As a mechanical keyboard enthusiast, I often get asked – what are the best mechanical keyboard switches to get? While favorites do vary by personal taste and use case – whether gaming, typing, programming etc – plenty of excellent options exist to upgrade from the squishy rubber dome keys of old.
In this guide, we‘ll trace the evolution of mechanical switch technology, break down objective differences between the major mechanical switch types, discuss new innovations on the horizon, and provide tailored recommendations so you can find your perfect switch!
A Tour Through Mechanical Switch History
While early computers relied on punch cards and teleprinters, 1960s era electric typewriter-style keyboards marked the first usage of individual mechanical key switches. But the real game-changer arrived in 1983 when German manufacturer Cherry unveiled their patent for the Cherry MX switch – kicking off a mechanical keyboard renaissance which continues advancing the state of typing technology.
The Rise of the MX
The Cherry MX series drew inspiration from arrow-shaped crosspoint contact switches inside mechanical relays. Each MX switch contains a plastic keycap stem that slides down to press a pair of crisp, gold-plated metal contacts together with a clear audible and tactile snap. When released, a metal coil spring returns the key to its original unpressed starting point.
[Table summarizing various vintage Cherry MX Series switches]This patented design provided unrivaled performance for its era in parameters keyboard enthusiasts still discuss today – actuation distance, actuation vs bottom out force, and subjective sound and tactile feedback qualities that impact typing ‘feel‘.
By 1990, Cherry switches were widely adopted by major peripheral makers like IBM and Logitech – even appearing in early ergonomic curved keyboards intended to open new markets beyond die-hard typists. For over 15 years, the famously consistent Cherry MX became synonymous with mechanical keyboard quality.
Buckling Springs – Hear Them Snap
However, one exceptional vintage keyboard featuring a truly unique switch stands out from all others when discussing tactile feel – the IBM Model M Buckling Spring. Drawing inspiration from IBM‘s Selectric typewriters which utilized a mechanical "typeball", the Model M introduced in 1985 used a coil spring switching mechanism with each key. When pressed down halfway, a small hammer strikes a membrane – triggering an actuation signal. At the same time, the spring quickly compresses and ‘buckles‘ with a distinctive snapping sensation and click sound. This provided unparalleled physical feedback confirming each keypress registered accurately at high speeds – helping Model M‘s earn a cult following among avid typists that continues today.
The Lost Era of Rubber Domes
By early 2000s, most major manufacturers gradually transitioned towards inexpensive rubber dome membrane keyboards – relying on a flat grid of rubber bubbles with conductive pads underneath to register key presses. Cost and simplicity trumped considerations around typing feel. For over a decade, the majority of keyboard advances focused merely on adding extra multimedia and browser keys.
Yet this apparent race to the bottom sparked a growing enthusiast community interest in re-discovering the premium typing experiences offered by largely forgotten mechanical boards with more complex switching internals.
The Mechanical Keyboard Renaissance
Fueled by forums like geekhack.org and deskthority.net, keyboard enthusiasts led a DIY hobbyist movement focused on modding and custom building boards with vintage 80s mechanical switches salvaged from flea markets or specialty group buy rounds sourced from niche manufacturers. This surging grassroots interest soon attracted wider industry attention.
Mechanicals Re-Emerge for Gamers
As personal computing shifted towards more graphics intensive games in mid-2000s, peripheral makers added basic mechanical switch options to cater to performance-focused gamers. By mid-2010s, usage had expanded to programmers craving the accuracy of tactile switches along with writers and students drawn to their comfortable feel.
Yet niche hobbyist sites still complained major brands relied too heavily on basic Cherry MX options. So manufacturers moved to address demand for greater switch customizability and expand the competitive playing field beyond dominant Cherry.
Beyond Cherry MX
With Cherry struggling to expand production, competitors emerged offering affordable Cherry-compatible clones along with unique switch innovations never seen before. Notable players included:
- Gateron – Cherry-equivalent switches praised for even smoother linear feel
- Kailh – Prolific switch designer behind box-shaped stems reducing key wobble
- Zeal – Custom switches like Zilents and Zealios fine-tuned for enthusiasts
- Topre – Capacitive press switches with integrated rubber domes
- NovelKeys – Creator of unique collaborative "Frankenswitches"
This blooming ecosystem facilitated small batch enthusiast runs via group buys, with artisan vendors like Drop manufacturing limited products suggested by niche keyboard fan communities.
Optical & Analog Switches Emerge
Seeking to push responsiveness even further, 2016 saw the first optical mechanical keyboard launch by Wooting. Optical switches replace physical electrical contacts with infrared light beams for unmatched speed and longevity. Premium boards like the Wooting Two analog optical keyboard enable pressure sensitive key inputs for unique gameplay functionality.
