Have you ever wondered why some keyboards feel buttery-smooth while others have a sharp, clicky sound? The secret lies beneath each key — the keyboard switch.

If you’ve come across terms like mechanical keyboard, linear switch, or clicky switch, you might be asking: What are keyboard switches? or What are switches on a keyboard?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from what switches are and how they work, to which type fits your typing or gaming needs — so you can make the best choice when buying your next keyboard.

What Are Keyboard Switches?

Keyboard switches are small mechanisms located underneath each keycap. They determine how each key feels and sounds when pressed — whether smooth, tactile, or clicky.

Unlike traditional membrane keyboards, which rely on rubber domes, mechanical switches use individual spring-loaded mechanisms for each key. This gives more consistent feel, faster response, and longer lifespan.

According to Corsair’s official guide, most mechanical switches are rated for 50–100 million keystrokes, far surpassing membrane keyboards’ 5 million cycles.

💡 In simple terms: the switch is what makes a keyboard “feel” the way it does.

How Keyboard Switches Work

Each keyboard switch is made up of a few key parts that together determine its actuation behavior:

Component	Function	Impact on Feel/Sound
Housing	Holds all parts together and protects the mechanism	Affects stability and noise profile
Stem	The moving part that pushes down when you press a key	Shape defines how tactile or linear the switch feels
Spring	Returns the key to its original position	Controls actuation force (how “heavy” or “light” it feels)
Metal contacts	Close the circuit when pressed	Responsible for registering a keypress

When you press a key, the stem pushes the metal contacts together — sending a signal to your computer. Once released, the spring pushes the stem back up, ready for the next press.

Main Types of Keyboard Switches

Type	Feel	Sound	Ideal For
Linear	Smooth, no tactile bump	Quiet	Gaming, fast-paced typing
Tactile	Noticeable bump at actuation	Medium	Typing, everyday productivity
Clicky	Bump + audible “click” sound	Loud	Typists who enjoy classic click sounds

Linear Switches

No bump, no click — just smooth travel from top to bottom. Examples: Cherry MX Red, Gateron Yellow. Perfect for gamers who need rapid, uninterrupted keystrokes.

Tactile Switches

Feature a small bump you can feel when the key actuates. Examples: Cherry MX Brown, Kailh Pro Purple. Favored by office users and writers who want feedback without noise.

Clicky Switches

Add a sharp “click” sound and tactile bump. Examples: Cherry MX Blue, Razer Green. Ideal for users who love the sound of typewriters — though not great for quiet environments.

🎧 Fun fact: the clicky sound is generated by a tiny plastic mechanism called a “click jacket.”

Other variants include silent switches, low-profile switches, and optical switches that use light sensors for ultra-fast actuation.

Choosing the Right Switch for You

Scenario	Recommended Switch Type	Why
Gaming (FPS, MOBA)	Linear (e.g. Red, Silver)	Quick response, smooth actuation
Office/Typing	Tactile (e.g. Brown)	Noticeable feedback without too much noise
Home/Personal Use	Clicky (e.g. Blue)	Satisfying sound and feel
Quiet Environments	Silent Linear (e.g. Silent Red)	Noise-reduced, smooth operation

On Reddit’s r/MechanicalKeyboards, users note switching from membrane to tactile switches reduces finger fatigue and improves typing accuracy. Gamers often prefer linear switches for speed.

Want to explore different switch types? Check out our full collection of keyboard switche.

Popular Switch Brands & Specs

Brand	Example Model	Actuation Force	Lifespan	Notes
Cherry MX	Red / Brown / Blue	45–60 g	100 million	Industry standard for reliability
Gateron	Red / Yellow / Brown	35–55 g	80 million	Smooth feel, budget-friendly
Kailh	Box / Speed / Silent	45–70 g	70 million	Innovative variants
Razer	Green / Yellow / Orange	45–55 g	80 million	Optimized for gaming
Optical Switches	Optical Red / Blue	45 g	100 million	Light-based actuation, fast response

Common Myths About Keyboard Switches

Myth	Reality
All mechanical switches are noisy.	Not true — linear and silent switches can be very quiet.
Clicky switches are always better for typing.	Preference varies — tactile switches often strike a better balance.
Expensive = better.	Price doesn’t always reflect comfort; try before you buy.
All gaming keyboards need linear switches.	Some gamers prefer tactile feedback for accuracy.

Maintenance & Longevity

• Clean your keyboard regularly to prevent dust buildup.
• Use a keycap puller when removing keys for cleaning or lubing.
• Lubricate switches (optional) for smoother actuation.
• Avoid spills — even “water-resistant” boards have limits.

A well-maintained mechanical keyboard can last over 10 years with consistent performance.

Summary

Now you understand what are keyboard switches and what are switches on a keyboard. Key takeaways:

• Switches define how each key feels, sounds, and responds.
• Three main types: Linear, Tactile, Clicky.
• Pick based on your use: gaming, typing, or both.
• Comfort and longevity matter more than trends or price.

FAQ

What are keyboard switches?

Keyboard switches are the mechanical or electronic mechanisms under each keycap that register your keypress. They determine the feel, sound, and response of your keyboard. Mechanical switches use individual spring-loaded components, while optical switches use light sensors for actuation.

What are switches on a keyboard?

Switches on a keyboard are the components that control how each key behaves when pressed. They can be linear (smooth), tactile (with a bump), or clicky (with a bump and audible click), affecting your typing experience, noise level, and key response.

What are keyboard switches made of?

Most switches are made of plastic housing, a metal spring, and electrical contacts. High-end models may use gold-plated contacts for better durability.

What is the difference between a mechanical and a membrane keyboard?

Mechanical keyboards use individual switches for each key, offering better feedback and longevity. Membrane keyboards use rubber domes that feel softer but wear out faster.

Which switch is best for gaming?

Linear switches (like Cherry MX Red or Silver) are often favored by gamers because they register faster and allow smooth, repeated keypresses.