Linear, Tactile or Clicky? A Beginner’s Guide to Mechanical Keyboard Switches
The switch under each key decides how a mechanical keyboard feels and sounds. There are three main types, and choosing the right one makes all the difference.
Linear switches
Linear switches move straight up and down with no bump or click. They are smooth and quiet, and many gamers love them for rapid, repeated keypresses.
Best for: fast-paced gaming and anyone who wants a smooth, quiet feel.
Tactile switches
Tactile switches have a small bump partway through the keypress, letting you feel the moment the key registers. This feedback helps you type accurately without pressing every key all the way down.
Best for: typing, programming and mixed use. A great all-rounder.
Clicky switches
Clicky switches combine a tactile bump with an audible click. They are very satisfying to type on, but loud, so they might not be popular in a shared office.
Best for: people who love feedback and work alone.
Other things to consider
- Actuation force: how hard you need to press. Lighter switches feel faster; heavier ones help prevent accidental presses.
- Travel distance: how far the key moves before it registers.
- Hot-swappable boards: let you change switches without soldering.
Still not sure?
Tactile switches are the safest starting point. They offer a good balance of feedback and noise for both work and play.
Our pick
New to mechanical keyboards? The Ember RGB uses tactile switches, an ideal all-rounder for gaming and typing. Check out the Ember RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard in our shop.
[Demo comment] Tactile all the way for me.
[Demo comment] Tactile is a great all-rounder! Hot-swap is handy if you want to experiment with switches later.
[Demo comment] Is a hot-swappable board worth paying extra for as a beginner?
[Demo comment] Great explanation of actuation force, never understood that before.