Switches are the heart of any mechanical keyboard. They determine how your keyboard feels, sounds, and performs — and the wrong choice can make even the most beautiful board a chore to type on. Here are 7 key factors to guide you to your perfect switch.
1. Understand the Three Switch Types
All mechanical switches fall into one of three categories. Linear switches (like Cherry MX Red) have a smooth, consistent keystroke with no tactile bump — great for gaming and fast typists. Tactile switches (like Cherry MX Brown or Topre) have a noticeable bump mid-press that gives feedback without a click sound. Clicky switches (like Cherry MX Blue) add an audible click to the tactile bump — satisfying to type on, but loud enough to annoy everyone around you.
2. Consider Your Primary Use Case
Gaming and typing have different demands. Gamers typically prefer light linear switches for fast, effortless actuation. Typists often prefer tactile or clicky switches for the feedback that helps them feel each keypress. If you do both, a medium-weight tactile switch is usually the best compromise.
3. Pay Attention to Actuation Force
Actuation force is measured in grams (g) and describes how hard you need to press a key to register. Light switches (35–45g) feel effortless but can cause accidental keypresses. Heavy switches (60g+) reduce mistakes but fatigue your fingers faster. Most people find the 45–55g range to be the sweet spot for all-day typing comfort.
4. Check the Travel Distance
Total travel distance is how far the key travels from top to bottom. Most switches have 4mm of total travel with actuation around 2mm. Low-profile switches have shorter travel (around 3mm total) for a flatter, laptop-like feel. Standard travel switches feel more deliberate and are preferred by most enthusiasts.
5. Think About Sound
If you work in a shared office or take calls, switch sound matters. Linear switches are the quietest option. Tactile switches are moderately quiet. Clicky switches are the loudest and should be avoided in noise-sensitive environments. "Silent" variants of popular switches (like Cherry MX Silent Red) add dampening pads to reduce both upstroke and downstroke noise significantly.
6. Try Before You Buy — Use a Switch Tester
Reading about switches only gets you so far. A switch tester — a small board with one of each switch type — lets you feel the difference firsthand before committing to a full set. Many enthusiasts consider a switch tester an essential first purchase. It's a small investment that can save you from buying a keyboard you end up not enjoying.
7. Consider Hot-Swap vs Soldered
If you're not sure which switch you'll love long-term, choose a keyboard with a hot-swap PCB. Hot-swap boards let you pull out and replace switches without soldering — so you can experiment freely. Soldered boards are more permanent but often offer a more stable, consistent connection. For beginners, hot-swap is almost always the better starting point.
The Right Switch Makes All the Difference
There's no universally "best" switch — only the best switch for you. Take your time, try a few options, and don't be afraid to experiment. Once you find your match, every keystroke becomes a pleasure.
Pair your perfect switch with premium keycaps from Taptempo Keyboard to complete your ideal build.