Mechanical Keyboard Switch Guide: Find Your Perfect Type

That satisfying thock. That crisp click. If you’re still using a mushy membrane keyboard, you’re missing out on the single biggest upgrade to your gaming and typing experience. The soul of any great board isn't the RGB or the fancy wrist rest; it's the component beneath every key. This mechanical keyboard switch guide is your map to finding the perfect feel, sound, and response for your setup in South Africa. Ready to level up?

Gamdias AURA GK1 Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - White / Available in Classic Bronze/Pure White / Tactile Mechanical Switches / Multi-color Backlights / 3 Brightness Levels / 10 Fn + Function Key for Multi-media / AURA GK1 WH

R649.00In Stock

Glorious GMMK Compact RGB Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Barebone Edition - 61 Key / US Layout / Mechanical Switch - Required, Not Included / Switches - Required, Not Included / Keycaps - Required, Not Included / / GMMK-COMPACT-RGB

R1349.00In Stock

Logitech MK120 Keyboard And Mouse Combo / Spill-Resistant Design Keyboard / Durable keys / Plug-And-Play USB Connections / Sturdy Adjustable Tilt legs / High Definition Optical Mouse / 920-002562

R199In Stock

SteelSeries Prismcaps Double Shot PBT Keycaps - Black / Extreme Durability / Compatible With Most Mechanical Keyboards / Thermoplastic PBT Keycaps / 60200

R949.00In Stock

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 Ed.- World's Fastest Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Adjustable Actuation - Esports Tenkeyless - OLED Screen - RGB - PBT Keycaps - USB-C / 64856

R4899.00In Stock

SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – World’s Fastest Keyboard – Adjustable Actuation – Compact 60% Form Factor – RGB – PBT Keycaps – USB-C / 64820

R5199.00In Stock

Why Your Keyboard Switch Type Is a Big Deal

Choosing a keyboard switch is like choosing the engine for your car. It defines everything about how it performs and feels. The right switch can make you faster in Apex Legends, more accurate when typing code, and leave you feeling far more satisfied after a long session. It’s a deeply personal choice, and understanding the main keyboard switch types is the first step. Before you dive in, it’s worth checking out the complete packages available in our list of the best gaming keyboard deals to see what's popular right now.

The Big Three: A Mechanical Keyboard Switch Guide to the Core Types

Most mechanical switches fall into one of three main categories: Linear, Tactile, or Clicky. Each offers a distinct experience tailored to different users. Let's break them down.

Dell KM3322W Premier Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse - Black / 580-AKFZ

R499.00In Stock

Glorious GSW-100 Full Size Slim Keyboard Wrist Rest - Black / GSW-100

R349.00In Stock

Glorious TKL Wrist Rest - Brown Wooden Wrist Rest - Mechanical Keyboard Wood Ergonomic Palm Rest - 14x4 inches/19mm Thick (GV-87-BROWN)

R499.00In Stock

Glorious Gaming Wooden Wrist Rest - Full Standard Size - Onyx/Black - Mechanical Keyboard, Wood Ergonomic Palm Rest| 17.5x4 inches/19mm Thick (GV-100-DARK)

R549.00In Stock

Glorious 104 Keys ABS Double Shot Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps - White / Double Shot Injection Legends / Backlight LED Compatible / Unique Dual-layer Casing / Standard Bottom Row / ABS Plastic / Keyboard not Included / G-104-White

R299.00In Stock

Glorious Gaming Wrist Pad/Rest - Full Standard Size - Stealth - Mechanical Keyboards,Stitched Edges,Ergonomic | 17.5x4 inches/(0.7in/17mm) Thick (GSW-100-STEALTH)

R349.00In Stock

Linear Switches: The Smooth Operators ⚡

Linear switches are the choice of esports pros for a reason. They offer a smooth, consistent keystroke from the moment you press down until the key bottoms out. There's no bump and no click—just pure, uninterrupted travel. This allows for lightning-fast, repeated key presses, which is critical in fast-paced games.

• Best For: FPS and Action games where split-second reactions matter.
• The Feel: Silky smooth and quiet (besides the sound of the keycap bottoming out).
• Popular Examples: Cherry MX Red, Gateron Red.

Many of our top-tier gaming keyboard and mouse combos feature linear switches, giving you a competitive edge straight out of the box.

