Switches form the basis of mechanical keyboards, creating the ‘mechanical’ component that characterizes these devices. Without them, these keyboards wouldn’t be the same. Despite being largely concealed, these components are just as distinctive as keycaps and cases, making it vital to recognize how they operate to fully grasp how keyboards work.

Complete List of All Mechanical Keyboard Switches

Image Switch Name Switch Type Mounting Type Actuation Force Factory Lubed? Low Profile? Housing Material Stem Material Spring Type Cost Buy
AEBoards Blaeck AEBoards Blaeck Linear 5-pin 63.5g TRUE FALSE Nylon POM $0.45 Cannon Keys
AEBoards Naevy R1.5 AEBoards Naevy R1.5 Tactile 3-pin 58g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon MPE $0.65 Cannon Keys
AEBoards Naevy R2 AEBoards Naevy R2 Tactile 5-pin 63.5g TRUE FALSE Nylon POM $0.45 Cannon Keys
AEBoards Raed AEBoards Raed Linear 3-pin 58g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon MPE $0.65 Cannon Keys
AEBoards Raed R2 AEBoards Raed R2 Linear 3-pin 58g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon MPE $0.45 Cannon Keys
Cherry MX Black Cherry MX Black Linear 5-pin 60g FALSE FALSE Nylon Proprietary Thermoplastic $0.60 Cannon Keys
Cherry MX Black Cherry Black Vintage Linear 5-pin 60g FALSE FALSE Nylon POM $2
cherry mx clear Cherry MX Clear Tactile 5-pin 65g FALSE FALSE Nylon Proprietary Thermoplastic $0.60 Cannon Keys
Cherry MX Red Cherry MX Red Linear 5-pin 45g FALSE FALSE Nylon Proprietary Thermoplastic $0.60 Cannon Keys
Durock Anubis Durock Anubis Tactile 5-pin 65g TRUE FALSE Nylon POM Gold Plated $0.65 Cannon Keys
Durock Blue Macaw Durock Blue Macaw Silent Tactile 5-pin 65g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon POM $0.75 Cannon Keys
Durock Cerulean Durock Cerulean Tactile 5-pin 65g TRUE FALSE Nylon POM Gold Plated $0.65 Cannon Keys
Durock Cherry Blossom Durock Cherry Blossom Linear 5-pin 65g FALSE FALSE POM -P3 $0.70 Cannon Keys
Durock Coral Durock Coral Silent Linear 5-pin 65g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon POM $0.75 Cannon Keys
Durock Dark Amber T1 Durock Dark Amber T1 Tactile 5-pin 65g TRUE FALSE Nylon POM Gold Plated $0.65 Cannon Keys
Durock Korbs by Tiny Durock Korbs by Tiny Linear 5-pin 62g TRUE FALSE Nylon POM $0.65 Cannon Keys
Durock Lavender Durock Lavender Linear 5-pin 65g TRUE FALSE Nylon POM Gold Plated $0.65 Cannon Keys
Durock Lilac Durock Lilac Tactile 5-pin 65g TRUE FALSE Nylon/PC, Nylon POM $0.55 Cannon Keys
Durock Makanisk Ultramarine V2 Durock Makanisk Ultramarine V2 Linear 5-pin 65g TRUE FALSE Nylon, Polyamide P3 $0.66 Cannon Keys
durock piano pom Durock Piano POM Linear 5-pin 48g FALSE FALSE POM Mystery Gold-Plated Spring $0.66
c3 banana EQUALZ C3 Banana Split Linear 5-pin 62g TRUE FALSE Nylon, Polyamide POM Gold Plated $0.7 Cannon Keys
EQUALZ C3 Tangerine Switch EQUALZ C3 Tangerine Linear 5-pin 62g/67g TRUE FALSE UHMWPE POM Gold Plated $0.7 Cannon Keys
gateron azure dragon Gateron Azure Dragon Tactile 5-pin 63g TRUE FALSE Top PC, Bottom PA66 POM $0.5
Gateron Black Gateron Black Linear 5-pin 60g FALSE FALSE Proprietary Milky POM $0.23 Cannon Keys
Gateron Black Ink Gateron Black Ink Linear 5-pin 60g FALSE FALSE Proprietary Ink POM $0.75 Cannon Keys
