Which Switch?
Written By: Alex Jiang
Computer keyboard switches are classified into three types: linear, tactile, and clicky. The most popular switch among the other two is the “linear” switch. When pressed, there will be no bump; a “tactile” switch will have a bump before reaching the very bottom of the switch; a “clicky” switch will have both a bump and a loud click sound.
The switch is one of the most essential parts of a keyboard. You can’t use your keyboard unless you have it.
– Alex Jiang
Spring Weight
Every switch has a spring in the middle so it immediately returns to its original position when pressed. This is known as spring weight, which is typically measured in bottom-out force. In other words, how much force is required to fully push a switch down? Each switch has a different type of spring weight. For example, the c3 Tangerines switches are available in two weights: 62 grams and 67 grams.
My favourite spring weight is around 60 grams, but there are lower ones which can sometimes go to 30 grams. I recommend 60-gram switches since they are really good for gaming. Switches with more spring weight will be harder to press, but heavier keys produce a better sound. I chose 60 grams due to their good sound and ease of use on a day-to-day basis.
C3 Tangerine 62g Switch
Actuation & Speed of Switches
Switches also have actuation, which is the amount of force required for the switch to register a key press. The Gateron yellow, for example, has an actuation speed of 50 grams.
As seen in the diagram (left), these are the most basic switches on the market that anyone can buy. Those who get into the keyboard hobby usually go for those that sound good and have a decent actuation force. My recommendation is the Gateron black ink switches. These are some of the top-tier switches in terms of sound and are quite famous online. They also have good actuation force and are decently priced. On top of that, the more you use a switch, the faster and smoother it will get, which was what happened to my switches after a year of non-stop typing.
“Broken-In” Switches
One cool thing about switches is that because of the amount of pressing, they can sometimes get progressively smoother and smoother. These are what we call “Broken-in switches”. This means the switches will feel a lot smoother and sound a lot better. In my opinion, this is more of a long-term occurrence, as you need around 10,000 clicks for one switch to become mostly broken in. In the end, this is very worth it due to the next level smoothness and sound. I highly recommend typing a lot on your keyboard to speed up this process.
Cherry MX Black Switch
Frankenstein Switches
Have you ever wondered where all these different types of switches come from? Well, it’s probably easy to tell from the name, as all these switches we see now were made by taking separate switch parts and then combining them. As an example, for maximum sonic depth, I would combine the housing of the Ink Black and the Tangerine stem into one. This is where almost all the different switch varieties we use in our custom keyboards come from.
Switch Mounts
Switches are also divided into two categories: PCB mount and plate mount. PCB-mounted switches have two small plastic legs on the bottom that connect to the PCB for stability. Some people are unbothered because most of the switches they buy are PCB-mounted. On the other hand, plate mounts do not support switches with two plastic legs. As a result, people tend to cut them off with flush cutters if they want to use PCB switches on a plate mount.
As a 3-year member of the keyboard community, I have learned lots of necessary information about this hobby. Switches were one of the hardest things to remember and understand, and where some people get stuck trying to choose one to buy for their first build. Oil Kings, Black Inks, Lavenders, Holy Pandas, Tangerines, NK Creams, and Milky Yellows are what I would recommend for beginners. This topic is a huge deal in the community, so make sure to look at some sound tests and recommendations like mine to pick the right switch that matches your personality: silent, high-pitched, or low-pitched — it’s all on you!
Welcome to the keyboard community!