Mechanical keyboard switches come in three broad families—linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches are widely recommended by gamers and many heavy typists because they offer a smooth, uninterrupted travel path with minimal tactile feedback. This guide explains what linear switches are, how they work, where they excel (and where they don't), and practical advice on choosing, modding, and maintaining them. The content references community testing and manufacturer comparisons to meet practical, experience-driven standards.

What Are Linear Keyboard Switches?

A linear keyboard switch is a mechanical switch type that moves straight up and down when pressed, without the tactile bump or audible click found in the other families. From top to bottom the force curve is smooth and consistent: press, actuation, bottom out. Popular examples include Cherry MX Red, Gateron Red, and many "speed" or "silent" linear variants sold by major manufacturers.

Because linear switches provide predictable keystrokes without a tactile event, users often describe them as “smooth” or “buttery.” That smoothness makes them especially well-suited for rapid repeated keypresses common in competitive gaming (FPS, MOBA) and for workflows that involve lots of repeated inputs (video editing shortcuts, macro-heavy tasks).

Community tests and aggregated user reviews indicate linear switches are favored when low latency, consistent actuation, and quieter operation (relative to clicky switches) are priorities. However, preferences remain personal—some typists prefer the feedback of a tactile switch for accuracy.

How Do Linear Switches Work and What Makes Them Different? 

Internally, a linear switch is composed of a housing (top and bottom), a stem, a spring, and metal contact leaves. When the key is pressed the stem moves down, compressing the spring; at the actuation point the metal leaves connect and send the signal to the keyboard PCB. The key difference is the force-displacement profile: linears show a mostly flat, monotonic force curve with no sudden bump.

Key measurable attributes include:

• Actuation force (commonly 35–60 grams for many linears)
• Total travel (typically 3.4–4.0 mm depending on the switch)
• Pre-travel / actuation point (e.g., 1.2–1.8 mm on many models)

These mechanical specs influence the feel: lighter springs and shorter actuation distances produce faster, less effortful presses; heavier springs improve stability and reduce accidental presses. Unlike clicky switches that intentionally add sound-producing geometry, linears make no built-in clicking surface—so sound primarily arises from housing material, keycaps, and whether the switch is lubed or has sound-dampening mods.

Linear vs Tactile vs Clicky — Which Switch Type Should You Pick?

Choosing the right switch depends on what you prioritize: speed, feedback, or sound. The table below summarizes the practical differences.

In practice, gamers frequently choose light linears (e.g., 45g actuation) for responsiveness, while typists who prioritize accuracy sometimes lean tactile. Many enthusiasts experiment: try a pre-built board with linears, or order switch testers that let you physically sample different families before committing.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Linear Switches?

Pros

• Fast, consistent keystrokes: ideal for double-taps and rapid input.
• Often quieter: no built-in click, so less intrusive in shared environments.
• Comfortable for long sessions: smooth travel can reduce finger fatigue.
• Highly mod-friendly: respond well to lubing, spring swaps, and housing films.

Cons

• Less feedback: some users miss the tactile confirmation when typing.
• Accidental presses: with very light springs, mis-presses can increase.
• Sound and feel depend on whole build: housing, plate, keycaps, and case all shape the final experience.

Note: Manufacturer spec sheets and third-party tests (e.g., community reviews and manufacturer comparisons) are useful—try to compare actuation force and travel distances to match your preference.

How Do I Choose, Mod, and Maintain Linear Switches? 

Choosing

Consider actuation force (lighter for gaming, heavier for stability), travel distance, and whether you want stock or pre-lubed / "silent" variants. Trusted brands include Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Akko, and others—compare specs and listen to sound tests before buying.

Modding for Better Feel & Sound

• Lubing: Reduces stem friction and scratchiness—most impactful mod for linears.
• Filming: Adds housing stability and reduces wobble.
• Spring swapping: Adjusts resistance to personal preference.
• Foam / case dampening: Reduces case resonance and sharp bottom-out sound.

Maintenance

Keep keycaps clean (periodic removal and wash), blow out dust with compressed air, and avoid spills. If a switch develops irregularities, consider swapping it—hot-swappable PCBs let you replace switches without soldering.

Looking for a pre-built option? Check our curated selection of Keyboards to try common linear variants in real hardware.

Conclusion

Linear keyboard switches offer a smooth, predictable keystroke profile that benefits gamers and many typists. They excel where speed, repeatability, and quieter operation matter, and they respond well to popular mods like lubing and filming. Because the final feel depends on the entire keyboard build—plate, case, keycaps, and lubrication—testing before purchase (or choosing a hot-swappable board) is a wise approach. Avoid absolute claims about which switch is “best”; instead match switch attributes to your priorities and use-case.

FAQs

What is the difference between linear and tactile switches?

Linear switches have a smooth travel with no tactile bump; tactile switches provide a physical bump at actuation to signal the keypress. The choice affects feedback and typing accuracy.

Are linear switches better for gaming or typing?

Many gamers prefer linear switches for faster, repeatable actions. Typists can also enjoy linears—especially with lubing or heavier springs—but some typists prefer tactile feedback for accuracy. It depends on personal preference and posture/habits.

Can I make a linear switch quieter or smoother?

Yes. Lubing the stem and spring, adding housing films, using dampening foam, and choosing silent linear variants all reduce noise and increase smoothness.