Linear
Smooth consistent keystroke with no bump. The stem goes straight down.
- Feel: Linear, Smooth, buttery
- Sound: Quiet(er)
- Best For: Gaming, Fast Typing
The Complete Guide to Mechanical Switches
If the PCB is the brain of the keyboard, the switch is the soul of a keyboard. It determines the feel, the sound, and the responsiveness of every keystroke. Whether you want a silent office keyboard or a "thocky" gaming setup, it all starts with the switch.
01. Know the Lingo
Before buying boxes of switches from Shopee, you need to understand the spec sheets.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Actuation Force | How hard you need to press to register a key (measured in grams/gf). 45g is light; 67g is heavy. |
| Bottom-out | The force required to press the key all the way down until it hits the housing. |
| Travel Distance | Total distance the stem moves. Standard is 4.0mm. "Speed" switches are shorter (3.4mm). |
| 3-Pin vs 5-Pin | 5-pin (PCB mount) has extra plastic legs for stability. 3-pin (Plate mount) fits any hot-swap socket. |
02. The Three Main Types of Switches
Tactile
A noticeable "bump" in the middle of the keypress to let you know it registered.
- Feel: Bumpy, Responsive
- Sound: Moderate "Thock"
- Best For: Typing, Programming
Clicky
Tactile bump accompanied by a sharp audible "click" mechanism.
- Feel: Sharp tactile bump
- Sound: Loud, High-pitched
- Best For: Solo Office, Nostalgia
03. Top Switches Picks for 2025 (MY Market)
Based on availability on Lazada, Shopee MY, and local vendors like Mecha Store.
Linear Recommendations
-
Budget King Gateron Milky Yellow Pro
Price: ~RM 0.70 / switch
Insane value. Factory lubed and very smooth. The gold standard for entry-level builds. -
Premium Gateron Oil King
Price: ~RM 2.80 / switch
Deep, "thocky" sound right out of the box. Excellent factory lube and all-black housing for a sleek look.
Tactile Recommendations
-
Budget King Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
Price: ~RM 0.45 / switch
Very poppy tactile bump for an incredibly low price. Great for typing. -
Premium Gazzew Boba U4T
Price: ~RM 3.00 / switch
The king of "Thock". Very rounded, strong bump. Highly sought after in the Malaysian community.
Clicky Recommendations
-
Budget King Kailh Box White V2
Price: ~RM 1.20 / switch
Uses a "click bar" instead of a jacket, making the click crisp and double-sided (click on down and up). Zero rattle compared to Cherry Blues. -
Premium ZealPC Clickiez
Price: ~RM 5.50 / switch
The "Rolls Royce" of clicky switches. Uses a unique multi-mode click leaf (inspired by vintage Alps) for a monstrous tactile snap and rich sound. Extremely distinct and can be reconfigured.
04. Should you Lube them?
Most "Pro" switches in 2025 come pre-lubed from the factory, which is usually good enough for beginners. However, hand-lubing with Krytox 205g0 (for linears) or Tribosys 3203 (for tactiles) is the single best upgrade you can make to improve sound and feel.