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• Best Linear Switches in 2025

Linear switches are the go-to choice for users who crave a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps or clicks. In 2025, linear switches continue to reign supreme among gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Whether you're gaming, programming, or simply typing away, linear switches offer an ultra-smooth experience that reduces finger fatigue. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best linear switches of 2025, highlighting the top picks for smooth, fast, and satisfying keystrokes.

Top Linear Mechanical Keyboard Switches in 2025

Kailh Deep-Sea Silent Pro Islet

• Switch Type: Silent Linear
• Actuation Force: 45g
• Bottom-Out Force: n/a
• Pre-Travel: 1.8mm
• Total Travel: 3.6mm
• Mount: Plate (3-pin)
• Sound: Silent with a smooth thock

The Kailh Deep-Sea Silent Pro Islet switches are renowned for their smooth linear action and quiet operation, making them ideal for both typing and gaming in noise-sensitive environments.

Everglide Aqua King

• Switch Type: Linear
• Actuation Force: 55g, 62g or 67g
• Bottom-Out Force: n/a
• Pre-Travel: 2.0mm
• Total Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount: PCB (5-pin)
• Sound: Quiet

The Everglide Aqua King switches are celebrated for their smooth keystroke and quiet operation, providing a satisfying typing experience without distracting noise.

Kailh Extreme Slippery

• Switch Type: Linear
• Actuation Force: 40g
• Bottom-Out Force: n/a
• Pre-Travel: 1.4mm
• Total Travel: 3.4mm
• Mount: PCB (5-pin)
• Sound: Quiet

The Kailh Extreme Slippery switches offer a smooth and consistent linear action, with a slightly higher actuation force for users who prefer more resistance.

Gateron Oil King

• Switch Type: Linear
• Actuation Force: 55g
• Bottom-Out Force: 80g
• Pre-Travel: 2.0mm
• Total Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount: PCB (5-pin)
• Sound: Deep, Smooth Thock

Description: The Gateron Oil King switches are known for their silky-smooth action and deep, resonant sound when bottoming out, making them a favorite among enthusiasts.

HMX Xinhai

• Switch Type: Linear
• Actuation Force: 55g
• Bottom-Out Force: 62.5g
• Pre-Travel: 2.0mm
• Total Travel: 3.4mm
• Mount: PCB (5-pin)
• Sound: Quiet

The HMX Xinhai switches are appreciated for their smooth linear feel and quiet operation, offering a comfortable typing experience suitable for extended use.

Akko Starlit

• Switch Type: Linear
• Actuation Force: 45g
• Bottom-Out Force: 50g
• Pre-Travel: 1.8mm
• Total Travel: 3.4mm
• Mount: PCB (5-pin)
• Sound: Moderate

The Akko Starlit switches feature a glitter-infused PC top housing, capturing the brilliance of stars in the night sky. Pre-lubed with a POM stem and a durable PA66 bottom housing, they offer a smooth linear feel. Equipped with an LED diffuser, these switches enhance RGB lighting, providing superior typing performance alongside stunning aesthetics.

Zeal Tealio V2

• Switch Type: Linear
• Actuation Force: n/a
• Bottom-Out Force: 67g
• Pre-Travel: 2.0mm
• Total Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount: PCB (5-pin)
• Sound: Quiet

Tealios V2 switches are a favorite among enthusiasts for their smoothness and premium feel. With a slightly higher actuation force, they offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, making them a top choice for users who want reliability and performance.

Akko x Monsgeek Green Fog

• Switch Type: Linear
• Actuation Force: 60g
• Bottom-Out Force: 70g
• Pre-Travel: 2.0mm
• Total Travel: 3.6mm
• Mount: PCB (5-pin)
• Sound: Deep, thocky sound with a clacky tone

The Akko x Monsgeek Green Fog switches are a collaboration between Akko and Monsgeek, combining Akko's expertise in high-quality key switches with Monsgeek's innovative designs. These heavy linear switches are designed for users who prefer a substantial actuation force to minimize accidental presses and enhance typing accuracy. They feature a POK stem, a polycarbonate (PC) top cover, and a durable PA66 bottom housing, ensuring longevity and a satisfying typing experience.

Durock Black Lotus

• Switch Type: Linear
• Actuation Force: 55g
• Bottom-Out Force: 63.5g
• Pre-Travel: 2.0mm
• Total Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount: PCB (5-pin)
• Sound: Smooth with a deep, thocky sound

The Durock Black Lotus switches are a new offering from Durock, featuring redesigned molds for the top housing, bottom housing, and stem. These innovations aim to reduce stem wobble and introduce a removable light column, allowing users to customize their lighting preferences.

BSUN X StudioGreenfield Apple Blossom

• Switch Type: Linear
• Actuation Force: 49g
• Bottom-Out Force: 55g
• Pre-Travel: 2.0mm
• Total Travel: 3.2mm
• Mount: PCB (5-pin)
• Sound: Smooth

The BSUN X StudioGreenfield Apple Blossom switches are a collaboration between BSUN and XY Studio, designed to provide a smooth and responsive typing experience. These linear switches feature a modified LY stem paired with POK top and bottom housings, contributing to their unique feel and sound profile. Factory prelubed, they offer enhanced smoothness right out of the box.

Linear Switch FAQ

What makes a switch "linear"?

A linear switch has a smooth, uninterrupted keypress with no tactile bump or audible click. These switches are perfect for users who prefer a fast, fluid typing experience without any distractions.

Are linear switches better for gaming?

Yes, linear switches are often preferred by gamers due to their smooth and quick actuation, allowing for rapid key presses without any tactile interruptions or loud clicks.

How do I choose the right linear switch?

Consider factors like actuation force, travel distance, and sound level. Lighter switches (45g) are great for speed and comfort, while heavier switches (67g) provide more resistance and control.

Are linear switches quiet?

While linear switches are generally quieter than tactile or clicky switches, they still produce noise when bottoming out. If you need a truly silent switch, consider quieter linear options like the Gateron Ink Black V2.