Popular Switch Comparison

Choosing your first mechanical switches can be overwhelming with dozens of brands and hundreds of models available. This guide compares the most popular switch brands and their flagship models to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Switch Brands

Cherry MX

The original mechanical switch manufacturer from Germany, Cherry MX switches have been the industry standard since the 1980s. Their patents expired in the 2010s, allowing other manufacturers to create MX-compatible switches. Cherry switches are known for reliability and consistency, though they command a premium price.

Price Point: Premium Popular For: Reliability, widespread compatibility, proven track record Common in: Pre-built keyboards, enthusiast builds

Gateron

Founded in 2000, Gateron initially produced Cherry MX clones but has since developed their own reputation for smooth switches at affordable prices. Gateron switches are manufactured in China and have become extremely popular in the enthusiast community for both stock performance and modification potential.

Price Point: Budget to Mid-range Popular For: Smoothness, value for money, customization potential Common in: Budget keyboards, custom builds, modding projects

Kailh

Another Chinese manufacturer, Kailh started with Cherry clones but innovated with unique designs like Box switches and low-profile switches. They’ve partnered with notable designers to create specialty switches and offer excellent variety across all switch types.

Price Point: Budget to Mid-range Popular For: Innovation, specialty designs, hot-swap sockets Common in: Gaming keyboards, custom builds, specialty boards

Akko

A newer player focused on providing high-quality switches at budget-friendly prices, Akko has quickly gained popularity for their smooth factory switches and aesthetic designs. Their switches often come pre-lubed from the factory, offering excellent value.

Price Point: Budget Popular For: Factory lubrication, smoothness, affordability Common in: Budget custom builds, starter keyboards

Other Notable Brands

Durock/JWK: Premium manufacturing quality, smooth operation, popular for enthusiast builds TTC: Budget-friendly with improving quality, good for experimentation Outemu: Ultra-budget option, common in entry-level keyboards NovelKeys: Specialty switches designed for enthusiasts, limited availability

Visual comparison of major switch manufacturers and their market positioning

Linear Switch Comparison

Linear switches provide smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps or clicks. They’re popular for gaming and fast typing.

Switch Model	Brand	Actuation Force	Bottom-Out Force	Travel Distance	Sound Level	Price Tier	Notes
Cherry MX Red	Cherry	45g	60g	4.0mm	Quiet	Premium	Industry standard, smooth, reliable
Cherry MX Black	Cherry	50g	80g	4.0mm	Quiet	Premium	Heavier alternative to Reds
Cherry MX Silent Red	Cherry	45g	60g	3.7mm	Very Quiet	Premium	Dampened for office use
Gateron Yellow	Gateron	50g	60g	4.0mm	Moderate	Budget	Best budget linear, very smooth
Gateron Red	Gateron	45g	60g	4.0mm	Moderate	Budget	Lighter than Yellow, beginner-friendly
Gateron Black	Gateron	50g	80g	4.0mm	Moderate	Budget	Heavier, smooth, gaming-focused
Gateron Milky Yellow	Gateron	50g	60g	4.0mm	Moderate	Budget	Deeper sound, popular for modding
Kailh Red	Kailh	50g	70g	4.0mm	Moderate	Budget	Similar to Cherry, slightly heavier
Kailh Box Red	Kailh	45g	60g	3.6mm	Moderate	Budget	Dust/water resistant, short travel
Kailh Speed Silver	Kailh	40g	60g	3.5mm	Moderate	Mid-range	Ultra-fast actuation for gaming
Akko CS Jelly Black	Akko	50g	63g	4.0mm	Moderate	Budget	Factory lubed, smooth, good value
Akko CS Rose Red	Akko	43g	53g	4.0mm	Moderate	Budget	Lighter option, factory lubed

Side-by-side comparison of popular linear switch models showing design variations

Linear Switch Recommendations

• Best Overall Value: Gateron Yellow - Exceptional smoothness at budget price
• Best Premium: Cherry MX Red - Proven reliability and consistency
• Best for Gaming: Kailh Speed Silver - Fastest actuation, short travel
• Best Quiet Option: Cherry MX Silent Red - Office-friendly with dampening
• Best for Beginners: Akko CS Rose Red - Light, smooth, pre-lubed, affordable

Tactile Switch Comparison

Tactile switches have a noticeable bump during actuation, providing feedback without clicking sound. Popular for typing and general use.

