Guide to Mechanical Keyboards: Switch Types, Sizes, and Brands

Looking for mechanical keyboards? Here is a full guide explaining switch types, sizes, and the best brands!

An image of Ducky Year of the Rat mechanical keyboard — Ducky Year of the Rat mechanical keyboard (Image via Ducky)

Mechanical keyboards are one of the best peripherals to own for your laptop, PC, or even other devices. Such keyboards have great build quality and offer tactile feedback. Moreover, mechanical keyboards are quite customizable, depending on the option you go with.

They have customizable keycaps, and some options even feature hot-swappable switches. Good keyboards even feature foam materials for a superior typing experience. The difference between normal membrane keyboards and mechanical keyboards is pretty significant.

While the normal membrane keyboards use a simple rubber dome to register your keystrokes, mechanical keyboards work differently. A proper individual switch is used for every key, with a much better lifespan. Using a mechanical keyboard has many advantages, whether you use it for work or gaming.

We will explore mechanical keyboards in detail here by covering switch types, keyboard sizes, popular brands, and much more. Let’s dive into the world of mechanical keyboards!

Mechanical Keyboards: Switch Types Explained

There are many switch types available in mechanical keyboards. These pretty much define the overall performance of the keyboard. So, it’s important to select the right switch based on what you will be using the keyboard for. Different mechanical keyboard switches can have different sounds and feel.

The keyboard switches designed for gaming are typically designed for quick actuations, while switches designed for work purposes feature a different design, which is more oriented towards comfort and long-term usage.

However, it is up to the user what they end up picking. You may even enjoy doing productivity work for long hours with a keyboard that is actually aimed at gaming. Many gamers pick options like Razer keyboards and have no issues using them for work as well.

Note that there are many brands available for mechanical key switches. The most popular kind can be considered ‘Cherry MX’ switches, which are made in Germany and feature excellent durability. Moreover, Cherry is a renowned brand, and their switches are used by many keyboard brands. Some other popular options include Outemu, Gateron, and Kailh.

Now, let’s talk about all the different switch types available! We will explain the various mechanical keyboard switch types and also give you some usage recommendations based on the switch.

Linear Switches

An image of Aula F75 wireless mechanical keyboard — Aula F75 wireless mechanical keyboard (Image via Aula)

Linear mechanical switches have a super smooth feeling. These switches do not have any tactile feedback. No clicks can be heard either, which is typical in other switches. If you are looking for an incredibly smooth feeling typing experience or want a good keyboard switch type for gaming, linear switches are a good option to go with.

Below, we have talked about a few linear switch options that you can consider for your mechanical keyboard. Of course, if you search for linear switches in online markets, you will find many more options apart from these listed below.

Cherry MX Red: These feature a lightweight design and are widely available in many keyboards. They are ideal for gaming and fast typing. Cherry MX Red keys feature an actuation force of 45g.
Leobog Reaper: These are super affordable mechanical switches, with an incredible creamy feeling. Leobog Reaper offers a good amount of “thock”, which is a term used to describe keyboards that have a deep, satisfying sound. These have an actuation force of 45g.
Gateron Oil King: Another superb option with a “thocky” sound. Gateron Oil Kings feature a pre-lubed design. Although these do require a higher actuation force of 55g, which may not be preferred by some users.

Tactile Switches

Tactile mechanical switches are quite popular amongst users. When using a tactile switch, the user can feel it when the actuation has happened. This is facilitated via an internal mechanism, without the need for a click. When typing on a tactile switch, you can feel a bump that effectively notifies you that the keystroke has been registered.

Such switches offer a good balance and should be preferred by those users who do not necessarily require the smooth feel of linear switches. A few tactile switch options have been listed below.

Cherry MX Brown: MX Brown switches offer a superb balance for usage in gaming and typing. These have a 45g actuation force. You can feel a small tactile bump when using these switches.
Durock Ice King: If you are looking for a tactile keyswitch that also has that classy “thock” feel, the Durock Ice King is a good option. These have a 58g actuation force.
Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro: These are known to be great under limited budgets. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro features an actuation force of 45g. The typing sound is towards the louder side.

Clicky Switches

Clicky switches are the final major keyswitch category left for us to discuss. These key switches feature a tactile bump, like what we previously described for tactile switches. But in addition, these also feature an audible click when pressed. While there are clicky key switch options that are designed to be silent, clicky switches are usually towards the loud side.

