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Keyboard Switches · Buying guide

Keyboard Switch Buying Guide: Linear vs Tactile vs Clicky and How to Choose

Everything you need to know about keyboard switch buying guide: linear vs tactile vs clicky and how to choose, explained plainly.

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Type: The Most Important Decision

Linear: No bump, no click.

The keystroke goes straight down with consistent resistance.

Best for gaming; preferred by some high-speed typists.

Tactile: Bump at the actuation point.

The bump signals that the key registered.

Actuation Force

Actuation force is measured in grams (g):

Pre-Lubed vs Standard Switches

Many modern switches come factory pre-lubed.

Lubing reduces switch friction, producing a smoother keystroke and lower-pitched sound.

Higher-end switches (Gateron Ink, Cherry MX RGB) come pre-lubed; budget options (Outemu, Kailh Box standard) typically do not.

You can lube any switch yourself with Krytox 205g0 (linear) or Tribosys 3203 (tactile).

See How to Lube Keyboard Switches for the process.

Hot-Swap vs Soldered

Hot-swap keyboards allow you to change switches without soldering, pull the old switch out, insert a new one.

If you are new to mechanical keyboards and may want to experiment with different switches, choosing a hot-swap keyboard eliminates the barrier to trying multiple switch types.

Best Keyboard Switches - top picks Best Linear Switches - linear options Best Tactile Switches - tactile options

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Answers

Frequently asked questions

Which keyboard switches are best for gaming?

Linear switches are the standard recommendation for gaming because there is no tactile bump to slow down repeated keypresses. Cherry MX Red, Gateron Red, and Gateron Yellow are the most popular gaming options. The key specification for gaming is a light actuation force (35-45g) to reduce fatigue during extended sessions.

Which keyboard switches are best for typing?

Tactile switches are the standard recommendation for typing because the bump at the actuation point provides feedback that a key registered without pressing to the bottom. This allows faster, more accurate typing. Strong tactile options (Boba U4, Holy Panda) are better for dedicated typists; lighter tactile options (Cherry MX Brown) are the casual-use default.

How do I try switches before buying a keyboard?

They let you feel each switch type before committing to a keyboard. Alternatively, many keyboard retailers sell individual switches in packs of 10-35 for testing in a hot-swap keyboard.

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