Mechanical Keyboard Switches: A Complete Guide for Gamers and Typists

Mechanical keyboards have gained immense popularity among gamers, typists, and tech enthusiasts alike. Unlike membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards use individual mechanical switches for each key, delivering a more tactile, responsive, and durable typing experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about mechanical keyboard switches—from the different types and components to how they can improve your gaming or typing setup.

What Are Mechanical Keyboard Switches?

At the heart of every mechanical keyboard are the mechanical switches—tiny devices located beneath each keycap that register keystrokes. These switches are physical mechanisms, as opposed to the pressure pads found in membrane keyboards. When a key is pressed, the switch is activated, sending an electrical signal to your computer.

How Do Mechanical Switches Work?

When you press a key on a mechanical keyboard, you are pressing down on a stem connected to a coil spring. This movement causes two electrical contacts to meet, completing a circuit and registering the keypress. The spring then pushes the key back into its original position.

Unlike membrane keyboards, which have a “mushy” feel due to rubber domes, mechanical keyboards give more precise feedback, allowing you to feel or hear when a key is actuated.

Why Choose Mechanical Keyboards?

Mechanical keyboards offer a range of benefits that make them superior to other types of keyboards:

1. Durability: Most mechanical switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes or more, compared to membrane keyboards, which often wear out after 5 million strokes.
2. Tactile Feedback: Mechanical switches provide tactile or audible feedback, so you know exactly when a key has been registered. This is especially beneficial for typing and gaming.
3. Customization: Mechanical keyboards offer a range of customization options. You can swap out keycaps, switches, and even the entire keyboard case.
4. Typing Speed and Accuracy: The distinct tactile feel of mechanical switches can help improve typing speed and accuracy, making them ideal for professionals who spend hours typing or gamers who need precise inputs.

Types of Mechanical Keyboard Switches

There are three main types of mechanical switches, each suited for different uses:

1. Linear Switches: These switches provide a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump or audible click. Linear switches are ideal for gamers who want fast, uninterrupted keypresses. The most popular example is the Cherry MX Red.
2. Tactile Switches: Tactile switches provide a small bump that you can feel when the key actuates, making them great for typing. These switches strike a balance between gaming and typing performance. A popular tactile switch is the Cherry MX Brown.
3. Clicky Switches: As the name suggests, clicky switches make a loud “click” sound when actuated, offering both tactile and auditory feedback. These switches are loved by typists who enjoy a more pronounced response to each keypress. The Cherry MX Blue is a popular choice for clicky switches.

Components of a Mechanical Switch

Understanding the internal components of a mechanical switch can help you appreciate how these tiny mechanisms deliver such a satisfying typing experience. Each switch is made up of five key components:

1. Keycap: The keycap is the part of the key that you press. It sits on top of the switch stem and is usually made from plastic. Keycaps come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, and can be easily swapped out for a customized feel.
2. Stem: The stem is the moving part of the switch. It sits between the keycap and the rest of the switch. The shape of the stem determines how the switch feels and functions. Different switch types have different stem designs, influencing the tactile bump, actuation point, and reset distance.
3. Coil Spring: The spring sits below the stem and provides the force required to push the key back to its original position. The stiffness of the spring determines how much pressure is needed to actuate the switch.
4. Upper Housing: This is the top part of the switch casing, holding the stem and spring in place while protecting the internals from dust and debris.
5. Base Housing: The base housing connects the switch to the keyboard’s printed circuit board (PCB). It holds all the internal components together and ensures proper electrical contact when a key is pressed.

Key Switch Terminology You Should Know

To fully understand mechanical keyboard switches, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some key terminology:

• Actuation Point: The point at which the switch registers a keystroke. This is usually around halfway through the key’s travel distance.
• Actuation Force: The amount of force required to press the key and actuate the switch. This is typically measured in grams.
• Bottoming Out: When a key is pressed all the way down, past the actuation point, until it hits the bottom of the switch.
• Key Lifespan: The number of keystrokes a switch can handle before it begins to wear out. Most mechanical switches are rated for 50-100 million keystrokes.
• Debouncing: A feature in mechanical switches that prevents multiple keypresses from being registered if the key bounces slightly after being pressed.
• O-Rings: Rubber rings that can be added to the stem of a key switch to reduce noise and make the typing experience quieter.

Popular Switch Brands and Models

Several companies manufacture mechanical switches, but some are more well-known than others. Below are some of the most popular brands:

1. Cherry MX

Cherry MX switches are considered the gold standard in the world of mechanical keyboards. They come in a variety of colors, each representing a different type of switch. Cherry MX Red, Brown, and Blue are the most popular, but there are many other options like MX Black (heavy linear) and MX Green (clicky with a higher actuation force).

2. Gateron

Gateron switches are known for their smooth keystrokes and are often considered a budget-friendly alternative to Cherry MX. Many users prefer Gateron’s tactile and linear switches because they feel smoother than Cherry MX’s equivalents. Gateron Red, Brown, and Blue are the most common.

3. Razer

Razer has developed its own line of switches for its mechanical keyboards, including the Razer Green (clicky), Orange (tactile), and Yellow (linear) switches. Razer’s switches are specifically designed for gaming and are built to be highly durable.

4. Kailh

Kailh is another affordable switch manufacturer that offers a wide variety of switches, including tactile, linear, and clicky options. Kailh Box switches are particularly popular because they are designed to be more durable and water-resistant than traditional switches.

Mechanical Switches for Gaming vs Typing

Best Switches for Gaming

For gaming, speed and responsiveness are crucial. Linear switches, such as Cherry MX Red or Gateron Red, are highly recommended because they allow for rapid keypresses with minimal resistance. These switches are also quieter, making them ideal for multiplayer gaming environments where communication is key.

Best Switches for Typing

If you’re primarily typing, tactile and clicky switches offer the best experience. Cherry MX Brown or Blue switches are great options because they provide tactile feedback, allowing you to feel when a key is registered. This can improve typing accuracy and speed over time.

How to Choose the Right Mechanical Switch

When choosing the right mechanical switch for your keyboard, consider the following factors:

• Use Case: Are you using the keyboard for gaming, typing, or a combination of both? If gaming is your focus, linear switches are your best bet. For typing, tactile or clicky switches provide a better experience.
• Sound: If you work in a shared space, you might want to avoid loud clicky switches like Cherry MX Blue. Opt for quieter tactile or linear switches instead.
• Feel: Some people prefer a smooth keystroke, while others like the tactile bump. Testing different switches in a store or ordering a switch tester can help you decide what feels best.
• Actuation Force: If you have a light touch, a switch with lower actuation force (like Cherry MX Red) will feel more comfortable. If you prefer more resistance, a switch like Cherry MX Black may suit you better.

Mechanical keyboard switches come in a wide variety of types, each catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re a gamer seeking fast, smooth keypresses or a typist looking for tactile feedback, there’s a switch out there for you.

Before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to try out different switch types, either through a sample pack or at a local tech store. No matter which switch you choose, a mechanical keyboard is bound to offer you a more satisfying, durable, and customizable typing experience.