There are a lot of switch options out there, even for someone who’s actively writing about keyboards and switches, I find myself having to look up what some switches are and what they feel like. To help people find info about switches quickly, I’ve put together this living database of switches that log all information I could find on the switches.
The database includes what type of switch they are, and what their weight and actuation points are, you can use this table to approximate what a switch might feel like, a switch that has similar numbers to a red switch will give you an idea of what that switch could feel like. I’ve also created plot charts based on actuation travel (measured in mm) and actuation force (measured in grams). The farther up and to the right the switch is, the heavier that switch is in terms of feel.
These plots aren’t perfect, they’re likely missing a new switches, some data might be inaccurate due to available data, and some bubbles overlap heavily so it’s hard to read. You can hover over the plots to get clearer labels and some data points.
Pick the chart category of switch you’re interested in comparing. Jump to the plot charts:
If you’re looking to learn more about mechanical switches and how they work, jump to what are mechanical switches.
Combine your favourite switch with our best keyboard recommendations and you’ll be sure to have a great typing and gaming experience.
The Big List of Keyboard Switches
Here’s our big ass list of keyboard switches and their actuation weights, bottom out weights and distances, if you don’t know what these terms mean please take a look at our everything you need to look for in a gaming keyboard post. A quick refresher, actuation point is the point where the key switch sends the signal to the computer, bottom out is when the key switch is fully pressed down.
A couple of notes on this table:
- Data was pulled from an array of sources including Input Club, PCGamer, Deskthority, /r/mechanicalkeyboards, Geekhack, NovelKeys, Mechanicalkeyboards.com, KBDFans, Massdrop and Originative. Consequently, a lot of these sites are the best places for you to get a lot of these switches on the table.
- Data is incomplete, some switches didn’t have definitive spec data on actuation or bottom out force, if more definitive information comes out I will update
- Key switch data testing is consistent, some of these force ratings are spec, some of them are from tests, they vary based on methodology and QA variances on the switch
- There are switches I didn’t cover due to them not really being used or being available, if there are new switches or switches you feel I should add, please comment below!
- Numbers do not replace the need to try out switches to see what you like, this giant switch tester from KBDFans has 63 switches if you’re really interested in trying a wide array, or if you know you’re sticking more mainstream here’s a 6 switch Cherry tester from WASD.
- Take a look at our gaming mouse size chart if you like data like this!
Brand | Switch Name | Switch Name complete | Type | Actuation force | Actuation point | Bottom out force | Bottom out travel | Stem Compatibility | Available on brand names? | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cherry | MX Blue | Cherry MX Blue | Clicky | 50 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Cherry | MX Black | Cherry MX Black | Linear | 60 | 2 | 80 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Cherry | MX Brown | Cherry MX Brown | Tactile | 45 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Cherry | MX Red | Cherry MX Red | Linear | 45 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Cherry | MX Clear | Cherry MX Clear | Tactile | 65 | 2 | 95 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Cherry | MX Green | Cherry MX Green | Clicky | 70 | 2 | 90 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Cherry | MX White | Cherry MX White | Clicky | 80 | 2.2 | 80 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Cherry | MX Tactile Grey | Cherry MX Tactile Grey | Tactile | 80 | 2 | 110 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Cherry | MX Linear Grey | Cherry MX Linear Grey | Linear | 80 | 2 | 115 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Cherry | MX Silent Black | Cherry MX Silent Black | Linear | 60 | 1.9 | 80 | 3.7 | Cherry | ||
Cherry | MX Silver | Cherry MX Silver | Linear | 45 | 1.2 | 60 | 3.4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Cherry | MX Speed Silver | Cherry MX Speed Silver | Linear | 45 | 1.2 | 65 | 3.4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Cherry | MX Silent Red | Cherry MX Silent Red | Linear | 45 | 1.9 | 60 | 3.7 | Cherry | ||
Cherry | MX Nature White | Cherry MX Nature White | Linear | 55 | 2 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Cherry | MX Low Profile Red | Cherry MX Low Profile Red | Linear | 45 | 1.2 | 80 | 3.2 | Cherry | ||
Cherry | MX Low Profile Speed | Cherry MX Low Profile Speed | Linear | 45 | 1 | 80 | 3.2 | |||
Logitech | Romer-G Tactile | Logitech Romer-G Tactile | Tactile | 45 | 1.5 | 55 | 3 | Romer-G | Yes | |
Logitech | Romer-G Linear | Logitech Romer-G Linear | Linear | 45 | 1.5 | 55 | 3.2 | Romer-G | Yes | |
Logitech | GX Blue | Logitech GX Blue | Clicky | 50 | 2 | 60 | 3.7 | Cherry | Yes | |
Logitech | GX Brown | Logitech GX Brown | Tactile | 50 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | ||
