Having covered the keycaps, let's shift our focus to another crucial component of custom keyboards—the switches. Their importance goes without saying.Whether you’re coding your next big project, smashing enemy bases in League of Legends, or just typing emails that sound way too formal, your keyboard’s switches (the little mechanisms under each key) can make or break your experience. Let’s dive into the world of keyboard switches—no engineering degree required!
What’s a keyboard switch? Think of it as your keyboard’s “personality”.A switch is the tiny mechanical heart beneath each key. Press it, and it sends a signal to your computer. But not all switches are created equal! Some are clicky and loud (like a typewriter on steroids), while others are smooth and silent (perfect for stealthy office ninjas). Let’s break down the most popular types .
=======================================
1. Blue Switch: The Drama Queen
Sound:CLICK-CLACK-CLICK!(Your coworkers will hear you. Guaranteed.)
Feel: A bump halfway down (like popping bubble wrap) followed by a satisfying “click.”
Best for: Writers,coders,and anyone who misses their childhood typewriter. Avoid if you work in a library or share a room with a sleeping baby.
2. Red Switch: The Silent Assassin
Sound: Shhh… (Stealth mode: ON.)
Feel: Smooth as butter—no bumps, no clicks. Just straight-up speed.
Best for: Gamers who need lightning-fast reactions and office warriors who don’t want to be “that person” with the noisy keyboard .
3. Brown Switch: The Goldilocks
Sound: Subtle “thock” (like tapping a ripe avocado).
Feel: A gentle bump—enough feedback to know you’ve pressed the key, but not so much that it distracts you.
Best for: Hybrid users who game and type. It’s the Swiss Army knife of switches .
4. Black Switch: The Gym Bro
Sound: Quiet, but with a heavy vibe.
Feel: Stiffer than a double-shot espresso. Requires more force to press.
Best for: Gamers with Hulk fingers who accidentally smash lighter switches. Not ideal for typing novels .
=======================================
Of course, in addition to these four common shafts, in recent years there are other “rookie” shafts have come out and gained a good reputation.
Silver/Speed Switch: Like Red’s chill cousin but faster. Perfect for gamers who want to trigger skills before their opponents blink .
Silent Red/Pink Switch: Red’s quieter sibling—great for open offices or late-night Netflix binges (RIP your sleep schedule) .
“Exotic” Switches (Strawberry, Ice Cream, etc.): Mostly marketing fluff, but some (like Gateron’s “milky” switches) offer buttery smoothness. Proceed with caution—and a sense of humor .
=======================================
A Little Expansion: Cherry MX vs. Budget Brands-The Eternal Debate
Cherry MX (Germany): The OG of switches. Reliable, but pricier. Think of it as the “Gucci” of keyboard parts .
Kailh/Gateron (China): Affordable and surprisingly good. The “Uniqlo” of switches—great value for money .
