Choosing the Perfect Switch for Your Typing Needs

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, one of the most significant factors influencing your typing or gaming experience is the type of switch beneath each keycap. Keyboard switches come in various types, each offering unique tactile feedback, actuation force, and sound profile. Understanding these differences is essential for selecting a keyboard that fits your preferences and needs.

This guide will walk you through the various types of keyboard switches, their mechanics, features, benefits, and tips for choosing the right one.

What Are Keyboard Switches?

A keyboard switch is the essential mechanism beneath each keycap that registers keystrokes. Unlike membrane keyboards, which use pressure pads, mechanical keyboards utilize individual switches for each key. This design provides a more precise, responsive, and customizable typing experience, with switches rated for tens of millions of keystrokes.

Types of Keyboard Switches

Mechanical switches fall into several categories based on their feel and sound:

• Linear Switches
• Tactile Switches
• Clicky Switches
• Magnetic Switches
• Optical Switches

Each type offers a unique experience suited for different users.

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1. Linear Switches

Pictured: Akko Mirror Switches

How They Work

Linear switches provide a consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. The stem moves smoothly downwards, compressing a spring and closing the circuit upon reaching the actuation point. Some typists may find the lack of tactile feedback less satisfying, potentially leading to a softer or less defined feel.

Best For:

Gamers who need fast, repeatable keystrokes.

Popular Linear Switches

• Cherry MX Red
• Gateron Yellow
• Akko Mirror
• Kailh Red

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Fast and responsive	Lack of tactile feedback
Quiet and smooth	Can feel "mushy" to typists

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2. Tactile Switches

Pictured: Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro Switch

How They Work

Tactile switches contain a bump in the stem design. When pressed, the bump creates a brief resistance, giving users physical feedback that the key has actuated without needing to bottom out.

Best For:

Typists or users who prefer a responsive feel without the noise.

Popular Tactile Switches

• Cherry MX Brown
• Gateron Brown
• Holy Panda switches
• Akko CS Lavender Purple
• Zealios

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Clear actuation feedback	Slightly louder than linear
Good for typing	Not ideal for rapid gaming

 

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3. Clicky Switches

Pictured: Akko Creamy Cyan Switches

How They Work

Clicky switches have a mechanism that creates a tactile bump and an audible click. Typically, this is achieved by a jacketed click bar or an internal leaf that snaps during actuation.

Best For:

Users who enjoy strong tactile feedback and sound.

Popular Clicky Switches

• Cherry MX Blue
• Kailh Box White
• Razer Green

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Satisfying clicky feedback	Loud – not great for shared spaces
Great for heavy typists	Can be fatiguing in long sessions

 

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4. Magnetic Switches (Hall Effect)

Pictured: Akko Astrolink Magnetic Switches

How They Work

Magnetic switches, often referred to as Hall Effect switches, use a magnet and a sensor to detect actuation. As the stem moves, it alters the magnetic field, which is detected by a sensor. These switches allow for adjustable actuation points, making them highly customizable for gaming or typing preferences. Actuation is contactless so they don’t physically wear out from actuation, however some physical wear like spring fatigue may still develop with extended use.

Best For:

Gamers or professionals who want fully adjustable key sensitivity.

Popular Magnetic Switches

• Gateron Magnetic Hall Effect
• Wooting Lekker Switch
• SteelSeries Omnipoint 2.0

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Adjustable actuation sensitivity	Typically limited to specific boards
Smooth, contactless operation	Higher cost
Long lifespan	Less variety across brands

 

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5. Optical Switches

Pictured: Razer Huntsman Mini Red Optical Switches

How They Work

Optical switches use light to detect keystrokes instead of metal contacts. When a key is pressed, the stem interrupts or reflects an infrared beam, signaling actuation. This design eliminates the need for debounce delay entirely, offering slightly faster response times -especially valuable in competitive gaming. Optical switches are rated for 100M+ keystrokes, although some magnetic switches claim virtually unlimited actuation cycles.

Best For:

Gamers looking for lightning-fast response times and minimal input lag.

Popular Optical Switches

• Razer Linear / Clicky Optical
• Gateron Optical Yellow

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Faster actuation	Not compatible with all PCBs
Longer lifespan (100M+ presses)	Fewer switch options available
No debounce = instant signal	Often restricted to prebuilt boards

 

Note: Optical switches often require specially designed PCBs, limiting modding or switch swapping on standard mechanical keyboards. These switches are NOT compatible with the keycaps we offer here at shopgalactica.

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Specialty Switches and Innovations

Silent Switches

These include silent versions of linear or tactile switches, using dampeners to reduce noise:

• Cherry MX Silent Red
• Gateron Silent Brown
• Akko Silent Linear

Ideal for creating a quiet mechanical keyboard.

Low-Profile Switches

Used in slim keyboards for portability. Less travel distance, but maintain tactile or linear characteristics.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing your Switch Type

1. Typing vs. Gaming

• Typing: Go for tactile or clicky.
• Gaming: Linear or magnetic are best.

2. Noise Level

• Quiet environments: Silent switches or linears.
• Personal use: Clicky may be fine.

3. Actuation Force

• Lighter switches (e.g., Cherry MX Red) are less fatiguing.
• Heavier switches provide more control.

4. Durability

• Optical and magnetic switches often outlast traditional ones.

5. Customizability

• Consider hot-swappable keyboards to test different switches easily.

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Final Thoughts

Pictured: Akko Green Fog Switch

Whether you're building your dream gaming keyboard, assembling a silent mechanical keyboard for work, or just trying to find the perfect feel, the right switch makes all the difference. From smooth linears to clicky tactiles, and cutting-edge magnetic and optical switches, there’s a perfect fit for everyone.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Have a favorite switch or keyboard setup? Share it in the comments, and feel free to browse our keycap collection for that perfect finishing touch.