Clicky Vs Tactile Vs Linear Mechanical Keyboard Switches with Sound Tests And Examples

There are three main types of mechanical switches: clicky, linear, and tactile. Here are examples and sound tests of a variety of each kind.
Clicky Vs Tactile Vs Linear Mechanical Keyboard Switches with Sound Tests And Examples
Mechanical Keyboard Typing Sounds ONLY Playlist: • ASMR - Mechanical Keyb...
Our in-depth blog post regarding the difference between clicky, tactile, and linear switches with pictures: switchandclick.com/2020/02/04...
Breakdown of a Cherry MX Blue Switch: • What makes a Cherry MX...
Kailh BOX Switches Aniamtion: • Kailh BOX Switch For M...
Check out this blog post we wrote about this topic!
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0:00-0:30 Intro
0:31-1:18 Clicky Switches Intro
1:18-2:23 Clicky Switches Sound Tests - Oetemu Blues, Cherry MX Blues, Razer Greens
2:24-3:46 Discussion of Clickbars and Click leaf
3:46-4:40 Tactile Switches
4:40-7:00Tactile Switches Sound Tests - Halo Clears, Cherry Mx Browns, Cherry Mx Clears, HyperX Aquas
7:05-8:05 Linear Switches
8:06-9:35 Important Tip Regarding Sounds
9:36-12:15 Linear Switches Sound Tests - Gateron Reds, Cherry MX Reds, HyperX Reds, Gateron Yellows
12:15-12:43 Outro

[@taycorps3015]

I like how finally we got a reviewer who do sound tests by typing like a normal person instead of smashing the keys like other. Thanks!

[@kirkwcowgill]

I only wish I were as quick as TaehaTypes.

[@Redkarmaa]

@@SwitchandClickOfficial TaehaTypes is 100 words faster than me per second

[@deletice]

idk... at least for reds I think if you don't bottom out then you literally cant actuate almost

[@firecracker7314]

@@deletice no

[@deletice]

@@firecracker7314 e

[@Spectraevil]

Lol this girl has content on like everything related to keyboard I ever search on KZbin.

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

That's the goal!

[@Spectraevil]

@@SwitchandClickOfficial Would like to see your channel grow a lot, I certainly am buying the keychron k8 after seeing your videos.

[@aravdundon4397]

@@SwitchandClickOfficial can you try to cut a 100 percent membrane keyboard.

[@c4lmchor]

@@aravdundon4397 ????????????

[@SwagyP]

Linear = Gaming, Tactile = Typing, Clicky = waking up neighbors

[@inspector-tech]

Jesus Christ! Why did it take me so many years to finally find someone who knows what they’re talking about with mechanical Kbrds??? Jeeeeesh :-)

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Hahaha thanks so much for the kind words

[@alvint4944]

haha so what MK did you end up getting?

[@inspector-tech]

@@alvint4944 I backed the Keychron K3 with optical switches on Kickstarter.

[@Kizarat]

This has to be one of the clearest, audible and most sound-accurate video I've come across regarding the testing of switches I'm interested in. Thanks.

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Wow, thanks!

[@AhayahsDaughter]

Yes!!! I learned alot. I knew absolutely nothing about this subject and now I feel well informed and didn’t even know I even had a preference.

[@JoeOrber]

And a super important point mentioned here that other people ignore: the same switch can sound different across several keyboards due to the materials and keyboard design

[@eddiegutierrez9169]

Hello, I just wanted to say that this channel seems like it takes a lot of work to make happen at the level of consistency and quality content that is being produced. I admire the dedication and this channel has brought me so many good things and I have purchased keyboards feeling well informed. You really have something great here. Please please please keep up the hard work.

[@TheStraightTree]

You girl, really understood what people want to look for when searching mech keyboard sounds

[@gearygraphic]

I saw the low-production background and almost didn’t give this video a chance. I’m so glad I did because she knows her stuff and does a great job explaining and displaying the key differences.

