorporated into standard mechanical keyboards. The good news is that Unicomp has picked up the torch, and you can find the very same buckling spring tech in its New Model M keyboard.

The best linear switches: Gazzew Bobagum

Linear switches simply go down, register a keypress at a set point along the trip, and then go back up. No bump or click. This allows for both quiet operation and the fastest possible actuation time. To put it succinctly, few linear switches go down then up as well as Gazzew Bobagum switches. Their smooth feel is satisfying, even with minimal auditory feedback from their near-silent operation. Plus, a lively pink design makes these switches instantly identifiable as they peek out from under your keycaps.

The best clicky switches: Kailh Box Jade

The Kailh Box Jade’s click bar makes two quick chirps on each keypress — one on actuation, and one on return. That means the Jades are loud without tipping over into auditory annoyance. They’re also easier to press than Kailh Box Navy switches, another clicky favorite from the same line, making them friendlier for light-fingered typists. And yes, the clicks do serve a practical purpose, since they help ensure you don’t miss keystrokes while you’re looking at the screen. This feature makes the Kailh Box Jades some of the best keyboard switches for programming, assuming your coworkers don’t mind the noise.

Did You Know?:Did You Know?: If you want to build the perfect keyboard for topping out scoreboards, you should also check out our guide to the best switches for gaming.

The best tactile switches: Holy Panda X

Some odd branding decisions and an ensuing backlash led to Holy Panda X switches not being the most popular mechanical keyboard switch for fans who were invested in the original Holy Panda ethos. If you can put the controversy aside, though, it’s clear that a set of Holy Panda X switches will give you some of the best tactile typing you can find anywhere. Their large, rounded tactile bump starts nearly at the top and continues almost to the point of bottoming out, making each switch feel like a rhythmic dance partner for your fingertips. These switches also have a light and leathery actuation sound that (probably) won’t bother the neighbors.

The best non-MX switches: Topre

Most of the switches we’ve listed so far have fallen under the umbrella of MX-style switches, which feature a standardized cross-shaped stem. But that isn’t all you’ll find in the mechanical keyboard hobby. Other switch types provide their own unique feel, sound, and looks, and Topre is one of the most distinctive MX alternatives. Their electrostatic capacitive design delivers a uniquely precise actuation that feels solid without being too heavy. This high-end experience has made Topre one of the most cherished switch types in Japan, with a similarly dedicated following growing across the US and beyond.

Did You Know?:Mechanical keyboards are a great fit for coders. Find out more in our guide to the best mechanical keyboards for programming.

What makes the best quiet mechanical keyboard switches?

Mechanical switches tend to be associated with a louder typing experience, and not without cause. They have more moving parts than the rubber dome switches common to budget boards or the scissor switches found in “Chiclet” style keyboards. Having more moving parts usually means more noise.

That said, certain design decisions, as well as aftermarket customization options, can lead to particularly quiet mechanical keyboard switches.

  • Linearity: Linear switches do not have a perceptible “bump” in their travel at the point where the switch actuates. Since these keys simply glide up and down without any particular friction point, they tend to be quiet.
  • Dampeners: Additional parts called dampeners can reduce the amount of noise a keyboard emits. These dampeners often take the form of rubber O-rings or foam pads, and they can both absorb shock and lessen rattling sounds. On a related note, simply applying masking tape to the underside of a keyboard’s printed circuit board can make a surprising difference in its sound profile.
  • Lubrication: Especially demanding enthusiasts may disassemble their switches and manually lubricate some of the parts inside with specially designed solutions, reducing sound and creating smoother-feeling travel. This procedure can be tricky, as it is possible to damage or over-lubricate switches in the process. Some switches are sold pre-lubricated, but most come dry from the factory.

The 5 quietest mechanical keyboard switches

Some switches are built to be especially noiseless in operation. Here are five of the most popular and community-favored quiet mechanical keyboard switches.

For the quiet classic: Cherry MX Silent Red

Cherry’s MX switches helped define the shape of the modern mechanical keyboard industry and hobby, but that doesn’t mean their design is dated. Cherry MX Silent Red switches build on the linear fundamentals laid out by the famed Cherry MX Red line. The built-in sound-dampening in these switches makes what was already a fairly quiet switch extra stealthy.

For low volume and bright lights: Orange Healio

The Orange Healio line is purpose-built to be almost completely silent for all but the most hard-driving typists. These linear switches provide extremely smooth travel out of the box without lubrication (although you can still lubricate them, if you choose), and their fully transparent housing means they’re well-suited to RGB keyboard builds.

For tactile feel without the sound: Gazzew Boba U4

The Gazzew Boba U4s are quiet mechanical keyboard switches, which are noteworthy because they’re tactile instead of linear. As you press them down, you’ll feel a bump at the point where the key actuates — but you probably won’t hear it. These switches stand at the intersection of silent satisfaction and typing accuracy, making them a standout pick for use in shared spaces.

Did You Know?:Not sure where to pick up your new keyboard of choice? Let our guide show you the best places to buy mechanical keyboards.

