When you press a key, it makes a “thock” sound, which means your key has been successfully registered. This sound is deep, soft, and satisfying, almost like a gentle knock. Many people in the keyboard community love the thocky sound because it feels more natural and less harsh compared to sharp clicks or loud clacks. It’s a sound that adds personality to your typing and makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
There are a lot of thocky switches available on the market, but not all of them sound the same. Some have a deeper tone, while others lean toward a lighter or softer thock. Choosing the right one depends on what kind of sound and feel you enjoy the most. I’ve gathered some of the best thocky switches for you so you don’t have to dig through endless options. These switches don’t just sound nice, they also give a smooth and comfortable typing feel, making them perfect for long hours of work or gaming.
Top 5 best thocky linear switches
1. Novelkeys Cream
The first switch worth mentioning is the NovelKeys Cream, which is well-known for its thocky sound. It sits somewhere in the middle compared to other linear switches on the market, giving a nice balance between smoothness and sound. Typing on it feels satisfying, with a deeper tone that many people enjoy.
When it comes to bottoming out, these switches are definitely on the heavier side of the force spectrum. That means you need to press them a little harder compared to lighter linears, which can be a plus if you like a firmer, more controlled typing feel. However, if you prefer an easy, feather-light press, these might feel tiring after long sessions.
One thing to note is that while NovelKeys Creams sound fantastic, they aren’t always the smoothest switch right out of the box. Some people find them a little scratchy and expect more refinement at their price. With proper lubing, though, their smoothness improves a lot, and the thocky sound becomes even more pleasant.
| Feature | Detail |
| Type | Linear Mechanical Switch |
| Operating Force | 55 g |
| Bottom-out | 70 g |
| Pre-travel | 2.0 mm |
| Total Travel | 4.0 mm |
| Spring | Stainless steel, standard length |
| Durability | 50 million keystrokes |
| Mount | 5-pin MX-style PCB mount |
| Housing & Stem | Self-lubricating POM (one-piece design) |
Pros
Cons
2. Gateron G Yellow Pro
This is the Gateron G Yellow Pro, a switch that has become very popular in the keyboard community. It’s well known for its smooth feel, especially when compared to other budget switches, even some Cherry options. What makes it stand out is that it delivers a premium typing experience without being heavy on the pocket, making it a favorite for beginners and experienced users alike.
The actuation force is light and comfortable, so you don’t need to press too hard, which helps during long typing or gaming sessions. Many people appreciate that it feels smooth right out of the box, with less scratchiness than you’d expect at this price point.
Now, let’s talk about the sound. The Gateron Yellow Pro produces a soft, muted clack that isn’t too loud or distracting. It doesn’t have the deep thock of higher-end switches, but it still offers a pleasant tone that feels balanced. With some lubing and the right keyboard setup, you can make them sound even better.
Overall, the Gateron Yellow Pro gives you smoothness, affordability, and decent sound all in one package. That’s why it’s often recommended as one of the best budget-friendly linear switches out there.
| Feature | Detail |
| Type | Linear Mechanical Switch |
| Operating Force | 50 g |
| Bottom-out | 67 g |
| Pre-travel | 2.0 mm |
| Total Travel | 4.0 mm |
| Spring | 20 mm, extended for consistency |
| Durability | 50 million keystrokes |
| Mount | 5-pin MX-style PCB mount |
| Housing & Stem | POM stem, nylon housing, factory lubed |
Pros
Cons
3. POM Purple
The POM Purple switches have a very satisfying sound signature that many people describe as a deep thock. If you enjoy switches that give a rich, full sound when you type, these are definitely worth trying. The typing feel is also buttery smooth, thanks to the POM material used in the housing and stem. POM has a naturally slick texture, which helps reduce friction and makes every keystroke feel consistent and easy.
Another nice thing is that these switches don’t feel mushy or hollow. Instead, they give you a firm and stable press that pairs well with their thocky sound. When combined with the right keyboard build and keycaps, the sound becomes even more pronounced, making typing a very enjoyable experience.
