What is a Switch?
(Linear, Tactile, Clicky & Silent)
✨Mechanical keyboard switches determine how a key feels when pressed and how it sounds. This is one of the most important choices when selecting a keyboard — and also one of the most personal✨
There is no “best” switch. The right switch depends on how you type, where you use your keyboard, and what kind of feedback you enjoy.
🟠Linear Switches
Linear switches move smoothly from top to bottom with no bump and no click.
🖐️How they feel:
- Smooth and consistent
- Light, uninterrupted keypress
- Easy to press repeatedly
🔊How they sound:
Quieter than clicky switches
- Sound comes mainly from keycaps bottoming out
- Often described as “smooth,” “creamy,” or “clean”
🎯Best for:
- Everyday typing
- Work-from-home setups
- Gaming
- Users who prefer minimal resistance
Linear switches are popular because they’re easy to adapt to and comfortable for long sessions.
✅Our Go-To Linear: Gateron Milky Yellow
✅Alt Linear / Smooth Option: Epomaker Creamy Jade
🟤Tactile Switches
Tactile switches include a noticeable bump during the keypress that lets you feel when the key has actuated.
🖐️How they feel:
- Defined feedback mid-press
- Firm but not harsh
- More deliberate typing experience
🔊How they sound:
- Slightly louder than linear switches
- Controlled and “rounded” sound
- No loud click
🎯Best for:
- Typists who want physical feedback
- Office and productivity use
- Users who like confirmation without noise
Tactile switches strike a balance between smoothness and feedback.
✅Our Go-To Tactile: Epomaker Wisteria
🔵Clicky Switches
Clicky switches are tactile switches with an added audible click.
🖐️How they feel:
- Strong tactile bump
- Very clear actuation point
🔊How they sound:
- Loud and sharp
- Distinct “click” on each keypress
🎯Best for:
- Users who enjoy classic mechanical keyboard sounds
- Typists who like strong feedback
- Personal spaces where noise isn’t an issue
Clicky switches are fun and expressive, but they’re usually not ideal for shared or quiet environments.
✅Our Go-To Clicky: Gateron Blue (Classic Click Sound)
🔇Silent Switches
Silent switches are designed to reduce both sound and vibration while keeping a mechanical feel.
🖐️How they feel:
- Soft bottom-out
- Cushioned keypress
- Often slightly lighter than standard switches
🔊How they sound:
- Very quiet
- Minimal bottom-out noise
- Ideal for noise-sensitive spaces
🎯Best for:
- Offices
- Shared spaces
- Late-night typing
- Users who want mechanical feel without noise
✅Silent Pick: Epomaker Sea Salt Silent V3
Choosing the Right Switch
When deciding, ask yourself:
- ✔️Do I want smooth or tactile feedback?
- ✔️Will I be typing around other people?
- ✔️Do I enjoy sound, or prefer quiet?
Switch choice is deeply personal — and many people discover their preference over time. That’s why hot-swappable keyboards are such a great option for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
At SwitchSmiths, we describe switch types clearly so you can choose with confidence 💜
⚠️A quick note on switch pins:
Mechanical switches commonly come in 3-pin or 5-pin designs. Most modern hot-swappable keyboards support both, and the difference does not affect how a switch feels or sounds. If a keyboard has hot-swap support, you can usually swap switches without worrying about pin count.
