The Most Popular Keyboard Switch, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the keyboard switch you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:41
For many computer enthusiasts and professionals, finding the perfect keyboard switch can make a significant difference in typing speed, accuracy, and overall comfort. Given the plethora of choices on the market, it can be challenging to determine which switch best suits individual preferences without extensive personal testing. This is where the value of a collectively ranked list becomes apparent. By gathering community votes, users gain insights into which switches are preferred by peers, guiding newcomers and experts alike in making informed decisions.
As each individual's typing experience can vary dramatically with different switches, having a dynamic and community-driven ranking helps to illuminate trends and preferences within the community. Voting on your favorite switch not only contributes to the broader knowledge base, but also ensures that your preferences are represented in the results. This ongoing input from diverse users ensures that the rankings stay relevant and useful, allowing everyone to benefit from collective wisdom and experience.
What Is the Most Popular Keyboard Switch?
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167votes
Cherry MX Brown
Cherry GmbHCherry MX Brown is a tactile switch with a soft bump when the key is actuated, making it a popular choice for typists and gamers.Cherry MX Brown is a type of mechanical keyboard switch that offers a tactile feedback without the audible 'click' sound of other switches. It is a popular choice among typists and gamers for its smooth actuation and balanced feel.- Switch Type: Tactile
- Operating Force: 45 cN
- Switch Feel: Tactile Bump
- Actuation Point: 2mm
- Total Travel Distance: 4mm
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231votes
Cherry MX Red
Cherry CorporationCherry MX Red is a linear switch with a smooth keystroke, making it a popular choice for gaming.The Cherry MX Red is a mechanical keyboard switch that was designed for gamers and typists seeking a linear switch experience with a light touch. It is known for its smooth keystrokes, low actuation force, and quiet operation.- Actuation Force: 45g
- Switch Type: Linear
- Actuation Distance: 2mm
- Total Travel Distance: 4mm
- Key Feel: Smooth and linear
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317votes
Cherry MX Blue
Cherry GmbHCherry MX Blue is a tactile and clicky switch, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a tactile feedback.Cherry MX Blue is a mechanical keyboard switch known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound. It is widely popular amongst typists and gamers.- Switch Type: Mechanical
- Tactility: Tactile
- Actuation Force: 50g
- Actuation Point: 2.2mm
- Total Travel Distance: 4mm
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410votes
Gateron Brown
GateronGateron Brown is a tactile switch that is similar to Cherry MX Brown, but with a slightly smoother keystroke.Gateron Brown is a mechanical keyboard switch that is widely popular due to its tactile feedback and moderate actuation force. It is known for delivering a comfortable typing experience while maintaining a quiet operation.- Switch Type: Mechanical
- Tactility: Tactile
- Actuation Force: 55 cN
- Travel Distance: 4.0 mm
- Operating Life: approx. 50 million keystrokes
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57votes
Gateron Red
GateronGateron Red is a linear switch that is similar to Cherry MX Red, but with a slightly lighter actuation force.Gateron Red is a mechanical keyboard switch known for its smooth linear operation and light actuation force. It is a popular choice among typists and gamers seeking a comfortable and responsive typing experience.- Switch Type: Linear
- Actuation Force: 45g
- Total Travel Distance: 4.0mm
- Actuation Distance: 2.0mm
- Operating Force: Silent
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69votes
Kailh Box Brown
KailhKailh Box Brown is a tactile switch that is similar to Cherry MX Brown, but with a more durable design.Kailh Box Brown is a mechanical keyboard switch known for its tactile feedback and quiet operation. It strikes a balance between typing comfort and gaming performance, making it a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts and gamers alike.- Switch Type: Tactile
- Actuation Force: 45g
- Key Travel: 3.6mm
- Actuation Point: 2.0mm
- Total Travel Distance: 4.0mm
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714votes
Kailh Box Red
KailhKailh Box Red is a linear switch that is similar to Cherry MX Red, but with a more durable design.The Kailh Box Red is a mechanical keyboard switch known for its smooth and linear typing experience. It is designed by Kailh, a well-known manufacturer of keyboard switches.- RGB Lighting: No
- Clicky Sound: No
- Durability: 70 million keystrokes
- Switch Type: Linear
- Actuation Force: 45g
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85votesTopre switches use a unique electrostatic capacitive design that provides a smooth and tactile keystroke.Topre is a popular keyboard switch known for its smooth and tactile typing experience. It is highly regarded by enthusiasts and professionals alike.