If you’re looking for switches that balance smoothness, comfort, and sound quality, the POM Purple switches are a strong option. They give you both a premium feel and that thocky audio feedback people love.
| Feature | Detail |
| Type | Linear Mechanical Switch |
| Operating Force | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | 55 g |
| Pre-travel | 2.0 mm |
| Total Travel | 3.6–0.6 mm |
| Material | Full POM housing + POM stem |
| Mount | 5-pin MX-style PCB mount |
| Durability | 80 million keystrokes |
| Factory Lube | Lightly pre-lubed for smoothness |
Pros
Cons
4. Gateron Oil King V2
The Gateron Oil King V2 is known as a thocky switch because of its deep, creamy sound and smooth feel right out of the box. These switches use ink-based material in the bottom housing, which gives them a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to many other linears. The result is a low, bassy tone that feels satisfying with every press.
Typing on them feels smooth and effortless, with no scratchiness. The sound is lower-pitched, giving that “thock” people look for in premium switches.
Another nice thing about these switches is their consistency. Each press feels uniform, so you don’t get that uneven feel that sometimes happens with cheaper switches. They also respond well when paired with foam or heavier cases, which helps to bring out the full richness of the sound.
If you like linear switches and want something that offers both buttery smoothness and a rich sound, the Oil King V2 is a solid choice worth considering.
| Feature | Detail |
| Type | Linear Mechanical Switch |
| Operating Force | 55 g |
| Bottom-out | 65 g |
| Pre-travel | 2.0 mm |
| Total Travel | 4.0 mm |
| Top Housing | PA66 (nylon) |
| Bottom Housing | Proprietary Ink material |
| Stem | POM |
| Mount | 5-pin MX-style PCB mount |
| Durability | 60 million keystrokes |
| Factory Lube | Lightly pre-lubed for smoothness |
Pros
Cons
5. Prevail Nebula
The Prevail Nebula is a very smooth switch, and its sound profile leans toward the lower-pitched, deeper side. Unlike some softer linears, it has a louder, firmer bottom-out because of its elongated pole design. That longer pole not only changes how the switch feels but also adds a sharper impact when you press down fully.
The combination gives you a mix of smooth keystrokes with a deeper sound and a noticeable thock at the bottom. This makes it appealing if you like a switch that feels clean while still giving clear feedback when a key is pressed all the way.
Another detail worth noting is that the Nebula switches are built with solid materials that reduce scratchiness and make them feel refined even without extra lubing. They also pair well with heavier cases or foam mods, which can soften that harder bottom-out and balance the sound even more.
If you’re looking for a switch that blends smooth typing, deep tones, and a stronger bottom-out feel, the Prevail Nebula is a good option to explore.
| Feature | Detail |
| Type | Linear Mechanical Switch |
| Operating Force | 67 g |
| Spring | 68 g long spring |
| Pre-travel | 2.0 mm |
| Total Travel | 3.5 mm (shortened by long pole) |
| Top Housing | Polycarbonate |
| Bottom Housing | Nylon |
| Stem | POM, extended pole |
| Mount | 5-pin PCB mount |
| Factory Lube | Lightly pre-lubed |
| Durability | ~50 million keystrokes |
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
In my opinion, these switches are some of the best if you’re chasing that thocky sound. Each one has its own character, whether it’s deeper, sharper, or more muted. Take a closer look at these switches and see which one matches your style and preference.
Finding the right thocky switch isn’t just about sound it’s also about feel. Some give you a soft landing, while others have a firmer bottom-out that makes the thock stand out even more. It depends on whether you want a smoother, quieter press or a louder, more solid impact.
So explore these options, test them if you can, and choose the one that feels and sounds just right for you. The perfect thocky switch is out there waiting you just need to find the one that makes your typing the most enjoyable.
For a perfectly paired setup, consider checking out our guide to the best gaming keyboards for small hands to ensure your thocky switches sit on a board that fits just right.
FAQ’S
Is linear switch thocky?
There are different types of linear switches that can give a thocky sound. Some have a deeper tone, some sound sharper, and some are known for being quiet. In the end, it’s all about what you prefer and the kind of typing feel you enjoy.
Are thocky switches loud?
“Thocky” switches are not usually considered loud. They have a deep, bassy sound that leans more toward the muted side. On the other hand, tactile and clicky switches are often known for being louder and sharper.
Which plate is more thocky?
The one I know that’s famous for a thocky sound is the POM Plate. It gives a smooth and quiet typing experience, which makes it sound thocky.
Are HMX switches thocky?
Some switches in the HMX lineup have a thocky sound, while others lean more toward a clacky sound signature. This gives you the choice to pick the sound style that matches your typing preference.
