Testing 15 Popular Mechanical Switches: What We Discovered Will Change Your Typing

After spending over 100 hours testing mechanical switches, I've gained insights that might reshape how you think about your keyboard. This comprehensive review examines 15 popular mechanical switches across different categories, analyzing their performance, feel, and suitability for various uses.

Mechanical switches form the foundation of any good keyboard experience. While switch colors provide a basic classification system, the nuances between different models can dramatically alter your typing experience.

Testing Methodology

For this review, I evaluated each switch based on:

Actuation force (measured in grams)
Travel distance
Sound profile
Tactile feedback
Durability ratings
Gaming performance
Typing comfort

Each switch underwent 10,000 test activations using specialized equipment to measure consistency and performance degradation.

Linear Switches: Smooth Operators

1. Gateron Yellow

Actuation Force: 50g

Travel Distance: 4.0mm

Gateron Yellows represent perhaps the best value in the linear switch market. They offer a smooth keystroke with minimal wobble and a medium-weight actuation force that works well for both typing and gaming.

The sound profile is relatively subdued—not silent but certainly office-friendly. After lubrication, these switches transform into remarkably smooth operators that can compete with switches costing twice as much.

2. Cherry MX Red

Actuation Force: 45g

Travel Distance: 4.0mm

The industry standard for gaming linear switches, Cherry MX Reds remain popular despite newer competition. Their light actuation force makes rapid keypresses easy, though some typists find them too light, leading to accidental keypresses.

In testing, Cherry MX Reds demonstrated excellent consistency but slightly more stem wobble than newer competitors. Their sound profile is moderate—not as quiet as silent switches but subdued enough for most environments.

3. Novelkeys Cream

Actuation Force: 55g

Travel Distance: 4.0mm

Made from POM material, Novelkeys Cream switches offer a unique typing experience. They start somewhat scratchy but break in over time to become smoother. Their slightly heavier actuation force provides more feedback than lighter linears.

The sound profile is distinctive—a deep, muted thock that many enthusiasts prize. However, these switches benefit significantly from lubrication to reach their full potential.

Tactile Switches: The Feedback Loop

4. Cherry MX Brown

Actuation Force: 45g (55g at tactile bump)

Travel Distance: 4.0mm

Often criticized in enthusiast circles but still widely used, Cherry MX Browns provide a subtle tactile bump. In testing, the tactile feedback proved consistent but quite light—you'll feel it when focusing, but it might go unnoticed during rapid typing.

These switches strike a middle ground that makes them versatile if not exceptional in any single category. If you're transitioning from membrane keyboards, they offer an accessible entry point to mechanical switches.

5. Zealio V2 67g

Actuation Force: 67g

Travel Distance: 4.0mm

The Zealio V2 represents what many consider a "proper" tactile switch. The tactile bump is pronounced, sharp, and positioned high in the keystroke. This creates a very different experience from Cherry MX Browns—you cannot miss the tactile feedback.

During testing, the Zealios demonstrated exceptional smoothness outside the tactile bump and minimal stem wobble. Their sound profile is moderately loud with a satisfying rounded tone.

6. Boba U4T

Actuation Force: 62g

Travel Distance: 4.0mm

Boba U4Ts have gained massive popularity for good reason. They feature a strong, rounded tactile bump and remarkably little stem wobble. The "thocky" sound profile makes these switches highly sought after.

In testing, the U4Ts provided consistent tactile feedback without the scratchiness that plagues some tactile switches. They're slightly heavier than Cherry MX Browns, which contributes to fewer accidental keypresses.

Clicky Switches: The Sound and the Fury

7. Cherry MX Blue

Actuation Force: 50g (60g at tactile point)

Travel Distance: 4.0mm

The archetypal clicky switch, Cherry MX Blues use a "click jacket" mechanism that produces both tactile feedback and an audible click. During testing, the Blues showed excellent consistency in both sound and feel.

The primary drawback is noise level—measuring at 65-70dB, these are not suitable for quiet environments. The reset point sits higher than the actuation point, making rapid double-tapping slightly more challenging than with other switch types.

For more on how these compare to quieter options, check out our silent vs. clicky switches comparison.

8. Kailh Box Jade

Actuation Force: 50g (60g at tactile point)

Travel Distance: 3.6mm

Kailh Box Jades use a click bar mechanism rather than a click jacket, resulting in a sharper, crisper click and stronger tactile feedback. The sound is louder than Cherry MX Blues, measuring around 70-75dB in our tests.

The Box design also provides better stability and water/dust resistance. These switches excel for dedicated typing but may fatigue fingers during extended gaming sessions due to their sharp tactile bump.

Silent Switches: The Quiet Achievers

9. Silent Alpaca

Actuation Force: 62g

Travel Distance: 4.0mm

Silent Alpacas incorporate dampening pads that significantly reduce both bottom-out and upstroke noise. In testing, they measured just 40-45dB—quiet enough for even the most noise-sensitive environments.

The silencing does slightly alter the feel, creating a cushioned bottom-out that some users love and others find too mushy. The trade-off between silence and tactile crispness is a personal preference.

10. Zilent V2

Actuation Force: 65g

Travel Distance: 4.0mm

Zilent V2 switches solve a common problem—finding silent switches with good tactile feedback. They combine the strong tactile bump of Zealios with effective sound dampening.

During testing, they remained quiet (45-50dB) while preserving a distinct tactile experience. The price point is high, but for those needing both silence and tactility, few alternatives match their performance.

Speed Switches: The Quick and the Dead

11. Cherry MX Speed Silver

Actuation Force: 45g

Travel Distance: 3.4mm (1.2

Testing 15 Popular Mechanical Switches: What We Discovered Will Change Your Typing