Gateron Brown Gateron Brown Tactile 5-pin 45g FALSE FALSE Proprietary Milky POM $0.23 Cannon Keys
Gateron Brown low Gateron Brown Tactile 3-pin 55g TRUE PC, Nylon PA66 POM $0.33 Keychron
Gateron Cap Golden Yellow V2 Gateron Cap Golden Yellow V2 Linear 5-pin 50g TRUE FALSE Proprietary Yellow POM $0.48 Cannon Keys
Gateron Cap Milky Yellow V2 Gateron Cap Milky Yellow V2 Linear 5-pin 50g TRUE FALSE Proprietary Milky POM $0.30 Cannon Keys
Gateron CJ Gateron CJ Linear 5-pin 50g TRUE FALSE Ink, POM POM $0.65 Cannon Keys
Gateron Full Nylon Yellow Gateron Full Nylon Yellow Linear 5-pin 63.5g FALSE FALSE Nylon POM $0.23 Cannon Keys
Gateron Milky Yellow Gateron Milky Yellow Linear 5-pin 50g FALSE FALSE Proprietary Milky POM $0.23 Cannon Keys
Gateron Milky Yellow Gateron Milky Yellow Pro Linear 5-pin 50g TRUE FALSE Proprietary Milky POM $0.3 Cannon Keys
Gateron Mizu Mink Gateron Mizu Mink Linear 5-pin 50g FALSE FALSE Proprietary Milky, Proprietary Ink POM $0.77 Cannon Keys
Gateron Oil King Gateron Oil King Linear 5-pin 55g TRUE FALSE Nylon, Proprietary Ink POM $0.65 Cannon Keys
Gateron Pro North Pole Gateron Pro North Pole Linear 5-pin 50g TRUE FALSE PC Ink v2 Gold Plated $0.68 Cannon Keys
gateron pure berry Gateron Pure Berry x Swagkeys Linear 5-pin 62g TRUE FALSE PC & Nylon Mix POM Long Spring $0.4 Cannon Keys
Gateron Red Gateron Red Linear 5-pin 45g FALSE FALSE Proprietary Milky POM $0.23 Cannon Keys
Gateron Vermilion Bird Gateron Vermilion Bird Linear 5-pin 50g TRUE FALSE Top PC, Bottom PA66 POM Two-Stage 18mm $0.5
Gateron X Gateron X Linear 5-pin 50g FALSE FALSE Nylon-blend, Nylon POM $0.49 Cannon Keys
Glorious Panda Lubed Glorious Panda (Lubed) Tactile 3-pin 67g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon PA66 POM $0.69 Glorious
Glorious Panda Lubed Glorious Panda (Unlubed) Tactile 3-pin 67g FALSE FALSE PC, Nylon PA66 POM $0.69 Glorious
Gopolar Azure Dragon Gopolar Azure Dragon Tactile 5-pin 63g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon POM Two Stage $0.70 Kono
holy panda Drop x Invyr Holy Panda Tactile 5-pin 67g FALSE FALSE PC, Nylon Halo switch Two Stage $1.5 Drop
holy panda Drop x Gateron Holy Panda X Tactile 5-pin 60g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon POM Two Stage $1.5 Drop
jelly strawberry Jelly Strawberry V2 Linear 3-pin 52g FALSE FALSE Top PC, Bottom Nylon POM Long Spring $0.3 Drop
jelly strawberry v3 Jelly Strawberry V3 Linear 5-pin 52g TRUE FALSE Nylon POM Long Spring $0.3
JWK JWICK Black JWK JWICK Black Linear 5-pin 58.5g TRUE FALSE Nylon POM $0.24 Cannon Keys
JWK JWICK Yellow JWK JWICK Yellow Linear 5-pin 65g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon POM $0.24 Cannon Keys
JWK Mauve JWK Mauve Linear 5-pin 65g TRUE FALSE Nylon/PC, Nylon POM $0.55 Cannon Keys
JWK Seal JWK Seal Linear 5-pin 78g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon POM Gold Plated $0.60 Cannon Keys
JWK Taro Ball JWK Taro Ball Tactile 5-pin 65g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon POM Gold Plated $0.60 Cannon Keys
JWK Wuque Onion JWK Wuque Onion Linear 5-pin 63.5g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon POM $0.70 Cannon Keys
JWK Wuque Original Aspiration JWK Wuque Original Aspiration Linear 5-pin 67g FALSE FALSE PC, UHMWPE POM $0.65 Cannon Keys