Switch Model	Brand	Actuation Force	Bottom-Out Force	Travel Distance	Sound Level	Price Tier	Notes
Cherry MX Brown	Cherry	45g	60g	4.0mm	Moderate	Premium	Most popular tactile, light bump
Cherry MX Clear	Cherry	55g	95g	4.0mm	Moderate	Premium	Stronger tactility than Browns
Gateron Brown	Gateron	45g	60g	4.0mm	Moderate	Budget	Smoother than Cherry Browns
Gateron Pro Brown	Gateron	45g	60g	4.0mm	Moderate	Mid-range	Improved factory quality
Kailh Brown	Kailh	50g	70g	4.0mm	Moderate	Budget	Similar to Cherry, budget option
Kailh Box Brown	Kailh	45g	60g	3.6mm	Moderate	Budget	More pronounced tactility
Kailh Speed Copper	Kailh	40g	60g	3.5mm	Moderate	Mid-range	Fast tactile for gaming
Akko CS Jelly Purple	Akko	36g	50g	4.0mm	Moderate	Budget	Very light tactile, factory lubed
Akko CS Ocean Blue	Akko	38g	48g	4.0mm	Moderate	Budget	Light tactile with crisp bump

Comparison of popular tactile switch models showing different tactile bump designs

Tactile Switch Recommendations

• Best Overall Value: Gateron Brown - Smoother than Cherry at lower price
• Best Premium: Cherry MX Clear - Strong tactility for dedicated typists
• Best Tactile Bump: Kailh Box Brown - More pronounced feedback
• Best for Gaming: Kailh Speed Copper - Fast actuation with tactility
• Best for Beginners: Akko CS Ocean Blue - Light, smooth, affordable

Clicky Switch Comparison

Clicky switches provide both tactile feedback and audible clicks. Loud and satisfying for typing, but not office-friendly.

Switch Model	Brand	Actuation Force	Bottom-Out Force	Travel Distance	Sound Level	Price Tier	Notes
Cherry MX Blue	Cherry	50g	60g	4.0mm	Loud	Premium	Classic clicky sound, reliable
Cherry MX Green	Cherry	70g	95g	4.0mm	Very Loud	Premium	Heavier version of Blue
Gateron Blue	Gateron	55g	70g	4.0mm	Loud	Budget	Similar to Cherry, budget option
Gateron Green	Gateron	70g	90g	4.0mm	Very Loud	Budget	Heavier clicky alternative
Kailh Blue	Kailh	50g	70g	4.0mm	Loud	Budget	Similar to Cherry Blues
Kailh Box White	Kailh	45g	60g	3.6mm	Loud	Budget	Crisp click, short travel
Kailh Box Jade	Kailh	50g	60g	3.6mm	Very Loud	Mid-range	Extremely loud and tactile
Kailh Speed Gold	Kailh	40g	60g	3.5mm	Loud	Mid-range	Fast clicky for gaming
Akko CS Jelly Blue	Akko	38g	48g	4.0mm	Loud	Budget	Light clicky, factory lubed

Clicky Switch Recommendations

• Best Overall Value: Gateron Blue - Classic clicky at budget price
• Best Premium: Cherry MX Blue - Industry standard clicky sound
• Best Click Bar: Kailh Box White - Crisp, satisfying click mechanism
• Loudest Option: Kailh Box Jade - Extremely loud and tactile
• Best for Beginners: Akko CS Jelly Blue - Light, affordable, good sound

Compatibility and Physical Differences

Detailed view of mechanical switch construction showing housing, stem, spring, and pin configuration

MX-Style Compatibility

Most switches listed here are MX-style compatible, meaning they:

• Use the same mounting pin layout (5-pin or 3-pin)
• Accept standard MX-compatible keycaps
• Fit in MX-compatible keyboards and hot-swap sockets

Note: Kailh Box switches have slightly thicker stems that may stretch tight keycaps initially, though newer versions have resolved this issue.

Pin Configuration

• 5-Pin (PCB Mount): Extra plastic legs for stability, preferred for PCB-mounted keyboards
• 3-Pin (Plate Mount): No plastic stabilizer legs, required for plate-mounted keyboards

Most switches come in 5-pin versions. The extra pins can be clipped for 3-pin compatibility.

Special Considerations

Low-Profile Switches: Kailh Choc switches use different mounting and are NOT compatible with standard MX keyboards or keycaps.

Optical Switches: Some brands offer optical versions that use light beams instead of metal contacts. These require optical-specific keyboards.

Hot-Swap Sockets: Most MX-style switches work with Kailh hot-swap sockets, allowing switch changes without soldering.

