What are keyboard switches?
When people talk about mechanical keyboards, they often mention the type of switches that the keyboard has. This may seem trivial, but it’s actually quite important.
There are two main types of keyboards: rubber dome keyboards and mechanical keyboards.
Rubber dome keyboards have a sheet of rubber with domes that contain conductive materials. When you press a key, the dome makes contact with the circuitry, registering the key press. Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, have individual switches per key, providing a more precise typing experience.
Mechanical keyboards offer a variety of different keyboard switches. The three main types are linear switches, tactile switches, and clicky switches.
Linear switches have a smooth feeling when pressed without any resistance. Tactile switches have a noticeable bump, while clicky switches have both a bump and an audible clicking sound.
Although it’s often said that linear switches are best for gaming and tactile/clicky switches are best for typing, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
There are many different switch manufacturers, including Cherry MX, Kailh, Razer, Logitech, Gateron, HyperX, Fnatic, and Steelseries. Each manufacturer offers various switches with different characteristics.
Cherry MX
Cherry MX is one of the original gaming keyboard switch manufacturers. They offer a range of switches including Red, Black, Brown, Blue, Green, Clear, Grey, Silent Red, Silent Black, Speed Silver, Low Profile Red, Low Profile Speed, and Viola.
Kailh
Kailh has been producing mechanical switches since the early 90’s. They offer switches such as Red, Black, Brown, Blue, Speed Silver, Speed Bronze, Speed Gold, Speed Copper, and Box switches.
Razer
Razer has its own line of optical switches, including Green, Orange, Yellow, and Optical switches.
Logitech
Logitech has its own switches like Romer-G Tactile, Romer-G Linear, GX Blue Clicky, GX Red Linear, GX Brown Tactile, and GL Switches.
Gateron
Gateron offers switches such as Clear, Red, Yellow, Black, Brown, and Blue.
HyperX
HyperX has its own switches like Red, Aqua, and Blue.
Fnatic
Fnatic offers Low Profile Speed switches, which are known for being the fastest mechanical switches on the market.
Steelseries
Steelseries uses Kailh switches and OmniPoint switches, which are customizable linear switches with adjustable actuation points.