Logitech | GX Red | Logitech GX Red | Linear | 50 | 1.9 | 4 | Chery | Yes | ||
Razer | Green | Razer Green | Clicky | 50 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Razer | Orange | Razer Orange | Tactile | 40 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Razer | Yellow | Razer Yellow | Linear | 45 | 1.2 | 45 | 3.5 | Cherry | Yes | |
Razer | Clicky Optical Switch | Razer Clicky Optical Switch | Clicky | 45 | 1.5 | 70 | 3.5 | Cherry | Optical switch | |
Razer | Linear Optical Switch | Razer Linear Optical Switch | Linear | 40 | 1 | 60 | 3.5 | Cherry | Yes | |
Steelseries | QS1 | Steelseries QS1 | Linear | 45 | 1.5 | 45 | 3.5 | QS1 | Yes | |
Coolermaster | Hybrid capacitive | Coolermaster Hybrid capacitive | Tactile | 45 | 1 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | Topre switches | |
Roccat | Titan | Roccat Titan | Tactile | 1.8 | 3.6 | Cherry | Yes | Only on Roccat boards, force curves to come! | ||
IBM | Buckling Spring | IBM Buckling Spring | Clicky | 70 | 2 | 90 | 4 | Buckling Spring | ||
Topre | 30 | Topre 30 | Tactile | 30 | 2 | 70 | 4 | Topre | ||
Topre | 35 | Topre 35 | Tactile | 25 | 2 | 50 | 4 | Topre | ||
Topre | 45 | Topre 45 | Tactile | 45 | 2 | 80 | 4 | Topre | ||
Topre | 55 | Topre 55 | Tactile | 65 | 2 | 110 | 4 | Topre | ||
Matias | Quiet Click | Matias Quiet Click | Tactile | 50 | 2.2 | 35 | 3.5 | ALPS | SKCM/ALPS clones | |
Matias | Click | Matias Click | Clicky | 50 | 2.2 | 35 | 3.5 | ALPS | SKCM/ALPS clones | |
Matias | Quiet Linear | Matias Quiet Linear | Linear | 35 | 2.2 | 35 | 3.5 | ALPS | SKCM/ALPS clones | |
Gateron | Clear | Gateron Clear | Linear | 35 | 2.2 | 35 | 4 | Cherry | Not similar to Cherry Clears at all | |
Gateron | Red | Gateron Red | Linear | 45 | 2.2 | 55 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Yellow | Gateron Yellow | Linear | 50 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Black | Gateron Black | Linear | 60 | 2 | 75 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Brown | Gateron Brown | Tactile | 45 | 2.65 | 50 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Blue | Gateron Blue | Clicky | 55 | 2.2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Green | Gateron Green | Clicky | 80 | 2.2 | 80 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Ink | Gateron Ink | Linear | 60 | 2.2 | 70 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Robin 62G | Gateron Robin 62G | Linear | 40 | 2 | 62 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Silent Black | Gateron Silent Black | Linear | 60 | 2 | 75 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Silent Red | Gateron Silent Red | Linear | 45 | 2 | 70 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Silent Yellow | Gateron Silent Yellow | Linear | 50 | 2 | 70 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Silent White | Gateron Silent White | Linear | 38 | 2 | 55 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Silent Brown | Gateron Silent Brown | Tactile | 55 | 2 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Low Profile Red | Gateron Low Profile Red | Linear | 50 | 1.7 | 3 | Cherry | |||
Gateron | Low Profile Brown | Gateron Low Profile Brown | Tactile | 55 | 1.7 | 3 | Cherry | |||
Gateron | Low Profile Blue | Gateron Low Profile Blue | Clicky | 65 | 1.7 | 3 | Cherry | |||
Gateron | Ink Red | Gateron Ink Red | Linear | 45 | 2 | 70 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Ink Black | Gateron Ink Black | Linear | 60 | 2 | 85 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Ink Yellow | Gateron Ink Yellow | Linear | 60 | 1.2 | 60 | 3.4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Ink Blue | Gateron Ink Blue | Clicky | 75 | 2.3 | 75 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Gateron | Optical Red | Gateron Optical Red | 45 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | ||||
Gateron | Optical Black | Gateron Optical Black | 60 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | ||||
Gateron | Optical White | Gateron Optical White | 35 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | ||||
Gateron | Optical Yellow | Gateron Optical Yellow | 35 | 1 | 3.2 | Cherry | ||||
Gateron | Optical Silver | Gateron Optical Silver | 45 | 1 | 3.2 | Cherry | ||||
Gateron | Optical Blue | Gateron Optical Blue | 60 | 2.3 | 4 | Cherry | ||||
Gateron | Optical Brown | Gateron Optical Brown | 55 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | ||||
Gateron | Baby Kangaroo | Gateron Baby Kangaroo | 59 | 2 | 65 | 3.4 | Cherrry | |||
Gateron | Oil King | Gateron Oil King | Linear | 55 | 2 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Red | Kailh Red | Linear | 50 | 2 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Kailh | Brown | Kailh Brown | Tactile | 50 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Kailh | Black | Kailh Black | Linear | 60 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | ||
Kailh | Blue | Kailh Blue | Clicky | 50 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Kailh | Speed Navy | Kailh Speed Navy | Tactile | 65 | 1.4 | 3.5 | Cherry | |||
Kailh | Speed Silver | Kailh Speed Silver | Linear | 50 | 1.1 | 70 | 3.5 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Speed Copper | Kailh Speed Copper | Tactile | 50 | 1.1 | 60 | 3.5 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Speed Bronze | Kailh Speed Bronze | Clicky | 50 | 1.1 | 65 | 3.5 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Speed Pink | Kailh Speed Pink | Clicky | 50 | 1.1 | 3.5 | Cherry | |||
