Linear, Tactile, Clicky: Understanding Switch Types
The three switch families explained — how they feel, how they sound, and which one you should actually try first.
Every mechanical switch does the same thing: complete a circuit when you press it. How it gets there is what makes each one feel different. There are three families, and everything else is a variation.Linear switches
Smooth from top to bottom. No bump, no click. Just a clean press. Cherry MX Reds, Gateron Yellows, and most 'speed' switches are linear.
Sound: Quiet, thocky. The satisfying deep sound that keyboard people obsess over comes mostly from linear switches combined with good case acoustics.
Best for: Gaming (fast repeated presses), people who type with a light touch, anyone who wants a quiet keyboard.Tactile switches
A bump partway through the press. You feel resistance, then it gives way. Cherry MX Browns are the classic tactile, though enthusiasts often find them too subtle.
Sound: Moderate. Quieter than clicky, louder than most linears. The bump creates a small sound event at the actuation point.
Best for: Typists who want feedback without noise. People transitioning from membrane keyboards (the bump feels familiar).Clicky switches
A bump AND an audible click. Cherry MX Blues are the stereotype. The click comes from a separate mechanism inside the switch — either a click jacket or a click bar.
Sound: Loud and sharp. If you work in an open office, your coworkers will notice. If you work alone, they're incredibly satisfying.
Best for: People who love the typewriter feel. Writers who want auditory feedback. Anyone who doesn't share their workspace.Beyond the big three
The lines blur in the enthusiast space:
- Silent linears (like Bobagums or Healios) have rubber dampeners on the stem — almost zero sound
What to actually buy
If you're new: buy a switch tester. It's a small board with 10-15 different switches mounted on it. You can feel each one for about ¥50-80. This saves you from buying 90 switches you end up hating.
If you just want a recommendation: Gateron Yellows (linear), Boba U4T (tactile), or Kailh Box White (clicky). All three are widely available, well-priced, and representative of their category.
Lubing
Whatever switch you choose, lubing makes it better. A thin coat of Krytox 205g0 on the housing and spring eliminates scratchiness and ping. It's tedious (expect 1-2 hours for a full keyboard) but the difference is dramatic. Factory-lubed switches are getting better, but hand-lubing still wins.