Keyboard Switches Comparison: A Guide to Choosing the Right Type

Mechanical keyboards are a staple for computing enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals who seek a more tactile and responsive typing experience. In my experience, the heart of any mechanical keyboard is its switches, which determine the feel, sound, and overall performance of the keyboard. A comparison of these switches is valuable as it allows individuals to make informed decisions based on their specific needs, whether they’re after speed for gaming, comfort for long typing sessions, or quiet operation in a shared workspace.

Various switch types dominate the market, including linear, tactile, and clicky categories. Linear switches offer a smooth keystroke without feedback or sound, making them ideal for users who prioritize uninterrupted key travel. Tactile switches provide a bump-like feedback indicating the actuation point without the noise of clicky switches, suitable for typists who prefer physical response. Clicky switches give both tactile feedback and an audible click at the point of actuation, favored by those who enjoy the rhythmic sound while typing. Each type has its distinct actuation force and travel distance, which contribute to the typing experience and can affect the user’s speed and comfort.

My guide to keyboard switch comparison aims to supply the key details necessary to distinguish between the myriad of options available. It encompasses everything from the actuation force required to register a key press, to the total travel distance of each switch. With a myriad of brands offering various iterations of these switch types, including Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh, and others, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of these fundamentals in order to choose the best switch for your mechanical keyboard. Understanding these nuances and comparing them across brands empowers users to make choices that align with their typing preferences and usage habits.

Types of Keyboard Switches

When choosing a mechanical switch for your keyboard, the primary differences you’ll encounter are in the switch’s feel and sound. There are three main types of switches you should be familiar with: clicky, tactile, and linear.

Clicky Switches

Clicky switches are revered for their audible feedback. They produce a distinct click sound at the point of actuation, which is when the keypress is registered. This sound is caused by a mechanism that creates a click when the switch is pressed down past a certain point. Many typists appreciate clicky switches, such as the Cherry MX Blue, for their feedback, which can be satisfying and potentially beneficial for typing accuracy.

• Sound: Audible click
• Feedback: Tactile bump
• Actuation: Noticeable force required

Tactile Switches

I find tactile switches to offer a middle ground between clicky and linear types. These switches provide a tactile bump during actuation but without the loud click noise associated with clicky switches. The bump gives physical feedback to your fingers, letting you know the keypress has been registered. Such a feature can reduce the need to bottom out keys, thereby enabling a potentially faster typing experience. The Cherry MX Brown is a common example of a tactile switch.

• Sound: Soft tactile noise
• Feedback: Noticeable tactile bump
• Actuation: Moderate force, no click

Linear Switches

Linear switches are characterized by a smooth keystroke. They lack the tactile bump and clicky sound, providing a consistent and quiet keypress, which makes them a favorite among gamers who require swift and silent keypresses. The actuation on a linear switch such as the Cherry MX Red is smooth from top to bottom without any tactile feedback or noise interrupting the motion.

• Sound: Silent or very quiet
• Feedback: Smooth keystroke without bump
• Actuation: Even force from top to bottom

Switch Specifications

When assessing keyboard switches, I focus on three critical factors: actuation force, travel distance, and lifespan. These attributes significantly affect typing experience and durability.

Actuation Force

The actuation force is the amount of pressure needed to depress a key and register a keystroke. It’s measured in grams (g). For example, switches like the Cherry MX Red require a relatively light actuation force of around 45g, making them suitable for gamers who need quick keystrokes. In contrast, the Aliaz Silent switch commands a heavier actuation force of 100g, designed for users who prefer a deliberate keypress.

Travel Distance

Travel distance is the measurement of how far a key moves down until it’s actuated. It’s comprised of two components: pre-travel and total travel distance, both documented in millimeters (mm). Linear switches typically provide a consistent travel distance from start to finish. To illustrate, a standard Cherry MX switch might have a pre-travel of 2mm and a total travel of 4mm, offering a balanced and predictable typing feel.

Lifespan

Lifespan refers to the durability of a switch, often rated by the number of keystrokes it can endure before it starts to degrade. For mechanical switches, this figure typically ranges from 20 to 100 million keystrokes. A switch like the Cherry MX is renowned for its longevity, often rated at 50 million keystrokes, ensuring long-term reliability for users. The higher the rated lifespan, the more durable the switch tends to be, making it a vital consideration for heavy typists and professionals.

