Are you searching for the best tactile switches? Look no further. Being a pro in the field of mechanical keyboard engineering for more than a decade, I would provide you with a hands-on guide on this topic. Check out this detailed review where I will share the top 7 products you can’t ignore. Let’s get into it!
Quick Answer
Tactile switches are like buttons that make a little click and push back when you press them, found in keyboards and some gadgets. Since I have been working in the field of gaming setups, I’ve used plenty of mechanical switches. The following are some salient features that these switches offer:
- Tactile and clicky feedback;
- Swift response time;
- Help prevent accidental key presses.
However, the real trouble is how to choose one product that not only satisfies the above benefits but also falls within your budget. Continue reading to learn about the top 7 products that fulfill the required criteria. Moreover, I’ll also give you some recommendations based on your preferences. Let’s dive into the details!
A Comprehensive Table on 7 Best Tactile Switches
The following table quickly compares the 7 tactile switches:
Photo | Product Name | Terminal | Actuation Force | Amazon |
 | Kailh Copper Mechanical Keyboard Switches | 3-pin PCB mount | 40g | $39.99 |
 | MELETRIX WS Lubed Switches | 5 pins | 45g | $16.99 |
 | Glorious Panda Switch | 3-pin PCB mount | 67g | $24.99 |
 | Gateron Blue Mechanical Keyboard Switches | 3-pin PCB mount or 5-pin plate mount | 60g | $34.99 |
 | Glorious Raptor Clicky Switches | 5-pin PCB mount | 55g and 70g at bottoming out | $27.99 |
 | DAIDAI AJAZZ Diced Fruit Banana Switch | 3-pin (Plate Mount) | 40 ± 5gf | $19.99 |
 | GK GAMAKAY Keyboard Switch | 5 pins | 50 ± 10 gf | $24.99 |
After going through the table, let’s explore these products in detail:
1. Best Overall Tactile Switch: Kailh Copper Mechanical Keyboard Switches
The pros and cons of the switch are highlighted below:
Pros
- They have a noticeable tactile bump that provides good typing feedback and accuracy.
- They are waterproofed for enhanced durability.
- They have a PCB mount for easy installation.
Cons
- The springs could develop a spring crunch over time.
I was impressed by what the Kailh Copper switches bring to the table. They instantly become my go-to choice for tactile switches because their fast 40g actuation force and short pre-travel distance make these great for gaming, where quick reflexes matter.
These switches belong to the speed switch series of the Kaliah, and they really stand by their name. Additionally, 70 million stroke lifespan and 1.1mm short pre-travel prove the worth of the pricing.
Features
The features of the Kailh Copper are discussed below:
- It provides a light and precise high-pitched crisp click (50gf) with a sharp response time.
- The pre-travel distance is also shorter, which is around 1.1mm.
- It is one of the best tactile switches for typing because of its reasonable travel time, which is around 3.5mm.
Specs
The following are the specifications of the unit:
Specification | Kailh Copper Mechanical Keyboard Switches |
Operation Mode: | Tactile |
Terminal (Pins): | 3-pin PCB mount |
Material: | Transparent top housing and copper leaf |
Switch Type: | Gaming mechanical switches |
Actuation Force: | 40g |
2. Best Heavy Tactile Stem: MELETRIX WS Lubed Switches
The perks and downsides of the tactile switch are listed below:
Pros
- It presents a hybrid switch that is suitable for both gaming and productivity.
- The switch has a nice P-shaped bump that gives a pleasing crashing experience.
- It comes with linear action that is ideal for gaming.
Cons
- Pre-lube could be inconsistent across switches.
The MELETRIX WS switches provide a great hybrid option for both gaming and typing. I bought them a couple of weeks ago and here’s what I found impressive. The smooth, linear press is perfect for rapid gaming inputs. And the snappy tactile return still gives nice feedback for typing. Overall, these are very versatile switches worth checking out if you want a single switch to do it all.
