“What Switch Should I Get for My First Mechanical Keyboard?” If you’re venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is the type of switch to choose. Keyboard switches dictate the feel, sound, and overall experience you’ll have when typing or gaming. With so many options out there, selecting your first mechanical keyboard can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the different switches and narrow down the best choice for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Linear, tactile, and clicky switches offer distinct feels and sounds to cater to different preferences.
- Consider your typing style, actuation force, travel distance, and sound preferences when selecting switches.
- Popular switch brands include Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh, Outemu, and Razer.
- Try out different switches using switch testers, attending meetups, or seeking community feedback before making a decision.
- Mechanical keyboards often allow for switch customization and swapping, enabling you to explore different options over time.
Table of Contents
Understanding What Switch Should I Get for My First Mechanical Keyboard?
Let’s start by understanding why mechanical keyboards have become so popular.
- Improved Tactile Feedback: Mechanical keyboards offer superior tactile feedback compared to typical membrane keyboards. This provides a more satisfying typing experience and can help increase typing accuracy and speed.
- Durability: Mechanical switches are designed to last far longer than membrane switches, often enduring millions of keystrokes. (For more information on the lifespan and longevity of mechanical keyboards, check out our article.
- Customization: Many mechanical keyboards offer hot-swappable switches, allowing you to easily experiment with different switch types and customize your keyboard’s feel.
Demystifying Keyboard Switches
The core element of any mechanical keyboard is the switch beneath each keycap. Switches come in a variety of types, each with distinctive characteristics. Below is a summary of the main categories:
- Linear Switches
- Linear switches provide a smooth and consistent keypress from top to bottom, without any tactile bump or click.
- Popular Linear Switch Options:
- Cherry MX Red
- Gateron Red
- Kailh Black
- Best for:
- Gamers who need fast, responsive switches with minimal actuation force.
- Typists who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience.
- Tactile Switches
- Tactile switches have a noticeable bump midway through the keypress, indicating the actuation point.
- Popular Tactile Switch Options:
- Cherry MX Brown
- Gateron Brown
- Kailh Box Brown
- Best For:
- Versatile switch type suitable for both typing and gaming.
- Users who want feedback when a keystroke registers without a loud click.
- Clicky Switches
- Clicky switches offer a pronounced tactile bump and a distinct audible click with each keypress.
- Popular Clicky Switch Options:
- Cherry MX Blue
- Gateron Blue
- Kailh Box White
- Best For:
- Typists who enjoy the classic typewriter sound and feel.
- Users who want maximum auditory feedback for every keypress.
For a more detailed understanding of different switch types, refer to our article.
Also If you’re interested in learning about the top 5 best keyboard switches, check out our dedicated article
Deciding on the Best Switch for You
With all the different switches on the market, choosing the perfect one might seem daunting. Here are some important things to think about:
Typing vs. Gaming
Gaming: Linear switches are generally preferred for their quick actuation and lack of tactile bumps, improving reaction times. Check out our article on the best switches for gaming.
Typing: Tactile or clicky switches are favored, as the feedback helps with typing accuracy and provides a more satisfying typing feel. For more on the best switches for coding.
Sound Preference
Loud and Clicky: Opt for clicky switches.
Moderate Feedback: Tactile switches offer a bump and a subtle sound.
Quiet Operation: Linear switches are the most silent.
Actuation Force
Actuation force measures how much force is needed to register a key press. Lighter switches (e.g., reds) are easier to press, while heavier switches (e.g., black) require more force. Learn more about actuation force in our dedicated article.
Beyond the Basics: Other Factors to Consider
- Cherry MX and Alternatives: Cherry MX switches are the industry standard, but brands like Gateron, Kailh, and Outemu offer excellent options, often at lower prices. For a comparison of Cherry MX switches and alternatives.
- Switch Color: Colors typically represent different switch types (red = linear, etc.), but some brands have their own color schemes. Check the specifications before you buy. Check the specifications before you buy. Our article on switch colors for gaming can provide more insights.
- Actuation Point: This is the distance at which a keypress is registered. A higher actuation point (e.g., 2mm) means less travel needed to activate the key, which is preferred by some gamers.
- Hot-swappable PCBs: Hot-swappable keyboards allow you to change switches without needing to solder – great for experimentation. For more information on materials and housings used in keyboard switches, refer to our article.
Testing and Trying Out Different Switches
Before committing to a specific switch type for your first mechanical keyboard, it’s highly recommended to try out different switches to get a better understanding of your preferences. Here are some ways to do this:
- Switch Testers: Switch testers are small devices that allow you to experience the feel and sound of various switch types. These testers are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased from online retailers or keyboard enthusiast communities.
- Keyboard Meetups and Events: Attending local keyboard meetups or events can provide an excellent opportunity to try out different mechanical keyboards with a variety of switch types. Making an informed choice can be greatly aided by this practical experience.
- Online Reviews and Community Feedback: Reading reviews and seeking advice from the mechanical keyboard community can offer valuable insights into the characteristics and performance of different switch types. Online forums and subreddits like /r/MechanicalKeyboards are excellent resources for gathering feedback from experienced users. If you’re wondering which switches are the smoothest, check out our article..
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your first mechanical keyboard is a personal decision that depends on your typing style, preferences, and intended use. Whether you opt for linear switches for gaming, tactile switches for typing, or clicky switches for auditory feedback, the vast array of options available ensures that there’s a switch type to suit every user’s needs.
For a comparison between red and blue switches, and and choosing what keyboard switches is best for you?
Remember, the beauty of mechanical keyboards lies in their customizability and the ability to swap out switches over time. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different switch types until you find the perfect match. With patience and an open mind, you’ll soon discover the joy of typing on a mechanical keyboard that truly resonates with your preferences.
Author’s Review
As someone who has extensively used various mechanical keyboard switches, I can attest to the importance of finding the right switch type for your needs. My personal preference leans towards tactile switches like Cherry MX Brown or Gateron Brown for their balanced feel and auditory feedback. However, I’ve also enjoyed the smooth linear experience of Cherry MX Red switches for gaming sessions.
Ultimately, the joy of using a mechanical keyboard lies in the ability to customize and tailor the experience to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different switch types until you find the one that truly resonates with your typing style and preferences. With the vast array of options available, you’re sure to discover a mechanical keyboard switch that will elevate your typing experience to new heights.
For more insights on the most preferred keyboard switches and recommendations for beginners, check out our articles, and Mechanical keyboard switches for beginners .
This combined version incorporates the clear explanations of switch types from your article, as well as the additional factors, testing recommendations, and personal insights from my article. By merging the strengths of both, it creates a comprehensive and user-friendly guide that should effectively assist readers in making an informed decision about their first mechanical keyboard switch.
