15 Best Switches for Typing | Detailed Review & Buying Guide
Keycaps 101
Posted by:
amy-golden
Mar 23, 2024
Looking for the best switches for typing? Switches allow users to input text and other commands. They are typically made of a metal spring and plastic housing. There are many types of switches to choose from, such as mechanical switches, membrane switches, and chiclet switches.
1. Best Switches for Office Use - Detailed Reviews
Enhance your typing experience in your profession by investing in a mechanical keyboard or opting for a different switch type. Tactile switches are widely regarded as the best switches for typing comfortably and quietly. Alternatively, if you possess precise control, linear switches offer responsiveness and are favored by both gamers and typists. On the other hand, the Clicky switch, known for its loud noise, is less popular, but it can be a suitable choice if the sound doesn't bother you.
1.1. Cherry MX Brown: Best All-Around Switch for Typing
Tech specs:
Type: Tactile (with bump)
Actuation Force: 45g
Operating Force: 56g
Travel Distance: 4.0mm
Upper Housing Color: Black
Upper Housing Finish: Textured
Noise Level: Medium
Beloved for its satisfying bump and balanced typing experience, Cherry MX Brown is a top choice. This moderate-force switch excels in typing and gaming, offering delightful feedback and accuracy-enhancing bumps with each key press.
Pros
Cons
Fast typing without pressing keys down
Tactile feedback providing a pleasant tactile feeling
The ZealPC Zilent is one of the best switches for typing for people who are looking for a quiet, smooth, and tactile mechanical keyboard switch. This makes it ideal for late-night typists, shared spaces, and noise-sensitive environments.
Pros
Cons
Tranquil typing experience
Satisfying feel that enhances typing comfort and promotes a sense of keypress accuracy
Balance between providing enough resistance for accuracy and avoiding excessive force
Higher cost compared to some alternatives
Metallic echo sound which impact the acoustic experience
1.3. Topre Switches: Best Feeling Switch for Typing
Tech Specs:
Type: Tactile
Actuation Force: 40 - 45g
Operating Force: 50 - 55g
Travel Distance: 4mm
Upper Housing Color: Black or Dark gray
Upper Housing Finish: Textured or smooth
Noise Level: Generally quiet, minimal tock sound
Topre switches are known for their unique electrostatic capacitive key switch technology, offering a tactile feel and a responsive typing experience. With a 45g actuation force, they combine mechanical and rubber dome switches, ensuring smooth keystrokes and long-lasting performance.
Pros
Cons
Flexible connectivity
PBT keycaps enhancing key longevity and typing comfort
Durable construction
Customizable key programming
Non-standard layout
No dedicated keys
Higher price point compared to other options in the market
1.4. Gateron G Pro Yellow: Best Budget Switch for Typing
Type: Linear
Actuation Force: 50g
Operating Force: N/A
Travel Distance: 4.0mm
Upper Housing Color: Black
Upper Housing Finish: Matte
Noise Level: Relatively quiet
Gateron G Pro Yellow switches are linear, smooth, and easy to use with a 50g actuation force. They have a black matte upper housing and a consistent feel across the entire keypress, making them the best switches for typing, ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios where quick and precise keystrokes are crucial.
Pros
Cons
Smooth and consistent keystroke
Moderate actuation force for both gaming and typing
Sleek look with matte black upper housing
Limited tactile feedback
Not specified operating force
1.5. Ajazz Clicky Blue Switch: Best Sounding Switch
Tech Specs:
Type: Clicky
Actuation Force: 50g
Operating Force: Not specified
Travel Distance: 2.0mm
Upper Housing Color: Black
Upper Housing Finish: Matte
Noise Level: Audibly clicky.
The Ajazz Clicky Blue is a budget-friendly typist's keyboard, offering a satisfying click and tactility at an affordable price. However, its high noise level may be unsuitable for shared spaces or noise-sensitive users.
