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The Complete Guide to Mechanical Keyboard Switches

The Complete Guide to Mechanical Keyboard Switches

Researching, maintaining, and changing mechanical keyboard switches are all crucial elements of the hobby

There’s a striking variety of mechanical keyboard switches to choose from, each with a different look and feel. Finding the perfect combination of switch and key cap is a ticket to keyboard paradise, but it takes research and planning for a build to come together.

To help with your journey, we’ve created this mechanical keyboard switch guide with both pros and newcomers in mind. After reading it, you’ll have a better understanding of switches and how to maintain them.

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Types of mechanical keyboard switches

Most keyboard switches can be categorized under one of three groups, each with unique performance characteristics that will determine how a switch looks, feels, and sounds.

Types of mechanical keyboard switches

Linear switches

If there’s such a thing as a “standard” keyboard key switch, it’s a linear switch. They offer light and smooth presses all the way to the actuation point, whereas others will have noticeable feedback with each press. Linear switches are often used in competitive gaming circuits because the lack of feedback allows for faster button presses.

Clicky switches

Are all key switches clicky? To some degree, yes. But the clickiest switch is the aptly named clicky switch, which gets its name from the satisfying “schlunk” sound it makes when pressed. These switches are heavy, deliberate, and noisy. It’s delightful for keyboard enthusiasts that want the typing equivalent of ambient rain, but be aware that the loud sound might upset your officemates.

Tactile switches

If you’re looking for a middle ground between linear and clicky switches, tactile is the way to go. Tactile switches will give you noticeable feedback around the actuation point, but they aren’t as loud as clicky switches. Tactile switches are versatile, so you shouldn’t encounter issues if you’re typing a lot while gaming, working, or casually browsing the internet.

For a deeper breakdown of keyboard switch types, read our blog “The 3 Main Types of Mechanical Keyboard Switches Explained.”

Popular keyboard switch manufacturers

There are many manufacturers out there that create key switches, but not all of them are created equally. Here are a few of the top companies and a selection of their finest works:

Cherry MX

The progenitor of most keyboard switches as we know them today, Cherry MX has created some of the most common and popular options currently available.

 

 

Cherry MX Red

The Cherry MX Red series of linear switches is among the most popular on the market. They’re particularly popular with gamers thanks to their low resistance.

Cherry MX Brown

The MX Brown’s claim to fame is its noticeable feedback. It has a soft pressure point and is good for 100 million actuations.

Cherry MX Blue

Cherry MX Blue switches are tactile and offer satisfying audio feedback with each click. Their transparent casing is made for consistent RGB lighting.

Kailh

Founded in 1990, Kailh is a leading manufacturer of key switches. Kailh is partnered with a number of electronics manufacturers, so its products are available in a lot of gadgets. However, its consumer-facing lineup emphasizes mechanical key switches.

 

 

Kailh BOX series

The Cherry MX Red series of linear switches is among the most popular on the market. They’re particularly popular with gamers thanks to their low resistance.

Kailh Turbo series

Turbo switches are some of Kailh’s most recent additions. They use low-friction POM plastic on their stems that gives them fast, smooth actuation. The Turbo series includes three linear options and one tactile option.

Kailh KK series

The KK series is a speedy, clicky option. It features a short key travel distance and an understated design that give them a look that's well suited for daily driver work keyboards.

Cherry MX Red

Cherry MX Red switches forgo the tactile bump, which gives you a faster response time while playing. That response time is especially important in genres like FPS, where split-second decisions are paramount to success. Cherry MX Red switches are a reasonably priced option, too, costing $3.99 for a 10-pack..

 

 

Gatreon Milky switches

With multiple versions for linear, tactile, and clicky switches, the Gatreon Milky line boasts a solid look and feel. However they come unlubricated out of the box, which their affordable pricing of $27 for a set reflects.

Gatreon Ink switches

Ink switches only come in linear and clicky designs, though even linear fans may be drawn to their unique aesthetic. They have dark, transparent housings inspired by Chinese ink, with black-plated springs and metal contact blades to complement their sleek look.

Gatreon G-Pro switches

The G-Pro series of switches is built for RGB lovers and gamers (though that Venn diagram is practically a circle). The switches have a light-guiding column that helps with illumination, making it mesmerizing to see in person.

Check out "The Complete Guide to Kailh Keyboard Switches" for more info and "The Complete Guide to Gateron Keyboard Switches" for more information.

Loudest and quietest mechanical keyboard switches

You can find switches that meet your performance and sound preferences with some careful digging, and it mostly comes down to a matter of taste. Keyboard switches are given a decibel rating for their noise output that will indicate how much sound they produce.