Kailh BOX Crystal Pink Kailh BOX Crystal Pink Clicky 5-pin 62g TRUE FALSE Proprietary Clear MX $0.45 Cannon Keys
kailh box jade Kailh BOX Jade Clicky 5-pin 50g TRUE FALSE Proprietary Clear MX $0.45 Cannon Keys
Kailh BOX Jellyfish V2 Kailh BOX Jellyfish V2 Linear 5-pin 50g TRUE FALSE PC PA $0.72 Kinetic Labs
Kailh BOX Jellyfish V2 Kailh BOX Jellyfish V2 Clicky 5-pin 50g TRUE FALSE PC PA $0.72 Kinetic Labs
Kailh FLCMMK Ice Mint Kailh FLCMMK Ice Mint Linear 5-pin 40g TRUE FALSE POM POM $0.65 Cannon Keys
Kailh NovelKeys Box Royal Kailh NovelKeys Box Royal Tactile 3-pin 45g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon PA66 POM $0.50 NovelKeys
KTT Grapefruit KTT Grapefruit Linear 3-pin 45g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon POM $0.27 Kinetic Labs
ktt kang white KTT Kang White Linear 3-pin 60g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon POM Progressive Spring $0.15
ktt mint KTT Mint Linear 3 pin 45g FALSE FALSE Top PC, Bottom Nylon POM 15mm $0.2
ktt matcha KTT Matcha Tactile 3 pin 40g FALSE FALSE PC POM $0.4
ktt rose KTT Rose Linear 3-pin 43g FALSE FALSE Top PC, Bottom Nylon POM Progressive $0.2
ktt peach KTT Peach Linear 3-pin 45g FALSE FALSE Top PC, Bottom Nylon POM Progressive $0.2
ktt strawberry KTT Strawberry Linear 3/5-pin 43g TRUE FALSE PC POM Progressive $0.4
Momoka Frog Momoka Frog Linear 3-pin 54g TRUE FALSE PC, Nylon POM $0.50 Cannon Keys
Novelkeys x Kailh Cream Switch Novelkeys x Kailh Cream Linear 3-pin 55g TRUE FALSE POM POM $0.50 Novelkeys
Kailh Cream Chocolate Novelkeys x Kailh Cream Chocolate Linear 3-pin 55g TRUE FALSE POM POM $0.50 Novelkeys
Outemu Gazzew Boba U4 Outemu Gazzew Boba U4 Silent Tactile 5-pin 62g TRUE FALSE Proprietary Milky POM $0.65 Ringer Keys
Outemu Gazzew Boba U4T Outemu Gazzew Boba U4T Tactile 5-pin 62g TRUE FALSE Proprietary Milky POM $0.65 Ringer Keys
Outemu Gazzew Boba U4T Outemu Gazzew Boba U4T Tactile 5-pin 68g TRUE FALSE Proprietary Milky POM $0.65 Ringer Keys
Outemu Gazzew Boba U5 Outemu Gazzew Boba U5 Silent Tactile 5-pin 68g TRUE FALSE Proprietary Milky POM $0.65 Ringer Keys
SP Star Sacramento SP-Star Sacramento Linear 5-pin 62g FALSE FALSE Nylon POM $0.58 Cannon Keys
SP Star Meteor White SP-Star Meteor White Linear 5-pin 57g TRUE FALSE Nylon POM $0.58 Cannon Keys
Tecsee Coffee Chip Cream Tecsee Coffee Chip Cream Tactile 5-pin 68g FALSE FALSE PME POM $0.47 Cannon Keys
Tecsee Neopolitan Ice Cream Tecsee Neopolitan Ice Cream Tactile 5-pin 63.5g TRUE FALSE PC POM Two Stage $0.70 Cannon Keys
Tecsee Purple Panda Tecsee Purple Panda Tactile 5-pin 55g TRUE FALSE PME POM $0.50 Keebsforall
TTC Bluish White TTC Bluish White Tactile 3-pin 42g TRUE FALSE Proprietary Clear, Proprietary Blue Proprietary Blue $0.48 Cannon Keys
TTC Gold Pink TTC Gold Pink Linear 3-pin 37g TRUE FALSE Proprietary Clear, Proprietary Gold Proprietary Pink $0.48 Cannon Keys
ttc wild TTC Wild Linear 5-pin 55g/42g FALSE FALSE Top PC, Bottom PA66 POM TTC gold spring $1 Cannon Keys
ttc matrix 1 TTC Matrix-01 Linear 5-pin 45g TRUE FALSE Nylon POM Double stage gold spring $1 Cannon Keys
ttc matrix tactile TTC Matrix Tactile Tactile 5-pin 63.5g TRUE FALSE Nylon POM Double stage gold spring $1 Cannon Keys
Mechanical Keyboard Switches

