A tactile keyboard switch is one that has a small “bump” feel part of the way through the key press. Clicky: A small bump on each keystroke with a loud click noise. Tactile: A small bump on each keystroke with a moderate noise. Each type has a different feeling, resistance, and sound. A clicky switch is a specific type of tactile switch (that has a small bump but with the addition of another mechanism that provides a very small “click” noise.A linear switch, by contrast, does not have a tactile bump within the switch mechanism, so the key press is smooth until the entire key has been pressed down (called “bottoming out”).This bump provides “tactile feedback” to your finger, helping you “feel” when the key has actually registered to the computer. Linear for sure Three main switch types, Linear vs Tactile vs Clicky: Linear: Smooth and consistent keystroke with a quiet noise. There are three main types of keyboard switches: tactile, linear, and clicky. I have no particular feelings on this debate, having successfully used both. The click doesn’t affect how the switch operates. Some aficionados argue that linear switches are better for gaming, while tactile switches are better for typing. It’s purely another audio cue that the key has been pressed. I’ve tried dozens of different switches over the years, so let me dive into how the tactile switch functions, why it matters, etc. Tactile switch on the left, linear on the rightĪ keyboard “switch” is the physical mechanism that lies just underneath your keycaps (the top part that your fingers make contact with), and plugs into the PCB (circuit board in your keyboard case). Switch stem: This is the part of the switch that extends down into the switch and moves up and down when you press the keycap (it’s connected to the underside of the keycap).They’re usually made from ABS or PBT plastic, and come in tons of different colors & styles! (and shapes and profiles) Keycaps (not actually part of the switch): The keycaps are the part of the switch that you actually touch.Let’s break down a switch (from top to bottom, kinda): The switch compresses down when you press a key, then moves back up when you release pressure. The stem is generally colored to match the switch color. Upper housing: This is the part of the switch that contains the spring and rests on top of the lower housing.Tactile & clicky switches have a small bump on their stems! Linear switches do not. It has a hole in the center for the stem to fit into (the upper and bottom housings snap together, and you need a “switch opener” tool to take them apart. Whew! Normal” keyboards (mostly “membrane keyboards”) don’t have mechanical switches with all those parts, but rather a thin rubber membrane with fewer moving parts (which is cheaper, but doesn’t feel or sound like mechanical switches)! Switch Comparison: Linear vs Tactile vs ClickyĪll switches fall under 3 broad categories: Lower housing: The bottom half of the switch “shell” or “box.” Spring: This is what provides the resistance when you press a key down, and also gives it that “bouncing” feeling.Or a flathead screwdriver, but that’s harder). Pressing them is a straight, smooth path from the top to the bottom. Tactile: These switches provide a tiny “bump” when you press them (generally around the actuation point).There’s no tactile or auditory feedback when you press them, and they require the least amount of force to actuate. You can then spend more money on something else after, and find out it is barely different for a much higher cost.Clicky: These are a sub-type of tactile switches.This “tactile feedback” helps your fingers feel when the key has actually been registered. I think buying the Redragon or a similar value brand is the way to go if you're unsure. Scissors don't get mentioned much, but are pretty solid if you like them, the Logitech Illuminated uses them as do many laptops. That Mac keyboard looks like it would be either membrane or scissor switch. Blue is very similar to the old buckling spring or whatever they were called, that you probably typed on if you had a computer pre-2000s, albeit less sound and force, as it won't have the springs. Red is not so dissimilar to a regular membrane, or the mem-chanicals, imo. Blue if you want the sound, brown if you don't, and red if you don't want to feel anything either. For the most part, your choice is between blue, brown and red. And honestly the difference isn't huge anyway. As long as you don't go overboard, they actually don't cost all that much.
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