The best keyboard switch really depends on your own needs and preferences. There’s no single switch that works perfectly for everyone in every situation. That’s why I narrowed down a list of different key switches to suit all kinds of uses, whether you’re typing, gaming, or doing a mix of both. Each switch type has its own feel and sound, so you can choose the one that matches your comfort, speed, and preference. This way, you’ll have an easier time finding the right switch that makes your keyboard experience to another level.
Different Types of Mechanical Switches
First, keep in mind that there are three main types of mechanical switches, and each one feels different from the others. These are linear, tactile, and clicky switches. We’ll go through each of them one by one and explain their features in a little more detail so you can understand which type might work best for you.
Linear:
Linear switches feel smooth when you press them, without any bump or click. They are fast and easy to press, which some people like for the soft and consistent feel. Typists who enjoy quiet keyboards may prefer them, but others might find them too sensitive and end up pressing the wrong keys by mistake.
Gamers also like linear switches because they are light to press and register key presses quickly, making them great for fast reactions in games.
Tactile:
Tactile switches are the middle ground between smooth linear switches and noisy clicky switches. When you press a key, you feel a small bump that tells you the key has been activated. This little feedback helps you know exactly when your key press is registered, which can cut down on typing mistakes. Many people like them because they give feedback without making too much noise. That’s why they are often a good choice for offices, classrooms, or any place where loud keyboards might bother others.
Clicky:
Clicky switches are the type of switches that provide both a tactile bump and an audible click when you press a key. The combination of the bump and the click gives you a clear confirmation that the key has been pressed, making the typing experience feel more satisfying and responsive. These switches are especially popular among typists who enjoy the distinct sound and physical feedback while working. However, they can be quite noisy, so they may not be the best choice in quiet environments like offices or libraries.
List of Mechanical Keyboard Switches
Now, let’s talk about the list of mechanical switches that I’ve carefully picked out for you. Each switch on this list has its own feel, sound, and features, so you can get a better idea of which one might suit your typing or gaming style the most. This way, you’ll have a clear starting point to explore the options without feeling overwhelmed by all the choices out there.
1. Glorious Gateron Green
Let’s start with the Glorious Gateron Green switches, which are tactile and clicky switches, making them a great option for people who enjoy both feedback and sound while typing. They feel smooth when you press the keys, which is one reason why many gamers and even programmers like using them. However, there is one drawback to keep in mind the pins on these switches can sometimes bend during installation if you’re not careful. To avoid this, it’s best to handle them gently and make sure they are properly aligned before pressing them into place.
Clicky and tactile:
Glorious Gateron Green switches provide a satisfying click when you press a key, along with a noticeable tactile bump. The clear click adds an audible confirmation, while the tactile bump improves accuracy by signaling exactly when the key has been activated.
Heavy Activation force:
It has a very high activation force nearly (around 80g) which means it requires a firm press to register a keypress. This might not be a good choice for people who likes lighter switches.
| Feature | Short detail |
| Switch Type | Gateron Green clicky and heavy |
| Actuation | 2.4 mm actuation, 80 g actuation force |
| Sound/Feel | Loud click with strong tactile bump |
| Durability | Rated for 50 million keystrokes |
Pros
Cons
2. Gateron Blue
Even though these switches are a bit cheaper, you won’t often find them in keyboards, whether budget or high-end. Most low-cost mechanical keyboards use other switches instead, so these aren’t very common. Still, they’re an affordable option for anyone just starting with mechanical keyboards. The switch has a total travel distance of 4mm and requires 60g of force to press all the way down. It’s a fairly standard switch, but it has a slightly shorter pre-travel than usual, which some people might like and others might not.
Life span:
It can last for about 50 million key presses, which means it’s very durable and will work for a long time.
| Feature | Short detail |
| Switch Type | Gateron Blue clicky and tactile |
| Actuation | 2.3 mm actuation, 60 g actuation force |
| Sound/Feel | Noticeable tactile bump with loud click |
| Durability | Rated for 50 million keystrokes |
Pros
Cons
3. Akko V3 Creamy Blue Pro
Akko V3 Creamy Blue Pro switches are budget-friendly tactile switches and part of Akko’s new V3 lineup. This lineup includes two options: the Yellow linear switch and the Blue tactile switch. The best part is that both come at a very low price for a pack of 45 switches, making them a great choice for people on a budget. When you press the keys in the center, they feel very smooth with almost no scratchiness, which is excellent for a contact-based switch. Even off-center presses are smooth, with only a little scratchiness if you press very slowly. These switches also come with a dustproof stem cover, which gives them better stability and makes typing more steady and comfortable.