Features
The following are the features of MELETRIX:
- It comes with 35 keys that can cover your entire keyboard.
- The stem is made of POM (Polyoxymethylene) material that provides resilience and efficiency simultaneously.
- It offers a minimum distance of 3.00 to 3.20mm to increase the response time for pro gamers.
Specs
These are the specs of the product:
Specification | MELETRIX WS Lubed Switches |
Operation Mode: | Mechanical/Tactile |
Terminal (Pins): | 5 pins |
Material: | Nylon |
Switch Type: | Linear |
Actuation Force: | 45g |
3. Best Thocky Switch: Glorious Panda Switches
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of the switch:
Pros
- It has a minimal key wobble that provides stability during long gaming sessions.
- These are compatible with various mechanical keyboards due to their three-pole switches.
- The company has decreased the pre-travel distance compared to other Panda switches.
Cons
- A little letdown is the heavier 67g actuation force.
Inspired by the original Invyr Holy Panda theme, the Glorious Panda switches deliver quality tactile key switches for gaming and typing. Its pronounced tactile bump, along with a pleasing sound profile, gives nice physical feedback without being fatiguing. Compared to other tactile switches like Zealios switches, it had a sharper response. When weighed up to its cousin, Holy Panda Switch, it is much cheaper.
Features
The features of the Glorious Panda are mentioned here:
- It has one of the best lifespans among other switches in the market – up to 70 million keystrokes.
- The switch is compatible with mechanical keyboards that have MX-style switches.
- It also has one of the heaviest springs with a load of 67 g, made of stainless steel.
Specs
These are the specs of the Golorious Panda Switch:
Specification | Glorious Panda Switches |
Operation Mode: | Tactile |
Terminal (Pins): | 3-pin PCB mount |
Material: | Polycarbonate top housing, nylon bottom housing |
Switch Type: | Mechanical switches |
Actuation Force: | 67g |
4. Best Switches For Typing: Gateron Blue Mechanical Keyboard Switches
Here are the pros and cons of these switches:
Pros
- These switches provide noticeable physical and audio feedback due to their clicky nature.
- The product is a good option for those new to mechanical keyboards.
- It emulates the distinct tactile bump of Cherry MX Brown switches.
Cons
- The sound is loud, and clicks can disturb others.
I was eager to try out the Gateron Blue switches to get that classic, clicky, and tactile feel. This product instantly can instantly become your go-to choice because of its great tactile nature. The audible click and noticeable tactile bump on each keypress deliver nice physical and audio feedback as you type.
I appreciate the 60g actuation force – easy on the fingers for long typing and gaming sessions. Another nuance feature is 120 switches in one package, making it a real value-for-money product.
Features
The following are the features of the Gateron Blue:
- These provide real value for money as the package contains up to 120 switches.
- The switches have noticeably high actuation points, which give an excellent clicky feeling to the press.
- The pre-travel distance is 2.3mm, which is great for professional typists.
Specs
The specifications of the unit are given below:
Specification | Gateron Blue Mechanical Keyboard Switches |
Operation Mode: | Clicky/Tactile |
Terminal (Pins): | 3-pin PCB mount or 5-pin plate mount |
Material: | POM stem, nickel-plated spring, copper leaf |
Switch Type: | MX style mechanical switch |
Actuation Force: | 60g |
5. Best Pre-lubed Switch: Glorious Raptor Switches
The good and bad about the switch are listed below:
Pros
- It gives a crisp click sound on both press and release from the click bar.
- The product offers a high 55g actuation force that encourages precise inputs.
- They have swift and loud feedback which can be pleasant to the ears of audiophiles.
Cons
- Some of the switches had a hard time with the return force.
After testing the Raptor Clicky switches, I was seriously impressed by the unique gaming-focused design. The click bar mechanism gives such a satisfying crisp click with each keypress – way more tactile feedback than standard clicky switches. And the high 55g actuation force makes accidental presses unlikely – you need real intention.
