The Ultimate Guide to Keyboard Switches

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A real-world breakdown from someone who’s worn out keycaps, lubed switches at 2 a.m., and learned the hard way that “one size fits all” is a lie.

TL;DR

Keyboard switches are the mechanical heart of your keyboard. They determine how typing feels, sounds, and even how fast or accurate you are. There are three main types—linear, tactile, and clicky—each with different characteristics. Inside every switch are components that affect travel, actuation, sound, and longevity. Choosing the right switch is about how you type, not what’s trending. This guide breaks down how switches work, how to use them, and how to pick the right ones without wasting money or patience.

Why Keyboard Switches Matter More Than You Think

Let’s get this out of the way: switches aren’t just a “preference thing.” They’re a relationship. You’re spending hours a day pressing these tiny mechanical parts thousands of times. If they don’t feel right, your fingers know. Your wrists know. Your mood knows.

I didn’t believe this at first. I used whatever keyboard came with the computer. Then one day I tried a mechanical keyboard with decent switches and suddenly typing felt… alive. Responsive. Intentional. I made fewer mistakes. I typed more. I enjoyed it. That’s when I fell down the rabbit hole.

Keyboard switches are the core of that experience.

What Are Keyboard Switches?

A keyboard switch is the individual mechanical mechanism under each keycap. Every time you press a key, you’re pressing a switch. Its job is simple:
register a keystroke.

But how it does that—and how it feels while doing it—is where things get interesting.

In mechanical keyboards, each key has its own switch. This is different from membrane keyboards, where everything is mashed together under a rubber sheet. Mechanical switches are discrete, serviceable, and designed to last tens of millions of keystrokes.

If you’re browsing modern options, sites like Rainbow Keyboards and their dedicated keyboard switch collection are great places to see just how deep this world goes.

How Keyboard Switches Work (No Engineering Degree Required)

Inside a typical mechanical switch, you’ll find five main components:

  1. Housing (Top & Bottom)
    This plastic shell holds everything together and affects sound and stability.
  2. Stem
    The colored piece you see. It moves up and down and defines the switch type.
  3. Spring
    Determines how heavy or light the key feels.
  4. Metal Contacts (Leaf)
    When the stem moves far enough, these touch and send a signal to your computer.
  5. Optional Click Mechanism
    Present in clicky switches for that audible feedback.

When you press a key:

  • The stem moves down
  • The spring compresses
  • The contacts meet
  • The keystroke registers
  • You release, and the spring pushes everything back up

Simple. Elegant. Surprisingly addictive.

For a deeper technical breakdown, resources like Deskthority (https://deskthority.net) and Kailh’s official documentation (https://www.kailhswitch.com) explain switch internals in more detail without fluff.

The Three Main Types of Keyboard Switches

1. Linear Switches

Smooth. Straight down. No bump. No click.

These are popular with gamers and people who like uninterrupted motion.

  • Pros: Consistent feel, quiet, fast
  • Cons: No tactile feedback, easier to bottom out

Examples:

  • Cherry MX Red
  • Gateron Yellow
  • NovelKeys Cream

Linear switches feel like sliding a finger across glass. Some love that. Others miss the feedback.

2. Tactile Switches

A noticeable bump without noise.

This is my personal comfort zone. The bump tells your finger, “Hey, the key registered. You’re good.”

  • Pros: Feedback without being loud
  • Cons: Slightly slower for rapid presses

Examples:

  • Cherry MX Brown
  • Boba U4T
  • Holy Panda

Tactiles are often the gateway switch. They balance control and comfort, especially for typing-heavy work.

3. Clicky Switches

Tactile bump + audible click.

These are love-it-or-hate-it switches.

  • Pros: Clear feedback, satisfying sound
  • Cons: Loud. Office enemies guaranteed.

Examples:

  • Cherry MX Blue
  • Kailh Box White

They’re fun. They’re expressive. They are not subtle.

For historical context, Cherry’s official switch history (https://www.cherry.de) is worth a read. They basically set the foundation for everything we use today.

Key Switch Specs That Actually Matter

Ignore marketing fluff. These specs affect real-world use:

  • Actuation Force – How hard you press (measured in grams)
  • Travel Distance – How far the key moves
  • Actuation Point – Where the key registers
  • Bottom-Out Force – Maximum resistance

Lighter isn’t always better. Heavier isn’t always worse. The sweet spot depends on your hands and habits.

How to Use Keyboard Switches (Beyond Just Typing)

Hot-Swappable Keyboards

These let you pull switches out without soldering. If you’re experimenting, this is the move.

Lubing & Modding

Lubing switches reduces friction and noise. It’s tedious. It’s worth it. It’s also weirdly calming once you accept the process.

Switch Testing

Get a switch tester. Seriously. Buying a full set blind is how money disappears.

Choosing the Right Switch (The Honest Advice)

Ask yourself:

  • Do I type more or game more?
  • Do I work around other people?
  • Do I like feedback or smoothness?
  • Do I bottom out hard?

There is no “best” switch. There’s only best for you right now.

And your taste will change. Mine did. More than once.

Final Thoughts

Keyboard switches aren’t just components. They’re the interface between your thoughts and the screen. When they feel right, everything flows better. When they don’t, you notice every press.

Take your time. Try things. Listen to your fingers. And don’t let hype choose for you.

If you’re ready to explore, Rainbow Keyboards and their keyboard switch collection are solid starting points without the gatekeeping.

This hobby rewards curiosity. And patience.

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