Kailh | Speed Gold | Kailh Speed Gold | Clicky | 50 | 1.4 | 60 | 3.5 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Speed Red | Kailh Speed Red | Linear | 37 | 1.8 | 40 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Box Red | Kailh Box Red | Linear | 45 | 1.8 | 60 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Box Black | Kailh Box Black | Linear | 60 | 1.8 | 75 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Box Navy | Kailh Box Navy | Clicky | 60 | 1.8 | 90 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Box Jade | Kailh Box Jade | Clicky | 50 | 1.8 | 60 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Box Brown | Kailh Box Brown | Tactile | 45 | 1.8 | 60 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Box White | Kailh Box White | Clicky | 45 | 1.8 | 55 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Box Dark Yellow | Kailh Box Dark Yellow | Linear | 70 | 1.8 | 80 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Box Pink | Kailh Box Pink | Clicky | 65 | 1.8 | 55 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Box Chinese Red | Kailh Box Chinese Red | Linear | 45 | 1.8 | 55 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Box Noble Yellow | Kailh Box Noble Yellow | Clicky | 65 | 1.8 | 50 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Box Glazed Green | Kailh Box Glazed Green | Clicky | 50 | 1.8 | 50 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Ancient Grey | Kailh Ancient Grey | Linear | 95 | 1.8 | 100 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Heavy Burnt Orange | Kailh Heavy Burnt Orange | Tactile | 60 | 1.8 | 80 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Box Royal | Kailh Box Royal | Tactile | 40 | 1.8 | 70 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Box Pale Blue | Kailh Box Pale Blue | Clicky | 60 | 1.8 | 80 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Pro Burgundy | Kailh Pro Burgundy | Linear | 50 | 1.7 | 70 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Pro Purple | Kailh Pro Purple | Tactile | 50 | 1.7 | 70 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Pro Light Green | Kailh Pro Light Green | Clicky | 50 | 1.7 | 60 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Low Profile Choc Dark Yellow | Kailh Low Profile Choc Dark Yellow | Linear | 70 | 1.5 | 85 | 3 | Kailh Low Profile | ||
Kailh | Low Profile Choc Burnt Orange | Kailh Low Profile Choc Burnt Orange | Tactile | 70 | 1.5 | 85 | 3 | Kailh Low Profile | ||
Kailh | Low Profile Choc Pale Blue | Kailh Low Profile Choc Pale Blue | Clciky | 70 | 1.5 | 85 | 3 | Kailh Low Profile | ||
Kailh | Low Profile Choc Red | Kailh Low Profile Choc Red | Linear | 50 | 1.5 | 65 | 3 | Kailh Low Profile | ||
Kailh | Low Profile Choc Brown | Kailh Low Profile Choc Brown | Tactile | 50 | 1.5 | 65 | 3 | Kailh Low Profile | ||
Kailh | Low Profile Choc White | Kailh Low Profile Choc White | Clicky | 50 | 1.5 | 65 | 3 | Kailh Low Profile | ||
Kailh | Low Profile Choc Navy | Kailh Low Profile Choc Navy | Clicky | 60 | 1.5 | 85 | 3 | Kailh Low Profile | ||
Kailh | Low Profile Choc Jade | Kailh Low Profile Choc Jade | Clicky | 60 | 1.5 | 75 | 3 | Kailh Low Profile | ||
Kailh | Box Red Pro | Kailh Box Red Pro | Linear | 35 | 1.8 | 45 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Super Speed Silver | Kailh Super Speed Silver | Linear | 37 | 1.1 | 50 | 3.5 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Super Speed Red | Kailh Super Speed Red | Linear | 37 | 1.8 | 40 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Super Speed Copper | Kailh Super Speed Copper | Tactile | 38 | 1.1 | 50 | 3.5 | Cherry | ||
Kailh | Super Speed Bronze | Kailh Super Speed Bronze | Clicky | 48 | 1.1 | 70 | 3.5 | Cherry | ||
ZealPC | Zealios 62 g | ZealPC Zealios 62 g | Tactile | 20 | 2.4 | 62 | 4 | Cherry | ||
ZealPC | Zealios 65 g | ZealPC Zealios 65 g | Tactile | 25 | 2.4 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | ||
ZealPC | Zealios 67 g | ZealPC Zealios 67 g | Tactile | 30 | 2.4 | 67 | 4 | Cherry | ||
ZealPC | Zealios 78 g | ZealPC Zealios 78 g | Tactile | 40 | 2.4 | 78 | 4 | Cherry | Lighter Cherry MX Clear, Smoother | |
ZealPC | Tiffany Blue Tealios | ZealPC Tiffany Blue Tealios | Linear | 2.4 | 67 | 4 | Cherry | |||
ZealPC | Orange Healios | ZealPC Orange Healios | Linear | 4 | 67 | 4 | Cherry | |||
ZealPC | Zilents 62 g | ZealPC Zilents 62 g | Tactile | 20 | 2.4 | 62 | 4 | Cherry | Silent Zealios | |
ZealPC | Zilents 65 g | ZealPC Zilents 65 g | Tactile | 25 | 2.4 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | Silent Zealios | |
ZealPC | Zilents 67 g | ZealPC Zilents 67 g | Tactile | 30 | 2.4 | 67 | 4 | Cherry | Silent Zealios | |
ZealPC | Zilents 78 g | ZealPC Zilents 78 g | Tactile | 40 | 2.4 | 78 | 4 | Cherry | Silent Zealios | |
Input Club | Hako True | Input Club Hako True | Tactile | 60 | 2 | 95 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Input Club | Hako Clear | Input Club Hako Clear | Tactile | 55 | 2 | 75 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Input Club | Hako Violet | Input Club Hako Violet | Tactile | 40 | 2 | 50 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Input Club | Hako Royal True | Input Club Hako Royal True | Tactile | 60 | 2 | 85 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Input Club | Hako Royal Clear | Input Club Hako Royal Clear | Tactile | 50 | 2 | 85 | 3.6 | Cherry | ||
