What is a Mechanical Switch and What Types Are There?
Mechanical switches, or just switches, are the components that bridge the keycap you press and the circuit board that sends the signal to your computer.
Switches are the heart and soul of mechanical keyboards because they play a decisive role in how your keyboard sounds and feels.
Choosing a Switch
Choosing between switches will almost be entirely personal preference. From type of switch, to use case, to noise level, there are many aspects that go into choosing the perfect switch for you.
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Clicky switches are the closest to that typewriter feel.
They give the most feedback (both auditory and tactile) and are great if you've got a separate office or live with someone who doesn't mind the noise.
Clicky switches often have a unique feel because of the way they produce their click.
This can mean a little more "give" before the switch "snaps" into actuation.
Tactile switches give tactile feedback on each press to physically denote where the key actuates.
Once a user is comfortable with the location of the bump, bottoming out is no longer necessary.
This can help with reducing noise if you're a light typist.
Tactile switches generally have the most tunable aspects for designers, and thus the most variants.
The tactile bump can be lighter or more pronounced, and spring weight can greatly change how the tactility feels.
Linear switches are the smoothest switches.
They have no feedback on actuation, and thus are better for more experienced typists or those who don’t mind bottoming-out, like gamers.
Linear switches are the least prone to “breaking in” or developing long term wear, as they have the least points of friction.