Have you ever wondered why one keyboard feels buttery-smooth while another is sharp and clicky? The answer sits underneath every key: the keyboard switch.

If you have come across terms like mechanical keyboard switch, linear switch, or tactile switch, you are probably asking the same question most people start with: what are keyboard switches, and how much do they actually change the typing experience?

This guide is the starting point for everything else on our site. It covers what switches are, how they work, every major type, what the specs mean, and how to choose the right one — whether you are buying your first mechanical keyboard or picking switches for a custom build.

What Are Keyboard Switches?

Keyboard switches are the small spring-loaded mechanisms that sit under each keycap. Each one registers a keypress and, in doing so, determines how that key feels and sounds.

On a membrane keyboard, all the keys press down onto a single sheet of rubber domes. On a mechanical keyboard, every key gets its own independent switch. That is the entire difference in a sentence — and it is why mechanical keyboards feel more consistent, last far longer, and can be endlessly customised.

Most mechanical switches are rated for tens of millions of keystrokes, which is why a well-built mechanical board can outlive several membrane keyboards. If you want the full picture on durability, see our guide on how long mechanical keyboards last.

In plain terms: the switch is what makes a keyboard feel the way it feels. Change the switch and you change the keyboard.

How Keyboard Switches Work

Every mechanical keyboard switch is built from the same handful of parts. Understanding them makes every spec sheet easier to read.

Component	What it does	What it affects
Housing	The top and bottom shell holding everything together	Stability and a large part of the sound
Stem	The moving piece that travels down when you press the key	Whether the switch feels linear or tactile
Spring	Pushes the stem back up after each press	How heavy or light the key feels
Metal contact leaves	Close the circuit to register the press	Actuation — the moment the keystroke counts

Press a key and the stem slides down inside the housing, compressing the spring until the metal leaves touch and the keystroke registers. Release it, and the spring returns the stem to the top, ready to fire again. That cycle repeats tens of millions of times over a switch's life.

Curious about the different stem designs and why they matter? We break them down in keyboard switch stems explained. Most switches also follow the MX standard, which is what makes them interchangeable across keyboards.

The Main Types of Keyboard Switches

Almost every switch on the market falls into one of five families. This is the single most useful thing to understand as a beginner.

Type	Feel	Sound	Best for
Linear	Smooth, no bump	Quiet to moderate	Gaming, fast typing
Tactile	Noticeable bump at actuation	Moderate	Typing, everyday work
Clicky	Bump plus an audible click	Loud	Typists who love the sound
Silent	Linear or tactile, with dampening	Quietest	Offices, shared spaces, late nights
Magnetic (Hall effect)	Smooth, with adjustable actuation	Quiet to moderate	Competitive gaming

Want these compared side by side in detail? See our keyboard switches comparison.

Linear Switches

No bump, no click — just a straight, smooth press from top to bottom. This is by far the most popular category, and it is what most gamers and a great many typists end up using. Read the full breakdown in our complete guide to linear switches, or browse all linear switches. The classic example is the red switch.

Tactile Switches

A small bump partway through the press tells your finger the key has registered. Many people find this reduces typing mistakes without the noise of a clicky switch. See tactile keyboard switches explained, or shop tactile switches.

Clicky Switches

A tactile bump plus a deliberate click sound, usually produced by a separate click mechanism inside the switch. Satisfying at home, rarely welcome in an open-plan office — see the loudest keyboard switches if that appeals to you.

Silent Switches

Linear or tactile switches with dampening built into the stem to soften both the downstroke and the upstroke. If noise is your main concern, start with our ultimate guide to quiet keyboard switches and browse silent keyboard switches.

Magnetic / Hall Effect Switches

Instead of physical metal contacts, these use a magnet and a sensor, which allows you to adjust the actuation point in software. Popular in competitive gaming. Learn more in how Hall effect keyboards work, or see our Hall effect switches.

Still deciding between the two biggest categories? Our linear vs tactile comparison settles it in a few minutes.

The Specs That Actually Matter

Switch listings are full of numbers. These are the three worth caring about.

• Actuation force — how hard you have to press before the key registers, measured in grams. Lighter switches feel faster and cause less finger fatigue; heavier ones give you more control and fewer accidental presses.
• Travel distance — how far the key moves. Total travel is typically around 3.5–4.0 mm on a full-size switch, with actuation happening partway down.
• Spring weight — closely related to actuation force, and the spec most often changed by enthusiasts who want to fine-tune the feel.

Beyond the numbers, housing and stem materials shape the sound signature more than most beginners expect — which is why two linear switches with identical specs can sound completely different.

