When it comes to typing, the choice of keyboard switch can significantly impact your typing experience, speed, and comfort. Mechanical keyboards, which use individual mechanical switches for each key, are generally preferred by typists over membrane keyboards due to their durability, tactile feedback, and responsiveness. Among mechanical switches, there are several types, each with its own characteristics. Here’s a detailed look at the best types of switches for typing:

1. Cherry MX Brown Switches

• Tactile Feedback: Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their tactile bump, which provides feedback when the key is actuated. This tactile feedback helps typists know when a keypress has been registered, reducing the likelihood of missed keystrokes.
• Actuation Force: With an actuation force of 45g, these switches strike a balance between being light enough for fast typing and heavy enough to prevent accidental keypresses.
• Noise Level: They are relatively quiet compared to clicky switches, making them suitable for office environments or shared spaces.
• Durability: Cherry MX switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes, ensuring long-term reliability.

Best For: Typists who want a balance between tactile feedback and quiet operation. Ideal for both beginners and experienced typists.

2. Cherry MX Blue Switches

• Tactile and Clicky: Cherry MX Blue switches are both tactile and clicky, providing a satisfying click sound and a noticeable bump when the key is actuated. This makes them highly popular among typists who enjoy auditory feedback.
• Actuation Force: They have an actuation force of 50g, which is slightly heavier than Brown switches, but still comfortable for extended typing sessions.
• Noise Level: These switches are louder due to the clicky mechanism, which can be disruptive in quiet environments.
• Durability: Like other Cherry MX switches, they are rated for 50 million keystrokes.

Best For: Typists who enjoy auditory feedback and don’t mind the noise. Great for those who type a lot and want a satisfying typing experience.

3. Cherry MX Red Switches

• Linear Action: Cherry MX Red switches are linear, meaning they have a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or click. This makes them very quiet and fast, which is why they are often favored by gamers.
• Actuation Force: With an actuation force of 45g, they are light and easy to press, which can lead to faster typing speeds.
• Noise Level: They are quieter than tactile or clicky switches, making them suitable for quiet environments.
• Durability: Rated for 50 million keystrokes.

Best For: Typists who prefer a smooth, quiet typing experience and are looking for speed. Also suitable for those who do a mix of typing and gaming.

4. Gateron Brown Switches

• Tactile Feedback: Similar to Cherry MX Brown switches, Gateron Brown switches offer a tactile bump, but they are often described as having a smoother keystroke.
• Actuation Force: They have an actuation force of 45g, similar to Cherry MX Browns.
• Noise Level: They are relatively quiet, making them suitable for office use.
• Durability: Gateron switches are also rated for 50 million keystrokes.

Best For: Typists who want a tactile switch with a smoother feel than Cherry MX Browns. Often considered a more affordable alternative.

5. Kailh Box Brown Switches

• Tactile Feedback: Kailh Box Brown switches provide a tactile bump, but with a slightly different feel compared to Cherry MX Browns. They are known for their stability and consistency.
• Actuation Force: They have an actuation force of 50g, which is slightly heavier than Cherry MX Browns.
• Noise Level: They are relatively quiet, similar to other tactile switches.
• Durability: Kailh Box switches are rated for 70 million keystrokes, making them more durable than many other switches.

Best For: Typists who want a durable, tactile switch with a slightly different feel. Ideal for those who type a lot and want a long-lasting keyboard.

6. Topre Switches

• Hybrid Design: Topre switches are a hybrid between mechanical and rubber dome switches. They use a spring and a rubber dome to provide a unique tactile feel.
• Actuation Force: The actuation force varies depending on the model, but it’s generally around 45g, similar to Cherry MX Browns.
• Noise Level: They are relatively quiet, with a soft thock sound that many typists find satisfying.
• Durability: Topre switches are known for their durability, though they are not rated in the same way as Cherry MX switches.

Best For: Typists who want a premium typing experience with a unique tactile feel. Often preferred by enthusiasts and those who are willing to invest in a high-end keyboard.

7. Matias Quiet Click Switches

• Tactile Feedback: Matias Quiet Click switches are tactile and provide a noticeable bump, similar to Cherry MX Browns, but with a different feel.
• Actuation Force: They have an actuation force of 60g, which is slightly heavier than Cherry MX Browns.
• Noise Level: As the name suggests, they are designed to be quiet, making them suitable for office environments.
• Durability: Matias switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes.

Best For: Typists who want a quiet, tactile switch with a heavier actuation force. Ideal for those who prefer a more substantial keypress.

8. ZealPC Zilent Switches

• Tactile Feedback: ZealPC Zilent switches are highly tactile and designed to be extremely quiet. They are often considered some of the best tactile switches available.
• Actuation Force: They come in various actuation forces, typically ranging from 62g to 78g, allowing typists to choose the weight that suits them best.
• Noise Level: They are among the quietest tactile switches, making them ideal for quiet environments.
• Durability: ZealPC switches are rated for 70 million keystrokes.

Best For: Typists who want a premium, quiet tactile switch with customizable actuation force. Ideal for those who are willing to invest in a high-quality keyboard.

Conclusion

The best switch for typing ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value tactile feedback and don’t mind some noise, Cherry MX Blue or Kailh Box Brown switches might be ideal. For a quieter experience with tactile feedback, Cherry MX Brown or Gateron Brown switches are excellent choices. If you prefer a smooth, linear switch, Cherry MX Red switches are a great option. For those seeking a premium experience, Topre or ZealPC Zilent switches offer unique tactile feels and exceptional durability.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which switch is best for you is to try them out. Many keyboard enthusiasts recommend purchasing a switch tester, which allows you to feel and compare different switches before committing to a full keyboard. Happy typing!