Input Club | Halo Clear | Input Club Halo Clear | Tactile | 50 | 2 | 80 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Input Club | Halo True | Input Club Halo True | Tactile | 55 | 2 | 100 | 4 | Cherry | ||
MOD | MOD-L | MOD MOD-L | Linear | 45 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
MOD | MOD-L | MOD MOD-L | Tactile | 45 | 2 | 62 | 4 | Cherry | ||
MOD | MOD-M | MOD MOD-M | Linear | 55 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
MOD | MOD-M | MOD MOD-M | Tactile | 55 | 2 | 66 | 4 | Cherry | ||
MOD | MOD-H | MOD MOD-H | Linear | 62 | 2 | 80 | 4 | Cherry | ||
MOD | MOD-H | MOD MOD-H | Tactile | 62 | 2 | 78 | 4 | Cherry | ||
MOD | MOD-SH | MOD MOD-SH | Tactile | 70 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Aliaz | 60g | Aliaz 60g | Tactile | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | Kind of similar to Zealio | ||
Aliaz | 70g | Aliaz 70g | Tactile | 2 | 70 | 4 | Cherry | Kind of similar to Zealio | ||
Aliaz | 80g | Aliaz 80g | Tactile | 2 | 80 | 4 | Cherry | Kind of similar to Zealio | ||
Aliaz | 100g | Aliaz 100g | Tactile | 2 | 100 | 4 | Cherry | Kind of similar to Zealio | ||
Outemu | Brown | Outemu Brown | Tactile | 40 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Blue | Outemu Blue | Clicky | 46 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Red | Outemu Red | Linear | 47 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Black | Outemu Black | Linear | 65 | 2 | 84 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Green | Outemu Green | Clicky | 70 | 2 | 80 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Purple | Outemu Purple | Tactile | 50 | 2 | 62 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Silver | Outemu Silver | Linear | 45 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Orange | Outemu Orange | Tactile | 50 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Gold | Outemu Gold | Clicky | 58 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Golden Pink | Outemu Golden Pink | Linear | 45 | 2 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Sky 62g | Outemu Sky 62g | Tactile | 62 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Sky 68g | Outemu Sky 68g | Tactile | 68 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Ocean | Outemu Ocean | Clicky | 55 | 1.8 | 70 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Ice Silver | Outemu Ice Silver | Linear | 2 | 68 | Cherry | ||||
Outemu | ICE Light Purple | Outemu ICE Light Purple | Tactile | 2 | 62 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | ICE Dustproof Brown | Outemu ICE Dustproof Brown | Tactile | 2 | 62 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | ICE Dark Purple | Outemu ICE Dark Purple | Tactile | 2 | 68 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | ICE Grey | Outemu ICE Grey | Tactile | 2 | 75 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | ICE Blue | Outemu ICE Blue | Clicky | 2 | 62 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | ICE Teal | Outemu ICE Teal | Clicky | 2 | 68 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | ICE Click | Outemu ICE Click | Clicky | 2 | 75 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Low Profile Red | Outemu Low Profile Red | Linear | 50 | 1.3 | 3 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Low Profile Blue | Outemu Low Profile Blue | Clicky | 60 | 1.3 | 3 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Low Profile Black | Outemu Low Profile Black | Linear | 65 | 1.3 | 3 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Low Profile Brown | Outemu Low Profile Brown | Tactile | 1.3 | 3 | Cherry | ||||
Outemu | GAOTE Black | Outemu GAOTE Black | Linear | 60 | 2 | 80 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | GAOTE Blue | Outemu GAOTE Blue | Clicky | 60 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | GAOTE Brown | Outemu GAOTE Brown | Tactile | 40 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | GAOTE Red | Outemu GAOTE Red | Linear | 45 | 2 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Cream Blue | Outemu Cream Blue | Clicky | 50 | 1.8 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Cream Yellow | Outemu Cream Yellow | Tactile | 45 | 2 | 50 | 3.3 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Cream Pink | Outemu Cream Pink | Linear | 45 | 2 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Milk Blue | Outemu Milk Blue | Clicky | 50 | 1.6 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Milk Peach | Outemu Milk Peach | Linear | 45 | 2 | 3.2 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Milk Tea | Outemu Milk Tea | Tactile | 45 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Silent Lemon | Outemu Silent Lemon | Tactile | 35 | 1.2 | 50 | 3.3 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Silent Peach | Outemu Silent Peach | Linear | 40 | 2 | 3.3 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Silent Sky | Outemu Silent Sky | Tactile | 62 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Silent White | Outemu Silent White | Linear | 45 | 2 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Silent Forest | Outemu Silent Forest | Tactile | 62 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Silent Ocean | Outemu Silent Ocean | Linear | 50 | 