Tactile Switches: The Satisfying All-Rounder ✨

If you want the best of both worlds, tactile switches are your answer. They provide a small, noticeable "bump" halfway through the keypress. This feedback confirms that your keystroke has been registered without you needing to press the key all the way down. This makes them fantastic for both typing and gaming, improving accuracy and reducing finger fatigue.

• Best For: A mix of gaming, typing, and general productivity.
• The Feel: A gratifying little bump with each press.
• Popular Examples: Cherry MX Brown, Glorious Panda.

They are arguably the most popular switch type you'll find across the wide world of gaming keyboards in South Africa.

GLORIOUS Polychroma Keycaps: Clear for RGB Shine Through for Mechanical Gaming Keyboards, 115 Keys, Translucent Cherry Profile / GLO-KC-POLY-RGB

R799.00In Stock

Glorious GMMK Compact RGB Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Barebone Edition - 61 Key / US Layout / Mechanical Switch - Required, Not Included / Switches - Required, Not Included / Keycaps - Required, Not Included / / GMMK-COMPACT-RGB

R1349.00In Stock

Logitech G413 SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Black / Tactile Mechanical Switches / Key Rollover / Anti-Ghosting / PBT Keycaps / LED Lighting / Built To Last / 920-010437

R1559.00In Stock

HP 230 WL Mouse and KB Combo - Black / Up to 16-month keyboard battery life / Smooth tracking with 1600 DPI / One-click access to all function keys / 18H24AA

R599.00In Stock

Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 6 RGB Mechanical Gaming - Linear switches / Anti-ghosting Technology / 16.8 Million Colors / 61-key compact design / KS63NMUSBL000-0

R999.00In Stock

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 Ed.- World's Fastest Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Adjustable Actuation - Esports Tenkeyless - OLED Screen - RGB - PBT Keycaps - USB-C / 64856

R4899.00In Stock

Clicky Switches: The Unmistakable Sound

For those who love loud, crisp feedback, nothing beats a clicky switch. They combine a tactile bump with a sharp, audible "click" sound at the point of actuation. This double-dose of feedback is incredibly satisfying for typists and anyone who wants to hear and feel every single keystroke. Just be warned… your family or colleagues might not love them as much as you do!

• Best For: Typing purists and those who crave maximum feedback.
• The Feel: A sharp bump paired with a distinct clicking sound.
• Popular Examples: Cherry MX Blue, Razer Green.

Customisation: Make It Truly Yours 🚀

Finding the right switch is just the beginning of your mechanical keyboard journey. The real magic happens when you start customising your board to match your style and comfort. A new set of high-quality PBT custom keyboard keycaps can completely change the look and feel of your keyboard, offering better texture and durability than standard caps.

Glorious Kailh COPPER Mechanical Keyboard Switches / 120 Pack / Compatible with the GMMK & GMMK PRO / Compatible with Cherry/Gateron/Kailh based keyboards / Plate Mounted / Transparent Switch Housing / SMD Led Compatible / KAI-COPPER

R849.00In Stock

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL 8KHz Esports Gaming Keyboard / 8KHz Polling Rate / Analog Optical Switches w/Rapid Trigger & Adjustable Actuation / Media Keys & Dial / Doubleshot PBT Keycaps / Aluminum Top Plate / Wrist Rest / RZ03-05520100-R3M1

R4999.00In Stock

Logitech K400 PLUS Wireless Touch Keyboard / 10-Meter Wireless Range / 18-Months Battery Life / Media-Friendly / 920-007145

R529.00In Stock

Glorious Gateron BROWN Mechanical Keyboard Switches / 120 Pack / Compatible With MX Based Keyboards / Compatible With MX Keycaps / PLATE Mounted / Transparent Switch Housing / SMD Led Compatible / GAT-BROWN

R699.00In Stock

Gamdias Hermes M4 Hybrid Wireless Gaming Keyboard / Lag-free Wired/ Wireless/ BT mode / Certified Mechanical Switches / Dual Colorway Keycaps / Type-C to A Braided Cable / Anti-ghosting with N-key rollover / HERMES M4 Hybrid

R799.00In Stock

Glorious Gaming Wooden Wrist Rest - TENKEYLESS (TKL) - Onyx/Black - Mechanical Keyboards Wood Ergonomic Palm Rest| 14x4 inches/19mm Thick (GV-87-DARK)

R499.00In Stock

And don't forget ergonomics. A long gaming session can be tough on your wrists, but adding an ergonomic wrist rest provides crucial support, keeping you comfortable and in the game for longer. By pairing the perfect switch with the right accessories, you create a tool that's uniquely yours.