Loudest and quietest mechanical keyboard switches

You should consider the environment you’ll use your keyboard in before buying any option, as louder mechanical switches can come across as obnoxious in shared spaces.

 

 

 

Loudest: Kailh Box Jade

If you’re looking for a key switch to submerse you in the oh-so-satisfying sound of clicking and clacking, the Kailh Jade Box switch is a go-to. It’s one of the loudest mechanical keyboard switches on the market, while also being one of the most accessibly priced at $12.24.

Quietest: Cherry MX Silent Red

If you want a classical silent feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red is a stellar option. Silent Reds build on linear switch fundamentals but feature built-in sound dampening, so you can type without worrying about the noise you’re making. They come at a bit of a premium price over their standard counterparts at $4.99 for a 10-pack, but that’s hardly a deal breaker.

To see more keyboard switches across the noise spectrum, read "5 of the Quietest Mechanical Keyboard Switches You Can Get" for more info and "5 of the Loudest Mechanical Keyboard Switches You Can Buy"

Did You Know? HHKB uses Topre switches, which have a soft and tactile sound profile.Click here to learn more.

Best mechanical keyboard switch for gaming

Competitive gamers are well aware of the edge that their hardware gives them, whether it’s a high-end monitor, headphones, or another piece of equipment. Key switches are no exception. If you’re looking for best-in-class gaming performance, the linear Cherry MX Red switch will give you the edge you’re after.

Cherry MX Red

Cherry MX Red switches forgo the tactile bump, which gives you a faster response time while playing. That response time is especially important in genres like FPS, where split-second decisions are paramount to success. Cherry MX Red switches are a reasonably priced option, too, costing $3.99 for a 10-pack.

You can find more stellar gaming switches in our guide "What Are the Best Keyboard Switches for Gaming?"

Topre electrocapacitive switches

Topre switches are comparable to Cherry MX Browns thanks to their tactile, non-clicky feel. However, many enthusiasts agree that Topre switches produce a thicker, more satisfying sound. Their precision and speed make them a ubiquitous, top-end solution for keyboard fans of any disposition. However, they’re fairly rare, being featured in few mechanical keyboards. The HHKB line is one of the most notable to feature Topre switches.
 

 

For more information on Topre switches, read "Topre Keyboard Switches: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know."

How to change mechanical switches

You’ll need a keycap puller and a switch pulling tool to change a mechanical switch. They’re not interchangeable, so use each tool for its intended task. If you do try to use a switch puller on keycaps, you might scratch or chip them. Most keyboards include a keycap puller, and you can find both tools as a 2-in-1 kit if you need a replacement. Once you’ve got everything gathered, you can get started.

Steps to change mechanical switches

Remove the keycap

Using the keycap puller, lift the keycap slowly but firmly. The switch may come off with the keycap, but you can use your tools to hold the switch in one hand and pull the keycap off with the other.

Place your keycap off to the side

Keep keycaps organized to save some time if you're reusing the keycap with new switches, as keeping them in order makes the replacement process easier. This is especially important for blank keycaps and custom layouts, which can have problems if they’re misplaced. Repeat this process for each key cap.

Remove the switch

Once all the keycaps are removed, gently pull out the switches using your switch puller. Never force a key from the board; wiggle it gently if it sticks.

Position the replacement switch

Align the switch and push it into place. The switch should slide into the slot easily, so double-check for debris and proper alignment if it hits a snag.

Replace the keycap

Push the keycap onto the new switch, and you’re set.

If you’d like more information, read our blog “How to Change & Lube Mechanical Keyboard Switches.”

The best keyboard switches guide

Everyone has their own taste for keyboard switches, but many enthusiasts agree that there are standouts. You’ll still want to pay attention to the type of switch you’re investing in, as it will tangibly affect the sound and feel that you get out of each press. Here are some of the top choices.

Keyboard switches

Cherry MX switches

Many in the mechanical keyboard community will sing the praises of Cherry MX switches. There are, after all, valid reasons that most key switches have been inspired by the Cherry MX design. And there’s an option for any preference.

Kailh Box Jade

Kailh’s Box Jade is a remarkable option for clicky switch fans, offering two satisfying chirps with each press. While they’re loud, they aren’t overwhelming. Plus, they’re easier to press than some of Kailh’s other switches, which makes them a great option for typists.

Topre switches

Of all the mechanical key switches out there, few are as likely to create fanatics as Topre switches. With an eloquent look and feel, Topre switches have garnered a passionate following in the keyboard community, which they’ve certainly earned. Finding Topre switches can be a bit difficult, but the HHKB line of keyboards features them. If you want to feel the next-level satisfaction of a Topre switch, check out the full range of high-end keyboards from HHKB.

For other options, check out our blog “The 5 Best Mechanical Keyboard Switches of All Time.”

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