10 Best Clicky Switches for your mechanical keyboard in 2024
Keycaps 101
Posted by:
carson-rutz
Sep 13, 2022
If you are one who does not like to be confined in the quiet workplace, a clicky switch is the best solution. The clickety-clack sound of clicky switches provides a delightful satisfaction that you won't experience with any other switch types.
However, there are thousands of brands of clicky switches on the market today, which may leave you perplexed when deciding which clicky switch works best for you.
With that in mind, we've listed the 10 best clicky switches for your mechanical keyboard in this post to help you find out the best clicky switches with the most interesting sound ever.
The mechanical key switches that make the loudest are the clicky switches.
Clicky switches are a sub-set switch type that aims to produce a unique tactile bump and audible click along with each keystroke.
Clicky switches are intentionally made to be loud, mostly to provide more feedback while typing. When typing, the keys actually do get pressed, as proven by the loud clicks.
The majority of us who enjoy clicky switches adore their feel and sound.
These switches are the greatest choices for any typing needs you may have since they frequently provide you with more accuracy and precision.
Are Clicky Switches right for you?
To make sure you genuinely enjoy the feeling and sound of some clicky switches before purchasing them, there is nothing better than testing them out in advance.
There are a few things you should take into account before buying clicky switches for your keyboard even if they are enjoyable to use and provide the finest feedback of any switch type.
The sound should be your crucial consideration at first.
As its name implies, loud noise generated by clicky switches may distract anyone around you if you're sitting in a public place or even just speaking into a microphone.
While you might find the clicky sounds entertaining, keep in mind that there are two sides to every coin.
The clicks of your switches can be easily picked up by your microphone when playing games with pals on Discord, which can be extremely annoying to anyone hearing on the other end.
However, if you work from home or in a private place and won't be clogging up voice chats with your keystrokes, feel free to get clicky switches you like and type away!
At this point, the clicky switches do really give you a truly pleasing sound to liven up a terrifyingly silent room.
In terms of sensation and sound, linear switches are the total opposite of clicky switches. These feature extremely quiet keystrokes that are also quite smooth and steady.
The main objective of linear switches is to produce an actuation that is buttery smooth and devoid of tactile feedback. Linear switches are excellent if you want steady keystrokes free of the noise or tactile bumps that clicky switches have to provide.
Professional gamers enjoy the quiet, steady keystrokes the most since they desire all of the accuracies without any noise. As a result, clicky switches feel very different from linear switches.
Different Types of Clicky Switches: Click bar vs Click Jackets
Here are several technical sides for advanced readers. For clicky switches, there are two subcategories: click jacket and click bar.
We'll go through how these two kinds of clicky switches differ from one another and what that means for how they perform and sound.
Click Bar Switches
Click bar switches are considered to be pretty nice as they are made to make a click sound at both actuation and release. Typically, the first click is generated to be louder, and when it moves to its initial place, a quieter subsequent click sounds.
As a result, click bar switches are the true winners of tactile feedback since they deliver a pleasing "double-click" when pressed.
The click bar style of Kailh blue switches is well-known, which is why they have grown to be a favorite among fans of clicky switches.
Click Jacket Switches
Click jacket switches produce a loud clicking sound only when the first half of the keystroke is made. When the switch is moved back to its original position, there is no sound (unlike clicky bar switches).
People who enjoy the delightful tactile bump of clicky switches but aren't huge fans of the double-click of click bars tend to favor this half-click version.
The Cherry MX Blue or White, as well as Cherry MX clones, feature the click jacket design, which is the more popular design for clicky switches.
After thoroughly understanding clicky switches, it's time to find out the best clicky switches for your mechanical keyboards.
We believe that picking any switch from our list is a sure bet and will provide you with a keyboard that has an outstanding clicky sound.
Now, let’s dig into our top picks for the best clicky switches in 2022!