Popular Switch Brands

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the switches under each key are critical for defining the typing experience. I’ll discuss three of the most renowned switch manufacturers: Cherry MX, Gateron, and Kailh. Each brand has developed a loyal following due to their distinct characteristics and reliable performance.

Cherry MX Switches

Cherry MX switches are widely regarded as the gold standard in the keyboard industry. They offer a variety of switches to cater to different preferences:

• Cherry MX Red: A linear switch with a smooth keystroke, favored for gaming due to its quick actuation.
• Cherry MX Brown: Known for its tactile bump, suitable for both typing and gaming.
• Cherry MX Blue: Offers a clicky sound and tactile feedback, preferred by typists for their audible actuation.

Gateron Switches

Gateron switches are often praised for their smoothness and affordability. Some highlights include:

• Gateron Reds: Linear like their Cherry counterparts, but with a slightly smoother keystroke.
• Gateron Browns: Tactile yet less noisy than MX Browns, providing a softer typing experience.
• Gateron Blues: Clicky and tactile, these provide a lighter actuation force compared to Cherry MX Blues.

Kailh Switches

Kailh has made a name for producing innovative switches with various design tweaks:

• Kailh Box Switches: Feature a box around the cross stem for added stability and protection from dust.
• Kailh Speed Switches: Designed for fast actuation, making them ideal for gamers.
• Kailh Pro Switches: Offer unique feelings, like the Pro Burgundy with a short actuation and a linear path, catering to both gamers and typists.

Choosing Switches for Specific Uses

When selecting the right switch for my mechanical keyboard, I consider the specific tasks I’ll be using it for. Different switches excel in various environments, such as gaming or an office setting, and choosing the right one is crucial for optimal performance and comfort.

Gaming

For gaming, I look for switches that provide quick actuation without the need to fully press the key down. This is where linear switches like Cherry MX Red come into play. They allow for rapid keystrokes without a tactile bump, offering a smooth keystroke, which is beneficial for fast-paced gameplay. Another popular choice I recommend is the Cherry MX Speed, designed explicitly for responsiveness.

• Gamers Preference: Linear switches (e.g., Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Speed)
• Actuation Point: Lower for speedy response

Typing

When typing, it’s all about accuracy and comfort. Tactile switches, like Cherry MX Blue, provide that noticeable feedback with each keypress, which is satisfying for typists. However, they can be loud. If I need a quieter environment, the Gazzew Boba U4T switch is a tactile option that offers a silenced typing experience.

• Typist Preference: Tactile switches (e.g., Cherry MX Blue, Gazzew Boba U4T for silent typing)
• Feedback: Audible click or a tactile bump

General Use

For a keyboard that balances typing and gaming, I consider versatile switches like Cherry MX Brown. They offer a middle ground with a softer tactile feel compared to the Blue switches, and they are less noisy, which makes them suitable for an open office environment.

For those who value silence, I focus on switches that are designed to minimize noise. These tend to have rubber dampeners, such as the Cherry MX Silent Red or Silent Black, ideal for keeping my workspace quiet.

• General Use: Tactile and silent switches (e.g., Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Silent Red/Black)
• Noise Level: Quiet to suit different environments

By considering the specific uses and the environment in which I’ll be using my mechanical keyboard, I ensure that I select switches that align with my preferences for responsiveness, typing feedback, and noise levels.

Considerations for Purchase

When I’m looking to purchase keyboard switches, I weigh several critical factors to ensure that my selection meets my needs for durability, cost, and aesthetics—a trio of considerations that can significantly influence the user experience and satisfaction with mechanical keyboards.

Durability

Actuation Lifespan: I check the switch’s rated lifespan, typically measured in millions of keystrokes. For instance, most high-quality switches offer a lifespan ranging from 50 to 100 million keystrokes, which indicates long-term durability.

Materials Used: It’s also important to examine the materials used in switch construction. Some switches boast gold-plated contacts or more resilient plastics, contributing to a more durable product that withstands rigorous use, such as in a gaming keyboard where keys are pressed frequently.

