10 Best Linear Switches for your Mechanical Keyboard (Expert picks in 2024)
Keycaps 101
Posted by:
amy-golden
Sep 11, 2022
You may know that mechanical keyboards can be used with linear, tactile, or clicky switches, among other switch types.
Some key switches are virtually silent, while others generate a slight clicking sound. But which one is best for both typing and gaming? You have undoubtedly been wondering about this for a time.
For those of you who wish to type quietly and smoothly, the linear type switch is the ideal choice.
In this post, we've included some recommendations for the best linear switches for your mechanical keyboard available on the market so that it will make it easy for you to choose the linear switch that best suits your interests.
Linear switches are a mechanical switch type that aims to offer silent and smooth keystrokes with excellent actuation.
They are typically silent, quick, smooth, and do not have mechanical clicks, making them ideal for typing and gaming. They are quite simple to use and do not have any bumps.
They rank among the most widely used mechanical switches on the market. It is almost unheard of for the linear switch to click, which is particularly advantageous for people who easily become distracted.
Why should you get a Linear Switch?
Linear switches are rated to be the best switches for gamers or professional typists thanks to their speedy response time, quick actuation, and extremely smooth profile.
These linear switches are ideally suited for situations like this, where silence is of utmost importance.
Unlike tactile switches, linear switches won't not only draw your attention away from the sound but also make you feel at ease in an environment that needs high concentration.
Additionally, using linear switches can be incredibly helpful for gaming because they enable quick responses and activities in-game.
That’s why linear switches are well-liked in the gaming industry.
There may be some trouble recognizing linear switches if you are used to tactile or clicky switches or if you have never used them previously.
Or you might also be wondering how to recognize the best linear switches apart from other switches. Those who have no experience with the eye and ear may find this to be complicated.
With that in mind, we'll explain the technical considerations you should make and how to choose the best linear switches from the variety of choices on the market.
Sound test
The sound is an important feature for identifying the type of switches you're using.
Clicky switches feature a loud sound profile and bump on the top. Tactile switches have a hump that generates tactile feedback when you type on them and are a little bit quieter.
On the other hand, linear switches feature a very low sound profile.
When selecting a switch, you must first pay attention to its sound; if it is nearly unnoticeable after hearing each click, the switch is likely to be of the linear type.
Here we have a real sound test of Cherry MX Speed Silver for you:
However, you cannot rely solely on sound; there are other aspects and criteria that must be taken into consideration.
Smooth feel
As mentioned above, linear switches are considered to be the smoothest switches available in the market.
Ever wonder why they're so smooth?
The reason is that these switches typically require very little pressure to register a keystroke.
And then, this automatically boosts the smoothness and typing speed, which improves the efficiency of both gaming and typing.
Therefore, before making a purchase or selecting the best linear switches, be sure to thoroughly check this factor.
Tactility
The key technical difference between the three switch types (clicky, tactile, and linear switch) is their tactile or tactile bump quality because each has its own distinctive identification features.
If you experience a tactile bump and feedback while registering a keystroke, it's most likely the clicky or tactile switches that feature a similar tactility bump on the top,
The factors that cause a bump are the spring's thickness and the bump at the actuation point.
Nevertheless, linear switches function differently since they lack a tactile bumpand a bottoming out force that would allow them to produce an audible clicking sound.
Thus, a smooth and quick typing experience results from the lack of tactile feedback in switches.
After all, when selecting the best linear switches for your keyboard, you should keep all of these important considerations in mind.
Best Linear Switches: Our Top Picks
Before reviewing each of the best linear switches, let’s check their price!
Are you the type of person who makes a living off of playing video games nonstop? If so, you probably want a switch that is made specifically for gaming.
These switches, which go by the name "Cherry MX Speed Silver," are entirely devoted to the gaming community.
Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are fully functional and more than capable of dealing with any requirement.
They are silent, simple to use, and require minimal pressure. Besides, with the quick and consistent actuation, exceptionally good response time, and smooth and fast typing, a superb gaming experience is thus created.
With all the factors above, Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are the best linear switches for gaming at the top of this list.
Pros
Most durable and stable
Easy to press and quick reaction time
Best for gaming
Cons
A bit expensive switches compared to others
Besides Cherry MX Speed Silver, Cherry Brand also offers a variety of switches for all purposes of usage. To learn more, check out this post: Cherry MX Switches: A Complete Color Review.
