Keyboard Key Switch Mechanisms
This page is a guide of computer keyboard key switch mechanisms.
Rubber Dome Switch
Most common, and cheap to make. bad tactile quality.
Scissor Switch
Most common on laptop keyboards. Quality vary.
Cherry MX Switches (1983)
Cherry MX is the classic most popular mechanical switch from about 1980s to 2010. (after that, many Chinese clones and variations became popular too.)
Switch Tester, Illustrating Cherry MX Switches
Cherry MX Compatible Switches
Many Chinese companies make Cherry compatible switches. They became popular since 2015.
Cherry MX compatible switches are NOT EXACTLY the same as those from Cherry the company. For example, Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Silent Red, Kailh Red, all says 45g activation force by spec, but Cherry MX Silent Red is heavier, and Kailh Red is even more heavy, like 50g. This difference is very noticeable, and is critical for writers or people with Repetitive Strain Injury. [see Key Switch Activation Force vs Resistance Feel]
Kaihua Kailh Switch
Kailh BOX Switch- Gateron Switches (including Zealio switch)
- Outemu switch is Cherry MX compatible made by Gaote Corp. ไธ่ๅธ้ซ็น็ตๅญๆ้ๅ ฌๅธ.
- Optical Key Switch
- Outemu Optical Switch
- Gateron Optical Switch
- Bloody LK Optical switch
- Razer Light Strike Libra Optical Switch
Kailh Choc Switch (~2016)
Choc Switch is a low-profile mechanical switch, from Kaihua.
Logitech GX Blue Clicky (2018)
Logitech GX Blue Clicky came out in 2018. It is made by Kaihua. It is just a variation of the Cherry MX Blue. The stem is Cherry MX compatible, so you can buy keycaps. [see Cute Keycaps]
Romer-G Switch (2015)
Roccat Titan Switch (~2018)
Optical Key Switch
Topre Switch
Topre switch is contactless electro capacitive switch. It is most famous via the Happy Hacking Keyboard
Niz Switch
Niz switch is inspired by Topre.
Varmilo EC Switch
Varmilo EC Switch is like a Cherry MX, but with contactless electro capacitive mechanism for eletric switch.
Buckling Spring Switch
Buckling spring switch is most famous as used by IBM Model M keyboard (1985) from 1980s and 1990s, and is loved by many keyboard nerds. It has a crisp tactile feel, but makes the loudest key noise.
ALPS Switch
Hall Effect Switch
What Does โMechanicalโ Keyboard Means
Computer keyboard key switch expert Thomas Ran (aka Chyrosran22) tells us