Mechanical keyboards have been popular for a long time, but which switches are best for you? There are plenty of options on the market these days, but deciding on the type of switch you'd like depends largely on your preferences.
This article will discuss the main things to keep in mind when deciding on your mechanical keyboard switches. After that, we'll provide you with our recommendations for which switches are best for your mechanical keyboard, whether you use it for typing, gaming, or both.
What Are Mechanical Switches?
When people talk about mechanical switches, they're referring to the mechanism that sits underneath the keys on a mechanical keyboard.
With traditional membrane keyboards, there are usually three plastic membranes beneath the keys. The top membrane has dome-shaped "switches." When a key is pressed, these switches push down and connect the membranes, sending an electrical signal to your PC.
In mechanical keyboards, each key has a separate mechanism that actuates as you press it down. When you press a key on a mechanical keyboard, it pushes the stem of the key down and physically connects the circuit to send a signal to the PC. A spring then returns the key cap to the original position.
Most people tend to find mechanical keyboards much more satisfying and easier to use than membrane keyboards. The thing is, there are dozens of mechanical switches, and they differ quite substantially.
How Do Mechanical Switches Differ?
There are three main categories of mechanical switches: Linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear keys have a smooth, consistent stroke. Tactile switches have a noticeable, tactile "bump" in the middle of the keystroke. Finally, clicky switches make a sharp clicking noise in the middle of the keypress.
Each of these has definite pros and cons depending on what you're using them for. The main things to keep in mind when buying a mechanical keyboard are:
- How satisfying they feel and whether they're comfortable
- How noisy they are
- How fast they are/how much effort it takes to press them
- How much they cost
- How long they will last
- How available they are
So, which is the best? Take a look at the best switches in the three main categories: typing, in the office, and gaming.
Best Mechanical Switches for Typing
As with most things, the keyboard and switch type best for typing depends on your preferences. There are a few factors that make a mechanical switch good for typing, including how much pressure it takes to actuate (the less the better — to a point).
Many keyboard users also prefer a tactile switch over a linear or clicky switch. This is because a tactile switch offers a bump that can reduce typing errors (and makes typing more satisfying) and because tactile switches are much quieter than clicky ones. Although, if noise isn't an issue, there's no reason not to go loud!
Cherry MX Brown/Cherry MX Blue
Cherry MX keys are some of the most well-known and popular mechanical keys on the market. The color differences refer to how clicky and heavy the keys are. Cherry MX Browns are tactile keys, while Cherry MX Blues are clicky, but both are great choices for typists.
Cherry MX Browns have a total travel distance of 4.0mm and actuate at 2.0mm, requiring only 45 grams of pressure to press. In addition, they provide tactile feedback in the form of a small, light bump in the centre of the keystroke. Many typists like this as it lets them know they've pressed the key without needing too much pressure. This can help to reduce errors, reduce strain, and increase typing speed.
On the other hand, Cherry MX Blues have the same travel and actuation distance but require 60 grams of pressure to press down. They are also far louder and produce a more tactile bump when compared to the Cherry MX Browns. If you have no problem with noisiness, Cherry MX Blues are a great choice.
Best Mechanical Switches for the Office
In the office, you want quiet mechanical switches that are perfect for elongated periods of typing. Cherry MX Browns will be a decent choice here, but keep in mind that they're still pretty noisy (though nowhere near their blue counterparts). If quietness is paramount, here are some excellent silent keys to get you started.
Gazzew Boba U4s
The Gazzew Boba U4 is a relatively recent addition to the mechanical key market and has certainly made a splash. They come in two forms, one set requiring 62 grams for actuation and one requiring 68 grams.
The U4s are generally regarded as having an excellent tactile response that makes typing very satisfying. They are also quiet enough that you will have no problem using these in an office space and come at a great price point.
Cherry MX Silent Black
The Cherry MX Silent Blacks are a fair bit quieter than the Boba U4s but are more expensive to purchase (sometimes three times the price for a keyset). The Silent Blacks require 60 grams to actuate and are a linear switch, rather than tactile, meaning that you will receive little tactile feedback when pressing down the key.
Cherry MX Silent Red
A final alternative is the Cherry MX Silent Reds which differ from the Blacks in that they're even more silent. They also require slightly less weight to actuate at 45 grams, making them great for avoiding strain.
Best Mechanical Switches for Gaming
If you're using your keyboard specifically for fast-paced competitive gaming, you're going to want speed switches. These are switches that actuate as fast as possible and need the least force.
Keep in mind that if you're going to use your keyboard for typing as well, speed switches may increase your error rate because they're so easy to press.
Cherry MX Speed Silver
Cherry MX Speed Silver keys have been specially designed for gamers. They have an actuation distance of only 1.2mm and require only 45 grams of pressure to actuate. In addition, these linear keys are smooth and highly consistent, with absolutely no bump.
The downside to Speed Silvers is that they're relatively hard to source and can be more expensive. If this is a problem, Cherry MX Reds are a great alternative.
Kailh Speed Silver
These are pretty much an exact copy of the Cherry MX Speed Silvers at a much more palatable price. The Kailh Speed Silvers actually have a shorter actuation distance (1.1mm) and only need 40 grams of pressure to press, making them slightly faster than their Cherry MX alternatives. However, they don't have the lifespan of the Cherry switches (50-60 million keystrokes versus 100 million for Cherry).
What's Your Favorite Mechanical Keyboard Switch Type?
At the end of the day, the best switches for you are going to be the ones that help you do what you do—whether it's typing, gaming, or a combination. It's worth your time to visit a store and try out several kinds of mechanical switches to work out which feels right for you before investing in a set.