NovelKeys x Kailh Cream can be your best linear switches with the best bassy sound profile making them stand out from the crowd. Additionally, the creamy white color, as well as the POM Plastic design will undoubtedly be very remarkable.
The interior appearance and ideal travel distance offered by the cream-colored color scheme will encourage you to give it a second thought.
In terms of compatibility, the majority of keyboards are compatible with these NovelKeys. Yet, unlike other mechanical switches, they are not pre-installed on the keyboard. Therefore, you must buy these switches separately and perform the installation yourself.
In fact, Novelkey switches are not as smooth as Gateron switches, but due to their self-lubricating design, they will get smoother over time.
Furthermore, a soft typing sound is also generated by these switches, making typing experience more relaxing.
Overall, NovelKeys Cream Switches are the best linear switches for a very reasonable price, including some remarkable functions and characteristics.
The Gateron Yellow should be one of the best linear switches if you're searching for a switch that is both economical and of great quality.
Yellow switches in the Gateron family have distinct rebounds that seem with a rougher texture and a rigid grasp.
Moreover, you don't need to apply as much pressure before it activates with an actuation force of 50g. It provides you with quiet, smudge-free clicks, making typing with it a satisfying experience.
In addition, these yellow switches are also made of high-quality materials and have a little Soft Plastic Stem, serving as a bonus to help typing much more smoothly.
You may know that these are among the best linear switches in the Gateron family and are well-liked by many keyboard enthusiasts.
After all, if you've just dug your toe into the switches world, don't go further than the Gateron yellow.
Among Gateron's lineup, Gateron Ink switches are the most well-known for being pricey switches.
Gateron Ink switches, which are made of a distinctive, high-end plastic substance, are also common in the lineup of In switches.
Their smoky top and bottom housing, as well as their lower pitch sound output, make them an excellent choice for a switch.
As you are aware, standard Gateron switches are already incredibly smooth. Ink switches elevated the smoothness to a new level and cemented their position in a market that is extremely competitive.
Moreover, Gateron Ink Blacks are robust and long-lasting. It is coated in black, as the name suggests. The internal spring has a black coating to match the switch casing.
What would be better to hold in your hand premium stuff? When it comes to Gateron Ink switches, you get what you pay for.
Pros
The smoothest feel
Easy clicks with no sound
Premium switch
Cons
A little bit expensive (may not be a con for some)
We’ve just reviewed two jewels of the Gateron family. Here are some more things about this big player in the switches industry: Master Guide To Gateron Switches.
Cherry MX Black
Actuation Point
2mm
Actuation Force
60g
Total Travel
4mm
Lifespan
100 million keystrokes
Because of its excellent stability and durability, the Cherry MX Black switch is always at the top of the list in terms of quality.
As an all-purpose switch, Cherry MX Black is well-known among mechanical keyboard users.
You'll be pleasantly delighted to discover that these switches are made to withstand 100 million keystrokes over the course of their existence, making them the most durable switches.
In terms of design, Cherry MX Black comes with a black design with completely opaque black housing and stem.
However, this switch is not suitable for keyboards with RGB lighting since the bulky black switch housing will obstruct your RGB lights.
Although Cherry MX Black offers 60g of actuation force (which is not really ideal for fast-paced gaming), you still get a pleasant typing experience with a quiet typing sound as well as smooth and flat typing feedback.
Pros
The most durable switches
Affordable price
Cons
Low trigger level
Not the best for furious gaming
Alpaca V2 switch
Actuation Point
2mm
Actuation Force
62g
Total Travel
4mm
The linear switch by Durock has been recolored as the Alpaca V2 switch. These switches have 62g gold-plated springs and are smooth linear switches.
Alpaca V2 switch has pink stems inspired by Minterly's SA Bliss. Durock uses nylon housing for the bottom switches and using polycarbonate for the top ones. They also use POM to construct the stem.
As a result of its little factory lubrication, typing is buttery smooth. Instead of only the legs, the makers lubricate the stem on three sides as well. You can nearly always expect a scratch-free switch if you lubricate them after purchasing them.
The pink Alpaca stem can also be found in the quiet version, which has a dark smoky transparent housing.
