The core component of a mechanical keyboard is the mechanical switch, which directly affects your typing and gaming experience. For beginners who are new to mechanical keyboards, understanding the characteristics of different switches and choosing the right switch for themselves is very important. This article will provide you with a detailed introduction to the characteristics of various mechanical switches, and help you find the one that suits you best.
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, many people will first focus on the appearance of modeling, brand and other factors. But in fact, choosing the most suitable mechanical keyboard axis is the most critical step. switch touch, feedback and noise characteristics, directly determines the entire keyboard experience. So, how can you choose the most suitable mechanical keyboard switch body?
Basic Classification of Mechanical Switches
Mechanical switches are usually divided into three main categories based on their actuation method and feel: linear switches, tactile switches, and clicky switches.
1. Linear Switches
The characteristic of linear switches is that there is no obvious tactile bump during the key press, and the whole pressing process is very smooth. Linear switches are suitable for users who prefer a smooth feel. Common linear switches include:
- Red Switches: Lighter actuation force, smooth pressing, suitable for long-term typing and gaming.
- Black Switches: Heavier actuation force, suitable for users who prefer a heavier feel, often used in gaming keyboards.
2. Tactile Switches
Tactile switches have a noticeable tactile bump during the key press, and the user can feel the actuation point. Tactile switches are suitable for users who need tactile feedback. Common tactile switches include:
- Brown Switches: Moderate actuation force, with a slight tactile bump, balance between typing and gaming.
- Gray Switches: Have a more pronounced tactile bump, suitable for users who prefer stronger tactile feedback.
3. Clicky Switches
Clicky switches not only have a tactile bump, but also produce a crisp clicking sound. Clicky switches are suitable for users who prefer auditory feedback, but may disturb others in a quiet environment. Common clicky switches include:
- Blue Switches: Moderate actuation force, with a distinct tactile bump and clicking sound, suitable for typing.
- White Switches: Lighter actuation force, also have a clicking sound, suitable for users who prefer a light touch and clicking sound.
How to Choose the Right Mechanical Switch for Yourself?
Choosing the right mechanical switch for yourself requires considering the following aspects:
1. Usage Scenario
- Typing: If you mainly use the keyboard for typing, you can choose tactile switches or clicky switches, such as brown switches or blue switches, as their tactile feedback and sound can help you improve typing speed and accuracy.
- Gaming: If you mainly use the keyboard for gaming, you can choose linear switches, such as red switches or black switches, as their smooth feel can allow you to press keys quickly and consecutively during games.
- General Use: If you need a keyboard that balances typing and gaming, you can choose brown switches, as their moderate actuation force is suitable for various usage scenarios.
2. Preference for Feel
- Light Feel: If you prefer a light pressing feel, you can choose red switches or white switches.
- Heavy Feel: If you prefer a heavier pressing feel, you can choose black switches or gray switches.
- Tactile Feedback: If you prefer a feel with tactile feedback, you can choose brown switches or blue switches.
3. Environmental Requirements
- Quiet Environments: If you use the keyboard in a quiet environment, such as an office or library, it is recommended to choose red switches or brown switches, as they have relatively low noise.
- Home Use: If you use the keyboard at home and noise is not a concern, you can choose blue switches or white switches, as their clicking sound will bring you the joy of typing.
Let's analyze a few practical cases.
Case 1: Office Worker Focused on Programming
Zhang is a programmer who needs to do a lot of typing and code writing for his work. Staying up late to work overtime is a common occurrence for him. He initially chose a mechanical keyboard with Kailh Box Arctic Fox Keyboard Switch
When he started using it, Zhang was very satisfied with the feel and sound feedback of the switches, and the typing experience was excellent. However, as time went by, the fatigue in his fingers became more and more obvious from prolonged keyboard use, and the noise also led to complaints from his colleagues.
For this situation, we recommend that Zhang consider switches with tactile feedback, such as Kailh Box Winter Switch. These types of switches have a softer feel, lower noise, and won't put too much burden on the fingers even with prolonged use. For programming work, the tactile feedback can still provide a good typing experience.
Case 2: Gaming-Loving Student
Li is a university student who loves gaming and spends a lot of time playing games every day. He initially chose a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Red switches.
Li found that the linear feel and fast response of the Red switches did provide a good experience in gaming. However, in daily typing, the lack of obvious tactile feedback often led him to make typing mistakes. Also, the lighter actuation force of the Red switches caused his fingers to feel sore after prolonged use.
