Mechanical switches play a crucial role in how a keyboard feels and sounds. Choosing the right one is essential, especially when you're typing for hours every day.
However, with so many options available, picking the right mechanical switch can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. After almost a decade designing keyboards and working with switches, here’s everything you need to know to confidently choose the right one for you.
The 4 Things You Need to Know About Mechanical Switches
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are four key factors you should consider: type of switch, operating force, actuation distance, and total travel.
1. Type of Switch
The most important factor is the type of switch.
Linear switches offer a smooth keystroke with no tactile feedback. The resistance increases consistently as you press the key.
Tactile switches include a noticeable bump before the actuation point. This gives you physical feedback when the key registers.
Clicky switches also have a tactile bump, but they add a distinct audible click thanks to a mechanism inside the switch.
If this is your first mechanical keyboard, tactile switches are usually the safest choice, as they feel closer to what most people are used to.
Clicky switches can be satisfying, but they are loud and may not be ideal unless you have your own space.
Linear switches offer a completely smooth experience and are often preferred for gaming, although some users may find the lack of feedback leads to accidental keypresses.
2. Operating Force
The operating force refers to how much pressure you need to activate a key, measured in grams-force (gF).
This typically ranges from 20 gF to 90 gF, with most switches falling between 35 and 65 gF.
Lighter switches reduce finger fatigue but can lead to accidental presses. Heavier switches offer more control but require more effort.
A good starting point is usually between 45 and 55 gF, which provides a balanced typing experience.
3. Actuation Distance
The actuation distance (or pre-travel) is how far you need to press a key before it activates.
Most switches actuate at around 2 mm, although some are shorter, around 1 mm.
Shorter actuation distances allow for faster typing and quicker inputs, which is useful for gaming and fast typists.
However, they can also increase the risk of accidental keypresses.
4. Total Travel
The total travel distance is the distance the key travels until it bottoms out.
Most switches have around 4 mm of total travel, although some are shorter at around 3 mm.
In general, avoiding bottoming out reduces impact on your fingers, so longer travel can feel more comfortable over time.
That said, some users prefer shorter travel for a more responsive feel.
Mechanical Switch Comparison
Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let’s take a look at different mechanical switches and how they compare.
Kailh Silent Brown
Type: Tactile
Operating Force: 50 gF
Actuation: 1.8 mm
Total Travel: 3.6 mm
Kailh Silent Brown switches offer a tactile experience with a gentle bottom-out and quiet operation, thanks to an internal shock-absorbing system that reduces keystroke impact.
Kailh Silent Pink
Type: Linear
Operating Force: 35 gF
Actuation: 1.8 mm
Total Travel: 3.6 mm
Kailh Silent Pink switches offer a linear experience with a gentle bottom-out and quiet operation, thanks to the same internal shock-absorbing system as the Silent Brown.
Kailh BOX White
Type: Clicky
Operating Force: 55 gF
Actuation: 1.8 mm
Total Travel: 3.6 mm
The Kailh BOX White switch has a relatively light tactile bump (compared to other clicky switches) and a loud, crisp, satisfying click.
Kailh Speed Silver
Type: Linear
Operating Force: 35 gF
Actuation: 1.1 mm
Total Travel: 3.5 mm
The Kailh Speed Silver switch is specially designed for rapid performance. It's a very light, quick mechanical switch that is perfect for the precise application of winning at video games.
Kailh Speed Copper
Type: Tactile
Operating Force: 50 gF
Actuation: 1.1 mm
Total Travel: 3.5 mm
The Kailh Speed Copper is designed for rapid action while still providing a tactile feel. This hybrid purpose makes it an ideal choice for gamers and extremely fast typists.
Cherry MX Brown
Type: Tactile
Operating Force: 55 gF
Actuation: 2.0 mm
Total Travel: 4.0 mm
The Cherry MX Brown switch is one of the most popular switches on the market for overall purposes. This switch is relatively quiet with tactile feedback, making it perfect for accurate typing.
Cherry MX Red
Type: Linear
Operating Force: 45 gF
Actuation: 2.0 mm
Total Travel: 4.0 mm
The Cherry MX Red offers a very balanced spring force, making it ideal for hybrid gaming and typing.
Cherry MX Blue
Type: Clicky
Operating Force: 60 gF
Actuation: 2.2 mm
Total Travel: 4.0 mm
A classic clicky switch with strong tactile and sound feedback.
Gateron Baby Kangaroo 2.0
Type: Tactile
Operating Force: 59 gF
Actuation: 2.0 mm
Total Travel: 3.4 mm
The Baby Kangaroo is a great switch if you are looking for noticeable tactile feedback or if you like your keyboard to sound like marbles rubbing together.
Gateron G Pro 2.0 Yellow
Type: Linear
Operating Force: 55 gF
Actuation: 2.0 mm
Total Travel: 4.0 mm
The Gateron G Pro 2.0 Yellow is a quiet and smooth linear switch. Factory-lubed and with little to no stem wobble, it's one of the favorites among keyboard enthusiasts. A jack-of-all-trades that works for typists and gamers.
Gateron Zero Degree Silent
Type: Linear
Operating Force: 45 gF
Actuation: 1.8 mm
Total Travel: 3.6 mm
The Gateron Zero Degree Silent is an excellent option if you are looking for a silent linear switch that doesn't have the typical mushy bottom-out feel, or if you want something heavier than the Kailh Silent Pink (35 gf).
Most Popular Mechanical Switches
Among the switches offered in our keyboards, the most popular choice is the Kailh Silent Brown, accounting for 53% of selections.
In second place is the Gateron Yellow with 37%, followed by the Kailh BOX White with 11%.
This result makes sense. A silent tactile switch provides feedback while keeping noise levels low, making it a safe and versatile choice.
Looking at overall switch popularity:
The Cherry MX switches together represent around 7% of usage.
Several switches fall between 6% and 7%, including the Gateron G Pro Yellow, Kailh Speed Silver, Kailh Speed Copper, and Kailh BOX White.
The Kailh Silent switches show strong performance, with Silent Brown at 11% and Silent Pink at 14%.
At the top are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Gateron Zero Degree Silent, each representing 20% of usage.
Which Switch Should You Choose?
If you're unsure, a silent tactile switch is usually the safest starting point.
From there, you can experiment. Thanks to hot-swappable keyboards, like ours, you can try different switches over time and find the ones that work best for you.
Now we want to hear from you.
Which switches have you tried? Which ones do you prefer? And which one is on your wishlist?
Join the discussion on Reddit or Discord and share your thoughts.
And if you want to try any of these switches, you can find them at dygma.com/switches.
See you! 💜
