Mechanical Switches

How to Choose

When It Matters

Broadly speaking, there are three main types of switches: linear, tactile, and clicky. Most companies will label these switches in terms of color, with Red being linear, Brown being tactile, and Blue being clicky. But the colors, switch types, and offerings vary from company to company, with some brands, like Razer, using their own switches with a different color labeling scheme. What's important is that, usually, a specific color switch will behave similarly across brands. So, a Cherry MX Red switch will offer a similar feeling to a Kailh or Gateron Red switch, though there may be some slight differences, which we'll explore later.

Since it's hard to imagine what a switch will feel like without ever interacting with it, it's good to start with a point of reference. The best example is a laptop keyboard, as many people are familiar with typing on them. Most laptop keyboards use membrane or scissor switches rather than mechanical, but they provide an excellent starting place for determining what kind of switch you like. When typing on a laptop keyboard, notice there's a slight "bump" or increase in resistance when you push down the key. It's this "tactile" feedback that lets you know you've successfully pressed a key. This same "tactile bump" is the feeling you'll find in both tactile and clicky switches. If you enjoy that feeling, you'll want to look for a tactile or a clicky switch. These two switch types have this pronounced bump, with the main difference being that clicky switches produce a loud "click" noise when you've pressed a key.

Another good point of reference is the Operating Force. This is the force required to press a key down and register an input. It also lets you know how much resistance you'll feel when you press down a key. Continuing with the example of a laptop keyboard, most of them require around 43 grams of force to actuate. While that may sound like a lot, it puts these keyboards in a "light" range, meaning that it doesn't require much force from your fingers to press down a key, as you'll see in the tables below, some "heavy" switches can double that number, meaning they require double the effort to get a keystroke in. We measure the operating force in gram force (gf), while some companies advertise it in centinewton (cN). We use the measurement that each brand advertises, but the two units are identical.

Each switch type has its unique feeling and sound profile, but they also have their own pre-travel distance and total travel distance. The pre-travel distance is the more important of the two, as this number tells you how far down, in millimeters (mm), you have to press a key before the input registers. The total travel distance is how far the key can go down before bottoming out. The pre-travel distance can also be referred to as the "sensitivity" of the key. A switch with a short pre-travel distance means it doesn't require a significant depth for a key to actuate. While this may be great for gaming, as it means you can react much faster, it means you're more likely to register accidental keypresses if you nudge a nearby key, making them feel more sensitive.

Switch Types

Cherry MX Brown switch in the Ducky One 2

Razer Pro Type with the Razer Orange switch

Linear

The first switch type we'll delve into is linear. They provide a smooth keypress throughout, meaning the only resistance you'll feel is from the spring itself. They don't have a tactile bump or a click like tactile or clicky switches. Oftentimes, linear switches tend to have a lighter actuation force than tactile or clicky switches because they lack this tactile bump, making them much better suited for gaming. Some switches, like the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, are specifically designed for gaming since they have a very short pre-travel distance and light actuation force, making them very sensitive and responsive.

Linear switches are also extremely quiet to use, with most of the noise occurring when you bottom out the keys.

When you look at the actuation graphs, you can see that linear switches, as their name suggests, have a linear actuation curve. As you apply force to the key, it moves down with no resistance or additional force required. The actuation point is clearly marked and tends to occur around the 2.0mm depth.

Below is a list of some popular linear switches. We're providing the advertised measurements because we haven't tested all of them, and even for the switches we've tested, results vary due to manufacturing tolerances. Some companies either list operating or actuation force, but not both, so in that case, we list whatever is advertised. You can see which keyboards we've tested from each switch with the links below. We've also individually tested some switches from our switch test kit, that we haven't tested with individual keyboards. You can see the actuation graph by clicking on the thumbnails. There are many other kinds of linear switches that we haven't listed, so if we're missing a popular option, let us know.