Best choice:
I think this is a great choice for anyone who wants a switch that feels premium, making it the best option for them.
| Feature | Short detail |
| Switch Type | Akko V3 Creamy Blue Pro tactile |
| Actuation | 2.0 mm actuation, 50 g actuation force |
| Bottom Out | 3.8–4.0 mm travel, 60 g bottom-out force |
| Sound/Feel | Crisp tactile bump with a medium “thocky” sound |
| Durability | Rated for 60 million keystrokes |
| Spring | 22 mm extended spring for smoother rebound |
| Factory Lube | Lightly pre-lubed for reduced scratchiness and smoother keystrokes |
Pros
Cons
4. GATERON Milky Yellow Pro
Gateron Milky Yellow Pro V2 switches are a great option for anyone looking for budget-friendly linear switches for their mechanical keyboard. They come pre-lubed, which makes them smoother to press and helps reduce scratchiness during use. This gives them a more polished feel right out of the box, so you don’t have to worry about extra modding. Because of their balance of price and performance, they’re a popular choice among beginners as well as experienced keyboard users.
Compatibility:
They work with both SMD and plug-in LEDs and have a 5-pin design, which makes them fit most MX mechanical keyboards.
| Feature | Short detail |
| Switch Type | Linear smooth keystroke, no tactile bump |
| Actuation | 2.0 mm actuation, 50 g actuation force |
| Bottom Out | 4.0 mm travel, 62 g bottom-out force |
| Sound/Feel | Smooth, deep “thocky” sound with consistent travel |
| Durability | Rated for 50 million keystrokes |
| Spring | 15 mm spring for balanced keypress resistance |
| Factory Lube | Lightly factory pre-lubed for smoother feel and less scratchiness |
| Housing | Milky nylon top & bottom housing for deeper sound profile |
Pros
Cons
5. Kailh Pro Purple
The Kailh Pro Purple switches comes with a 50g actuation force and have a shorter travel distance compared to Cherry Brown switches. One common opinion about them is that their tactility isn’t very strong. They have a noticeable bump at the start, but after that, they feel more like a linear switch. This might not be ideal for everyone, but they still provide enough tactile feedback to help prevent accidental key presses. Overall, they give a lighter and faster typing experience while still offering some level of control.
Light Transmittance:
The transparent upper housing lets light pass through easily, making these switches a good choice for RGB keyboards.
| Feature | Short detail |
| Switch Type | Tactile light bump, no click |
| Actuation | 1.7 mm actuation, 50 g actuation force |
| Bottom Out | 3.6–3.7 mm travel, 70 g bottom-out force |
| Sound/Feel | Noticeable tactile bump, medium sound (quieter than clicky switches) |
| Durability | Rated for 70 million keystrokes |
| Spring | Medium-length spring for faster return |
| Factory Lube | Very lightly pre-lubed (depends on batch) |
Pros
Cons
6. Kailh Box Switch Jade
Kailh Box switches use a different mechanism for clicking compared to normal clicky switches. Inside the housing, there’s a small box that holds the leaves and a click bar. The term “box” in box switches refers to this part, not the stem shape. The click bar creates a sound that’s a bit different from regular clicky switches. It’s louder, sharper, and more metallic, and it even makes two clicks—one when you press the key down and another when it comes back up. As for the feel, even though the actuation force is only 50g, the tactile bump feels stronger and more noticeable.
Best value:
The price of these switches depends on how many you buy, but we recommend looking around because they are usually the best value at about $0.50 USD per switch.
| Feature | Short detail |
| Switch Type | Clicky sharp tactile bump with loud click |
| Actuation | 1.8 mm actuation, 50 g actuation force |
| Bottom Out | 3.6 mm travel, 75 g bottom-out force |
| Sound/Feel | Very loud, crisp click with firm tactile bump |
| Durability | Rated for 80 million keystrokes |
| Design | Box switch design resists dust and moisture |
| RGB Support | Transparent housing for SMD RGB lighting |
Pros
Cons
7. AKKO V3 Fairy Linear
These switches are Akko’s second try at making a quiet switch. Their first was the Haze Pink Silent, which in my opinion was also a decent option. When you press the key in the center, they can feel a little scratchy with small inconsistencies, but this mostly happens only during very slow presses. Off-center presses are also slightly scratchy with a few more inconsistencies, but again, only if you press very slowly. According to Akko, these switches actuate at 50g with a 2mm pre-travel and a total travel of 3.3mm. In actual use, though, they feel lighter than the force curve suggests, which was also true for the Haze Pink Silent switches.