[@reychristianacosta7298]

Dont judge a book by its cover xd

[@thebluethunderbunny2324]

Very informative. Probably the best video I've ever seen covering this topic. I learned the hard way that linear switches are not ideal if you type a lot. I do a combination of gaming and writing, and for gaming, they did a fine job, but when I had to type anything out, I would make *TONS* of errors on linear switches. I converted to a clicky variant of the Logitech G915 recently, and it's a totally different experience. Gaming on it feels surprisingly better for me with the clicky feedback, though I can see why the linear switches would be preferred for the most hardcore gamers. Typing on it is a night and day affair, and that's where i'm the most satisfied. I now make little to no errors when I type, and as a writer, I appreciate this a ton. I will admit, the clicky sound is very prominent, and I can definitely understand how it wouldn't be for everybody, but luckily, I do enjoy it, and I can confidently say that it is for me. If you enjoy ASMR videos of people typing on keyboards, clicky switches might be the way to go. I've had the least amount of experience with tactile, but from what I hear, it's universally agreed that they're basically a sweet middle ground between linear and clicky. So this seems to be the one to go for if you're a centrist or a fence sitter lol.

[@JRCxyz]

I won't game on my keyboard so the description of the clicky keyboard you present sounds amazing but I'm doing a ton of research because I don't want to wake up my girlfriend while she sleeps and I type. Do you think typing on a clicky keyboard is loud to the point you wouldn't want your so sleeping near it?

[@Kitsunary]

@@JRCxyz Go for tactile if you don't want it to be very loud. Clicky switches are the modern version of typewriter noise.

[@primordial7486]

True, i'm a gamer and red switch really help me spam skills faster and responsive.. but when it comes to typing or writing something long paragraphs it's lil bit uncomfortable, and tactile/clicky is the best for writing.. nice opinion. 👍

[@v0id_d3m0n]

Great, thanks for posting your thoughts! It's really helpful as a membraner looking to convert :)

[@Ho1mez]

Bruh your channel is so good, ive been binging all your videos for the past month or two

[@PranavTiwari11]

I'm doing the exact same thing! This channel is a gold mine. It deserves more views!

[@Joe-mz6dc]

"Bruh"?

[@HalfinchLonomia]

I never realized that the case material is also a factor in the feel/sound of the switches. One cool thing about my corsair k95 is the metal casing makes it sound like reloading an m1 garand from world war 2 on certain key presses, much less loud of course but still there.

[@billybobby7607]

I've wired in a microphone in the keyboard and that goes into my 6000W RMS 7.2.4 atmos system so when you press a key it moves pots and pans several rooms away.

[@zamaszu9728]

@@billybobby7607 i hope what your saying is true

[@JoshuaEatonCA]

Was quite literally just shopping for a keyboard and had to choose between these three different types of switches. For me working in an environment with a keyboard switch that makes a huge amount of noise is quite troublesome. So having an actual audio test is immensely beneficial

[@sirjonaz]

This is the best video I've watched so far that clearly explains the difference between the various switch types. I'm certainly better informed now, as I try to decide on a first mechanical keyboard.

[@KhoiTran-xm1tj]

Thank you for your dedication of making this video, I find it very helpful since all the tests were done in normal typing, and very well done explanation. Keep up the great works!

[@dwp1slyfox]

Excellent video....I've been trying to decide between clicky and tactile and this vid has done a better job of demonstrating the differences than any other vid I've found. Good job and thank you.

[@kirakirakeronii1372]

this is the best guide ive found so far for switches wow bless

[@Brisleep1]

So much to consider! Thanks for the great video, my favorite is still cherry MX red, something about the gritty sound as I type makes it satisfying. I never even knew a keyboard could be pulled apart and cleaned until I started watching your channel, now I have my Logitech gaming keyboard in pieces, cleaning it thoroughly and getting it in better shape.

[@_MintArcade]

This is by far the most extensive demo and explanation

[@Crow_Guy]

Your video is the best one ive found when it comes to showing how different switches sound. Others either just bash the keyboard or equalize the volume so everything sounds equally as loud.

[@Dylexis]

Glad to see a useful channel utilizing newer KZbin features making it easier to navigate, which also sort of keeps it simple for beginners :)

[@v0dahmin726]

You are my favorite about everything keyboard-related. Thank you for all these useful information, you really helped a beginner like me.