- Switch Type: Electrostatic Capacitive
- Actuation Force: Variable, around 45 to 55 grams
- Key Travel Distance: 3.5mm
- Key Lifespan: Up to 50 million keystrokes
- Tactility: Tactile bump with no audible click
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910votesAlps switches are known for their tactile and clicky feedback, and are often used in vintage keyboards.Alps is a type of mechanical keyboard switch that is known for its tactile and clicky feedback. It has a distinctive feel and sound that many keyboard enthusiasts appreciate. The Alps switch was created by the Japanese company Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
- Tactility: Tactile feedback with a noticeable bump
- Clickiness: Audible click sound
- Key travel: Typically around 3-4mm
- Actuation force: Ranges between 45g and 70g
- Switch lifespan: Generally rated for 50 million keystrokes
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103votesBuckling Spring switches are known for their loud and tactile feedback, and are often used in IBM Model M keyboards.Buckling Spring is a mechanical keyboard switch known for its tactile feedback and distinctive clicking sound. It provides a satisfying typing experience and has gained a cult following among keyboard enthusiasts. The switch mechanism relies on a spring that buckles under pressure, activating the key and producing a strong click when released.
- Tactility: High
- Audible Feedback: Yes
- Actuation Force: 60 grams
- Key Travel Distance: 3.5-4mm
- Lifespan: Approximately 50 million keystrokes
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular keyboard switch
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Actuation ForceThe amount of force required to press the key down in order to register a keystroke. Different users prefer different levels of force, so choosing a switch with ideal actuation force can affect the overall typing experience.
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Switch TypeThere are mainly three types of keyboard switches - mechanical, membrane, and mecha-membrane. Each switch type offers a distinct experience, so understanding their differences can help find the best switch for a user's specific needs.
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FeedbackTactile and auditory feedback can greatly impact a user's typing experience. Some users prefer switches with pronounced tactile bumps, while others like a smooth linear feel. Similarly, some enjoy audible clicks when pressing keys, while others prefer silence.
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Travel DistanceThe distance a key must be pressed for a keystroke to register is called the travel distance. Some users prefer shorter travel distances for faster typing, while others prefer longer ones for improved accuracy.
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DurabilityThe lifespan of a switch is an important factor, as it affects how long a keyboard remains functional. Look for switches with higher durability ratings to ensure a longer-lasting keyboard.
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Brand reputationThe manufacturer's reputation for quality and reliability can impact the popularity of a switch. Established brands that are well-known for producing high-quality switches will generally be more popular.
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PriceThe cost of a switch can impact its popularity, particularly if users are looking for a budget-friendly option. Balancing quality and affordability is essential to finding the best switch.
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Personal preferencesUltimately, the user's personal preferences will influence their choice in a keyboard switch. Consider how you or the user plan to use the keyboard (for gaming, typing, or a mix) and any specific desired features to find the best switch for that purpose.
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CompatibilityEnsure that the switch is compatible with the desired keyboard or keycaps, as this can impact the overall typing experience.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular keyboard switch. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or keyswitch is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1836 views
- 173 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each keyswitch once every 24 hours. The rank of each keyswitch is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular keyboard switch
When it comes to choosing a keyboard, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of switch it uses. Keyboard switches refer to the mechanism that registers when a key is pressed, and there are several different types to choose from.
One of the most popular keyboard switches is the Cherry MX switch, which comes in a variety of colors such as blue, red, brown, and black. Each color represents a different type of switch, with blue being tactile and clicky, red being linear and smooth, brown being tactile and quiet, and black being linear and heavy.
Other popular keyboard switches include the Topre switch, which is known for its smooth and tactile feel, and the Kailh switch, which offers a more affordable alternative to the Cherry MX switch.
Ultimately, the most popular keyboard switch comes down to personal preference and typing style. Some prefer the satisfying click of a tactile switch, while others prefer the smoothness of a linear switch. Whatever your preference may be, StrawPoll has thousands of polls and rankings to help you make an informed decision when choosing your perfect keyboard switch.
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