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.

What Are Clicky Switches?

Best clicky switches for your mechanical keyboard
Clicky switches

Linear, tactile, and clicky switches are the three most common switch kinds.

If you are interested in tactile switches, we would like to recommend The top picks for the best tactile switches in 2022.

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.

Are clicky switches right for you? | hippo keys
Are clicky switches right for you? | hippo keys

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.

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Linear vs Clicky Switches

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 vs click jackets
Click bar vs click jackets

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.

Click bar switches
Click bar switches

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).

Click jacket switches | coolblue
Click jacket switches | coolblue

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.

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A Sneak peek of the best clicky switches for your mechanical keyboard

Switches Price Clicky Switch Type
Kailh BOX White $0.53 Click Bar
Kailh BOX Jade $0.50 Click Bar
Kailh Speed Copper $0.50 Click Bar
NovelKeys Sherbet $0.78 Click Bar
Cherry MX Blue $1.40 Click Jacket
Kailh Box Pink $0.43 Click Bar
Gateron Blue Switches $0.85 Click Jacket
Gateron Green Switches $0.85 Click Jacket
Razer Green Switches Sell with specific keyboards Click Bar
Outemu Blue Switches $0.69 Click Bar

Expert Picks for Best Clicky Switches in 2022

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

Kailh box white | kono store
Kailh box white | kono store

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

Kailh box jade
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

Kailh speed copper | scarff
Kailh speed copper | scarff

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.

Pros

  • Ideal for gaming
  • Very responsive and light to operate

Cons

  • Not as durable as White and Jade model

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NovelKeys Sherbet

Novelkeys sherbet | daily clack
Novelkeys sherbet | daily clack

Specifications

Brand NovelKeys x Kailh
Actuation Force 60g
Travel Distance 4mm
Lifespan 50 million keystrokes

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

Cherry mx blue
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

Kailh box pink | reddit
Kailh box pink | reddit

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

Gateron blue switches | my keyboard
Gateron blue switches | my keyboard

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

Gateron green switches | kord
Gateron green switches | kord

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.

To learn more about Gateron, please read this article: What are Gateron switches?

Pros

  • Compatible with the MX-stem keycaps
  • Cheap price yet great in terms of quality

Cons

  • Less stable
  • Too heavy for some people

Razer Green Switches

Razer green switches
Razer green switches

Specifications

Brand Razer
Actuation Force 60g
Travel Distance 4mm
Lifespan 80 million keystrokes

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

Outemu blue switches on keyboard
Outemu blue switches on keyboard

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.

Ultimately, Outemu Blue switches are the best way to go if you are on a budget.

Pros

  • Fairly cheap

Cons

  • Less durable than any switches in this list
  • Deep actuation point

Smoothest Clicky Switches

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.