1.6 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Silent Gray | Outemu Silent Gray | Tactile | 55 | 1.6 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Dustproof Blue | Outemu Dustproof Blue | Clicky | 46 | 2.2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Dustproof Brown | Outemu Dustproof Brown | Tactile | 40 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Dustproof Red | Outemu Dustproof Red | Linear | 47 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Dustproof Black | Outemu Dustproof Black | Linear | 60 | 2 | 84 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Dustproof Green | Outemu Dustproof Green | Clicky | 70 | 2 | 80 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Dustproof Purple | Outemu Dustproof Purple | Tactile | 50 | 2 | 62 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Dustproof Silver | Outemu Dustproof Silver | Linear | 45 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Transparent | Outemu Transparent | Linear | 45 | 1.2 | 3.3 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | Panda | Outemu Panda | Tactile | 50 | 1.8 | 65 | 3.3 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | Phoenix | Outemu Phoenix | Clicky | 62 | 1.8 | 3.3 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | JieRui | Outemu JieRui | Clicky | 55 | 1 | 80 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Outemu | BaiLan | Outemu BaiLan | Linear | 45 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Outemu | TangMu | Outemu TangMu | Tactile | 40 | 1.5 | 50 | 3.3 | Cherry | ||
Greetech | Brown | Greetech Brown | Tactile | 40 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Greetech | Blue | Greetech Blue | Clicky | 50 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Greetech | Red | Greetech Red | Linear | 45 | 2 | 55 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Greetech | Black | Greetech Black | Linear | 60 | 2 | 80 | 4 | Cherry | Yes | |
Tesoro | Agile Red | Tesoro Agile Red | Linear | 45 | 1.5 | 3.5 | Cherry | |||
Tesoro | Agile Blue | Tesoro Agile Blue | Clicky | 45 | 1.5 | 3.5 | Cherry | |||
Tesoro | Slim Blue | Tesoro Slim Blue | Clicky | 50 | 1 | 3 | Tesoro | |||
Tesoro | Slim Blue | Tesoro Slim Blue | 45 | 1 | 3 | Tesoro | ||||
NovelKeys | Cream | NovelKeys Cream | Linear | 55 | 2 | 70 | 4 | Cherry | ||
NovelKeys | Silk Red | NovelKeys Silk Red | Linear | 35 | 2 | 55 | 4 | Cherry | ||
NovelKeys | Silk Yellow | NovelKeys Silk Yellow | Linear | 43 | 2 | 63.5 | 4 | Cherry | ||
NovelKeys | Silk Black | NovelKeys Silk Black | Linear | 55 | 2 | 72 | 4 | Cherry | ||
NovelKeys | Silk Olivia | NovelKeys Silk Olivia | Linear | 43 | 2 | 63.5 | 4 | Cherry | ||
NovelKeys | Silk Tfue | NovelKeys Silk Tfue | Linear | 43 | 2 | 63.5 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Geekmaker | Creamy Yellow | Geekmaker Creamy Yellow | Linear | 55 | Cherry | |||||
Geekmaker | Creamy Pink | Geekmaker Creamy Pink | Linear | 62 | Cherry | |||||
Geekmaker | Creamy Purple | Geekmaker Creamy Purple | Linear | 67 | Cherry | |||||
Geekmaker | Creamy Green | Geekmaker Creamy Green | Linear | 78 | Cherry | |||||
TTC | Orange Black | TTC Orange Black | Linear | 60 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
TTC | Orange Red | TTC Orange Red | Linear | 45 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
TTC | Orange Blue | TTC Orange Blue | Clicky | 60 | 2.2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
TTC | Orange Brown | TTC Orange Brown | Tactile | 45 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
YOK | Red Pandas | YOK Red Pandas | Linear | 50 | 60 | Cherry | ||||
YOK | Trash Panda | YOK Trash Panda | Linear | 50 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
YOK | Purple Trash Panda | YOK Purple Trash Panda | Tactile | 57 | 2 | 70 | 4 | Cherry | ||
TTC | Silent Red | TTC Silent Red | Linear | 45 | 2 | 55 | 3.8 | Cherry | ||
TTC | Silent Brown | TTC Silent Brown | Tactile | 45 | 2 | 60 | 3.8 | Cherry | ||
TTC | Gold Brown | TTC Gold Brown | Tactile | 45 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
TTC | Gold Pink | TTC Gold Pink | 37 | 2 | 45 | 4 | Cherry | |||
TTC | Wild 42g | TTC Wild 42g | Linear | 42 | 2 | 52 | 4 | Cherry | ||
TTC | Wild 55g | TTC Wild 55g | Linear | 55 | 2 | 68 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Varmilo | EC Sakura | Varmilo EC Sakura | Linear | 45 | 2 | 60 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Varmilo | EC Rosery | Varmilo EC Rosery | Linear | 55 | 2 | 75 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Varmilo | EC Ivy | Varmilo EC Ivy | Linear | 50 | 2.3 | 4 | Cherry | |||
KBT | Blue | KBT Blue | Clicky | 50 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
KBT | Brown | KBT Brown | Tactile | 45 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
KBT | Red | KBT Red | Linear | 60 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
KBT | Black | KBT Black | Linear | 60 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Hall Effect | Linear | Hall Effect Linear | Linear | 60 | 0.1-3.8 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Hall Effect | Clicky | Hall Effect Clicky | Clicky | 60 | 0.1-3.8 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Hall Effect | Tactile | Hall Effect Tactile | Tactile | 60 | 0.1-3.8 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Flaretech | Red | Flaretech Red | Linear | 55 | 1.5-3.6 | 55 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Flaretech | Black | Flaretech Black | Linear | 55 | 1.5-3.6 | 55 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Flaretech | Blue | Flaretech Blue | Clicky | 80 | 1.5-3.6 | 80 | 4 | Cherry | ||
