Now, many people swear by mechanical keyboards, especially with how it improves their typing experience.
So, what’s the difference between these three switches, and which should you get?
What’s a Mechanical Keyboard Switch?
Image Credit: Jowi Morales
Changing its keycaps is the easiest way to personalize a mechanical keyboard.
A mechanical keyboard switch is the mechanism under a keycap that activates the switch to register your key press.
Membrane keyboards use rubber domes and plastic membranes to record your inputs.
These keyboards offer less feedback and may even feel mushy at times, especially for budget models.
It also has a spring to return the key to its original position.
The Three Most Popular Switch Types
There are many different switch types available in the market today.
However, they generally fall under three general categories: linear, tactile, and clicky.
This switch pop in makes a distinct “click” sound when you press it, hence the name.
Some popular clicky switches include Cherry MX Blues, Gateron Blues, Kailh Whites, and Outemu Blues.
The switch mechanism still offers some resistance when you press it.
Examples of tactile switches include Boba U4Ts, Glorious Pandas, Durock T1s, and Halo Clears.
A linear switch slides all the way down without any resistance.
And because it offers no tactility, the switch would already have actuated even before you feel any resistance.
Linear vs. Tactile vs. Clicky: Which Switch key in Should You Use?
Now that you know the three basic switch types, which should you get?
These give satisfying feedback every time you do anything on your keyboard.
If that’s the case, you should settle for tactile or linear switches.
A good starting point is the tactile switch.
These switches still give you feedback for each press you make without making the loud noises of clickies.
That makes it suitable for typing, gaming, and general everyday use.
But if you want smooth, consistent key presses, you’ll want to go for linears.
This could cause your fingers to hurt from typing too hard.
It could even lead to frequent mistypes as you adjust to its feel.
If you’re a heavy typer, you don’t have to settle for clickies.
