If you're a mechanical keyboard enthusiast, you've probably already heard of ‘switches’. Switches are the beating heart of a mechanical keyboard and can significantly influence your typing and gaming experience. There are numerous types of switches, each with different characteristics in terms of tactile feedback, pressure resistance, and sound. In this article, we will explore the different types of switches, their characteristics, and who they are best suited for, to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.
1. What is a Mechanical Switch?
A switch is the mechanism found under each key of a mechanical keyboard. When you press a key, the switch activates and sends a signal to the computer to register the input. Unlike membrane keyboards, where a single sheet of plastic connects all the keys, each key on a mechanical keyboard has its own independent switch, providing greater precision and a better typing experience.
There are three main types of mechanical switches, which differ in terms of tactile feedback, actuation force and sound emitted:
Linear: They offer smooth, continuous pressure.
Tactile: They provide a small ‘bump’ that indicates when the button has been activated.
Clicky: Similar to tactile, but with an additional audible click.
2. Linear Switches: Fluidity and Speed
Linear switches are characterised by a smooth movement from the beginning to the end of a press, without any noticeable tactile or audible feedback. They are loved by many gamers for their fast response and smooth movement.
Examples of Linear Switches
Gateron Oil King [On Sale]: An all black linear switch featuring Ink bottoms, PA66 (Nylon) Tops, a POM stem and improved factory lubing application as seen in pro line of Gateron switches. They also feature a 22m black spring with 55g actuation force, 80g bottom out and a full 4mm of travel distance.
Gateron EF Curry: A high-quality linear mechanical switch, pre-lubricated in the factory and designed for smooth and precise typing.
WS Morandi: The Morandi linear switches by Wuque Studio feature factory lube and per-switch removable light diffusers. Works with any PCB compatible with Cherry style switches, 5 pins can be modified to 3 pins by clipping off the extra 2 pins if necessary.
Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro: The Gateron KS-20 is a high-quality switch designed to deliver fast and smooth responsiveness, ideal for gaming, equipped with a magnetic Hall-effect sensor.
Gateron Milky Yellow Pro: Gateron Pro is the new series of switches that will offer a smooth and tactile typing experience. Gateron Pro switches are fully compatible with keyboards in hot-swappable versions.
Gateron North Pole 2.0: Gateron North Pole are fully transparent linear switches with top and bottom polycarbonate housing and a unique stem material using ink v2 housing material.
What are they suitable for?
Gaming: Linear switches are appreciated by gamers for their smoothness and responsiveness. Since they have no tactile bump or audible click, they allow quick commands to be executed with less resistance.
Fast typing: Those who need to type quickly may prefer these switches, as they offer less friction when pressing the key.
Pros:
- Fluidity of pressure.
- Quietness (relative).
- Ideal for games that require fast typing.
Cons:
Lacks tactile feedback, which can lead to accidental presses.
3. Tactile Switches: The Perfect Balance
Tactile switches offer a small bump when the key is pressed, signalling when the key has been registered. This makes tactile switches ideal for those seeking physical feedback but without the noise of clicky models.
Examples of Tactile Switches
Gateron Quinn: These Quinn switches offer a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to their specially designed nylon housings. With each keystroke, users are greeted with a rich and immersive sound that adds a touch of character to the typing experience. Expect a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump as well. Actuation force of 59g.
WS Silent Tactile: It features a nylon construction for both top and bottom housing, with a POM stem material. The switch comes with a 15mm single stage spring, offering a total travel distance of 3.50±0.3mm and a bottom-out force of 63.5g. It uses a 5-pin mounting system.
WS Brown: It features a nylon construction for both top and bottom housing, with a POM stem material. The switch comes with a 22mm double stage spring, offering a total travel distance of 3.80±0.3mm and a bottom-out force of 55g. It uses a 5-pin mounting system.
WS Heavy Tactile: It features a nylon construction for both top and bottom housing, with a POM stem material. The switch comes with a 22mm single stage spring, offering a total travel distance of 3.00~3.20mm and a bottom-out force of 45g. It uses a 5-pin mounting system.
What are they suitable for?
Typing: Tactile switches are perfect for people who type a lot and want a clear physical signal that the key has been pressed without the additional noise.
Mixed use: They are great for those seeking a balance between work and gaming, offering tactile feedback for typing but remaining quiet enough for gaming.
Pros:
- Clear tactile feedback without the noise.
- Ideal for typing and hybrid use.
Cons:
May not be as fast or fluid as linear in games that require extreme speed.
4. Clicky Switches: Tactile and Sound Feedback
Clicky switches combine tactile feedback with an audible click, which clearly indicates when a key has been activated. This type of switch is loved by those who love the sound of a ‘traditional’ mechanical keyboard, but may be too noisy for shared environments.
Examples of Clicky Switches
Gateron Low Profile Blue: The WS Low Profile Blue Clicky switch is a clicky-type switch designed for typists, featuring an operation force of 65±15 gf. It has a pre-travel of 1.5±0.5 mm and a total travel distance of 2.5+0.5/-0 mm. This is a loud switch, making it suitable for users who enjoy audible feedback while typing.
Cherry MX Blue: Lo switch clicky più iconico, con un clic udibile e un bump tattile pronunciato. Ha una forza di attuazione di circa 60g.
Razer Green: Simili ai Cherry MX Blue, ma sviluppati specificamente per i prodotti Razer, questi switch sono molto apprezzati dai gamer.
What are they suitable for?
Typing: If you love the sound of clicking and want both tactile and acoustic feedback, clicky switches are the ideal choice.
Individual environments: Perfect for those who work or play in environments where noise is not an issue, such as personal offices or dedicated rooms.
Pros:
- Both tactile and acoustic feedback.
- Great for those looking for clear confirmation of input.
Cons:
Very noisy, not suitable for open plan offices or quiet environments.
5. Other Interesting Switches
Besides the main Cherry MX and variants, there are many other switches on the market with unique features:
Topre
Advantages: Silent, but with very satisfying tactile feedback. Favoured by professionals.
Disadvantages: Very expensive compared to other switches.
Optomechanical
Features: They use an optical sensor to register pressure, eliminating physical contact that could wear out.
Advantages: They offer extreme actuation speed and increased durability, perfect for hardcore gamers.
Disadvantages: Relatively new technology, therefore more expensive and fewer options on the market.
6. How to Choose the Right Switch
When choosing a switch for your mechanical keyboard, consider:
Main use: If you mainly play games, linear may be the right choice. For typing, tactile or clicky are better.
Desired feedback: Do you prefer a smooth feel, physical feedback or acoustic feedback?
Environment: If you work in a shared environment, avoid clicky switches to reduce noise.
Actuation force: The higher the number of grams (g), the more force is required to activate the key. Lighter keys are ideal for rapid typing, while heavier keys offer more precision.
Conclusion
Switches are a fundamental part of the mechanical keyboard experience. Whether you are a gamer looking for speed or a professional looking for comfort and feedback, there is a perfect switch for your needs. Taking the time to understand the different types of switches will allow you to find the ideal mechanical keyboard to enhance your productivity and enjoyment.