[@BeckyBach]

Okay, this is the video I've been looking for! So educational! Thank you 🥰🥰

[@VuLTn]

Love the in-depth videos you make. Please keep em up!

[@DrDingsGaster]

Thank you for having sound tests for things that aren't modded in any way. While lubing is a good thing for the switches, it's hard to find stock content for people just starting out in the hobby.

[@CaseyMae3]

Thank you so much for putting out an actual test of several different switches for typing. Makes selecting a keyboard/switch much easier.

[@DogWithSwag1]

I started with the blue switches before even knowing what a switch was, It was rowdy and not too pleasant to the hears in the long run, slowly moded the keyboard, by buying dampening material, PBT keycaps, lubed stabilizers, and my 50 dollar keyboards sounds great, Thank you.

[@socks8904]

you dont realize how much this helps me. thank you so much!!

[@timjohnson5418]

Thank you for this! This description is what I've been looking for!

[@raigel6520]

Your video is great! This is exactly what I was looking for. You answered most of my questions. Thank you.

[@emanresUyttiWtresnI]

I suppressed by Cherry MX Blues a bit and they're great for solo use now. Hoping that my Zilent Z2s will be good for the office.

[@kyawphone5831]

My favorite sound test ever! Keep it up!

[@chrisw1729]

I have been looking for videos to explain more about mechanical keyboards, and this has explained so much more than most others. Really well done 👍🏻 thank you.

[@eram808]

9⁹⁹⁸⁹89⁹19¹1tt

[@TheRedLoop]

Amazing and very thorough explanations. This was very helpful!!

[@ringowong9109]

really appreciate this detailed yet clear professional video

[@ddraganov]

Awesome video for non-enthusiast like me. I really got the direction what to look for. Thanks!

[@markstewart1986]

I'm in love with the keyboard demonstrating the Cherry MX clears 🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

I think it's the Vortexgear Cypher

[@pj427]

ah yes, enlightenment. i finally know which switch to go for. thank you for this!

[@neshaacosta1633]

Thank you for explaining this topic so clearly.

[@PatL112]

Wow, I never knew keyboards were this in depth. Thanks.

[@rireii]

I like the sounds of Cherry MX Blues but I LOVE THE SOUNDS OF RAZER GREEN SWITCHES

[@phuongtrang280]

I know this is three years old but dang this video explains the difference very well. Thank you so much

[@Kennnyboy888]

Thanks for the videos. Mechanical keyboards are a huge learning experience and I find your videos really useful. Look forward to checking out more of your vids. 👍

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Glad you like them!

[@suckturdslmao]

I absolutely love clicky switches. I love how satisfying they feel.

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Nice!

[@dinosharttt]

Same I get the spray paint on my keyboard

[@dinosharttt]

I don’t know ya know how

[@alonsomedina2582]

Hey! I just got the Durgod K320 with Cherry MX brown and I absolutely love it! Thanks for that review that gave me the info to buy it

[@jwillwork3683]

your reviews are sooo good wish you covered more stuff! but you do what you do perfectly!

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Thank you!

[@susheeeespongepopbob1435]

Tactile switches (browns) are probably best for most people the feel good to type because of the tactile bump and less noise and it’s also good for gaming

[@martelljhixson]

@@muCephei_ 😂😂😂... that was funny. Not all browns are created equal. Some are definitely more tactile than others.

[@gregjones5775]

Super comprehensive. Thanks a ton!

[@jacktheripper4878]

Thanks I was ordering a keyboard and it had options for linear Tactile and clicky switches and with the help of this video i chose linear switches or MX reds

[@jamesandrew3121]

Thank you for the videos! Keep em coming!

[@mugahedbaatiah4899]

YOU are so great by doing a bunch of amazing well explained videos

[@timjenkins8538]

I love your chilled presence and very likeable persona. But at the same time you are extremely thorough and knowledgeable. Would be great to see you branch out and review other types of tech? You've got huge potential to be a tech youtuber 💪

[@Moonshine1147]

THIS.

[@Megaman.ExE7]

You were spitting

[@mostafaoraby007]

Seriously.... Well done and simply explained...loved it.

