Mechanical keyboard switches explained
Updated August 2026 · TapTest guides
The switch under each key decides how your keyboard feels and sounds. Here is what the three main types mean, without the jargon.
Every key on a mechanical keyboard sits on its own switch, and that switch decides how the key feels, how much force it takes, and how loud it is. Switches are usually described by a colour, but the colour is only a rough convention. What actually matters is which of three families the switch belongs to.
The three families
Linear switches move straight down with a smooth, consistent feel and no bump. They are quiet and fast, which is why many gamers prefer them for rapid repeated presses. Cherry MX Red and Black are the classic examples. Red is lighter, Black is heavier.
Tactile switches have a small bump partway through the press that tells your finger the key has registered, without a loud noise. Many people find them the best all-rounder for a mix of typing and gaming. Cherry MX Brown is the best-known tactile switch.
Clicky switches add an audible click on top of the tactile bump. They are satisfying to type on and give clear feedback, but they are loud, so they are not ideal for a shared office or a late-night call. Cherry MX Blue is the classic clicky switch.
What the colours mean (and don't)
Colours like Red, Brown and Blue started with Cherry MX and were copied by other makers such as Gateron and Kailh, so a "Brown" from one brand is usually tactile, but the exact feel varies between manufacturers. Treat the colour as a hint about the family, not a precise spec. Some newer types, such as "Speed Silver", are linear switches with a shorter travel that registers sooner.
The numbers behind the feel
If you want to compare switches more precisely, three figures come up:
- Actuation force: how hard you press before the key registers, measured in grams. Lighter (around 45g) feels effortless; heavier (60g and up) resists accidental presses.
- Actuation point: how far the key travels before it registers. A shorter point feels faster.
- Total travel: how far the key moves in total before bottoming out.
Which should you choose?
There is no single best switch; it is personal preference. As a starting point: pick linear if you value speed and quiet for gaming, tactile if you want feedback for typing without the noise, and clicky if you love the sound and do not share your space. If you are unsure, tactile is the safe middle ground.
Hot-swap keyboards let you change your mind
Many modern keyboards are "hot-swappable", meaning you can pull a switch out and push a different one in without soldering. If you buy one, you can try different switch types later without replacing the whole board, which is a good option if you are undecided.
Whatever switches you end up with, you can confirm every one of them works on the keyboard tester. Turn on the sound option to hear a synthesized keypress as you go, and watch each key light up and stay marked as confirmed.