Kailh BOX White
Specifications
Brand
Kailh
Actuation Force
55g
Travel Distance
3.6mm
Lifespan
80 million keystrokes
The Kailh BOX White is our top choice for a clicky switch all in all.
The click bar on this switch produces a fairly excellent audible click on both sides. The sound is a very pleasing, strong clicking noise that isn't overly high-pitched or loud.
Moreover, the BOX switch by Kailh also keeps the switch pleasant and stable throughout the keystroke.
For typing or general keyboard use, the BOX White would be one of the best clicky switches available now.
Pros
Very durable and stable
Affordable
Cons
Poor trigger travel.
Kailh BOX Jade
Specifications
Brand
Kailh
Actuation Force
50g
Travel Distance
3.6mm
Lifespan
80 million key presses
By far the loudest switch on the list or available anywhere is the Kailh BOX Jade.
Since the sound coming from this switch was not quite as good as the Kailh White mentioned above, it is ranked number 2 in our list. The key has a clear tactility and the click is pointed, crisp, and sharp.
A downside is that Kailh BOX Jade is not the smoothest clicky switch possible because there is a small amount of scratch over there.
So if you are only focusing on decibel output, Kailh BOX Jade would be a better choice for the premium clicky switch.
Pros
Very durable and stable
Sharp and consistent sound
Cons
Low trigger point
Not really smooth
Kailh Speed Copper
Specifications
Brand
Kailh
Actuation Force
40g
Travel Distance
3.6mm
Lifespan
70 million keystrokes
The Speed Copper is the third clicky bar switch in the family of Kailh BOX. It is created specifically for those of you who seek a highly responsive clicky switch for gaming.
With a very loud "thock", Kailh Speed Copper's typing feedback is incredibly responsive and bumpy.
In addition, Speed Copper's shorter travel distance is designed with gaming in mind, enabling a faster response in games in which every millisecond counts.
Nevertheless, some people do not feel as comfortable typing on these switches because of the shorter travel distance.
Overall, Kailh Speed Copper is still one of the best clicky switches you can choose from if you are an avid gamer.
The NovelKeys Sherbet is a new line of the switch made by NovelKeys.
The switch features the same click bar layout as Kailh switches, but a slightly longer travel distance and less force are required to activate it.
The spring resistance becomes quite strong toward the conclusion of the keystroke, making the first half of the key press significantly lighter and the second significantly heavier.
On both sides, the Sherbet switch emits a pleasing audible clicking sound. Additionally, NovelKeys Sherbet's typing feedback is fairly smooth and bumpy, with a loud "thocky" sound that is really enjoyable to hear.
After all, for beginners, NovelKeys Sherbet switches are quite affordable and of high quality.
Pros
Reasonable price with high-quality
Cons
Not really durable and stable
Cherry MX Blue
Specifications
Brand
Cherry
Actuation Force
45g
Travel Distance
4mm
Lifespan
100 million keystrokes
One of the most well-liked clicky switches with good build quality is now available in Cherry MX Blue. Not only Cherry MX Blue, but most Cherry switches are also always on our lists.
The Cherry MX switches could be your greatest option with the incredible audible feedback that may even elevate them to the status of being the most unique choice ever. Its typing feedback is quite bumpy and makes a very loud typing sound.
As a bonus, these switches are also available with RGB backlighting.
That's the reason why the Cherry MX range of switches offers a great experience when it comes to quality and durability.
Without a doubt, this is the best clicky switch available on the market you must try to get the most perfect experience ever.
Pros
The most durable switch on this list
Come with black and RGB switch types
Cons
Very expensive
Cherry switch is one of the most popular switches you must try. However, before going with a Cherry switch, remember to check out this post: Cherry MX Switches: A Complete Color Review.
Kailh Box Pink
Specifications
Brand
Kailh
Actuation Force
55g
Travel Distance
3.6mm
The clicky Kailh BOX Pink offers the same features as the Kailh BOX White, however it is less comfortable to type on when compared to the latter.