Quality Factors Beyond Specs

Factory Lubrication

• Cherry: Minimal factory lube, may benefit from additional lubrication
• Gateron: Light factory lube on newer models (Pro series better)
• Kailh: Minimal factory lube on standard models
• Akko: Excellent factory lubrication on most models

Smoothness

The feel of a switch involves more than specifications:

• Stem wobble: How much the stem moves side-to-side (less is better)
• Scratch: Friction between moving parts (Gateron typically smoothest stock)
• Spring ping: Audible spring noise when typing (varies by unit)
• Consistency: Variation between individual switches in the same batch

Sound Profile

Beyond “loud” or “quiet,” switches have distinct sound characteristics:

• Pitch: Higher or lower frequency clicks/sounds
• Resonance: How sound carries in the keyboard case
• Bottom-out: Sound when keys hit the bottom of travel
• Return: Sound when keys return to resting position

Sound is heavily influenced by:

• Keyboard case material and construction
• Keycap material (ABS vs PBT)
• Modifications (foam, tape, lube)
• Typing technique

Choosing Your First Switches

Consider Your Use Case

Gaming-focused:

• Linear switches for rapid key presses (Gateron Yellow, Kailh Speed Silver)
• Light actuation forces for quick response
• Consider speed switches for competitive gaming

Typing-focused:

• Tactile switches for typing feedback (Gateron Brown, Cherry MX Clear)
• Consider heavier switches to reduce accidental presses
• Moderate to heavy actuation forces for deliberate typing

General/Mixed Use:

• Start with tactile switches for versatility
• Medium actuation forces (45-50g)
• Cherry MX Brown or Gateron Brown are safe starting points

Office/Quiet Environment:

• Linear switches are naturally quieter than clicky
• Consider silent switches (Cherry MX Silent Red)
• Avoid all clicky switches

Budget Considerations

Entry Budget ($20-40 for 70 switches):

• Gateron Yellow/Red/Brown
• Akko CS series
• Outemu (if extremely budget-limited)

Mid-Range ($40-60 for 70 switches):

• Gateron Pro series
• Kailh Box switches
• Cherry MX (when on sale)

Premium ($60+ for 70 switches):

• Cherry MX
• Durock/JWK
• NovelKeys specialty switches

Testing Before Buying

Switch Testers: Small boards with 4-12 different switches ($15-30)

• Try before committing to a full set
• Understand how switch types feel in reality
• Test multiple brands and forces

Sample Packs: Some vendors sell 10-packs of single switch types

• Cheaper than full sets
• Good for testing specific switches
• Can mix and match for experimentation

Store Displays: Visit computer/gaming stores with mechanical keyboard displays

• Free hands-on testing
• Limited selection
• Usually only mainstream switches (Cherry, Gateron)

Common Beginner Questions

Q: Can I mix different switches on one keyboard? A: Yes, many enthusiasts use different switches for different key positions. Common examples include heavier switches for spacebar, lighter for pinky keys, or tactile for typing keys with linear for gaming keys.

Q: Will switches from different brands feel the same if specs are identical? A: No. Manufacturing tolerances, materials, and design details create noticeable differences even with identical specifications. Gateron Reds feel different from Cherry MX Reds despite similar specs.

Q: Do I need to lubricate switches? A: Not required, especially for beginners. Factory switches work fine out of the box. Lubrication is an advanced modification that improves smoothness and sound but requires time and skill.

Q: How long do mechanical switches last? A: Most switches are rated for 50-100 million keystrokes. At typical usage (2-3 million keystrokes/year), switches should last 15-30+ years.

Q: Can I use any keycaps with these switches? A: MX-style switches accept any MX-compatible keycaps (the vast majority). Exceptions: Low-profile switches require specific low-profile keycaps. Some specialty switches may have compatibility limitations.

Summary

Start with these recommendations based on your priority:

• Best Overall Value: Gateron Yellow (linear) or Gateron Brown (tactile)
• Best Premium Experience: Cherry MX Red (linear) or Cherry MX Brown (tactile)
• Best for Gaming: Kailh Speed Silver (linear) or Kailh Speed Copper (tactile)
• Best Factory Quality: Akko CS series (any type)
• Best for Typing: Cherry MX Clear (tactile) or Gateron Black (linear)
• Best Sound Experience: Kailh Box White (clicky) or Kailh Box Jade (very clicky)

Remember: Switch preference is highly personal. What works for one person may not work for another. Use this guide as a starting point, but try to test switches yourself before committing to a full keyboard. Most enthusiasts try multiple switch types before finding their favorite.

Happy typing!