HyperX | Red | HyperX Red | Linear | 45 | 3.8 | Cherry | ||||
HyperX | Aqua | HyperX Aqua | Tactile | 45 | 3.8 | Cherry | ||||
c3 | Tangerine | c3 Tangerine | Linear | 62 | 4 | Cherry | ||||
H1s | H1s | Linear | 78 | 4 | Cherry | |||||
TTC | Gold Pink | TTC Gold Pink | Linear | 37 | 2 | 45 | 4 | Cherry | ||
NovelKeys x Kailh | Blueberry | NovelKeys x Kailh Blueberry | Tactile | 55 | 3 | 80 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Drop | Holy Panda | Drop Holy Panda | Tactile | 44 | 2.4 | 62 | 3.8 | Cherry | ||
Drop | Holy Panda X | Drop Holy Panda X | Tactile | 2.4 | 62 | 3.5 | Cherry | |||
Glorious | Panda | Glorious Panda | Tactile | 2 | 67 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Everglide | Crystal Violet | Everglide Crystal Violet | Tactile | 55 | 2 | 63.5 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Everglide | Sakura Pink | Everglide Sakura Pink | Linear | 45 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Everglide | Jade Green | Everglide Jade Green | Tactile | 58 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Everglide | Coral Red | Everglide Coral Red | Linear | 67 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Everglide | Amber Orange | Everglide Amber Orange | Linear | 58 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Everglide | Oreo | Everglide Oreo | Tactile | 55 | 2 | 62 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Everglide | Tourmaline Blue Cyan | Everglide Tourmaline Blue Cyan | Linear | 50 | 2 | 55 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Everglide | Water King V3 55g | Everglide Water King V3 55g | Linear | 40 | 2 | 55 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Everglide | Water King V3 62g | Everglide Water King V3 62g | Linear | 45 | 2 | 62 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Everglide | Water King V3 67g | Everglide Water King V3 67g | Linear | 55 | 2 | 62 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Everglide | Dark Jade | Everglide Dark Jade | Tactile | 67 | 2 | 67 | 4 | Cherry | ||
T1 67G | T1 67G | Tactile | 67 | |||||||
T1 65G | T1 65G | Tactile | 65 | |||||||
T1 62G | T1 62G | Tactile | 62 | |||||||
Prime Keyboard | Alpalca | Prime Keyboard Alpalca | Linear | 62 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Prime Keyboard | Alpalca V2 | Prime Keyboard Alpalca V2 | Linear | 62 | 2 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Thickthock | Marshmallow | Thickthock Marshmallow | Linear | 50 | 1.4 | 68 | Cherry | |||
Gazzew | Boba U4T 68G | Gazzew Boba U4T 68G | Tactle | 1.5 | 68 | 3.7 | Cherry | |||
Gazzew | Boba U4T 62G | Gazzew Boba U4T 62G | Tactle | 1.5 | 62 | 3.7 | Cherry | |||
Gazzew | Boba U4 62G | Gazzew Boba U4 62G | Tactile | 1.5 | 62 | 3.7 | Cherry | |||
Gazzew | Boba U4 68G | Gazzew Boba U4 68G | Tactile | 1.5 | 68 | 3.7 | Cherry | |||
RAMA Works | Duck | RAMA Works Duck | Linear | 60 | 1.5 | 70 | 3.685 | Cherry | ||
Durock | Linear | Durock Linear | Linear | 62 | Cherry | |||||
Durock | POM Linear | Durock POM Linear | Linear | 48 | 2 | 63.5 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Durock | T1 | Durock T1 | Tactile | 2 | 67 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Durock | Silent Linear | Durock Silent Linear | Linear | 2 | 67 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Durock | Dolphin | Durock Dolphin | Linear | 2 | 67 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Durock | Piano | Durock Piano | Linear | 2 | 63.5 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Durock | Sunflower | Durock Sunflower | Tactile | 2 | 67 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Durock | Daybreak | Durock Daybreak | Linear | 2 | 67 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Durock | Koala | Durock Koala | Tactile | 2 | 67 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Durock | Creamy Green | Durock Creamy Green | Linear | 2 | 65 | 3.7 | Cherry | |||
Durock | Black Lotus | Durock Black Lotus | Linear | 55 | 2 | 63.5 | 4 | Cherry | ||
Durock | Creamy Purple | Durock Creamy Purple | Linear | 2 | 67 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Durock | Black | Durock Black | Linear | 2 | 78 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Durock | Creamy Yellow | Durock Creamy Yellow | Linear | 2 | 55 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Durock | Creamy Pink | Durock Creamy Pink | 2 | 65 | 4 | Cherry | ||||
Durock | White Lotus | Durock White Lotus | Tactile | 2 | 56 | 4 | Cherry | |||
Durock | Shrimp Silent | Durock Shrimp Silent | Tactile | 2 | 67 | 4 | v | |||
Durock | Durock | |||||||||
Durock | Durock |
Cherry Switch Chart
Clicky Switch Chart
Tactile Switch Chart
Linear Switch Chart
What’s a mechanical switch?
If you’re still wondering what all these numbers and plot points mean then this section will give you an overview of what all the above data means.
The mechanical switch is the reason why they’re called mechanical keyboards, under each keycap there is a switch with mechanical parts responsible for registering your keystrokes, these mechanisms are built up in different ways to give a variety of typing and gaming experiences.
