The 3 Main Mechanical Keyboard Switch Types

When you first get into mechanical keyboards, the question you’ll almost always hear is:

“What switch are you using?”

The switch is the heart of a mechanical keyboard. Different switch types directly change your feel, sound, gaming performance, and typing experience.

Today’s switches can almost always be grouped into three major categories:

  • Linear Switch
  • Tactile Switch
  • Clicky Switch

This guide explains the differences in a clear and simple way, so you can quickly find the best one for you.

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1. Linear Switch

One-sentence definition: from the moment you press down to bottom-out, there’s no bump and no change in resistance.

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Feel
Smooth throughout, no tactile bump
How it triggers
Straight down; actuates as you press
Sound
Quiet / low-noise
Return
Clean and snappy
Best for
Gaming, fast repeated inputs
Common examples
Red / Black / Yellow / Silver
Ideal users
FPS / MOBA / competitive players
Watch out
Beginners may mis-press; less feedback for typing
If gaming is your main focus, Linear is usually the default answer.

2. Tactile Switch

The core trait: there’s a noticeable tactile bump at the actuation point—without the sharp click sound.

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Feel
Clear bump at actuation
How it triggers
You “confirm” at the bump (no need to bottom out)
Sound
Medium to low; not harsh
Return
Stable and feedback-rich
Best for
Typing + gaming balance
Common examples
Brown / Clear
Ideal users
Programmers / writers / students / office users
One-line summary: clear feedback without being too loud—the most balanced choice.

3. Clicky Switch

The easiest type to recognize: a strong tactile bump plus a crisp “click”—every press announces itself.

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Feel
Strong bump + crisp click sound
How it triggers
Tactile actuation with audible confirmation
Sound
Very loud
Return
Distinct and rhythmic
Best for
Typing enjoyment and input feel
Common examples
Blue
Ideal users
Typing enthusiasts / people who love classic “mechanical” sound
Downside
Not ideal for quiet offices/dorms; noise can be disruptive
One-line summary: built for feel + sound—the highest “vibe value.”

4. Quick Comparison Table

Dimension Linear Tactile Clicky
Has a bump? ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Noise level Quiet Medium Very loud
Smoothness ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐
Gaming performance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐
Typing feedback ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best environment Gaming / Night use Office / Study Private space

Which One Should You Choose?

You can match your needs directly:

I mainly game → Linear
I want both typing + gaming → Tactile
I love that classic “click” sound → Clicky

Final Note

There is no single “best” switch—only the switch that fits you best. The real deciding factors are your usage scenario, habits, and personal preference.

Once you understand the differences between Linear / Tactile / Clicky, you already know more than most mechanical keyboard users.

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