Hello, which type of switch (linear, tactile, clicky) makes the most sense? What's the basic working principle of switches? Do different switches offer different advantages for gaming and typing? As a beginner, what should I pay attention to when buying my first keyboard?
How do switches work in mechanical keyboards?
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Mechanical switches can be compared to something analog to explain their operation: just like a car's gear shift responds differently in various gears, linear switches (e.g., Cherry MX Red) provide a continuous pressure feel—similar to the smooth transition of an automatic gear. Clicky switches (e.g., Cherry MX Blue) add a "feedback" to the movement; the clicking sound is akin to the "clack" of a gear shift, notifying the user that the action is complete. Silent switches (e.g., Cherry MX Silent Red) absorb this feedback with rubber joints or special designs—like shifting gears in a silent electric car.
The advantages of switches for gaming and typing aren't as simple as the switch type itself; the actuation point (activation distance) and force curve are crucial. For instance, linear switches are preferred in games requiring quick actions because they operate under continuous pressure—like making constant micro-adjustments on a race car's steering wheel. This is advantageous when you need to press multiple keys quickly under pressure. For typing, clicky switches might be preferable because they offer more control with their tactile feel and sound—akin to tightening a screw with a wrench on a desktop, where precision matters. Silent switches, on the other hand, are ideal for office environments or late-night workers; like the silent gear transitions of an electric bicycle.
As a beginner, when choosing your first keyboard, prioritize the switch type and quality over the model. Unlike cheap membrane keyboards, mechanical switches can last 50-100 million keystrokes—like a high-quality screwdriver that lasts for years. Additionally, the keycap material (ABS vs. PBT) is important; ABS looks clean but can become shiny, while PBT retains its original color longer—like the difference between a leather seat and a vinyl one. Lastly, if you're into FPS games, look for features like "anti-ghosting" (a system that prevents false presses) and n-key rollover as much as the switch type. These features minimize technical issues with the keyboard—like using a high-quality cable to prevent signal loss.
Switchellerinki always reminds me of the Pink Panther writing with a pen 😂 My first keyboard made a "click" sound and my cat thought it was an alarm, oh what fun that was 😅
I also spent a lot of time worrying about switches when I first switched to a mechanical keyboard. I preferred tactile switches (especially Cherry MX Brown) because they give a light feedback while typing and also produce a very satisfying click sound in games. At first, I considered the advantages of silent switches, but they felt a bit muffled during rapid presses in games, so I don’t recommend them.
As a beginner, I only considered the actuation force and travel distance, just like you. For example, tactile switches with 45-50g force are very popular, while linear switches are lighter in this regard. Stability is also important in installation; gasket-mount or foil-type switches make it easier to remove and replace them. My advice would be to try different types of switches or get a keyboard that allows for switch swapping!