
With the help of the spring, the key then comes back upwards to rest in its natural position.Īlthough there are a great many out there to choose from, switches are fairly straightforward. When you press down on the key, it activates a physical switch in the housing, which then sends a signal to the keyboard to say a specific key was pressed. Each mechanical switch has a plastic housing, a stem that holds the keycaps, and a spring, which is one of the more important parts because it gives the key a certain feel.

To give a bit of history, mechanical switches are an evolution from the buckling spring mechanism used in the IBM Model M in the 1980s and 1990s. Are you looking for the classic "click" that comes from a clicky switch or a feeling that's similar to popping bubble wrap, which you get from a tactile switch? Or do you prefer a silent and smooth keypress that a linear switch offers? You might not know the answer yet, which is why we've created this guide. At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal preference.

It's overwhelming, especially if you're just getting started in the world of mechanical keyboards. There are many different switch types available, all with a different feel and sound, so it can be hard to narrow down which is the best for you. Both the feeling and sound of a mechanical keyboard are largely dependent on the type of switches it has. The most important aspect of a mechanical keyboard is the typing experience: how it feels under your fingertips and how it sounds when you use it.