Brand	Type	Advertised Pre-Travel (mm)	Advertised Total Travel (mm)	Advertised Operating Force	Individual Results	Graph
Cherry	MX Black	2.0	4.0	60 cN	-
Cherry	MX Red	2.0	4.0	45 cN	Table
Cherry	MX Silent Black	1.9	3.7	60 cN	-
Cherry	MX Silent Red	1.9	3.7	45 cN	-
Cherry	MX Speed Silver	1.2	3.4	45 cN	Table
Gateron	Black	2.0	4.0	60 gf	-
Gateron	Clear	2.0	4.0	35 gf	-
Gateron	Red	2.0	4.0	45 gf	-
Gateron	Silent Black	2.0	4.0	60 gf	-
Gateron	Silent Red	2.0	4.0	45 gf	-
Gateron	Tealios 67g	Unknown	Unknown	67 gf	-
Gateron	White	2.0	4.0	35 gf	-
Gateron	Yellow	2.0	4.0	50 gf	-
HyperX	Red	1.8	3.8	45 gf	Table
Kaihua	Kailh Black	2.0	4.0	60 cN	-
Kaihua	Kailh BOX Black	1.8	3.6	60 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh BOX Dark Yellow	1.8	3.6	70 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh BOX Red	1.8	3.6	45 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh BOX Silent Pink	1.8	3.6	35 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh Novelkeys Cream	2.0	4.0	55 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh Pro Burgundy	1.7	3.6	50 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh Red	1.9	4.0	50 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh Silver Speed	1.1	3.5	50gf	Table	-
Razer	Yellow	1.2	3.5	45 gf	Table
Varmilo	EC Rosery	2.0	4.0	55 cN	-
Varmilo	EC Rosery V2	2.0	4.0	55 cN	-
Varmilo	EC Sakura	2.0	4.0	45 cN	-

Tactile

The defining feature of a tactile switch is the "bump" in the middle of the keypress. This bump lets you know when you're about to actuate a key, as the actuation point usually comes after the bump. If you're a touch-typist who doesn't look down at your keyboard while you type, this is a great switch option, as this tactile bump can help you avoid accidental keypresses and typos. However, these types of switches are also great for gamers for a similar reason.

Tactile switches are often quiet by nature. They lack the "click" or "ping" of a clicky switch, which makes them a great choice for open office use. That said, they can produce a lot of noise if you tend to bottom out the keys while you type.

As we mentioned previously, while most switches with the same color will behave similarly across brands, there may be some differences. Pre-lubed switches, like the Gateron G Pro Brown switches, come with a small amount of lube on the switch stem, which gives it an overall smoother feel. Regular Gateron Brown switches may feel slightly scratchier as there's no lubrication between the moving parts of the switch stem and housing.

When looking at the actuation graph, note that the y-axis shows the force required while the x-axis shows the travel distance. Tactile switch graphs will always have a bump in them that represents the tactile bump you experience when typing. The highest point of this bump is the peak operating force required, so some heavy switches, like the Kaihua BOX Royals, have a pretty high curve in the middle, owing to the fact it requires a lot of force to register a keypress. It's also important to note where this bump occurs, as this will tell you when you can expect the most resistance. Some switches have a nearly instantaneous bump, like the Gateron Zealios switches. This means you'll likely feel the resistance of the spring right when your fingertip touches the key.

We listed some of the most popular tactile switches down below. If we're missing a popular option, let us know.

Brand	Type	Advertised Pre-Travel (mm)	Advertised Total Travel (mm)	Advertised Operating Force	Individual Results	Graph
Cherry	MX Brown	2.0	4.0	55 cN	Table
Cherry	MX Clear	2.0	4.0	65 cN	-
Cherry	MX Grey	2.0	4.0	80 cN	-
Gateron	Aliaz 60g	Unknown	Unknown	60 gf	-
Gateron	Aliaz 70g	Unknown	Unknown	70 gf	-
Gateron	Aliaz 80g	Unknown	Unknown	80 gf	-
Gateron	Aliaz 100g	Unknown	Unknown	100gf	-
Gateron	Brown	2.0	4.0	45 gf	Table
Gateron	G Pro Brown	2.0	4.0	55 gf	Table
Gateron	Silent Brown	2.0	4.0	45 gf	-
Gateron	Zealios 62g	Unknown	Unknown	62 gf	-
Gateron	Zealios 65g	Unknown	Unknown	65 gf	-
Gateron	Zealios 67g	Unknown	Unknown	67 gf	-
Gateron	Zealios 78g	Unknown	Unknown	78 gf	-
Kaihua	Hako Clear	1.9	3.6	55 gf	-
Kaihua	Hako Royal Clear	Unknown	Unknown	40 gf	-
Kaihua	Hako True	1.9	3.6	60 gf	-
Kaihua	Hako Violet	1.9	3.6	40 gf	-
Kaihua	Halo Clear	1.9	4.0	65 gf	-	-
Kaihua	Halo True	1.9	4.0	60 gf	Table	-
Kaihua	Kailh BOX Brown	1.8	3.6	60 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh BOX Burnt Orange	1.8	3.6	70 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh BOX Royal	1.8	3.6	75 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh BOX Silent Brown	1.8	3.6	45 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh Brown	1.9	4.0	60 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh Pro Purple	1.7	3.6	50 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh Speed Copper	1.1	3.5	50 gf	-
Logitech	GX Brown	1.9	4.0	60 gf	-
Logitech	Romer-G Tactile	1.5	3.2	55 gf	Table
Matias	Quiet Click	2.2	3.5	60 gf	Table
Omron	Gamma Zulu	1.5	3.5	50 gf	Table
Razer	Orange	1.9	4.0	50 gf	Table
ROCCAT	Titan Tactile	1.8	3.6	Unknown	Table
SteelSeries	Brown	2.0	4.0	45 cN	Table