Pros
Cons
Budget-friendly clicky switch with satisfyingly loud feedback
Responsive actuation force
Translucent housing for custom underglow lighting
Smoother click with POM pivot
Loud noise
Lack of factory lubrication
Limited availability in some regions
1.6. Glorious Panda: Best Tactile Switch for Typing
Tech specs:
Type: Tactile
Actuation Force: 67g
Operating Force: 73g
Travel Distance: 4mm
Upper Housing Color: Ivory White
Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
Noise Level: Medium
The Glorious Panda is a popular tactile switch with smooth actuation, minimal scratchiness, and a satisfying "thocky" sound. Its 67g force makes it one of the best switches for typing because of its speedy typing and accurate keystrokes. However, factory lubing could improve the experience.
Pros
Cons
Smooth actuation & pronounced bump
Tactile without scratchiness
Textured housing
Thocky sound
Lube inconsistency
Non-silent tactility
Higher actuation force
1.7. Kailh BOX Burnt Orange: Best Kailh Switch for Typing
Tech Specs:
Type: Tactile (Heavy)
Actuation Force: 60g
Operating Force: 80g
Travel Distance: 4mm
Upper Housing Color: Burnt Orange
Upper Housing Finish: Textured
Noise Level: Medium-High
The Burnt Orange is among the best switches for typing and most favored Kailh switches. It boasts a 60g actuation force, making it significantly stiffer, and requiring more deliberate keystrokes. This makes it ideal for heavy typists who prefer a more solid, controlled feel. Its textured housing minimizes wobble and offers a satisfying "thocky" sound, but may not be suitable for shared spaces or light typing.
Pros
Cons
Satisfyingly pronounced bump with minimal scratchiness
Heavy, stable feel
Textured housing
Suboptimal typing ergonomics
Medium to high noise level
1.8. Niz EC Switches
Tech Specs:
Type: Electrostatic Capacitive (ESC)
Actuation Force: 45g
Operating Force: N/A
Travel Distance: 2.3mm
Upper Housing Color: Translucent White
Upper Housing Finish: Matte
Noise Level: Very Quiet
The Niz EC is considered among the best switches for typing. It is a lightweight, silent typing device, ideal for fast, fatigue-free typing in noise-sensitive environments. However, these keyboard switches may require some adjustment for those accustomed to traditional mechanical switches.
Pros
Cons
Incredible lightness and silence
Short travel distance
Unique ESC technology offers a responsive typing experience
Durable and long-lasting
No tactile bump
Higher price point with ESC technology comes at a premium
Less ready availability
1.9. Gateron Black Inks
Tech Specs:
Type: Linear
Actuation Force: 60g
Operating Force: 70g
Travel Distance: 4mm
Upper Housing Color: Black
Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
Noise Level: Medium
With its quiet, smooth, and reasonably priced linear switches, the Gateron Black Inks provide precise inputs and rapid typing. Although they feature a quiet bottom-out sound that works well in most settings, extra lubrication or dampening could be required. The 60g activation force, though, could be a little bit hefty.
Pros
Cons
Smooth, consistent feel, excellent for fast typing
Medium noise level
Affordable price
Versatile for different uses
Basic appearance
No tactile feedback
1.10. NovelKeys Creams
Tech Specs:
Type: Tactile
Actuation Force: 67g
Operating Force: 75g
Travel Distance: 4mm
Upper Housing Color: Cream White
Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
Noise Level: Medium - Low
NovelKeys Creams are smooth, well-rounded tactile, and known for their delightful typing experience. As one of the best switches for typing, they offer satisfying feedback without excessive scratchiness, making them ideal for accurate keystrokes. They produce a muffled "thock" sound, suitable for most environments.
Pros
Cons
Satisfying tactile feedback
Textured housing
Affordable price compared to other premium tactile
No full silence, especially with inconsistent factory lube
Limited availability
1.11. Holy Pandas
Type: Tactile
Actuation Force: 67g
Operating Force: 80g
Travel Distance: 4mm
Upper Housing Color: Milky White
Upper Housing Finish: Textured
Noise Level: Medium- High
The Holy Panda is a heavy, textured POM switch with a satisfying thock sound, ideal for typing enthusiasts who appreciate a firm keypress. Despite not being quiet or fast, its unique sound profile and grippy feel make it a favorite for luxurious typing experiences.