Each switch is generally composed of these parts from top to bottom:
- Stem: The part where the keycap is mounted on, most switches use a standard + pattern cherry mx stem so that aftermarket keycaps work with them.
- Switch housing: a mini-case for all the parts of the switch.
- Slider: The slider is the main piece that sits out the spring, when the slider drops due to pressure it interrupts the contact leaves causing a registered keystroke.
- Metal contact leaves: When the leaves touch each other after separation they register the keystroke.
- Spring: Switches are responsible for the force required to press down on the switch to actuate, it’s also responsible for resetting the switch to neutral position.
Switch Types: Clicky, Tactile or Linear
Each switch type falls into 3 major categories, each has its distinct features and they’re not inherently better than the other, it’s personal preference which switch type you like.
Clicky switches make an audible clicky noise when pressed, accompanying that is usually a very distinct bump that gives you physical feedback that the key has been pressed. Clicky switches make a lot of noise, so if you game at night or you just don’t want to annoy anyone with your AD or APM spamming then you might want to skip clicky switches. TheGamingSetups’s 7 best clicky switches.
Tactile switches are like clicky switches, they have a physical bump in the middle of the key press travel, but they don’t make a distinct click noise when pressed. TheGamingSetup’s 8 best tactile switches.
Linear switches don’t provide and audible click or bump near the actuation point. TheGamingSetup’s 7 best linear switches.
Actuation point, bottom out and travel
The actuation point refers to the specific point when the key switch registers the key press, switches can have a variety of actuation points, measured by force in grams. A keyboard with a really light actuation <30 grams requires very little force to register a keystroke when compared to a switch that has a 50 gram actuation. The lower weight means you have a faster, more reactive keyboard, but you might be more prone to grazing a key register.
You bottom out a key when you press hard enough that you fully press down the switch, this is also measured in force, a higher bottom out weight means that it’ll be much harder for you to press all the way down on each individual key. A heaver key switch allows for heavier fingered gamers and typists to have a more tactile experience, while also removing chances of accidental key presses.
Key travel, how far the switch goes from fully depressed to bottoming out. You’ll likely be experienced with lower travel keyboards in laptops like the new Macbook (yuck). The standard travel distance is 4 mm but there have been a few low travel mechanical switches released in the past few years. Unless you know you prefer a shallow travel, I’d stick with a standard travel key switch.
Switch brands
There are several large manufacturers of switches including some major brand proprietary switches on this list, I want to point to some of the bigger switch brands, for a full comprehensive list of what’s out there, check out our big list of keyboard switches post.
Cherry MX, the original mechanical switch producer and still the most common switches, they’re in every large retail keyboard:
- Cherry MX Blue: Clicky, 50 gram actuation
- Cherry MX Brown: Tactile, 45 gram actuation
- Cherry MX Red: Linear, 45 gram actuation
- Cherry MX Black: Linear, 60 gram actuation
Gateron, started out as a pure Cherry MX clone, producing the same colours as Cherry at a lower cost and lower quality, they have since grown up to produce their own switch types and have even improved on the original Cherry MX, with much smoother switches compared to the originals.
- Gateron Blue: Clicky, 55 gram actuation
- Gateron Brown: Tactile, 45 gram actuation
- Gateron Red: Linear, 45 gram actuation
- Gateron Black: Linear, 50 gram actuation
Romer-G, Logitech’s keyboard switch produced by mouse switch manufacturer Omron, they emphasize on pure gaming switches with great LED stems, these stems however are not compatible with aftermarket keycaps.
- Romer-G Tactile, 45 gram actuation
- Romer-G Linear, 45 gram actuation
- GX Blue; Clicky, 50 gram actuation
Razer Switches Razers propietary switch used in their keyboards, these switches have a stem that is compatible with aftermarket keycaps.
- Razer Green: Clicky, 50 gram actuation
- Razer Orange: Tactile, 45 gram actuation
- Razer Yellow: Linear, 45 gram actuation
- Razer Opto-Mechanical: Clicky, 45 gram actuation
Steelseries QS1 switches are propietary switches found in Steelseries keyboards, these are made by Kaihua and resemble the Logtech Romer-G with the empty stemp in the middle for RGB lighting.
- QS1: Linear, 45 gram actuation
This is just a quick rundown of the switches that major brands might use, there’s a huge universe of more niche switches out there. We’re not covering other major switches like Topre, ALPS/Matias or buckling spring since they’re not really suited for gaming given how heavy and niche they are.
I’d recommend getting a keycap tester to figure out which keycaps you prefer. This WASD Cherry MX Switch Tester is a good place to start.
O-Rings
O-rings are little rubber circles that can be installed on the keycap to reduce the clickety clackity noise of mechanical keyboards when you bottom out on the key, most brands don’t include these, but if you’re in an environment where people are sleeping or just annoyed at the noise O-rings can be acquired cheaply on Amazon and are very easy to install, these ThreeBulls ones do the trick.
39 Responses
Sorry for what my be a stupid question…
As of writing this question, this page only mentions “optical” once (in the chart).
Is this because it does not matter if the switch is optical – e.g. an Outemu brown mechanical switch will have the same actuation distance whether it is optical or not?
Hey Fred!
Not a silly question at all! I haven’t had a chance to update this switch table for a bit so there are a few more optical switches out now that I need to add.