What is the keyboard switches?

Every keyboard needs switches to make it function, and nowhere is this more true than on a mechanical keyboard. These little components, which sit underneath the keycaps, are the connection between the keyboard PCB and the keypressed.

While you may not see them, the manner in which they feel, sound, and look have great bearing on how your keyboard feels when you type.

Most of the available switches on the market right now is Cherry MX style switch, so from now on in this article, if we don’t mention anything specific, “switch” will stand for “Cherry MX style switch”.

mechanical keyboard switches

Switch Types

Switches are typically divided into three distinct varieties, which are based on their design: Tactile, Linear, and Clicky.

  • Linear switches are the simplest type of switch. They are consistent, with no tactile feedback or noise when pressing the actuation point, usually located in the middle. This means that most key presses will typically bottom out.
  • Tactile switches, however, offer a bump at the actuation point, providing feedback that the key press has been registered.
  • Clicky switches provide a click sound at the actuation point; this type of switch benefits users by allowing them to release the key quickly after feedback has been received.

Switches currently used are based off a design from German company Cherry. This patent has since expired, meaning other companies have been able to create their own versions of the design. Cherry MX is the term given to the switches still produced by Cherry, such as the MX Brown and MX Red.

MX-compatible refers to being compatible with the Cherry MX-style switch, characterized by its ‘+’ shaped stem; an example of this is Boba 4U switches:

boba u4t switch
Boba 4U

Keycaps are also typically available in this style. However, they are not suitable for other switches such as Topre, which feature a different stem.

All Switch Parts

all switch parts
All parts of Cherry MX style switches

Switch Housing

The two components of the housing are the base and top housing. The base housing is fitted with two pins which slot into the printed circuit board (PCB) and usually require soldering, unless it is a ‘hotswap’ keyboard where no soldering is required. Switches can either be plate-mount or PCB-mount, with the latter having two plastic legs which secure it to the PCB.

Stem

The stem is housed in the switch case, rested atop a spring and ‘+’ extrusion which locks into the base of the keycap. The two legs of the switch mediate the level of tactile feedback when the metal leaf makes contact with them.

Spiring

The underlying base on which the stem sits is held in place by a spring. Spring weights vary, with stronger springs needing more power for a keypress.