Pros
Free from noise in scratch
Cons
Not really ideal for gaming
Tangerine Switches
Actuation Force
62g – 67g
Total Travel
4mm
The C3Equalz X TKC Tangerine Switches are frequently referred to be the smoothest switches in the game, and they are not far away from the truth. The tangerine switches are produced in two shades of green: light green and dark green.
The spring weights for the light green stem weigh 62g, while they are 67g for the dark green stem. As a result, there shouldn't be any crunches or pings.
The drawback is that they remain to have stock noises that resemble a click. A minor vibration on the bottom-out and top-out would also be noticeable.
In terms of appearance, the color of tangerine switches is quite aesthetically attractive. Additionally, they attach to switch plates correctly, but not so securely that removal is impossible.
Besides, the housing is made from highly durable plastic. They have gold springs and a PCB mount.
Tangerine switches are lightly pre-lubricated in the factory. So, if you desire an even smoother gaming and typing experience, you can still lubricate them before installing them.
Pros
Cool design
The smoothest switches in gaming
Cons
Stock noises
Outemu Red Switches
Actuation Point
2.1 mm
Actuation Force
50g
Total Travel
4mm
Lifespan
50 million keystrokes
One of the greatest Red switches for a low price in this list is Outemu Red Switches
Budgeting does not imply poor performance or worse quality. Outemu Red switches offer exceptional performance to consumers and are driven by a variety of cutting-edge features.
Unsurprisingly, these excellent Red switches can hold their own against any other Red switches on the keyboard market.
They are, in fact, budget-friendly clones of Cherry's Red switches. Nonetheless, these switches can last for several years or even longer.
The best feature that may compel you to choose these linear switches was their high-quality clicks with an unnoticeable sound that set Outemu Red apart from the competition.
Therefore, you should without a doubt look for Outemu Red Switches if you desire the same functionality as Cherry Red switches but can't afford them due to their high price.
Pros
The best economical red switches
Unnoticeable sound
Cons
Feel quite mediocre
Outemu, Cherry, Gateron, and Kailh? Are you still confused when choosing from these brands? So, don’t miss out on this post to have a better understanding of them.
Zeal Tealios V2 is ideal for keyboard fans thanks to its transparent housing and distinctive teal system.
The switches sound fantastic without any lubricant. They can offer a comfortable sensation if lubricated. However, they are more expensive than standard switches, but not as expensive as certain other linear switches.
These switches are PCB-mounted. The Zeal Tealios V2 switches have been upgraded with less wobble and more smoothness by the manufacturers.
Even when bottoming out at higher typing speeds, the switches feel quite sturdy and firm. Nonetheless, you might hear a little spring ping and a wobble when typing more quickly.
Pros
Overall good performance
Cons
Spring ping and a wobble when quick typing
Improving Your Linear Switches
Linear switches, like the majority of mechanical keyboard switches, can benefit from certain switch lubricants.
While pre-lubing that is applied at the factory is acceptable to some users, lubing a switch is the most essential part to get extra smoothness.
It is a do-it-yourself project that requires some supplies and your time.
I work as a freelance blogger in Seattle, Washington. I've been freelancing full-time for 5 years. I'm interested in anime, resin art, and mechanical keyboards.
You may know that mechanical keyboards can be used with linear, tactile, or clicky switches, among other switch types. Some key switches are virtually silent, while others generate a slight clicking sound. But which one is best for both typing and gaming? You have undoubtedly been wondering about this for a time. For those of […]
The Gateron Black Ink V2 has been gaining a reputation for being an incredibly quiet and seamless switch in the keyboard community for years. Yet, some people are skeptical about the quality of Gateron Ink Black switches. With that in mind, we've put up a comprehensive review of Gateron Ink Black switches to answer some […]
Anyone who loves custom mechanical keyboards must have heard of the legend Cherry MX Red vs Blue switches. We assume that by reading this article, you are confused to choose between them. In this post, you will distinguish between the two signature switches of Cherry MX, and after that, be able to make the right […]
On the mechanical keyboard forums, Outemu Black switches are frequently mentioned whenever someone asks for a suitable switch to play games. As a dupe of Cherry MX Black, the Outemu Black remains most features of the Black line, but of course, at a much lower price. This makes it become a popular option for gamers […]
Welcome to the epic showdown: Cherry MX Red vs Brown switches! These are two of the most popular and iconic switches in the mechanical keyboard world, and they have their loyal fans and fierce critics. But which one is right for you? How do they differ in feel, sound, and performance? And what are the […]