But yes you’re right, regardless if they are optical or not they all have a point in distance at which they actuate. The Apex Pro keyboard (http://thegamingsetup.com/gaming-keyboard/reviews/steelseries-apex-pro) has hall effect switches which use a magnetic actuation, you can actually set the actuation distance on that keyboard.
hi i think there might be a mistake, i think the outemu browns are linear switches
nevermind i think im wrong
Hey Adir,
Yea I think mechanicalkeyboards’ listing is off on their outemu page. Thanks for looking out!
Yea I think mechanicalkeyboards’ listing is off on their outemu page. Thanks for looking out!http://www.kacamatahitam.com
which are office silent?
You have Tealios incorrectly labeled as tactile. They are linear switches. I think that some switches could be added as well. I was also thinking maybe Alpacas would be a good addition along with Sakurios/Roselios. At least for linear switches. There are a lot of new switches that can go up here. Also, the chart has so many overlaid switches that it is hard to read. And a column stating if a switch is available as an aftermarket switch or if it only comes mounted to the specific board by the company would help sort through switches when looking to upgrade/update.
Thanks for the tips Chris! They definitely are linear switches will make that change soon.
I haven’t updated the chart in a while. I’ll definitely add the most popular new switches, seems like they come out so frequently now.
Hello and thank you so much for putting this together! Been looking everywhere for a comprehensive chart like this. I think the NovelKeys Creams are Linear instead of Tactile as stated in the chart. Can you check me on this? Thanks again Raymond!
Hey Kendal,
Thanks for the tip! You’re totally right, Creams are linears.
I’m planning on starting a custom keyboard business so thank you for this it helps a ton
You’re very welcome! Best of luck to your business.
I think the most important is force displacement graph. To see where does tactile switch has its bump and how big it is. I’m looking for switch that doesn’t move at first and then bottoms out. No pre travel and big bump. Unfortunately there’s no way to see it from current charts.
Great point. I will say that in my limited experience, Khail Speed Copper have a much earlier tactile bump than the standard Cherry MX Brown or comparable switches. Topre switches, while not purely mechanical, operate the way you want and they feel great to type on.
Thank You! Kailh speed copper is exactly what I was looking for. They are budget friendly version of Zealios v2.
What type of switch most closely emulates a mac keyboard? I like my mac keyboard but have been looking into ergonomic mechanical keyboards like the Moonlander.
The Zealios actuation is *not* 20g, nowhere close. When I tested, it’s higher than the bottom out force of 67g.
Would love to see a revisited update to this list! Especially to see Marshmallow switches and other switches be mentioned 👀
Update incoming!
Kailh Speed Pinks are clicky, not tactile 🙂
Whoops! Fixing! Thank you.
Could you add Outemu’s Low Profile line of switches to the list please?
Hey Hyperair,
I added whatever specs I could find!
Well hello… id like to point that the infos on outemu blacks are not correct.
I have a outemu black keyboard and a kailh red one, but on this chart it seems like the black ones are softer and they are definately not. I had to stop using mine due to fist pain because is too heavy for me.
The actuation force is actually 65 and the bottoming out is 84, not 30 and 65 respectively.
But i really appreciate the guide, it helped me a lot to consider another switches <3 thanks!
Hey Daniela,
You’re totally right! I’ve fixed the listings for Outemu switches.
Glad that this was helpful!
Hi there,
noticed the Corsair OPX found on the k100 and the lekker switch from wooting cannot be found on here
Thanks! Invaluable reference. Appreciate the work you put into this.
Great list! I appreciate the work this must have taken and I sincerely hope you update this at least yearly.
Stem length would be an extremely welcome attribute to add as many people who like to frankenswitch would fin this info invaluable. As has been noted, there are a few mistakes on the list. I’m sure most will be brought to your attention, like this one….the Halo switch (after much lawyering) is not sold or credited to Input Club. They sell Hako True and Hako Clear, whereas Drop sells the Halo True and Halo Clear. Anyone attempting the truest Holy Panda they can get must have the Halo stem, which at this time can only be purchased through Drop. Even though Input Club was the designing artist of the switch, Drop had enough money to make it their property. Please add stem lengths so I can stop making my list! Lolz
Visit the best clicking calculate tool that tool is click counter tool.
Really great work putting together all this data. 🙂 I’ve been typing for nearly 30 years now and started checking out other keyboards than the Model M that I started with back in 1989. Among those in my collection is a Ducky with Cherry Greens, so greens are available on a branded board. Also, buckling springs are also available on a brand, but only from IBM, Lexmark, and Unicomp.
CPS Test is an abbreviation for click per second test. It measures your mouse clicking speed in given time frame. Playing the CPS test game is easy and fun at the same time. The game is suitable for all age groups, so don’t worry if you are just a high school student or a person with a corporate job.
https://cpstest.info/
The Online keyboard counter will help you to count the number of keypresses you have made while typing. You can count keystrokes online with
https://cpstest.us/key-counter/
Shouldn’t the Bottom Out force data for the Gazzew Boba U4 68G be 68?
Hello.
In the Linear Switch Chart, the Actual force for Outemu Black is 30g.
The value in the Switch List is 65g, which seems incorrect.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/13jxeay/how_to_make_your_tactile_switch_more_bumpy/
gateron black have different actuation point, 50 or 60 g ?
*i mean actuation force not actuation point
Please input Kailh Super Speed Switch
https://www.kailh.net/products/kailh-super-speed-switch-set?variant=43651180396786