Metal Leaf

When a key is pressed, the switch stem presses against the metal contact embedded in the lower housing. This action triggers the circuit board to register the keypress, resulting in its associated symbol appearing on the computer screen.

modding switches

How to mod switches

Let’s now explore the different ways to modify switches to better fit your individual preferences. After getting up to speed on the key distinctions and components that make up any given switch, you should be able to tweak it to match your desired characteristics.

Lube switches

One of the first steps that modders tend to take, even for their first build, is lubricating the switch components. This can have a dramatic impact on how the switch feels, sounds, and even its weight, depending on the lube used.

Read more: Complete guide to doing switch lube.

Mod springs

You should at least bag-lube your switch springs before using your non-lubed switches to significantly improve your typing experience. If you want to be a bit more advanced, swapping out the stock spring in a switch is an effortless way to alter its response.

There are various springs available in different materials, weights, and in progressive options.

Film Switches

A thin film, known as a switch film, is applied to the base of a switch and positioned between the base and the top housing. This allows for a tighter fit between the two parts, which in turn helps lower any wobble and gives off a better feel and sound.

Read more: How to film switches.

Other Switch Mods

  • Frakenswitches: Putting together different switch parts, known as transplanting, is often required to create a switch with desired qualities. The result can be quite unique, like the Holy Panda Frankenswitch, created by combining a Halo Clear or True stem with a YOK Panda housing.
  • Custom your own color way: Occasionally, designers and vendors will offer alternative colors for existing switches. YOK Polar Pandas, for example, take the standard gray housing and give it a vibrant blue look. This is done to provide visual variety, as well as to coordinate with a particular keyset. Additionally, the spring weight may vary from the original.

Other Less-Popular Switch Types

Low-profile Switches

Low-profile switches are ideal for creating thinner mechanical keyboards due to their flat shape. Compared to standard switches, these switches offer shorter actuation distances, making them perfect for tight spaces.

Cherry MX Low-profile

cherry low profile switch

Since 2018, Cherry has added MX Low Profile Red linear switches to their selection. Ideal for both typing and gaming, these switches have an actuation distance of 1.2 mm.

For those seeking even faster response times, the MX Low Profile Speed linear switch has an actuation distance of just 1 mm, making them the perfect choice for gaming.

Logitech GL

Logitech GL low profile switch

Many Logitech keyboards are outfitted with Logitech’s low-profile GL switches.

These switches feature a height that’s around half that of a traditional switch, and come in three distinct varieties – GL Clicky, GL Tactile and GL Linear – each of which provides its own unique feedback. The actuation point for all three is 1.5mm.

Optical Switches

Optical or opto-mechanical switches are a relatively new development with potential to revolutionize keyboards. Unlike traditional mechanical switches that rely on making metal-to-metal contact to actuate, optical switches are triggered using light signals.

This leads to less physical contact and makes them more durable and less prone to degradation due to usage.

razer optical switch
How Razer Optical Switch works

Razer is one example of a brand that has started producing optical switches. Their versions have been around since June 2018 when they debuted in Razer Huntsman and Razer Huntsman Elite.

  • The Razer Clicky Optical Switch is a tactile and audible feedback technology with a royal purple hue. Its name alone tells you all you need to know about this exciting new switch!
  • Razer’s Linear Optical Switch features a shallow actuation point, needing less pressure to activate than a Cherry MX Red. Although this short travel time is beneficial, it does take some time getting accustomed to. So make sure to give yourself a few days to get used to it.
  • Razer Analog Optical Switch technology brings users a heightened level of control when gaming. Not only does it detect if a key is pressed, but it measures how far it is pressed; the switch can be configured to trigger different actions at various points of a single key stroke. This is similar to a joystick and provides more accurate movement within a game. The first keyboard to use this technology is the Huntsman V2 Analog, released in February 2021. With the Razer Analog Optical Switch, gamers are able to access a more precise gameplay experience.
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