Mechanical keyboard switches explained (simple guide)
All mechanical keyboard switches fall into 3 types:
- Linear → smooth, no bump
- Tactile → small bump when pressed
- Clicky → bump + audible click
Everything else is variations in spring weight, travel, and sound. Stem colours (red, blue, brown…) are just shorthand for those recipes, not magic.
Small aha: the “click” in a clicky switch isn’t only louder audio; it’s usually tied to how the contact closes. That’s why clickies read as sharper and more annoying in open offices than plain tactile bumps.
What actually changes how a switch feels?
- Actuation force → how hard you need to press before the key registers
- Travel distance → how far the stem moves (bottom-out depth and often pre-travel before a bump)
- Feedback → smooth (linear) vs bump (tactile) vs bump + snap (clicky)
Even small differences in those three completely change how a keyboard feels, which is also why two “reds” from different brands can still feel different side by side.
Quick comparison
- Red → light, smooth, quiet
- Blue → loud, clicky, strong feedback
- Brown (Auburn here) → balanced, tactile but quiet
- Black → heavier, more controlled linear
Quick pick: Red or Yellow for smooth linears; Auburn (brown-style) if you want a tactile bump without a loud click.
Compatibility
Most aftermarket switches use MX-style (cross-stem) mounts. They fit boards built for that socket (hotswap or soldered), including many compact layouts (e.g. Ajazz AK820-class boards) and full-size customs.
Field guide: common stem colours
The list below follows the usual Cherry-MX-style naming. You don’t need to memorise colours. Pick one of the three types first, then use this as a cheat sheet.
Red linear, light, quiet
Smooth travel with no tactile bump or click. Light and fast for gaming and long sessions.
Best for: gaming, quiet or shared spaces.
Black linear, heavier
Same smooth feel as Red with a firmer spring. More resistance helps avoid accidental presses.
Best for: heavy typists, deliberate keystrokes.
White linear, very light
Low actuation force with a soft feel. Comfortable for extended typing with minimal effort.
Best for: light touch, low fatigue.
Blue tactile and clicky
Clear bump and audible click each press. Classic mechanical feedback.
Best for: typing-focused setups where noise is acceptable.
Green tactile, clicky, firm
Similar to Blue with a heavier spring. More deliberate, with a loud click.
Best for: heavy hands, strong feedback.
Yellow linear, smooth, fast
A smooth, often slightly quicker linear. Frequently described as a refined alternative to Red.
Best for: fast gaming, fluid typing.
Auburn (brown) tactile, no click
Soft bump at actuation, like a classic brown, without the loud snap of a clicky switch. Quieter than Blue or Green, with clear feedback you can feel.
Best for: work and play, shared spaces, everyday tactile typing.