In terms of operation, Kailh BOX Pink is quite responsive and light enough to operate with an actuation force of 55g.
Besides, Kailh BOX Pink offers typing feedback that is not really smooth and pretty bumpy with an extremely loud typing sound.
After all, when creating a pink or white custom keyboard, mechanical keyboard lovers sometimes choose the Kailh BOX Pink.
Pros
Light to operate
Cheap price
Cons
Not as smooth as White model
Gateron Blue Switches
Specifications
Brand
Gateron
Actuation Force
50g
Travel Distance
4mm
Lifespan
50 million key presses
Gateron Blue Switches is among the best clicky switches that can offer you a comfortable typing experience. It is a Cherry MX Blue clone and has many of the same features as this switch.
Gateron Blue Switches can produce a fairly loud typing sound and very bumpy typing feedback.
Additionally, these switches are quite cheap, making them a suitable move for beginners moving from generic keyboards.
If you have no clue where to go, Gateron Blue Switches is the best way to go for the best clicky switches.
Pros
Affordable price with high quality
Pleasant clicky sound
Cons
Not really durable and stable
Gateron Green Switches
Specifications
Brand
Gateron
Actuation Force
80g
Travel Distance
4mm
Lifespan
50 million keystrokes
The Gateron Green switches, the second Gateron switch in this collection, could be what makes them a wonderful choice for an improved clicky switch experience.
For those who are converting to clicky switches for the very first time, Gateron Green switches can be your best choice.
However, the switches have an 80-gram actuation force which should make it certainly one of the heaviest switches among the clicky switches. Furthermore, Gateron Green Switches provide a very loud typing sound and a highly bumpy typing feedback.
So, don’t miss out on these best clicky switches if you’ve just thought about buying clicky switches for your mechanical keyboard.
Razer is among the top spot in the computer peripheral market. It's also true when mentioning elegance and acoustic brilliance with Razer Green Switches.
Razer Green Switches give better stability, assistance, and a clickier sound than the White Switches found in earlier mechanical keyboards.
Not surprising that Razer Green Switches are incredibly well-liked by gamers.
Yet, Razer Green Switches are only available in Razer mechanical keyboards including the Chroma and the most popular Razer BlackWidow Elite Gaming keyboard.
After all, the Razer Green switches should be what gives you the most exceptional and wonderful experience ever.
Pros
Very durable and stable
Pretty loud sound
Cons
Pretty expensive
Not offered separately
Outemu Blue Switches
Specifications
Brand
Outemu
Actuation Force
60g
Travel Distance
4mm
Lifespan
40 million keystrokes
The last pick in this list is a budget-friendly mechanical key switch - Outemu Blue Switches.
With these switches, you will experience a nicer tactile bump. Along with it, the weighty and louder clicky feeling of the switches gives it a high degree of efficacy.
One of its unique selling factors should be the relatively lower price.
The following series of clicky switches can make typing easier for you to smoothest clicky switches:
Kailh BOX White
Kailh Speed Copper
NovelKeys Sherbet
Gateron Blue Switches
The lightest clicky Switches
Here is the list of the lightest clicky switches you can consider:
Kailh Speed Copper
Cherry MX Blue
Kailh BOX Jade
Gateron Blue Switches
Kailh BOX White
Best Clicky Switches Overall
These three clicky switches can deliver the best overall typing experience that meets your expectations:
Cherry MX Blue
Gateron Blue
Kailh BOX White
Conclusion
Getting clicky switches is one way to make your keyboard or your little workspace more lively and vibrant.
If you have no clue where to go, our list of the best clicky switches is out there to make it easier to find out the best one for you.
Yet it is always best to get one of each and try it out for yourself. You will surely find out your best "buddy" with one of the above switches as your go-to clicks with a little testing!
FAQs
What are the smoothest clicky switches?
Kailh BOX White is the best option if you’re looking for the smoothest clicky switches.
What are the loudest clicky switches?
Kailh BOX Jade is one of the loudest clicky switches.
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