[@danielcontrerasgonzalez4520]

Thank you! I like the linear switches a lot more than the others, so I'll get those. You've been helpful with this and some other videos!

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Thank you!

[@didaktikerocford4370]

This video was what I was searching for. Thank you.

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

you're welcome!

[@MarkoVuckovic32]

Very nice and informative video. I've never used a mechanical keyboard yet and I was wondering what switch was right for me. After watching this video I decided to go with red switches as I mainly use my PC for gaming and since I am so used to membrane keyboard I believe it would feel weird for me to have tactile or clicky feedback before I pressed a key fully so going with reds would mean that I would adapt to it quicker than the other type of switches. I also do not intend to spend too much money so it's very likely that I will get outemu or some other cherry mx clone

[@meltedmarshdaddy]

I have the same Hyper X reds with the White Pudding Caps I love it I tried the Aqua switches but it just felt and sounded like a regular cheap school keyboard so I switched it out and so happy.

[@KenNakajima07]

I forget all the time, this video is golden!

[@Ashley-dd7cn]

Really helpful when buying online, thank you!

[@Talk2Giuseppe]

Awesome video! You did a FANTASTIC job explaining the differences between the switches without using any geeky terms. You made it super simple for someone (like myself) whose just beginning to explore the impact of switches on sound and feel. You answered several of my questions perfectly! But I am still searching for a type of comparison of the discontinued VERY original Logitech diNovo (scissor switches) vs. Cherry Red Silents. Basically, after a couple of decades of replacing the DiNovos, I need to get a new keyboard and would like to keep the same sound/feel should I make the jump from scissor to switches. Of all the keyboard channels out there, I hope you would be the one to do it! Yaaaa!

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Thank you!

[@JamesRoper3]

Thank you for actually letting me hear what the different types sound like!

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

No problem!!

[@gutsysquirrel3283]

This video is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CallmeLQ]

That last keyboard with the gateron red switches...I want that. Sounded beautiful and I really like the layout.

[@nkristianschmidt]

well ... that was pretty down to earth and honest. And it saved me a lot of time and trouble.

[@pogcraft9305]

My favorite is probably the mx reds. I used to like clicky switches like the blues and box jades, but I think I eased into linear switches such as the yellows and reds.

[@irc1414]

Thank you, very nice video, straight to the point!

[@justdkay]

she deserves more subs

[@TheCrassMonkey]

Best video I've seen on the differences. Thank you!

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ryanoolthecool]

thank you so much for making this video it really helped me decide what switch i wanted to get for my first mechanical keyboard!

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Glad I could help!

[@flystar1999]

Great quality video as usual. So the conclusion is: 1. Choose the "clicky" one if you love that sharp metallic sound along with normal keystroke sound. 2. Choose the "tactile" one if you love that physical feedback (the bump) on your fingers and choose the "linear" one if you prefer a "smooth" (meaning no bump) pressing. Is it right? Question: Does the word "linear" imply the force required from pressing a key to bottom-out "grows linearly", vs the other two types that seem to have different force curves? And what impact does this force change have on typing (and gaming lol) experience? Thanks :)

[@AbothGaming]

no with linear the force is the same from press to bottom out =)

[@flystar1999]

​@@AbothGaming Got it. Thanks for help :)

[@chikoopandya]

The force in all switches will grow linearly, it's how springs work (F = kx). The reason i guess why it's named linear is because there are no obstructions such as tactility and a smooth press all the way.

[@flystar1999]

@@chikoopandya Make sense. Thanks for your kind help. :)

[@dashmanfire3305]

My sister recently got a apex 5 keyboard and I just love the way it sounds and feels

[@dawaerbaguer3963]

It sucks it sucks it sucks it sucks

[@yuhyuhyuh77]

Isn't it membrane??

[@yuhyuhyuh77]

The apex 7 and pro is so expensive lmao

[@MattatonicLife]

Thank you for this comparison! So well done!

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Glad you liked it!

[@popeye69420]

best switches explanation video fr

[@parkashvyas5252]

Exactly what I was looking for 👍👍👍

[@martymcb]

I nearly had to get a divorce on account of the volume of Razer Green switches. In the end we decided it was better that I just get a new keyboard!