Clicky

The defining feature of a clicky switch is exactly what it sounds like: the click. These switches offer the same tactile feedback as tactile switches, but with an added "click" or "ping" caused by an internal mechanism that releases around the actuation point of the key. This click adds audible feedback to let you know when you've pressed a key, which is great if you're a touch-typist.

While clicky switches are beloved by mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, they may be a little loud for open office environments, with some workplaces even going so far as to ban them entirely for being too distracting to others. So, if you're planning on getting a mechanical board for the office, you'll likely be better off with a tactile switch. Though, if you're interested in hearing a standard clicky switch, you can see an example here.

Like tactile switches, when reading the graphs, you can see a significant bump that represents the tactile feedback. This bump tends to drop off considerably, which is the point where the click occurs.

Below are the most popular clicky switches available with their advertised measurements, and we've provided tables to show the individual results of the keyboards we tested, as well as some individual switches we've tested. This is a small list of the countless clicky switches available, so if we've missed any popular ones, let us know.

Brand	Type	Advertised Pre-Travel (mm)	Advertised Total Travel (mm)	Advertised Operating Force	Individual Results	Graph
Cherry	MX Blue	2.2	4.0	60 cN	Table
Cherry	MX Green	2.2	4.0	80 cN	-
Gateron	Blue	2.3	4.0	60 gf	-
Gateron	Green	2.3	4.0	80 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh Blue	1.9	4.0	60 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh BOX Jade	2.0	3.6	50 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh BOX Navy	2.0	3.6	60 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh BOX Pale Blue	1.8	3.6	70 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh BOX White	1.8	3.6	50 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh Pro Green	1.7	3.6	50 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh Speed Bronze	1.1	3.5	50 gf	-
Kaihua	Kailh Speed Gold	1.4	3.5	50 gf	-
Logitech	GX Blue	2.0	4.0	60 gf	Table
Outemu	Blue	2.7	4.0	60 gf	Table
Razer	Green	1.9	4.0	55 gf	Table

Other Types

Manufacturers have pushed the pace of innovation and have come out with different types of switches over the years besides the traditional ones. These new switches are still considered mechanical but behave differently from the linear, tactile, and clicky switches listed above. They each present their unique characteristics and typing experience.

Low Profile

Low-profile switches use the same mechanism as standard mechanical switches, but as the name suggests, they're shorter and have a lower profile. This means that the total travel distance is much lower than standard switches, so they bottom out quicker. However, not everyone likes the feel of low-profile switches and choosing a low profile over a standard really comes down to personal preference. Below is an image of the NuPhy Air75, a keyboard that uses low-profile mechanical switches, to give you a better idea of what they look like.

Low-profile switches can have a linear, tactile, or clicky feel, and we listed a few examples below. We've included the actuation graphs for the switches we've tested.

Brand	Type	Feel	Advertised Pre-Travel (mm)	Advertised Total Travel (mm)	Advertised Operating Force	Individual Results	Graph
Cherry	MX Low Profile Red	Linear	1.2	3.2	45 cN	-	-
Cherry	MX Low Profile Speed	Linear	1.0	3.2	45 cN	Table
Gateron	Low Profile Blue	Clicky	1.5	2.5	50 gf	-	-
Gateron	Low Profile Brown	Tactile	1.5	2.5	55 gf	Table
Gateron	Low Profile Red	Linear	1.5	2.5	45 gf	Table
Kaihua	Kailh Choc Blue	Clicky	1.3	3.2	55 gf	-	-
Kaihua	Kailh Choc Brown	Tactile	1.3	3.2	50 gf	-	-
Kaihua	Kailh Choc Red	Linear	1.3	3.2	50 gf	-	-
Logitech	GL Clicky	Clicky	1.5	2.7	60 gf	-	-
Logitech	GL Linear	Linear	1.5	2.7	50 gf	-	-
Logitech	GL Tactile	Tactile	1.5	2.7	60 gf	Table

Optical

Optical switches differ from standard mechanical switches because they lack the physical metal contact point that standard mechanical switches have. Instead, they use a beam of light to register the position of the stem within the switch. Due to this method of registering keystrokes, some optical switches have the ability to set a custom actuation point using the companion software. This means if you want a very sensitive usually within a very wide range.

