Keyboard Switch Types Explained: Linear, Tactile, Clicky and More
Updated
There are three core mechanical switch types: linear (smooth, no bump), tactile (a bump you can feel when the key registers) and clicky (a bump plus an audible click). On top of those you'll see silent versions with built-in dampening, and different sensing technologies like Hall effect, optical and capacitive switches that register keypresses without metal contacts touching.
The core three
| Type | Feel | Sound | Popular for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | Smooth all the way down | Quietest of the three | Gaming, smooth and creamy builds |
| Tactile | Bump at the actuation point | A little more noise | Typing |
| Clicky | Bump plus a click | Loud on purpose | Typing, when nobody else has to listen |
For a deeper comparison of the two most popular, see linear vs tactile switches.
Silent linear and silent tactile
Silent switches add rubber or silicone dampeners to the stem so the bottom-out and the return are muffled. They're the go-to for offices and shared rooms. Some people find the dampening makes the bottom-out feel slightly soft or mushy compared with a regular switch. More on reducing noise in how to make a keyboard quieter.
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hall effect switches have a magnet in the stem and a sensor on the PCB that measures how far the key is pressed. Because it's measuring distance rather than closing a contact, you can usually set the actuation point per key, and features like rapid trigger become possible. They feel and sound similar to linears.
Optical
Optical switches register a press when the stem interrupts a beam of light. They behave like normal linear, tactile or clicky switches to type on, but they usually only fit boards built for that specific optical design.
Capacitive
Capacitive switches, best known from Topre and electro-capacitive (EC) boards, measure a change in capacitance under a rubber dome and spring. They have a distinctive soft, rounded tactility and a muted sound that has its own following.
Low profile
Low-profile switches are shorter, with less key travel, for thinner keyboards and laptop-like feel. They usually need low-profile keycaps and won't fit standard switch sockets.
Frankenswitches
A frankenswitch is assembled from parts of different switches, such as one switch's housing with another's stem and spring, to get a feel or sound you can't buy off the shelf. It's a hobbyist thing and the reason "switch type" sometimes needs an "other" box.
How each type sounds in community ratings
Switch type is only one part of a keyboard's sound; keycaps, plate, case and dampening matter just as much. Here's how builds with each switch type score:
Which switch type should you get?
- Mostly gaming: linear, or Hall effect if you want adjustable actuation.
- Mostly typing: tactile is a common favorite.
- Shared space: silent linear or silent tactile.
- Want the click: clicky, with headphones for everyone else.
- Not sure: get a hot-swap keyboard and a switch tester so you can change your mind.
Switch color is a rough shorthand for type, but it isn't reliable across brands. See keyboard switch colors explained.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 3 types of keyboard switches?
Linear (smooth all the way down), tactile (a bump when the key registers) and clicky (a bump plus an audible click).
Which switch type is best for gaming?
Linear switches are the most popular for gaming, and Hall effect switches add adjustable actuation and rapid trigger. Any type works, though.
Which switch type is quietest?
Silent linear and silent tactile switches, which have built-in dampeners. Of the regular types, linear is usually quietest and clicky is loudest.
Are Hall effect keyboards mechanical?
They don't use a metal contact, but they're built like mechanical switches with a stem and spring per key, so they're generally counted as mechanical keyboards.