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Mechanical Switch Guide 2025: Linear, Tactile, Clicky & Beyond

By Keybumps • Updated: April 18, 2025

Whether you're a gamer chasing lightning-fast actuation, a writer craving buttery-smooth keystrokes, or just someone fed up with mushy laptop keys, mechanical switches are where it's at. But with terms like "linear," "tactile," "clicky," and even “optical” or “Hall Effect” flying around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

This guide breaks down every major mechanical switch type in plain English—what they feel like, how they sound, and who they’re best for. From smooth linears to snappy clickies, low-profile speed demons to silent switches for shared spaces, we’ve got every switch type covered.

Mechanical Switch Types Explained

Linear Switches

Linear switches offer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke from top to bottom. There's no tactile bump or audible click—just a straight press. This makes them ideal for fast-paced gaming or users who prefer a consistent feel. They’re often quiet (though not silent) and known for switches like Cherry MX Red, Gateron Yellow, and the cult-favorite Ink Black.

Best Linear Switches in 2025


Tactile Switches

Tactile switches introduce a noticeable bump in the middle of the keystroke. You’ll feel when the actuation happens—perfect for typists and those who want a bit more feedback without the noise of clicky switches. Popular picks include Cherry MX Brown, Boba U4T, and Holy Pandas.

Best Tactile Switches in 2025


Clicky Switches

Clicky switches are the drama queens of the mechanical world. They feature both a tactile bump and an audible click sound, which some love and others (including your coworkers) may not. Great for fans of old-school typewriter vibes. Think Cherry MX Blue, Kailh BOX White, and Razer Green.

Best Clicky Switches in 2025


Silent Tactile Switches

Silent tactile switches retain that satisfying bump but with added dampening to reduce noise. Perfect for shared spaces or stealth typists who still want feel. You’ll find dampened options like Cherry MX Silent Brown, Boba U4 Silent, or Zilents.

Best Silent Tactile Switches in 2025


Silent Linear Switches

Silent linear switches combine the smooth travel of linears with built-in dampening to hush your typing. They’re ideal for late-night sessions, office setups, or people who live with light sleepers. Cherry MX Silent Red and Gateron Silent Black Ink are fan favorites here.

Low Profile Switches

Low profile switches are shorter in height and travel distance, designed for faster actuation and a slimmer keyboard profile. Great for users coming from laptop keyboards or anyone chasing that ultra-modern, minimal desk aesthetic. They come in linear, tactile, and clicky variants—like the Kailh Choc series or Logitech’s low profile GL switches.

Optical Switches

Optical switches ditch metal contact points in favor of light-based actuation. A beam of infrared light gets interrupted when you press the switch—making actuation faster, more durable, and in some cases, smoother. They're often found in gaming-focused boards like Razer’s Optical switches or Gateron’s Optical Reds, and they typically come in linear or clicky varieties.

Thocky Switches

Thocky switches are all about that deep, rich sound profile—a low-pitched “thock” instead of a high-pitched click or soft tap. While “thock” isn’t an official category, it’s become keyboard-nerd shorthand for switches (and setups) that deliver a satisfying, full-bodied sound with every keystroke. Most thocky switches are either linears or tactiles, often with nylon housings, long-pole stems, and a bit of extra heft.

Sound isn’t just about the switch, though—it’s the result of a full stack: switch material, keycaps, case design, and lube all play a role. That said, some switches are naturally more thock-prone right out of the box.

Hall Effect (HE) Switches

Hall Effect switches rely on magnets and sensors to detect keypresses—there’s no physical contact point, which means they’re virtually immune to wear and tear. They allow for analog input (like variable movement in games) and are prized for their longevity and smoothness. Boards like the Wooting 60HE and SteelSeries Apex Pro have brought Hall Effect switches into the mainstream, especially among competitive gamers.

Electrocapacitive (EC) Switches

Electrocapacitive switches (like Topre) blur the line between mechanical and rubber dome. They use a spring and dome system combined with capacitive sensing for a unique typing experience—smooth, quiet, and subtly tactile. These are a cult favorite for typing purists, often found in high-end boards from brands like Realforce and Leopold. The feel is hard to describe but easy to fall in love with once you try it.

Memchanical Switches

Memchanical switches are a hybrid between membrane and mechanical. They try to mimic the feel of real mechanical switches while using cheaper, membrane-style internals. You’ll often find them in budget gaming boards—brands like Razer and Cooler Master have used them in entry-level models. They’re not true mechanical switches, but for newcomers looking for a “mechanical-ish” feel without the price tag, they can be a decent stepping stone.


Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between linear, tactile, and clicky switches?

Linear switches feel smooth all the way down, with no bump or click. Tactile switches have a noticeable bump when a key actuates. Clicky switches give you both a bump and an audible click—great for feedback, but maybe not for open-plan offices.

Are mechanical switches better than membrane?

Generally, yes—mechanical switches offer better durability, more consistent feel, and way more customization. Membrane keyboards are usually cheaper and quieter, but lack that satisfying “mechanical” feel.

What are silent mechanical switches?

Silent switches (linear or tactile) use dampening materials to soften the bottom-out and return sounds. They’re perfect for quiet environments, late-night gaming, or people who don’t want to sound like they’re typing a manifesto.

What are optical switches, and are they better?

Optical switches use light sensors instead of metal contact points, which can result in faster actuation and better longevity. They’re especially popular in gaming keyboards. “Better” depends on your priorities—speed, feel, or customizability.

What’s the most popular switch type?

Cherry MX Brown and Red are two of the most common, but Gateron Yellows and Holy Pandas have huge fanbases too. Tactile switches tend to be the crowd-pleasers, but linears are the go-to for serious gamers.

Can I swap switches on my keyboard?

Only if your keyboard is hot-swappable. That means you can pop switches in and out without soldering. If it’s not hot-swap, changing switches involves desoldering—which is as tedious as it sounds.

Are low profile switches good for gaming?

Yep. Their short travel distance and fast actuation make them ideal for fast-twitch games, especially FPS titles. Some gamers swear by them, though others prefer the feel of full-sized switches.

What are Hall Effect switches used for?

Hall Effect switches allow for analog input—meaning your keypress depth can be read like a joystick. Perfect for racing games, flight sims, and sweaty Valorant mains trying to get that edge.

Are Topre switches mechanical?

Technically, no—but they offer a mechanical-like feel. They’re electrocapacitive, which puts them in their own weird and wonderful category. Expensive, cult-favorite, and very niche.