[@R7productions]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@rizzy6087]

Martin Challis Nah mate the keyboard is more important

[@KenzLaw]

literally why I'm getting my bf a keyboard for his birthday 😂 I can't hear the game when we play together

[@BenitOwO]

DAMN SON

[@demon6937]

@@KenzLaw what keyboard and switch did you give him?

[@mohammedisrarahmed2344]

Thank you very much, finally i got my doubt cleared!!!

[@dirtremovesblindness]

Wonderful video. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vanionsteele]

Best kb switch review ever, exactly what i was looking for, thanks.

[@ecp8127]

I repeat what I read in another video of you: this channel is underrated. Thanks!

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Wow, thank you!

[@Lenin5355]

This video is so helpful, you help me acknowledges the real sound of each type of switch, keyboard community own you alot madam. All the best for you.

[@fryfry377]

This was very helpful and well structured. May I ask what the keyboard at 11:55 was? I'm new to the mechanical scene and seemed like a modded K2 maybe? Been looking for a good 75%. :)

[@TheDreadwolfMetal]

Hey thank you for this review, I am just getting in the world of mechanical keyboards and this video was really nice to understand. Do you maybe a video in which you talk about different brands of switches other than the regular Gateron and Cherry?

[@Maybe.Jack.]

Thank you for this video I was wondering

[@rebechaherman]

You have no idea how grateful I am for this sound comparison. I’m so weird about sounds and this really helped me decide I probably can’t do any of them. 😂😂😂

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

haha your'e welcome!

[@stanleydrones]

I enjoyed listening to you talk. You have a very pleasant personality.

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Thanks so much, I get that a lot

[@poopsrus26]

damn this is high quality af

[@JoeOrber]

Great video, super interesting to watch and hear the differences, it looks like you were typing the same text with different keyboards, was it part of a novel? The translucent, super bright keys would distract me but the sound doesn't, cherry MX blue are one of my favorites, but then I have several keyboards with different types of keys to suit my mood, task and environment. Good job!

[@JoseGarcia-bx1zx]

Girl where have you been? I’ve been looking for you all this time you are now one of my favorite ytubers

[@vishalk2794]

Best channel for keyboard reviews... Thank you so much...

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Wow, thanks!

[@hansoff88]

Thank you so much for making this video. Great content !!

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Glad you liked it!

[@seshakv]

Wonderful video. Thank you so much.

[@digilifepro]

Ahhh I'm a noob to mechs and your vid has given so much great information to digest! I'm thoroughly overwhelmed of course, and don't know where to start. This is such a personal preference decision that ultimately can only be made with IRL compare contrast use, but your clear explanation and samples helped tremendously. I'm not a gamer but I work with software that uses highly customizable shortcuts, multi-key combos, and its own set of WASD areas of the keyboard (F5-F8, P colon brackets, and frequent numeric kypd use) and ofc regular typing. Anyway, if anyone happens to read this I'd love a recommendation based on: - I don't need rapid fire speed - Unintentional mis-presses are not good so i probably want a feel where I have to be deliberate or "learn" where the actuation point is rather than it being a random surprise. Having trouble deciding between linear and tactile! - I like warm, almost dull, clacks. Not sharp and snappy clicks. - Colored grouping would be great - I like to be able to feel that certain keys are larger than others (like CTRL, ALT, MODIFIER each being different sizes) - numeric kypd is necessary - compact as possible w kypd - wired + Bluetooth (don't care about 2.4ghz) - programmable - PBT keycaps - rugged as it needs to go where i go. Any experienced guidance in a direction to start would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance for any tips. Cheers

[@zKodla]

this helped a bunch! thanks!!

[@rods6741]

I needed something for typing and couldn't decide what to get. Then I found a company called Unicomp that's still making IBM style keyboards in Kentucky. Got one for myself last Christmas and it's been a pleasure to use.

[@Konuvis]

This video was so ASMR for me :)

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

Love your videos, sharing the love ❤

[@rndm89]

super helpful video! Thanks

[@kiwisthetic_]

thanks for this! just subscribed!

[@ayvenrivera4597]

U are the best KZbinr I've seen