Pros
Cons
Pronounced tactility
Distinctive thock sound
High-quality construction
Heavy actuation and operating forces
Loud noise
Higher price compared to other options
1.12. Cherry MX Silver
Tech Specs:
Type: Linear
Actuation Force: 45g
Operating Force: 45g
Travel Distance: 3.4mm
Upper Housing Color: Black
Upper Housing Finish: Smooth
Noise Level: High
Gamers adore the blazing speed of Cherry MX Silvers, but for those seeking a comfortable and engaging typing experience, look elsewhere. These switches are lightweight and lack tactility that are less suitable for long typing sessions and may cause discomfort.
Pros
Cons
Ultra-fast actuation
Short travel distance
Durable and reliable
Competitive price compared to other switches
High risk of accidental key presses
Mushy and imprecise feeling
High noise level with clicky, metallic ping
1.13. Razer Green
Tech Specs:
Type: Clicky
Actuation Force: 50g
Operating Force: 65g
Travel Distance: 4.0mm
Upper Housing Color: Black
Upper Housing Finish: Textured
Noise Level: Loud
The Razer Green is among the best switches for typing and a popular gamer switch known for its loud clicky sound and tactile bump. Its moderate actuation force makes it responsive for gaming and offers some resistance for typing accuracy. However, its noise level can be disruptive in shared spaces and its heavier operating force may be uncomfortable for extended typing sessions.
Pros
Cons
Auditory feedback and excitement for gamers
Clear actuation point for accurate typing
Responsive for gaming and fast typing.
Built to last from a reputable brand
Loud noise
Finger fatigue during long typing sessions
Lower actuation
Higher price compared to other options
Smooth, comfortable play, or dazzling speed and features? You may be wondering between Logitech and Razer. Compare them to see if they are the best choice for you.
1.14. SteelSeries Apex Pro
Tech Specs:
Type: Adjustable Actuation
Actuation Force: 40g - 80g
Operating Force: 45g
Travel Distance: 4.0mm
Upper Housing Color: Black
Upper Housing Finish: Matte
Noise Level: Medium - Low
With its adjustable actuation force, Hall Effect magnetic sensors, and sturdy design, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is one of the best typing switches available. It provides a personalized typing experience. But not everyone may find its unique technologies and upscale features appealing. For mechanical keyboards, this one is priced in the upper echelon.
Pros
Cons
Adjustable actuation force
Hall Effect magnetic sensors
High-quality materials
Expensive
No tactile feedback
Switch incompatibility due to the unique switch design
1.15. Romer-G (Logitech)
Tech Specs:
Type: Tactile
Actuation Force: 50g
Operating Force: 60g
Travel Distance: 4mm
Upper Housing Color: Black
Upper Housing Finish: Textured
Noise Level: Medium
The Romer-G Tactile is a responsive, moderately actuated switch with a distinct bump for each keystroke, providing clear feedback. As one of the best switches for typing, its textured housing enhances grip and accuracy, but it's not quite due to the longer travel distance and potential keycap wobble.
Pros
Cons
Clear feedback for accurate typing
Nice responsiveness without being fatiguing
Textured housing
High click volume
Open-office incompatibility
Non-standard keycap profile
2. What makes the best switches for typing?
There are a few different factors to consider while searching for best switches for typing, including actuator force, travel distance, tactile feedback, noise level typing experience, and durability. We will review each of them and explain how to choose the best switch.
2.1. Actuation force
When it comes to best switches for typing, overly strong actuation forces might cause typing to become tiresome and slow down. On the other hand, excessive lightness can result in erroneous typing and a higher probability of errors.
Lower actuation force is generally preferred by those who want a softer typing feel. On the other hand, switches with a higher actuation force might be chosen by people who want a harder typing feel.
2.2. Travel distance
Travel distance refers to how far a key needs to be pressed down to register a keystroke. Generally, short travel distances (around 3mm) offer faster keystrokes and are preferred by gamers for speed and responsiveness. Cherry MX Speed Silver is a short travel distance switch.
Long travel distances (around 4mm or more) provide a more deliberate typing experience with noticeable feedback which are better for accuracy and comfort, especially for writers and typists. Cherry MX Brown is a long travel distance switch.
2.3. Tactile feedback
The satisfying bump or click of a keypress can be invigorating, confirming your actions and boosting accuracy. Linear switches offer a smooth journey, while tactile and clicky ones provide distinct feedback. Gamers might prefer a clicky switch for fast actions, while writers might enjoy the subtle bump of a tactile switch for long sessions.