Cost

Price Range: I scrutinize the cost of switches, which usually varies from $0.20 to $1.20 each. This cost can add up, especially when considering that a full-sized mechanical keyboard may require over 100 switches, leading to a significant investment.

Budget Consideration: Setting a budget helps narrow down choices and focus on switches that offer the best balance between price and performance. I often compare the pricing tiers relative to the performance to ensure I’m getting good value for my money, whether for typing or gaming uses.

Aesthetics

Keycap Compatibility: I make sure that the switches I choose are compatible with the keycaps I intend to use, as this can impact the overall aesthetics of the keyboard.

RGB Lighting: If I prefer a keyboard with RGB lighting, I look for switches that are designed to allow light to pass through, enhancing the visual effect. Some switches have clear or translucent housings that are specifically made to accentuate RGB lighting.

By considering durability, cost, and aesthetics, I can make a well-informed decision that complements my keyboard setup, whether for everyday typing or for the specialized demands of a gaming keyboard.

Technical Terms Explained

In this section, I’ll clarify technical terms related to keyboard switches, focusing particularly on the stem and membrane switches.

Understanding the Stem

The stem is the moving part of a keyboard switch which the keycap attaches to. When I press a key, the stem moves down, triggering the switch to send a signal to the computer. There are different stem shapes affecting the switch’s characteristics:

• Cross-Shaped Stem: Common in Cherry MX and compatible switches.
• Rectangle-Shaped Stem: Often seen in switches like Topre.

Stems also differ based on the switch type, with variance in travel distance and actuation force:

• Travel: The distance the keycap moves downward, often measured in millimeters.
• Actuation Force: The amount of force required to depress the key and register a keystroke, measured in centinewtons (cN) or grams (g).

What is a Membrane Switch?

A membrane switch is different from mechanical switches. It’s characterized by a three-layered design with a pressure pad that registers keystrokes when the top layer is pressed into the middle layer, completing a circuit on the bottom layer. This construction translates to:

• Quieter operation compared to mechanical switches.
• Less tactile feedback, since it lacks the physical components that create a “bump” or “click” present in some mechanical switches.
• Softer keypresses due to the rubber dome’s cushioning effect.

Membrane switches often require a full keypress, or total travel, to actuate. Unlike mechanical switches, there is less variation in actuation force and travel across different membrane keyboard models.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I tackle some of the most common queries regarding the nuances of keyboard switches, including their characteristics, sound profiles, performance in gaming, and factors important for comparison.

What are the characteristics of different keyboard switch types?

Different keyboard switch types such as clicky, linear, and tactile have distinct characteristics. Clicky switches, like the Cherry MX Blue, provide audible feedback and a tactile bump, while linear switches, such as Cherry MX Red, offer a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback.

How do the sounds of various keyboard switches compare?

The sound of keyboard switches can vary widely. Clicky switches are known for their loud, distinct “click” sound on actuation, which might be too disruptive for quiet environments. Linear switches are much quieter, making them more suitable for shared spaces.

What makes a keyboard switch preferable for gaming?

For gaming, a switch’s responsiveness and actuation force are crucial. Gamers often prefer linear switches like Cherry MX Red for their smooth keystrokes and consistent actuation force, which can facilitate quicker key presses and potentially improve in-game performance.

Which factors should be considered when comparing mechanical keyboard switches?

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, consider actuation force, travel distance, durability, responsiveness, and the sound produced. Personal preferences in the feel and sound during typing or gaming play a significant role in selecting the right switch.

How do actuation force and distance vary between different switch colors?

Switches are often color-coded to indicate their actuation force and travel distance. For instance, Cherry MX Reds typically require a lower actuation force and have a shorter travel distance compared to Cherry MX Blues, which require a higher actuation force with a longer travel.

In terms of durability and responsiveness, how do popular keyboard switch brands differ?

Popular keyboard switch brands vary in durability and responsiveness. Cherry MX switches are renowned for their reliability and are rated for tens of millions of keystrokes. Other brands like Gateron and Kailh also offer durable options that may differ slightly in actuation force and tactile feedback.