These are really good to use for typing. The feedback you get from proper clicky switches can’t be found on any other keyswitch type. We have mentioned a few clicky switch options below, which are popular in the market.

Cherry MX Blue: The legendary Cherry MX Blue is very popular in mechanical keyboards. Many keyboards feature this switch type. It is notably known to be a loud mechanical switch. It features a 50g actuation force and can be used in a versatile way. However, it is not preferred in places where noise is an issue.
Gateron Blue: These are quite similar in feeling to the Cherry MX Blue switches. However, Gateron Blue switches can be acquired for a lower price compared to MX Blue. Also, they feature a smoother feeling. The actuation force of the Gateron Blue is on the higher side, at 60g.
Kailh Speed Bronze: These mechanical switches are superb to use for gaming, with a pre-travel distance that is short. The actuation force of Kailh Speed Bronze is 50g.

Mechanical Keyboards: Different Sizes Explained

An image of Corsair keyboards of various sizes — Different keyboard sizes explained (Image via Corsair)

Mechanical keyboards come in various sizes. We will explain all the primary types of keyboard sizes here to make it easier for you to understand mechanical keyboards and ultimately select the right option. Depending on your use case, you may prefer a larger-sized option or a smaller one. Below are all the common mechanical keyboard sizes. We have excluded some extreme options, such as 40% which are aimed towards enthusiasts.

Full Size (100%): The standard, complete keyboard size. Those who prefer the convenience of having access to all keys should prefer this. It also contains the number pad. For dedicated usage in an office, 100% keyboards are ideal.
Tenkeyless (80%/TKL): Usually referred to as a TKL layout, these keyboards drastically reduce the overall footprint of the mechanical keyboard. The major difference between these and a full-sized option is the exclusion of a number pad.
75% size: This mechanical keyboard size is smaller than TKL, and uses a condensed layout. The TKL design feels inefficient to many, due to the amount of spacing between the arrow keys and the rest of the keyboard. This particular size fixes the issue.
65% size: This size is perfect for those users who want to retain arrow key functionality while reducing their keyboard footprint to an absolute minimum. However, the function key row is no longer available on this keyboard’s mechanical keyboard size.
60% size: At this point, you do not get the arrow keys either. Usually, the arrow keys are available in 60% keyboards with a shortcut that needs to be activated. Gamers can use this option, but not having arrow keys can definitely impact the normal workflow.

Which Size Suits Whom?

Gamers who don’t need all the keys tend to prefer the smaller-sized options. For people who take their gear on the go, a portable keyboard size is preferable. This includes TKL, 60%, and 65% keyboards. Such sizes are quite preferable due to the portability. Many keyboards can easily be taken on the go and used in your office hours, but also at home when you are gaming.

However, there are many users who need access to the full keyboard, including a number pad. It may be an important part of your workflow. In such cases, the option for a full-size 100% keyboard is best. If we were to talk about a general recommendation, TKL and 75% keyboards are adequate for most people.

Best Brands for Mechanical Keyboards

A collage image of keyboards by Razer, Corsair, Epomaker — Different keyboard brands offer varied features (Image via Razer | Corsair | Epomaker)

Many brands make mechanical keyboards, so which ones are the best? Speaking of the best brands out there right now, Ducky and Keychron are notable companies. They make excellent products with superb durability and lots of amazing features. Ducky and Keychron even have excellent keycap options available.

Two more brands we would like to point out are Aula and Epomaker. These both make value for money keyboard options with a variety of keyswitch options available. For example, the Aula F75 with Leobog Reaper switches is renowned amongst mechanical keyboard enthusiasts for its deep thocky feeling at a budget price. Epomaker RT100 is another great option that has a built-in screen.

Speaking of other brands, of course, you have options like Corsair, Razer, and Logitech. They have an extensive selection of gaming keyboards available, many of which can be suitable for work purposes too. Wooting is another highly popular keyboard brand that makes excellent gaming keyboards, with special magnetic switch technology. Many professional gamers use Wooting keyboards.

We provide the latest news and “How To’s” for Tech content. Meanwhile, you can check out the following articles related to PC GPUs, CPU and GPU comparisons, mobile phones, and more:

Guide to Mechanical Keyboards: Switch Types, Sizes, and Brands