What Are Linear Switches? Feel, Sound and Who They're For
Updated
Linear switches move straight down and back up with no bump and no click. The resistance comes only from the spring, so every press feels the same from top to bottom. They're the most popular switch type for gaming, the quietest of the three classic types, and the usual starting point for smooth, creamy or thocky builds.
How do linear switches work?
A mechanical switch has a stem, a spring and a metal contact inside a housing. In a linear switch, the stem slides along smooth rails. Nothing in the path adds a bump or click. The key registers about halfway down (often around 2mm) and keeps going until it bottoms out.
Tactile switches add a bump on the stem. Clicky switches add a part that snaps to make a click. Linears have neither. See keyboard switch types explained.
What do linear switches feel like?
Smooth and consistent. Most of the feel comes from:
- Spring weight: light linears (around 35–45g) are quick and easy to press. Heavier ones (60g and up) resist accidental presses and bottom out more softly.
- Smoothness: how much scratch you feel as the stem slides. Factory lube and tight tolerances make a big difference here. See should you lube switches.
- Travel: most have about 4mm of total travel. "Speed" linears actuate earlier, at around 1.2mm.
What do linear switches sound like?
With no bump or click, what you hear is the bottom-out and the return. That makes linears the easiest switches to tune: a lubed linear in a dampened case is the classic recipe for a creamy or thocky sound. Silent linears add dampeners to make them even quieter. See what are silent switches.
Are linear switches good for gaming?
Yes. That's what they're best known for. With no bump, rapid presses and holds feel smooth and predictable, and many gamers like light or speed linears. Hall effect switches, popular for competitive games, are linear too.
Are linear switches good for typing?
They're fine for typing, and plenty of people type on nothing else. Some typists miss the feedback of a bump that confirms each press and prefer tactiles. If you tend to bottom out hard, a slightly heavier linear helps. See linear vs tactile switches.
Popular linear switches
- Cherry MX Red: the original linear and still a common reference point.
- Gateron Yellow: a budget favorite, known for being smooth for the price.
- Gateron Oil King: a heavier, deeper-sounding factory-lubed linear.
- Most red, yellow and black switches are linear, but colors aren't consistent across brands. See switch colors explained.
Frequently asked questions
Do linear switches click?
No. Linear switches have no bump or click mechanism. The only sounds are the key bottoming out and returning.
Are linear switches good for gaming?
Yes. They're the most popular choice for gaming because presses are smooth and predictable, and light or speed linears respond quickly.
Are linear switches loud?
They're the quietest of the three classic switch types. Silent linears are quieter still.
What color are linear switches?
Red, yellow and black are commonly linear, but colors aren't consistent between brands, so check the listed switch type.
Are linear switches good for typing?
Yes, many people type on them happily. Some typists prefer tactile switches for the bump that confirms each press.
