What are switches in a keyboard?

Switches are the little cuboid mechanisms sit underneath the keycap and connects to the PCB. Switches are different on how they look, sound, and feel. In most cases, you will not be able to see them. In other words, the choice of the switches will not affect the external appearance of the keyboard. They have a large effect on how your keyboard will sound and feel.

Generally, the behavior of any switch can be divided into three categories:

1. Linear - The keystroke is consistent and smooth.
2. Tactile - A bump in the middle of travel, usually around the actuation point.
3. Clicky - A bump in the middle of travel is accompanied by a sharp “click” sound.

No matter which type of switch you pick, mechanical keyboards are well-suited for daily working and playing PC games because they offer unmistakable feedback when pressed. That said, part of the fun of mechanical keyboards is getting one that perfectly suits your needs.

IQUNIX Moonstone
Linear 5-pin
Sound: Deep & Thock
Operating Force: 37±5gf
End Force：47±5gf
Pretravel：2.0±0.4mm
Total Travel: 3.7±0.3mm
Durability: 80 million actuations

The Moonstone Switch provides a delightfully deep and thocky sound profile. Featuring an operating force of 37±5gf and an end force of 47±5gf, it achieves an ideal equilibrium between responsiveness and control. This ensures a precise keystroke experience that caters to diverse typing preferences.
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IQUNIX Moonstone Turbo
Linear 5-pin
Sound: Deep & Thock
Operating Force: 45±5gf
End Force：55±5gf
Pretravel：3.1±0.3mm
Total Travel: 3.7±0.3mm
Durability: 80 million actuations

The Moonstone Turbo Switch is a gaming switch refined from the characteristics of a Moonstone switch. Made of POK material and an upgraded polymer POM core, it maintains self-lubrication and high durability. With precise force and elasticity tuning, it enhances accuracy in intense gaming. Additionally, its 1mm actuation distance offers rapid triggering, providing a solid and swift triggering sensation.

IQUNIX Silent Rose
Linear / 40gf
Feel: Light
Sound: Quiet
Lifespan: 50 Million Keystrokes

A switch with a sound-dampening effect, ideal for offices, dormitories, and noise-sensitive environments. It offers a gentle keystroke sensation and emits minimal sound.

Cherry MX Blue
Clicky + Tactile / 40gf
Feel: Heavy
Sound: Loud
Lifespan: 50 Million Keystrokes

Tactile and audible switching characteristics. Excellent for typing and ideal for users who like to hear and feel a click when they press a key. These tactile key switches help ensure accurate data entry.

Cherry MX Brown
Tactile / 55gf
Feel: Medium
Sound: Soft
Lifespan: 100 Million Keystrokes

A lighter key switch with subtle tactile and audible feedback. A great hybrid for typist workers and gamers.

Cherry MX Silver
Linear / 45gf
Feel: Light
Sound: Quiet
Lifespan: 100 Million Keystrokes

A light, linear keyswitch, with the same actuation as the Red Cherry MX; However, it has a shorter actuation distance and travel distance.

Cherry MX Red
Linear / 45gf
Feel: Smooth and Direct
Sound: Quiet
Lifespan: 100 Million Keystrokes

The linear switching characteristic combined with the low spring resistance triggers directly. The Cherry MX Red is the first choice for beginners in the world of mechanical keyboards. The smooth-running technology enables balanced writing and gaming sessions.

Cherry MX Pink/Silent Red
Linear / 45gf
Feel: Smooth and Silent
Sound: Quiet
Lifespan: 50 Million Keystrokes

Like the Cherry MX Red, the Cherry MX Silent Red is featured by a linear switching characteristic as well. The operating noises are reliably minimized by patented damping. The switch with the silent technology establishes itself as a wise choice regarding its low spring force and soft actuation.

TTC Speed Silver
Linear / 45gf
Feel: Light
Sound: Soft
Lifespan: 100 Million Keystrokes

Faster, more stable, more reliable, prevent touch by mistake.TTC Speed Silver Switch can be triggered faster by shortening the conduction stroke. it improves switch accuracy and initial pressing force by double long spring structure design. It prevents accidental touch and rapid rebound effectively.

TTC Gold Pink
Linear / 37gf
Feel: Soft and Smooth
Sound: Quiet
Lifespan: 100 Million Keystrokes

Brisk and smooth. Being a switch with lightest operating force, the TTC Gold Pink switch brings comfort and smoothness to long time typing & gaming.

TTC ACE
Linear / 45gf
Feel: Light
Sound: Soft
Lifespan: 100 Million Keystrokes

A smart choice for a smooth linear feel with solid reliability. With springs made from gold-plated stainless steel and contacts made from gold alloy, they're both durable and responsive. Each switch also has a substantial 2 millimeters of pretravel, so softer mishits won't likely register.

TTC Frozen Silent
Linear/ 39gf
Feel: Smooth
Sound: Quiet
Lifespan: 50 Million Keystrokes

Own with good touch feeling same as the Gold Pink switch, but softer and quieter. Efficient noise reduction gives you a quiet experience like in the iceberg.

TTC Holy Panda
Tactile / 55gf
Feel: Heavy
Sound: Loud
Lifespan: 50 Million Keystrokes

It is a  switch with a strong sense of tactile, a strong sense of confirmation, smooth but not obtuse.

Gateron Brown
Tactile /55gf
Feel: Medium
Sound: Medium
Lifespan: 50 Million Keystrokes

A hybrid between a Linear and Clicky switches. Does not generate a click when pressed, but the tactile bump is still present. Ideal for those who want a tactile bump and work around peers.

Gateron Red
Linear / 45gf
Feel: Light
Sound: Light
Lifespan: 50 Million Keystrokes

It's lighter and softer than brown switches. The ideal switch for long-time typing workers and gamers.

Gateron Blue
Clicky / 60gf
Feel: Heavy
Sound: Loud
Lifespan: 50 Million Keystrokes

For those who love the click and clack of a keyboard. Generates a loud click and tactile bump when a key is pressed. Popular for typing and programmers.