Beginner’s Guide to Mechanical Keyboard Switches

If you’ve just entered the world of mechanical keyboards, you’ve probably heard people talking about switches — the heart of every mechanical keyboard. Switches are the mechanisms beneath each keycap that register your keypresses, and they dramatically change how your keyboard feels and sounds.

In this guide, we’ll cover the three main types of mechanical switches — linear, tactile, and clicky — along with some variations, so you’ll know what’s right for your typing or gaming style.

What Are Mechanical Keyboard Switches?

Each key on a mechanical keyboard sits on top of a switch. When you press a key, the switch moves down, actuates (registers the input), and springs back up. Unlike membrane keyboards, which use rubber domes, mechanical switches are made from precise moving parts, giving you better durability, feel, and customization.

Switches are usually defined by: - Feel – smooth, bumpy, or clicky.
- Sound – quiet, muted, or loud.
- Actuation force – how much pressure is needed to trigger the key.
- Travel distance – how far the key moves when pressed.

The Three Main Switch Types

1. Linear Switches

Smooth, consistent, and quiet (except for bottoming out).

Linear switches move straight up and down without tactile bumps or clicks. They’re popular with gamers who want fast, uninterrupted keystrokes.

• Feel: Smooth press, no bump.
• Sound: Relatively quiet.
• Best for: Gaming, fast typing, those who prefer a silky feel.
• Examples: Cherry MX Red, Gateron Yellow, Keychron K Pro Red.

2. Tactile Switches

A bump you can feel — the all-rounder.

Tactile switches give you a noticeable bump at the actuation point, so you know when your keypress has registered without pressing all the way down. They’re great for typing and provide satisfying feedback without being too noisy.

• Feel: Small bump in the middle of the press.
• Sound: A soft “thock” but not loud.
• Best for: Typists, general use, beginners who want feedback.
• Examples: Cherry MX Brown, Gateron Brown, Keychron K Pro Brown.

3. Clicky Switches

Tactile with a sharp click sound.

Clicky switches combine a tactile bump with an audible click at the actuation point. They’re the loudest option — perfect for those who love the old-school typewriter sound, but not ideal in shared spaces.

• Feel: Bump with added click.
• Sound: Loud, clicky.
• Best for: Writers who enjoy auditory feedback, enthusiasts who don’t mind noise.
• Examples: Cherry MX Blue, Kailh Box White, Razer Green.

Other Types You Might Hear About

While linear, tactile, and clicky cover 90% of switches, enthusiasts also explore variations:

• Silent switches – dampened with rubber or silicone to reduce noise (e.g., Cherry MX Silent Red).
• Speed switches – shorter travel distance for faster actuation, aimed at competitive gaming (e.g., Kailh Speed Silver).
• Low-profile switches – slimmer, laptop-like feel but mechanical (e.g., Kailh Choc).
• Optical or Hall Effect switches – use light or magnets instead of metal contacts for ultra-fast response and longevity.

Which Switch Should You Choose?

It depends on your preference:

• Linear – best if you value smoothness and speed (gaming).
• Tactile – best if you want feedback and versatility (typing + gaming).
• Clicky – best if you enjoy sound and don’t mind noise (typing-focused).

If you’re unsure, start with tactile switches. They’re the most beginner-friendly middle ground.

Final Thoughts

Mechanical keyboard switches are one of the most important choices when buying or building a keyboard. Whether you prefer smooth linear strokes, bumpy tactile feedback, or the satisfying click of a typewriter-style switch, there’s a switch out there for you.

And once you start exploring, you’ll quickly see why so many people become switch enthusiasts — it’s a world of feel, sound, and personal preference.

Next up: We’ll dive into detailed comparisons, like “Best Switches for Gaming” and “Best Switches for Typing”, so you can make an even more informed decision.