To meet Li's needs, we suggest he consider Kailh Midnight Switch Pro. These switches retain the linear feel and fast response of the Red switches, but have a slightly higher actuation force than the Red, allowing a good balance between gaming and typing. The tactile feedback of the Kailh Midnight Switch Pro can also reduce the problem of input errors.
Case 3: Quiet Office Worker
Wang is a white-collar worker in a large office. She initially chose a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue switches, but soon faced complaints from her colleagues.
The crisp clicking sound of the Blue switches did provide an excellent typing experience for Wang, but it also caused serious noise pollution for the entire office environment. Her colleagues were unable to concentrate, and work efficiency was greatly reduced.
For Wang's situation, we recommend she consider linear switches like Kailh HUSH Deep Sea Switch Pro or Kailh BOX Red. These switches do not make obvious sounds when pressed, which can minimize noise and still maintain a good feel. Of course,if she wants some tactile feedback,Kailh Box Winter Switch or Kailh BOX Brown switches are also good options.
Features and User Experience of Kailh Mechanical Switches
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Kailh box Red (Linear Switch)
Type: Linear switch
Actuation force: 45+10gf
Features: Smooth press, no tactile feedback, relatively low noise.
User experience: Suitable for gamers, especially those who need fast, continuous key presses. Light actuation, not easily fatigued during long-term use. -
Kailh Black (Linear Switch)
Type: Linear switch
Actuation force: 60+10gf
Features: Smooth press, no tactile feedback, relatively low noise.
User experience: Suitable for users who prefer a heavier feel, especially gamers. Higher actuation force, may cause fatigue during prolonged typing. -
Kailh Brown (Tactile Switch)
Type: Tactile switch
Actuation force: 50+15gf
Features: Slight tactile bump, no click sound, clear tactile feedback.
User experience: Ideal choice for both typing and gaming. The tactile bump provides tactile feedback, suitable for long-term use without fatigue. -
Kailh navy (Clicky Switch)
Type: Clicky switch
Actuation force: 60+15gf
Features: Obvious tactile bump and click sound, strong tactile and auditory feedback.
User experience: Suitable for typing, the click sound and tactile bump provide a very satisfying typing experience. However, the noise is relatively high, not suitable for quiet environments. - Kailh Spring Keyboard Switch(Linear Switch)
Type: Linear switch
Actuation force: 45gf
Features: Smooth press, dust and water resistant design, relatively low noise.User experience: Suitable for gamers, especially those who need fast, continuous key presses.
Light actuation, not easily fatigued during long-term use - Kailh Box Noble yellow (Linear Switch)
Type: Linear switch
Actuation force: 60g
Features: Smooth press, dust and water resistant design, relatively low noise.
User experience: Suitable for users who prefer a heavier feel, especially gamers. Higher actuation force, may cause fatigue during prolonged typing. - Kailh Box Winter Switch (Tactile Switch)
Type: Tactile switch
Actuation force: 45g
Features: Slight tactile bump, dust and water resistant design, no click sound, clear tactile feedback.
User experience: Ideal choice for both typing and gaming. The tactile bump provides tactile feedback, suitable for long-term use without fatigue. - Kailh Box Summer (Clicky Switch)
Type: Clicky switch
Actuation force: 50g
Features: Obvious tactile bump and click sound, dust and water resistant design, strong tactile and auditory feedback.
User experience: Suitable for typing, the click sound and tactile bump provide a very satisfying typing experience. However, the noise is relatively high, not suitable for quiet environments. - Kailh Speed Silver (Linear Switch)
Type: Linear switch
Actuation force: 40g
Features: Short actuation distance (1.1mm), fast response, smooth press.
User experience: Highly suitable for gamers, especially those who need fast reactions. Light touch, not easily fatigued during long-term use. - Kailh Speed Bronze (Clicky Switch)
Type: Clicky switch
Actuation force: 50g
Features: Short actuation distance (1.1mm), fast response, obvious tactile bump and click sound.
User experience: Suitable for gamers who need fast reactions, while providing a satisfying typing experience. Relatively high noise, not suitable for quiet environments.
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Conclusion
It's easy to get caught up in numerous details when choosing mechanical keyboard switches, but the most important thing is to find switches that you like and enjoy using. First, think about what you like and don't like about the keyboard you use most often as a reference, and by answering these questions, you can narrow down your choices. Additionally, consider the primary purpose for which you use the keyboard: if you're a competitive gamer, a low-latency gaming-specific switch is optimal; if you use it primarily for work or daily browsing, you'll need a switch that's more diverse in terms of noise and feel. Switches may be small, but they have a huge impact on the typing experience, and choosing carefully can dramatically improve your satisfaction and efficiency.