Keyboards like the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog make use of optical switches and show this switch type's fullest potential: an analog mode. In "Analog Mode," your keystrokes emulate a gamepad joystick. To explain this a little more clearly, if you're playing a racing game and press the A-key to steer left, the further down you press the A-key, the more you'll turn left. Essentially, the further you press down the key, the greater the movement in-game.

Optical switches tend to have a linear feel, but there are clicky and tactile options as well. Usually, they're found on higher-end gaming boards, as they're better suited for gaming than for general typing tasks. There can also be low-profile optical switches, like those found on the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro and Keychron K3 (Version 2).

Brand	Type	Feel	Advertised Pre-Travel (mm)	Advertised Total Travel (mm)	Advertised Operating Force	Individual Results	Graph
A4Tech	LK Optical Blue	Clicky	1.8	4.0	50 gf	-	-
A4Tech	LK Optical Brown	Tactile	1.8	4.0	50 gf	Table
A4Tech	LK Optical Red	Linear	1.8	4.0	40 gf	-	-
Flaretech	Clicky55 "Blue"	Clicky	1.5-3.6	4.0	55 cN	-	-
Flaretech	Linear80 "Black"	Linear	1.5-3.6	4.0	80 cN	-	-
Flaretech	Linear 55 'Red'	Linear	1.6-3.5	4.0	55 cN	Table
Gateron	Optical Black	Linear	2.0	4.0	60 gf	-	-
Gateron	Optical Blue	Clicky	2.3	4.0	55 gf	-	-
Gateron	Optical Brown	Tactile	2.0	4.0	55 gf	-	-
Gateron	Optical Red	Linear	2.0	4.0	45 gf	-	-
Gateron	Optical Silver	Linear	1.1	4.0	45 gf	-	-
Gateron	Optical Yellow	Linear	1.1	4.0	35 gf	-	-
Razer	Optical Analog	Linear	1.5-3.6	4.0	45 gf	Table
Razer	Clicky Optical	Clicky	1.5	4.0	45 gf	Table
Razer	Linear Optical	Linear	1.0	4.0	40 gf	Table

Hall Effect Switches

Hall Effect switches operate very similarly to optical switches but with some major differences. Namely, instead of a beam of light, Hall Effect switches use magnets to register inputs. Like, optical switches, these switches also have an adjustable pre-travel distance and the option for an Analog Mode. However, Hall Effect switches tend to have a more consistent and accurate implementation of these features, as seen when you compare the keystroke results of the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog, which uses optical switches, and the Wooting two HE, which uses Hall Effect switches.

Although Hall Effect switches are based on an older switch patent dating back to the 1960s, the implementation into keyboards on a larger scale is relatively new. Currently, they're found in high-end gaming boards, like the SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Wooting two HE. Most Hall Effect switches have a linear feel and a very light actuation force, making them feel very responsive for gaming.

Below is a list of a few Hall Effect switches that we've tested.

Brand	Type	Feel	Advertised Pre-Travel (mm)	Advertised Total Travel (mm)	Advertised Operating Force	Graph
Gateron	Lekker Linear60	Linear	0.1-4.0	4.0	40 gf
SteelSeries	OmniPoint	Linear	1.0-3.8	4.0	45 gf
SteelSeries	OmniPoint 2.0	Linear	0.2-3.8	4.0	40 gf

Conclusion

When entering the world of mechanical keyboards, it's easy to get caught up on the details, especially when there are so many switches to choose between. However, the most important factor is your personal preference. It's always good to start with a point of reference, the keyboard you currently use. What do you like about it? What do you dislike about it? By answering those two questions, you can already narrow down your search for a switch to one that works best for you. It's also important to know what you use your keyboard for. If you're a gamer or looking for a keyboard specifically for gaming, then opting for a gaming-oriented switch is in your best interests. If you plan to use your keyboard to type up 15-page essays, you may want something with more versatility, like a tactile switch. Though switches are small, they have a big impact on your typing experience.