Linear, Tactile or Clicky? A Beginner’s Guide to Mechanical Keyboard Switches
gomez
, , Tech Explained
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.

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Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboards: Which Should You Buy?
gomez
, , Buying Guides
Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboards: Which Should You Buy?

If you spend hours typing or gaming, your keyboard is one of the most important tools on your desk. The biggest choice is between mechanical and membrane keyboards.

How membrane keyboards work

Membrane keyboards use a rubber dome under each key. Pressing the key pushes the dome down to complete a circuit. They are quiet, affordable and common on office and laptop keyboards, but they can feel “mushy”.

How mechanical keyboards work

Mechanical keyboards have an individual switch with a spring under every key. This gives a crisp, consistent feel and lets you choose exactly how each keypress feels and sounds.

Head-to-head comparison

  • Feel: Mechanical keys are more precise and consistent. Membrane keys are softer.
  • Durability: Mechanical switches are typically rated for tens of millions of keystrokes, far more than most membrane boards.
  • Noise: Membrane is quieter. Mechanical noise depends on the switch type.
  • Customisation: Mechanical keyboards often support swappable keycaps and per-key lighting.
  • Price: Membrane is cheaper, but a mechanical keyboard can last for many years.

Who should go mechanical?

Gamers benefit from fast, precise keypresses and features like N-key rollover, which registers every key even when many are pressed at once. Writers and programmers often find mechanical keyboards more comfortable and less tiring over long sessions.

The verdict

If you type or game for more than a couple of hours a day, a mechanical keyboard is one of the best upgrades you can make to your setup.

Our pick

Try the Ember RGB with tactile mechanical switches, N-key rollover, per-key RGB and an aluminium top plate. Check out the Ember RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard in our shop.

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