2.4. Noise level
Noise level is a crucial factor when choosing the best typing switches. Linear switches, known for their smooth keypresses, are the quietest switch option, making them ideal for shared spaces or late-night typing. Gateron G Pro Yellow and Cherry MX Silver are popular linear switches.
Tactile switches offer a middle ground, providing a satisfying bump for accurate typing, with Cherry MX Brown and Glorious Panda being well-known examples. Finally, clicky switches deliver a distinct clicky sound with each press, perfect for those who enjoy a responsive feel. However, their heavier actuation force can lead to finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
2.5. Typing experience
Light typists type across keys with minimal force, their fingers flitting like butterflies. For them, speed and efficiency reign supreme. Others seek a more deliberate touch, enjoying the tactile satisfaction of a pronounced bump or click, each keystroke a satisfying confirmation. For them, accuracy and control take center stage. And then there are those who crave a balance, a smooth glide with gentle feedback.
2.6. Durability
When it comes to durability, the best typing switches are built to endure millions of keystrokes. Top contenders boast high keystroke ratings, often exceeding 50 million presses.
For heavy typists or those investing in premium keyboards, durability is crucial. Look for switches crafted with high-quality materials like nylon housings and gold-plated contacts for enhanced endurance. You can consider Cherry MX Brown and Silver, Gateron G Pro Yellow, Gateron Black Inks and ZealPC Zilent for best durability.
3. Tips to improve typing experience
Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, these key tips can help you unlock a whole new level of comfort and efficiency.
Try out different switches before buying: Keyboards offer various switch "flavors" like shoes. Experiment with different switches (feel, sound, actuation force) to discover your ideal combination for speed, accuracy, and comfort.
Consider the noise level and environment: Consider your environment. Opt for quieter switches (linears) or minimize keycap noise (o-rings) for quiet spaces. Conversely, explore louder switches or sound-enhancing methods for noisy or private environments.
Pay attention to ergonomics: Besides switches, ergonomic factors significantly impact your typing experience. Aim for a neutral spine, relaxed shoulders, and straight or slightly bent wrists. Adjust your desk height to prevent strain on your wrists and shoulders. Good posture prevents fatigue and improves typing speed and accuracy.
Explore the world of modding: Modding your keyboard physically tweaks its feel, sound, and performance. Popular mods include lubricating moving parts to reduce friction, clipping stabilizer legs for a smoother travel, and applying tape or band-aid patches to reduce rattle. Tactile and linear switches benefit most from modding.
Sculpt your keycaps for enhanced comfort: Ditch flat keycaps! Choose sculpted keycaps with varying heights and angles that match your finger contours. This design enhances comfort, reduces fatigue, and improves typing accuracy through better tactile feedback.
Want to learn more about lubing and filming switches? Check out these articles!
In conclusion, finding the best switches for typing is crucial for an optimal typing experience. With various options catering to different preferences, such as the tactile feel of Cherry MX Browns or the smooth actuation of Topre switches, users can tailor their choice to suit individual needs.
FAQs
1. Is the Red or Brown switch better for typing?
Brown switches offer tactile feedback while maintaining a quiet profile, making them ideal for both accuracy and office use. Red switches are silent and smooth but lack feedback, which can lead to typos.
2. Are Blue or Brown switches better for typing?
Brown switches strike a balance between feedback and noise, making them more suitable for typing than blue switches which are loud and clicky.
3. How can I determine which switch is suitable for office work?
When choosing a network switch for your office, prioritize quiet operation, user-friendliness, and performance. For a silent workspace, consider fanless desktop switches like ZealPC Zilent, Topre Switches, Gateron G Pro Yellow, Niz EC Switches
4. Which switches do professional gamers prefer?
Most pro gamers tend to use linear switches for gaming, as they offer a smooth and fast keystroke without any tactile or audible feedback. Some of the popular linear switches for gaming are Gateron G Pro Yellow, Cherry MX Silver and Gateron Black Inks.
5. Where can I purchase the best switches for typing?
The best switches for typing can be purchased from various retailers, including online platforms like Amazon, and MechanicalKeyboards.com, or specialty brands like Cherry MX, mechanical keyboard specialty stores, and electronics retailers.
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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.
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