Key switches

Each key on a mechanical keyboard hides an actual physical switch under it, unlike the squishy rubber membrane you'd find on most keyboards. Typing on these mechanical switches is a very different experience from typing on regular ones. The keys have more travel, and are much more tactile; you don't have to press the keys all the way down to get them to register, which makes typing easier on the fingers; and of course, mechanical keyboards have their own unique sound. They sound like a keyboard. When buying one of our keyboards, you get to choose from many different keyswitch types. When choosing your switches, there are several things you should consider. For example how much noise do you want your keyboard to make? Do you want a clicky switch or a non-clicky switch? Or do you prefer a smoother typing experience, or do you want to feel a slight bump when the key is actuated? Do you want a linear ("no bump") or a tactile switch? The best way to figure out is either try different key switches somewhere, or be here and read this fantastic guide! We will break up here 4 basic key switches from manufacturer Cherry MX. Keep in mind that there are plenty of different key switches that aren't even from Cherry MX, but since these are most common and are best to start with, let's talk about them.

Cherry MX Blue

The first switch on this list is Cherry MX Blue. This switch is tactile and clicky, which means it has a "bump" on the actuation point which is also audible. This resolves in quite a loud key switch which is very liked by people who are used to type a lot. It operates at 60 cN force with total travel 4.0 mm. This means that it's quite a heavy switch, that will tell you, when it's pressed.

60 cN operating force

2.2 mm pre travel

4.0 mm total travel

Cherry MX Brown

The second switch on this list is Cherry MX Brown. This switch is only tactile, which means it has a "bump" on the actuation point which isn't audible. This resolves in not as loud key switch as is Cherry MX Blue. It is really flexible switch that's used among both gamers and typers. It operates at 55 cN force with total travel 4.0 mm. It is classified as mid-heavy switch with quite strong bump

55 cN operating force

2.0 mm pre travel

4.0 mm total travel

Cherry MX Red

The third switch on this list is Cherry MX Blue. This switch is linear which means it hasn't neither bump or click on the actuation point that would tell you the key is pressed. This means there aren't any leads if the key is being pressed, which means it's not the best key switch for typers. However it's one of the lightest key switches on the market which makes it a good choice for gaming. It operates at 45 cN force with total travel 4.0 mm.

45 cN operating force

2.0 mm pre travel

4.0 mm total travel

Cherry MX Black

The fourth and last switch on this list is Cherry MX Black. This switch is linear, same as red one, which again means it doesn't have any bump or click on the actuation point. However tha big difference here is that it's very heavy It operates at 60 cN force with total travel 4.0 mm. Force is the same as Cherry MX Blue, however in blue's case, there is a bump that kind of helps you to trespass the actuation point. Cherry MX Black doesn't have this since it's a linear switch so despite the same force, it feels heavier.

60 cN operating force

2.0 mm pre travel

4.0 mm total travel