Upgrade Your Typing: Best Mechanical Switches of 2024
Upgrade Your Typing: Best Mechanical Switches of 2024
Discover the best mechanical keyboard switches of 2024 that offer unmatched performance, smoothness, and durability. Ready to find your perfect switch?
The reviews of the products in this article are created by a team of experts that is independent from CTech's editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission.
Our Top Picks
Choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch can transform the way you type or game, making every keystroke feel more satisfying and responsive. In 2024, the latest switches offer smoother actuation, faster response times, and quieter or more tactile feedback, depending on your preference. Whether you're a gamer craving precision or a typist seeking comfort, this guide explores the top mechanical keyboard switches of the year, breaking down the best options to match your unique needs. Ready to upgrade your setup? Let’s dive into the switches that can elevate your typing experience.
1 . KLIM Keyboard with Mechanical Keyboard Switches
This lightning keyboard strikes a balance between mechanical and membrane switches, offering a hybrid experience perfect for typing and gaming. The mechanical keyboard switches provide a soft yet satisfying tactile feedback, making each press feel responsive without the noise of a full mechanical board. Plus, seven vibrant backlighting options add a nice touch of customization to your setup. The aluminum backplate feels sturdy and durable, giving the keyboard a premium touch without the premium price tag. It’s an affordable pick but doesn’t skimp on quality. The best part? It’s quieter than traditional mechanical boards, which is a win if you share space or prefer a quieter typing experience.
Pros
Quiet yet responsive keys, Bright customizable lighting, Solid build quality
Cons
Only basic backlight customization
2 . HK Gaming GK61 Mechanical Keyboard Switches
The mechanical keyboard switches on this one are a compact powerhouse designed for serious gamers who want fast response times and total customization without breaking the bank. With Gateron optical switches, it offers lightning-fast key response and durability, rated for an impressive 100 million keystrokes. Plus, the hot-swappable design lets you swap out switches without any soldering—perfect if you like to tweak your setup. It’s got full RGB lighting, allowing you to play with 16.8 million color combos. The compact 60% layout saves desk space, though it means sacrificing dedicated media keys. It's fully programmable to set up custom macros and lighting effects to fit your style. Built tough, the keyboard has spill resistance to handle the occasional gaming snack disaster.
Pros
Fast hot-swappable switches, Compact space-saving layout, Spill-resistant design
Cons
No dedicated media keys
3 . Glorious PC Gateron Mechanical Keyboard Switches
These linear switches are a go-to for gamers and typists looking for smooth, fast keystrokes with minimal resistance. They require just 45g of actuation force, making keypresses feel effortless and perfect for quick reactions in games or typing at high speeds. The smooth, linear action means there’s no tactile bump—just a clean press from top to bottom, which some people love for the lack of resistance. These mechanical keyboard switches are SMD LED-compatible and designed to work on most hot-swappable keyboards, making installation easy for beginners. Durability is a big plus, with each switch rated for millions of keystrokes, ensuring long-lasting performance. They have a soft, quiet “clack” sound, which is satisfying without being loud. However, their lightweight design can lead to accidental keypresses if you’re not careful. Overall, they’re a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their keyboard’s responsiveness and feel.
Pros
Smooth linear keystrokes, Lightweight actuation (45g), Long-lasting durability
Cons
No tactile feedback
4 . EPOMAKER Sea Salt Mechanical Keyboard Switches
These linear switches are designed for those who want a smooth, quiet typing experience. With a light actuation force and 60g end force, these switches provide effortless keystrokes, making them ideal for long typing sessions and low-noise environments. Pre-lubed at the factory, they offer a silky-smooth feel right out of the box, which only improves over time. These switches are compatible with most MX-style keycaps, so you can easily customize your keyboard’s look and feel. The built-in LED slots mean your backlighting will shine through even with PBT housings, making them great for DIY enthusiasts. Durability is another plus, with a lifespan of up to 60 million keystrokes. However, some users note that scratch resistance could be improved.
Pros
Pre-lubed for smooth typing, Exceptionally quiet operation, Compatible with MX keycaps
Cons
Scratch resistance could be better
5 . YUNZII Gateron G Pro Tactile Switch
If you are looking for an excellent balance of performance and smoothness, these mechanical keyboard switches are ideal for gaming and everyday typing. The two-stage spring gives a slightly firmer initial press, then softens for a satisfying actuation, making it great for gamers who need fast resets without a harsh “clack.” The top-tier factory lube on these switches gives them a buttery smooth feel without extra maintenance. Stability is a standout feature, thanks to the box stem design that keeps the keypress steady and precise. Though quieter than some mechanical switches, they still offer noticeable sound and feedback, which may not be ideal for those who prefer absolute silence. Hot-swappable compatibility makes them easy to install without soldering and is perfect for customizing RGB keyboards. Overall, these switches are a fantastic deal for the quality you get, offering durability and an excellent feel for both gamers and typists.
Pros
Smooth two-stage actuation, Stable box stem design, Hot-swappable and RGB compatible
Cons
Bottom-out force may feel heavy
6 . Tugeta Gateron MilkyYellow Mechanical Keyboard Switches
With a 5-pin design, these mechanical keyboard switches are compatible with a range of hot-swappable keyboards, but do check that your board supports 5-pin before buying. These switches are known for their satisfying, buttery-smooth actuation, thanks to a perfectly balanced spring that provides just enough resistance for a responsive feel. They also come factory-lubed, meaning you don’t need to open them for extra maintenance—they’re ready to go right out of the box. The durability of these switches is also impressive, rated for up to 50 million keystrokes, ensuring long-lasting performance. The “thocky” sound these switches produce makes for a pleasant typing experience without being too loud, making them perfect for those who love that deep, satisfying keystroke sound.
Pros
Affordable pricing, Long lifespan (50 million keystrokes), Great sound
Cons
5-pin may not fit all boards
FAQ
Q: What are the benefits of using mechanical keyboard switches?
A: Mechanical switches offer superior typing accuracy, faster key responses, and a more tactile and satisfying feel compared to rubber dome keyboards. They’re also more durable, typically lasting millions of keystrokes, making them great for heavy use in both gaming and work.
Q: What is the difference between linear, tactile, and clicky mechanical keyboard switches?
A: Linear switches provide a smooth, uninterrupted press, making them ideal for quick, rapid keystrokes. Tactile switches offer a noticeable bump when the key is actuated, giving feedback without noise. Clicky switches combine a tactile bump with a distinct “click” sound, providing both physical and audible feedback with each press.
Q: Which mechanical keyboard switch is best for gaming?
A: Linear switches are often favored for gaming due to their quick, uninterrupted actuation and lack of tactile bump, allowing for faster keystrokes without resistance. However, the choice depends on whether you prefer more feedback or a quieter, faster switch.
Q: Can I customize my mechanical keyboard switches?
A: Absolutely! Many mechanical keyboards come with hot-swappable switches, allowing you to switch out different types without soldering. This makes it easy to mix and match switches, creating a keyboard that suits your typing or gaming preferences.
Q: Are mechanical keyboard switches louder than regular keyboards?
A: Clicky switches tend to be louder than traditional rubber dome keyboards due to the audible “click” sound. However, linear and tactile switches are generally quieter, and many keyboards include sound dampeners or quieter switch options to minimize noise.
Article Contributors
Ctech Shopping Team
CTech's Shopping team brings you the latest in tech through carefully crafted reviews and guides, independent of their editorial team. As a reader-supported entity, our tech-savvy writers and editors sometimes incorporate AI in their analyses to verify the precision of product dimensions, availability, and pricing.
These product recommendations are designed to help you pick the best product for your needs.