Sound:
The sound of these switches is much quieter, and their main strength is how silent they are. If you want a light, ultra-quiet switch, these should definitely be on your list.
| Feature | Short detail |
| Switch Type | Linear Silent smooth keystroke, dampened for quiet typing |
| Actuation | 1.9–2.0 mm actuation, 50 g actuation force |
| Bottom Out | 3.6–3.8 mm travel, 60 g bottom-out force |
| Sound/Feel | Very quiet, soft bottom-out thanks to built-in dampeners |
| Durability | Rated for 60 million keystrokes |
| Spring | 22 mm extended spring for stable rebound |
| Factory Lube | Lightly pre-lubed for smoother feel |
Pros
Cons
8. Gateron Ink Black V2
This is one of the best linear switches and a favorite among many custom keyboard fans. Most people like it because of its smooth keypress feel. The switches come with 5 pins, but you can trim them down to 3 pins if needed. They are slightly heavier than red or yellow switches, with a 60g actuation force and 4mm total travel. They also have a well-loved sound that is deep and rich, yet still fairly quiet.
Weakness:
The main downside of these switches is that they can feel a little wobbly when typing, even though they have a five-pin design that’s usually meant to make them more stable.
| Feature | Short detail |
| Switch Type | Linear smooth, consistent keystroke |
| Actuation | 2.0 mm actuation, 60 g actuation force |
| Bottom Out | 4.0 mm travel, 70 g bottom-out force |
| Sound/Feel | Deep, “thocky” sound with premium smoothness |
| Durability | Rated for 60 million keystrokes |
| Housing | Proprietary smoky-black transparent housing for better acoustics |
| Factory Lube | Lightly pre-lubed from factory for reduced scratchiness |
Pros
Cons
9. Kailh Box White
The Kailh Box White switches were released by Kailh and had a big impact on clicky switches. After they came out, there was a clear drop in the number of click-jacket switches being released, like the ones used in Cherry MX Blues and their clones. These switches work with a metal click bar that snaps back into place when the slider passes a notch. That motion creates both the click sound and the tactile bump. The “box” name comes from the housing design that protects the stem. As for the feel, these switches are pretty light, similar to MX Blues or their clones.
Downsides:
It does have two big downsides. First, even though these switches sound much better than MX Blues, they make two clicks for every key press one when you press down and another when you release. Some people might not like that.
| Feature | Short detail |
| Switch Type | Clicky crisp tactile bump with audible click |
| Actuation | 1.8 mm actuation, 45 g actuation force |
| Bottom Out | 3.6–3.8 mm travel, 55 g bottom-out force |
| Sound/Feel | Sharp, clean click with light feel |
| Durability | Rated for 80 million keystrokes |
| Design | Box switch design resists dust and moisture |
| RGB Support | Transparent housing for SMD RGB lighting |
Pros
Cons
For lightning-fast actuation and unbeatable responsiveness, check out our guide to the best keyboard switches for gaming to power up your play.
Conclusion
Our picks above are what we believe are the best switches for keyboard fans right now. Of course, no switch is perfect for everyone or for every situation, but most of them work well enough for general use. When making these recommendations, we looked at the price, what people in the community are saying, and how easy they are to find. We also considered things like smoothness, sound, and how reliable they feel, so you can choose with more confidence.
FAQ’S
Is clicky or linear better?
This mostly depends on the person. Some gamers or users prefer linear switches. The main difference is that linear switches are quieter compared to clicky switches.
Do pro gamers use linear or tactile?
Most gamers prefer linear switches because they respond quickly and make fast key presses easier.
Are brown switches loud?
Brown switches are usually considered a bit loud because they create a tactile bump when pressed.
What color switch is quietest?
Between red and brown switches, red is usually considered the quieter one.