Most recent innovation comes from analog Hall effect keyboards like the Cooler Master ControlPad – using magnetic fields rather than light detection. Adjustable actuation coupled with pressure sensitivity grants users customization down to minute details like per key RGB illumination parameters. Such advances highlight the accelerating pace of innovation as components shrink in the era of IoT.
While discussion often focuses on gaming, such precision benefits everyone – from graphic designers accessing more shades via pressure sensitivity to coders cutting through nested submenus via personalized key bindings.
Mechanical Switch Characteristics
Before suggesting ideal picks, let‘s briefly summarize how modern mechanical switches differ across three essential vectors – tactile feel/sound profile, actuation force, and tactile feedback point.
| Switch Type | Sound Profile | Actuation Force | Tactile Feedback Point | Example Switches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | Quiet | Light (35g-55g) | None | Cherry MX Red, Gateron Ink Blacks |
| Tactile | Moderate noise | Medium (45g-65g) | Mid-travel bump | Cherry MX Brown, Zilents 62g |
| Clicky | Noisy/clicks | Average to heavy (50g-70g) | Start of downstroke – crisp tick | Cherry MX Blue, Kailh Box Whites |
As indicated above, sound profile describes perceived noise emitted – from silent linears to clicking keys announcing every keystroke. Actuation force indicates the measured gram weight required to depress a key fully until electrical contact. Finally, tactile variants provide physical bump feedback at varying points through the downward key travel to signal successful activation.
Now let‘s explore top switch recommendations across budget and performance tiers.
Finding Your Ideal Switch
Best Budget Linear: Gateron Yellow
Unmatched smoothness for just $.25/switch – what‘s not to love! Seriously, it took the community by surprise when these silky budget linears outperformed Cherry counterparts. No resistance or spring crunch whatsoever. Perfect for both gaming and office use.
[Link to switch tester containing Gaterons]Best RGB Linear: Gateron Ink Blacks
Those graduating to higher end boards deserve the impressively refined Gateron Ink Blacks. Their translucent polycarbonate housing shows off shimmering underlighting for next-level RGB effects. Plus factory lubrication enhances smoothness even beyond stock – gliding like a hot knife through buttery silk. Did I mention they sound deeper than the Pacific Mariana trench too?
[Link to switch tester containing Gateron Inks]Most Comfortable Tactile: Zilent 62g
My favorite tactile switch for all day comfort comes from ZealPC‘s Zilent line – essentially Aliaz silent switches fine-tuned with a rounded bump engineered to protect fragile human hands during marathon coding or writing sessions. Their specialized silicone dampeners eliminate upstroke clack for library-esque noise levels. If you seek a world-class typing experience with no finger exhaustion, your endgame may arrive wrapped in these Zilents.
[Link to buy Zealios switches]Most Fun Clicky: Kailh Box Jades
No switch provides a sharper sensation than Box Jades and their trademark thick click bars. I guarantee your colleagues will ask "what ARE you typing on?!?" moments after unboxing. Every keypress emits a ultra crisp click surgically exact box stem eliminates side-to-side wobble when striking keys off-center travelling at elite gamer speeds. PS: I suggest ordering Clack factory lubed variants for tuned feedback resembling divine lightning with each clack.
[Link to buy factory lubed Kailh Box Jades]Choosing What‘s Right For You
While the switches above make excellent starting points, remember that hundreds of niche variants exist to fine tune subtle tactile characteristics to your personal taste. I suggest trying a key switch tester kit first just as one might sample ice cream flavors before deciding on that perfect go-to pint.
The enthusiast keyboard realm offers constant innovation through hyper-collaborative group buys, passionate homebrew modding experiments posted on community wikis and small clackfactories hand tuning each batch with meticulous attention that respects this is no mere gadget, but an extension of self uniquely personalized.
As switches shrink towards microscopic scales, future possibilities grow exponentially just as PCB components transformed entire industries over the past decades. Low profile optical switches suitable for portable form factors will likely dominate coming years. Expect fluid interchangeable switch modules swapped via gamer gear loadouts on the fly. And anticipate workforce transitions as automation rises – empowering more creators to embrace keyboard customization reflecting their individuality.
The revolution continues as we all reclaim that special feeling when our mechanical keyboards became true instruments we mastered through long practice sessions filled with gratifying sound and tactile song. I welcome you to join our community anytime as a fellow keyboard composer!
Let the music play on…
What switch are YOU most excited to try next? Let me know in the comments!
