Switch & Keyboard Selection Guide
Step-by-step guide to choosing mechanical keyboard switches and keyboards
Selection Steps
Determine Your Use Case
Clarify your primary use case: gaming, typing, programming, etc. The optimal keyboard and switch vary depending on the purpose.
Choose Keyboard Layout & Connectivity
Choose a layout such as 60% or TKL, and a connectivity option such as USB-C or Bluetooth, based on your space and environment.
Choose Switch Type
Choose from three types: Linear (smooth), Tactile (bumpy), and Clicky (audible). Linear is popular for gaming, while Tactile and Clicky are popular for typing.
Check Actuation Force & Travel
Actuation force (g) is the force required to press the switch, and total travel (mm) is the distance it can be pressed. Light force and short travel suit quick response, while heavy force and long travel help prevent accidental presses and provide a deeper press feel.
Check Price and Availability
Consider your budget and availability. Popular products may go out of stock, so we recommend checking multiple vendors.
Keyboard Selection Basics
1. Choose Layout
Choose a layout such as 40%, 60%, 65%, 75%, TKL (tenkeyless), or Full-size based on your use and desk space. Smaller layouts save space and keep your mouse closer, while Full-size gives direct access to every key including the numpad. There are also split layouts, ergonomic Alice layouts with angled key clusters, and standalone numpads.
2. Check Hot-Swappable Support
Hot-swappable keyboards allow you to swap switches without soldering. Recommended if you want to experiment with different switches.
3. Check the Keycaps
Keycap shape (profile: Cherry, OEM, SA, XDA, etc.) and material (PBT, ABS) affect both feel and appearance. PBT resists shine and is more durable, while ABS tends to offer more vivid colors. Some keyboards ship without keycaps, so check the specs on the detail page.
4. Check Price and Availability
Consider your budget and availability. Popular keyboards may go out of stock, so we recommend checking multiple vendors.
Mount Type Comparison
| Type | Typing Feel | Rigidity | Cost Trend | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Mount | Firmer, solid rebound feel | High | Low-Mid | Browse this mount type |
| Gasket Mount | Soft, bouncy typing feel, popular choice | Medium (depends on gasket material) | Mid-High | Browse this mount type |
| Tray Mount | Uniform but somewhat firm typing feel | Medium | Low | Browse this mount type |
| Sandwich Mount | Soft typing feel, noticeable flex | Low-Mid | Low-Mid | Browse this mount type |
| Plate Mount | Firm typing feel, minimal flex | High | Low | Browse this mount type |
Keybinding & Firmware Selection
No key remapping support. Uses the factory-default layout as-is.
Customize key layouts freely with the open-source QMK firmware, but changes require recompiling and reflashing the firmware.
Browse this keybinding typeFreely customize key layouts and layers with the open-source QMK firmware and the VIA app.
Browse this keybinding typeEasily remap keys from the VIA app. No firmware flashing required, making it convenient.
Browse this keybinding typeAn enhanced version of VIA, supporting more advanced customization and offline configuration changes.
Browse this keybinding typeThe open-source firmware favored on split and wireless keyboards. ZMK Studio lets you remap keys live without reflashing.
Browse this keybinding typeRemap keys using manufacturer-specific software. Check for compatible apps beforehand.
Browse this keybinding typeConnectivity Comparison
The lowest latency and most stable connection. Recommended for gaming or if you don't want to worry about charging.
Wireless connection that lets you switch between multiple devices. Keeps your desk cable-free.
A hybrid option that lets you switch between wired and wireless. Choose the best connection for your needs.
Split Keyboards
A design with separated left and right halves that can be positioned to match shoulder width, potentially improving posture and reducing shoulder strain.
Browse split keyboardsSwitch Type Characteristics
Switch Structure & Mechanics
Stem
The shaft that moves up and down with the keycap. Materials like POM or UHMWPE affect friction feel and sound.
Housing (Top & Bottom)
The outer shell of the switch. PC (polycarbonate) tends to produce a higher, clearer sound, while Nylon tends to produce a lower, more muted sound.
Spring
The component that generates rebound force when pressed. Wire gauge and winding affect how the actuation force builds up.
Factory Lubed
Switches pre-lubricated at the factory. Less friction noise and a smooth typing feel right out of the box.
Choosing Switch Size and Silent Switches
A typical mechanical switch. Offers the widest range of options.
Switches designed with a lower overall height. Used in slim keyboards, with shorter travel as well.
Browse low profile switchesSwitches with internal dampers that reduce press and bottom-out noise. Recommended for nighttime use or working from home.
Browse silent switchesConnector Type
The pin and stem standard of a low-profile switch (e.g., Kailh Choc V1/V2, Gateron Low Profile 2.0). Different standards are not interchangeable, so check which one your keyboard supports. In the switch search, select Low Profile as the profile to filter by standard.
Choosing a Magnetic Switch (Sensing Type)
Sensing type, feel, and size are independent axes, so combinations like "Magnetic x Low Profile x Tactile" exist too. The sensing type cards below filter regardless of feel.
Detects the stem's position continuously using a magnet and Hall sensor. Some products support gaming-oriented features not found on standard contact switches, such as adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger.
Browse magnetic switchesDetects stem movement by blocking or passing light. With no physical contacts, it resists wear and offers excellent response speed.
Browse optical switchesDetects input via changes in capacitance. Highly durable with no physical contacts, and offers a distinctive press feel.
Browse capacitive switchesDetects the stem's position via changes in induced current in a coil. Like magnetic switches, it can detect continuous values and some products support gaming-oriented features.
Browse inductive switchesAdjustable Actuation Point
Lets you freely change the press depth (actuation point) at which a key registers, via software. Set it shallow for fast input, or deep to prevent accidental presses.
Browse switches with adjustable actuationRapid Trigger
Detects changes in press and release speed in real time, toggling key input on/off instantly regardless of the actuation point. Improves response speed for rapid repeated presses.
Browse rapid trigger switchesSwitch and Keyboard Compatibility
Low-profile standards are not interchangeable
Low-profile switches differ in pin and stem design by standard. Kailh Choc V1 and V2, or Gateron Low Profile 1.0 (KS-27) and 2.0 (KS-33), cannot be swapped for one another. Check which standard your keyboard's sockets support.
Find low-profile keyboardsMagnetic switches need a dedicated PCB
Magnetic (Hall effect) switches are read by sensors that detect the magnet's position, so they only work on keyboards with a PCB made for magnetic switches. They cannot be used on standard mechanical keyboards, and vice versa. Compatibility also varies between magnetic PCBs, so check "Compatible PCBs" on the switch detail page.
Find keyboards for magnetic switches3-pin vs. 5-pin
Standard mechanical switches come in 5-pin (with extra stabilizing legs) and 3-pin versions. 3-pin switches fit either type of PCB, but to install 5-pin switches on a 3-pin-only PCB you need to clip off the extra legs.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Is the keyboard hot-swappable? (If not, changing switches requires soldering.)
- For low-profile boards, does the switch standard match the keyboard?
- For magnetic switches, does the keyboard have a magnetic-switch PCB?
- For 5-pin switches, does the keyboard's PCB support 5-pin switches?
How to Read Force-Travel Curves
The horizontal axis represents travel (mm), and the vertical axis represents force (g). The shape of the curve lets you visually understand the switch's press feel.
The point where the curve bends sharply is the actuation point (where the keypress is registered). Tactile and Clicky switches show a bump or step near this point.
Now that you know how to choose, let's start browsing
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