Switch feel
The single biggest driver of how typing feels and sounds.
A mechanical switch registers a keypress partway through its travel. The three families differ in what your finger feels on the way down: linear switches are smooth top to bottom, tactile switches have a noticeable bump at the actuation point, and clicky switches add an audible click to that bump. Silent variants add dampening, and low-profile switches are shorter for slim boards.
Smooth and consistent — no bump, no click. Popular with gamers and anyone who likes a clean, quiet-ish keystroke. Cherry MX Red, Gateron Yellow and Alpacas are classic examples.
A bump tells your finger the key has registered, which many typists prefer for accuracy without the noise of a click. Cherry MX Brown is the gateway; Holy Pandas and Boba U4T are enthusiast favourites.
A bump plus a sharp click on every press. Satisfying and nostalgic, but loud — think twice for shared offices or video calls. Cherry MX Blue and Kailh Box Jade are the icons.
Lighter springs (~45g) reduce fatigue; heavier springs (~67g+) feel deliberate and reduce typos. Switch weight is easy to tweak later if you go hotswap.
Every choice you'll see for this decision in the builder.
Smooth from top to bottom. Quiet-ish, fast, and the go-to for gaming and a clean feel. e.g. Gateron Yellow, Cherry MX Red, Alpaca.
- Smooth and fast
- Quieter than clicky
- Great for gaming
- No feedback when a key registers
- Easier to bottom out hard
A tactile bump confirms the press without much noise — a favourite for typists and programmers. e.g. Cherry MX Brown, Boba U4T, Holy Panda.
- Feedback improves accuracy
- Office-friendly volume
- Great all-round typing feel
- Bump feel is subjective
- Slightly slower for some gamers
The loud, satisfying, nostalgic option. Wonderful at home, less so on a call or in an open office. e.g. Cherry MX Blue, Kailh Box Jade.
- Crisp, satisfying feedback
- Clear actuation
- Lots of character
- Loud — bad for shared spaces
- Can annoy others on calls
Rubber dampeners soften the up and down stroke for quiet rooms and shared spaces. Comes in both linear and tactile flavours. e.g. Gazzew Boba U4, Cherry MX Silent Red.
- Very quiet
- Ideal for offices / calls
- Available linear or tactile
- Slightly "mushy" bottom-out
- Smaller selection
Reduced height and travel for a thin keyboard and a more laptop-like reach. Comes in linear, tactile and clicky. e.g. Kailh Choc, Cherry MX Low Profile.
- Slim, portable boards
- Shorter travel, less reach
- Comfortable wrist angle
- Limited keycap choices
- Distinct feel — try before committing