Choosing the Right Keyboard Switch for You

Your situation	Start with	Why
Competitive gaming (FPS, MOBA)	Linear or magnetic	Smooth, fast, nothing interrupting the press
Typing and office work	Tactile	Feedback confirms each keystroke
Shared office or late nights	Silent	Dampened on both downstroke and upstroke
You love the sound of typing	Clicky, or a clacky linear	Maximum acoustic character
You want deep, muted acoustics	Thocky and creamy	Fuller, lower-pitched sound
Not sure yet	A switch tester	Feel them yourself before committing to 70+ switches

If you are genuinely undecided, a tester is the cheapest way to avoid an expensive mistake — trying a switch for ten seconds tells you more than any review. Typing all day? Our picks for the best keyboard switches for typing and office use narrow it down further.

Popular Keyboard Switch Brands

Different manufacturers have distinct reputations for smoothness, sound, and consistency. These are the brands we stock most deeply:

• HMX switches — the enthusiast favourite of recent years, and our largest range. See the HMX ultimate guide.
• Keygeek switches — consistently strong value and smoothness. See the Keygeek guide.
• BSUN switches — known for distinctive, characterful releases.
• Gateron switches — one of the most widely used manufacturers in the hobby.
• Cherry MX switches — the original MX design and still the industry reference point. See the complete Cherry MX guide.
• Akko, KTT, WingTree, and Kailh — all strong options across different price points.

Not sure where to start? Two safe, popular picks are the KEYGEEK Keylin V2 linear switch for smooth everyday typing, and the HMX Firecracker tactile switch if you prefer feedback.

Lubed Switches: Do You Need Them?

Lubricant reduces friction between the stem and housing, making a switch feel smoother and often sound cleaner. You have three options:

• Buy factory pre-lubed switches and use them straight out of the bag.
• Buy hand-lubed switches for a more thorough, individually applied job.
• Do it yourself — our complete guide to lubing keyboard switches walks through the whole process.

How Many Switches Do You Need?

It depends on your layout — a 60% board needs around 61–64, a full-size needs 104 or more. Always buy spares. See how many switches you need for a 60% keyboard for the full breakdown by layout.

Common Myths About Keyboard Switches

Myth	Reality
All mechanical keyboards are noisy.	Silent and linear switches can be very quiet — the loud reputation comes from clicky switches.
Clicky switches are best for typing.	Tactile switches usually strike a better balance of feedback and noise.
More expensive always means better.	Price tracks scarcity and branding as much as feel. Comfort is personal.
Gamers must use linear switches.	Plenty of gamers prefer tactile feedback for accuracy.
The switch alone decides the sound.	Keycaps, plate, case and foam all matter enormously.

Maintenance and Longevity

• Clean regularly — dust is the main enemy of a smooth switch.
• Use a keycap puller rather than levering caps off with your fingernails.
• Lube if you want a smoother feel, but it is optional on modern pre-lubed switches.
• Avoid spills. No keyboard is as water-resistant as you hope.

A well-maintained mechanical keyboard can comfortably last a decade.

Summary

• Keyboard switches decide how every key feels, sounds, and responds.
• The five families are linear, tactile, clicky, silent, and magnetic.
• Linear for speed, tactile for feedback, silent for quiet, clicky for character.
• Actuation force, travel, and spring weight are the specs worth reading.
• Comfort beats trends and price every time — test before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are keyboard switches?

Keyboard switches are the mechanisms under each keycap that register your keypress. They determine the feel, the sound, and the responsiveness of the keyboard. Mechanical switches use an individual spring-loaded mechanism per key, unlike membrane keyboards which use a shared rubber dome sheet.

What are switches on a keyboard?

They are the same thing — the components under each key that control how it behaves when pressed. They can be linear (smooth), tactile (with a bump), clicky (bump plus click), silent (dampened), or magnetic (adjustable actuation).

What are keyboard switches made of?

A plastic housing and stem, a metal spring, and metal contact leaves. The specific plastics used for the housing and stem have a significant effect on both smoothness and sound.

Which keyboard switch is best for gaming?

Most gamers choose linear switches for their smooth, uninterrupted press, or magnetic switches for an adjustable actuation point. Some players still prefer tactile feedback for accuracy.

What is the quietest type of keyboard switch?

Silent switches, which have dampening material built into the stem. See our silent keyboard switches collection.

Can I change the switches on my keyboard?

If your keyboard is hot-swappable, yes — you can pull switches out and push new ones in without soldering. Our guide on how to change keyboard switches covers both hot-swap and soldered boards.

Keep Reading

• Mechanical keyboard switch types
• Keyboard switches comparison: feel, sound and performance
• Linear keyboard switches: the complete guide
• Tactile keyboard switches explained
• Quiet keyboard switches: the ultimate guide
• MX keyboard switches explained
• Keyboard switch stems explained
• The 5 best keyboard switches for typing and office use
• How many switches do I need for a 60% keyboard?
• Browse all keyboard switches