Evetech Logo Mobile/EveZone Logo Mobile

Search Blogs...

Build Lab

Keyboard Switch Types: The Ultimate Guide for Every Layout

Explore the world of keyboard switch types and find your perfect match! ⌨️ This guide breaks down linear, tactile, and clicky switches, helping you choose the best option for your gaming, typing, or hybrid needs across any keyboard layout. Ready for the perfect click? ✨

26 Sept 2025 | Quick Read | 👤 KeyChaser
|
Loading tags...
Keyboard Switch Types Guide | Find the Best Switch for You

That satisfying clack. The smooth, lightning-fast press. The distinct bump that tells you your command has been registered. The heart of your mechanical keyboard isn't its flashy RGB lighting... it's the switches hiding beneath the keys. Choosing the right keyboard switch type is the single biggest decision you'll make for your gaming and typing experience in South Africa. Let's dive in and find your perfect match.

Decoding the Main Keyboard Switch Types

At its core, the world of mechanical switches boils down to three main families: Linear, Tactile, and Clicky. Each offers a unique feel and sound profile, tailored to different users. Understanding these keyboard switch types is the first step to unlocking your true potential, whether you're climbing the ranks in Valorant or crushing code. For those just starting, a solid keyboard and mouse combo is a great way to get a feel for quality peripherals.

Linear Switches: The Smooth Operators 🚀

Imagine a switch that travels straight down and up with zero bumps or clicks along the way. That's a Linear switch.

  • Feel: Perfectly smooth and consistent from the top to the bottom of the press.
  • Sound: The quietest of the three types, only making a sound when the key "bottoms out" (hits the base).
  • Best For: Gamers. The uninterrupted travel allows for rapid, repeated keystrokes, making them ideal for split-second reactions and fluid movement. Popular examples include the Cherry MX Red and Black switches.

Tactile Switches: The Satisfying Bump

Tactile switches are the middle ground, offering a noticeable "bump" halfway through the keypress. This physical feedback lets you know the keystroke has been registered.

  • Feel: A distinct, non-audible bump you can feel in your fingertips.
  • Sound: Generally quiet, similar to Linears, but the bump adds a different character to the sound profile.
  • Best For: Typists and hybrid users. The feedback helps improve typing accuracy and reduces bottom-outs, making for a more comfortable experience during long work sessions. The legendary Cherry MX Brown is the quintessential tactile switch.

Clicky Switches: The Audible Feedback Kings 🔊

Clicky switches do exactly what their name suggests. They provide a tactile bump and a loud, crisp clicking sound with every press.

  • Feel: A sharp bump accompanied by a high-pitched click.
  • Sound: Loud, clear, and unmistakable. Think of the classic typewriter sound.
  • Best For: Typists who crave maximum feedback and love the sound. Just be warned... your colleagues or family members might not share your enthusiasm! Cherry MX Blue switches are the most famous example.

You can find keyboards featuring all these switch types among our best gaming keyboard deals, ensuring there's a perfect match for your preference and budget.

How Your Keyboard Layout Influences Your Choice

The type of keyboard switch you choose can also be influenced by your keyboard's size, or layout. A massive full-size board used for data entry might benefit from a light tactile switch, while a compact 60% board for gaming is a perfect home for fast linear switches. If you're curious about a smaller form factor but don't want to break the bank, checking out some of the cheapest gaming keyboards in South Africa can be a great way to experiment.

TIP FOR YOU

Can't Decide? Get a Switch Tester! 🔧

Before committing hundreds or even thousands of ZAR on a new keyboard, consider a switch tester. These small boards come with a variety of different keyboard switch types, letting you physically feel the difference between a Linear Red, a Tactile Brown, and a Clicky Blue. It's a small investment that ensures you get the exact feel you're after for your setup.

Taking It to the Next Level: Customisation

Your journey doesn't have to end with the stock keyboard. The rise of hot-swappable keyboards means you're no longer stuck with one switch type for the life of your board.

Found a keyboard you love but wish the switches were different? You can purchase standalone keyboard switches and easily swap them in yourself. This opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to mix and match different types for a truly custom feel.

And why stop there? Changing your keyboard keycaps can dramatically alter the look, feel, and sound of your board. From different plastic types like PBT and ABS to unique colour profiles, new keycaps are the easiest way to make your keyboard truly yours. For ultimate comfort during those long sessions, don't forget ergonomics... a quality wrist rest can make a world of difference.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Feel? Choosing between Linear, Tactile, and Clicky is a personal journey, but the right switch makes all the difference. Explore our massive range of PC keyboards and find the perfect board to elevate your setup.

The three main types are Linear (smooth, quiet), Tactile (a noticeable bump), and Clicky (a bump you can feel and hear). Each offers a distinct typing and gaming experience.

Tactile switches, like Cherry MX Browns, are often considered the best for typing. They provide satisfying feedback without the loud noise of clicky switches, improving accuracy.

Linear switches are generally preferred for gaming due to their smooth, consistent actuation. This allows for rapid, repeated keystrokes without the tactile bump slowing you down.

While most switches are compatible with standard layouts (full-size, TKL, 60%), the intended use of a compact layout might influence your choice, like quiet switches for travel.

Cherry MX switches are the industry standard known for durability and a 100 million keystroke lifespan. Gateron switches are often smoother and more affordable alternatives.

Consider your primary use (gaming, typing), sound preference (quiet, loud), and feel (smooth, bumpy). Trying a switch tester is the best way to find your personal preference.