For eliminating rattle and subtle style: Silent Alpaca Linears

The Silent Alpaca Linear switch has a gasket-mounted stem that features two silencing pads on each side. These pads eliminate rattling noises — no lubrication or other aftermarket modifications necessary. The subtle pink of the stem complements a slightly smoky translucent housing, giving the switches a uniquely appealing look. Granted, they will spend most of their time obscured by keycaps, but a little extra style never hurts.

For satisfying silence: Type-S Topre silent switches

Each Topre switch comprises a conical spring, a rubber dome, and an electrostatic sensor, with the Type-S variant integrating a silent membrane and other sound-dampening measures to eliminate key chatter. Although keyboard enthusiasts often praise the hearty “thock” of standard Topres, sometimes you want the feel without all the sound. Topre Type-S switches are a great choice for use in the office, or anywhere you want to work or play in stealth mode.

What makes some keyboard switches louder than others?

Few switch designers target decibel output as the driving force in their creations, but moves toward improved tactility and keypress feel often make those mechanical keyboard switches sound louder, too. Here are three factors to pay attention to as you hunt for the perfect noise level:

  • Internal components: The internal design of the switch plays a massive part in how loud it sounds. Clicky switches tend to be the loudest because they feature an extra piece that creates a noise and tactile sensation on keypresses. This piece can be either a click bar that makes sounds when a typist actuates and releases the switch, or a click jacket that only makes a sound on actuation.
  • Lubrication: Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts have long recommended disassembling switches and lubricating them for improved sound and feel. Some high-end switches even come pre-lubricated. Lubed switches do tend to be quieter, but applying lubricant to only certain moving parts, such as the spring, can make a switch feel better and reduce undesired noises without substantially diminishing its sound.
  • The rest of the board: Your switches are a single part of the symphony. Just like a performance needs a suitable concert hall, the sound of your keys can be enhanced or reduced by your choice of keyboard frame and whether you install or eschew sound-dampening components.

    • We also have to give an honorable mention to the commanding peal of buckling spring keyboards. Sadly, though, their unique design means you can’t simply drop them into a mechanical keyboard you already own.

Did You Know?:Want to pick up a pre-built keyboard that’s perfect for making some noise? Check out our guide to the loudest mechanical keyboards.

The 4 loudest mechanical keyboard switches

Now that we know what makes some mechanical keyboard switches sound louder than others, it’s time to dive into examples you can use to turn up the volume on your typing experience.

For classic character: Cherry MX Green

If you’ve spent much time in the mechanical keyboard space, you’re likely familiar with Cherry MX Blue switches — the archetypal clicky switch. While there’s nothing wrong with a good set of Blues, if you’re going after satisfying sound, you’ll be even better served by dropping in some Cherry MX Greens. Their higher actuation force (meaning you have to press them harder for a keypress to register) and click jacket design translate to a single, crisp sound.

For a unique click: Chosfox x Kailh Arctic Fox

Boutique mechanical keyboard company Chosfox designed Arctic Fox switches to offer a new take on the clicky formula. While they use a clickbar to generate the bulk of their unique sound (much like the Kailh Box Jade switches we mentioned near the start of this article) Arctic Fox switches make a mechanical keyboard switch sound all their own. Listen closely to the sound test above and you’ll hear what we could only describe as a light and airy metallic sound that is neither hollow nor overbearing.

Did You Know?:Our guide to quiet mechanical keyboard switches will ensure you have some quality options on hand for when you don’t want to wake the neighbors.

For the loudest tactile: Everglide Dark Jade

All of the switches we’ve listed so far can be classified as clicky. But if you want to experience a different kind of feel and sound, you should try out the tactile joy of Everglide Dark Jades, AKA Moyu Black switches. Though it features a strong tactile bump, the noisiest part of the switch actually comes at the deepest part of its travel when it “bottoms out” with a resonant and bassy sound.

For the loudest linear: Zeal Tealios V2

Out of the three main types of switches, linears tend to be the quietest. But that doesn’t mean the other aspects of a switch’s design can’t make one linear noisier than another. If you’re the kind of person who loves the smooth feeling of a linear switch but wishes you could hear yourself type a little bit better, the Zeal Tealios V2s are your noisy little huckleberries. You’ll hear them best if you bottom out the keys as you type. But even if not, they’ll still serenade you with a pleasant little pop on every press.

Find your next favorite keyboard switch

There are dozens upon dozens of different types of mechanical keyboard switches to try — it’s part of what makes them so fun to customize and use. If you’re looking for a unique typing experience that you can’t get anywhere else, make sure Topres are at the top of your list.

HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S keyboards feature Topre Type-S switches, where their practicality and utility make them a perfect match for the board’s ease of use and refined design. If you prefer a hearty “thock” sound with each press, you can opt for the non-silenced model that uses the same electrocapacitive technology.

The whole range of high-end keyboards from HHKB was created for those who type to live. If you’re a demanding typist too, you’ll be glad you gave them a try.

Note: Information and external links are provided for your convenience and for educational purposes only. PFU America, Inc. makes no representations about the contents, features, or specifications on such third-party sites, software, and/or offerings (collectively “Third-Party Offerings”) and shall not be responsible for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of such Third-Party Offerings.

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