Chapter 1: Understanding Mechanical Keyboard Switches

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can feel overwhelming, especially for newcomers. This article provides insights into the best mechanical keyboard switches tailored for typing, specifically for writers, coders, and bloggers. While the opinions shared here are subjective, they aim to guide you through the myriad of options available.

Clicky, Tactile, or Linear?

A long-standing debate persists: which switch type excels in typing? In the early days, when Cherry MX switches were the norm, the choices were straightforward:

• Cherry MX Reds (linear) were favored for gaming.
• Cherry MX Blues (clicky) were preferred for typing.
• Cherry MX Browns (tactile) served as a versatile option for quieter typing.

Fast forward to today, and the market is flooded with countless new switches and brands, often tailored to specific user preferences. This variety can be quite daunting. Ultimately, most switches fall into three categories: linear, clicky, and tactile, each with its unique characteristics.

Gaining Perspective

After experimenting with around 30 different switches across various keyboards, I came to a few realizations:

1. Cherry MX switches often receive more praise than they deserve.
2. Over time, you may find yourself growing accustomed to (or bored by) nearly any switch.
3. The distinction between “new” and “better” can be easily misconstrued.

To clarify, while many switches may initially feel novel, their true quality often becomes apparent only after some time away from them. This was the case for me with Cherry MX Blues, which I eventually rediscovered and appreciated while using my Ducky One 2 TKL Skyline keyboard, even without RGB lighting.

If you're perpetually in search of the "perfect" typing experience, you may find yourself lost in the complexities of mechanical keyboards. For those who simply want a reliable typing experience, the focus should narrow down to two main types: clicky and tactile switches.

Recommendations for Typists

Based on my experience, I strongly advocate for clicky switches as the optimal choice for typing. If sound is not an issue, Cherry MX Blues are a popular and accessible option. For those who prefer a custom keyboard, consider Kailh Box Whites, which provide a sharper “double click” compared to Cherry MX Blues. Both options are gentle on the fingers and enhance the feeling of productivity, reminiscent of vintage typewriters.

For heavier typists, Cherry MX Greens or Kailh Box Jades offer stiffer springs, providing more resistance. If the noise of clicky switches is a dealbreaker, tactile switches like Cherry MX Browns are commonly available, though their tactile feedback is less pronounced than that of Cherry MX Blues. For superior tactility, Glorious Pandas or Zealio V2 switches come highly recommended, delivering a satisfying tactile bump and an audible response upon bottoming out.

If you're considering Astrohaus' Freewrite modern typewriters, you'll find that the classic model utilizes Cherry MX Browns, which are perfectly adequate for typing.

Exploring Gateron Alternatives

In budget-friendly keyboards, Gateron switches—like Gateron Blues or Gateron Browns—are often mentioned. These are affordable alternatives to Cherry MX switches, with similar color coding. Notably, Gateron’s linear switches are smoother than their Cherry MX counterparts.

Final Thoughts

The best mechanical keyboard is ultimately the one that facilitates your writing or coding effectively. If you're uncertain about which switches to choose, opt for clicky switches. If noise is a concern, tactile switches might be more suitable. Remember, mechanical keyboards are simply tools—keep it straightforward and enjoyable!

LIVE LONG AND CLICKY!

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. It reflects my personal views and is not backed by any sponsorships or affiliate links. Stay safe, happy, and keep writing! If you’re a German-speaking writer in search of an affordable hot-swappable keyboard to test various switches, consider the Mizar MZ60 Luna.

Chapter 2: Recommended Videos

In this section, we delve into some videos that can further enhance your understanding of mechanical keyboard switches.