Paired with the swift 1.8mm pre-travel, these switches are primed for precise, speedy inputs during intense gaming sessions.
Features
The features of the Glorious Raptor are mentioned below:
- These switches are designed to be precise with a high actuation force of 70g at the bottom out.
- These are paired with 1.8mm pre-travel and 3.9mm total travel which are quite responsive for gaming.
- The bottom of the spring is loaded with 62g force which is great for preventing accidental clicks.
Specs
These are the specs of the units:
Specification | Glorious Raptor Switches |
Operation Mode: | Clicky/Tactile |
Terminal (Pins): | 5-pin PCB mount |
Material: | Polycarbonate top housing, copper leaf, nylon bottom housing |
Switch Type: | MX style mechanical switch |
Actuation Force: | 55g and 70g at bottoming out |
6. Best Budget Tactile Switches: DAIDAI AJAZZ Diced Fruit Banana Switch
Below are the pros and cons of the item:
Pros
- It comes with a non-mushy bottom that gives a spongy feel.
- They are packaged in can-style storage that saves space.
- The tactile switch gives a decent audible bump which is sharp and loud.
Cons
- The switches need to be lubed properly before installing them.
I bought the DAIDAI AJAZZ switches because they looked super unique with their bright yellow banana-themed colorway. And they delivered a solid typing experience. Each key press has a noticeable and sharp tactile bump mid-press before actuating. It provides good feedback without being fatiguing. I also liked the crisp bottoming out – no mushiness here. Additionally, it has a 3-pin that is designed with most mechanical keyboards.
Features
The following are the highlights of AJAZZ:
- A durable set of switches with a life of 80 million keystrokes.
- 3.3mm total travel time makes it one of the fastest switches with minimum latency.
- A 55gf force requirement ensures that you don’t have to face lag on hardcore games.
Specs
Below are the specs of these switches:
Specification | DAIDAI AJAZZ Diced Fruit Banana Switch |
Operation Mode: | Tactile |
Terminal (Pins): | 3-pin (Plate Mount) |
Material: | Polycarbonate top housing, POM stem |
Switch Type: | MX style mechanical switch |
Actuation Force: | 40 ± 5gf |
7. Best Smooth Switch: GK GAMAKAY Mechanical Keyboard Switch
Here are the positives and downsides of the GK switch:
Pros
- Highly responsive for quick and accurate typing and casual gaming.
- These are quiet when not bottomed out and give pleasant ‘thock’ when pressed fully.
- These come with a long lifespan of around 50 million keystrokes.
Cons
- It gives occasional ghosting issues with certain keys, especially at U and I keys.
The GK GAMAKAY switches delivered on being a responsive and quiet budget pick. The company provides a range of products, and the Jupiter series is one of them. I picked these switches because of their smooth response. Moreover, it gives a pleasant ‘thock’ that adds nice acoustic feedback. Plus, it presents a quick travel distance of 3.30mm and only requires 40 gf force.
Features
The following are the features of the GAMAKAY:
- These switches use the X-10 connectivity protocol, which is fast and uses an already existing connectivity layer.
- They are compatible with (X) cross stem sets and have MX style structure.
- These have PMMA Material diffusers with Jupiter accent that make it easy for the light to pass.
Specs
These are the specifications of the product:
Specification | GK GAMAKAY Mechanical Keyboard Switch |
Operation Mode: | Mechanical/Tactile |
Terminal (Pins): | 5 pins |
Material: | Plastic (Poly methyl methacrylate) |
Switch Type: | Linear |
Actuation Force: | 50 ± 10 gf |
A Brief Introduction to Tactile Switches
The tactile switch is a popular type of mechanical keyboard switch that provides physical feedback during the keypress. Compared to linear switches that smoothly press down without any bumps, tactile switches have a noticeable bump you can feel partway through the key travel before they actuate.
With this brief introduction, let me explain how they work!
The Working Process Explained!
Tactile switches create their signature tactile bump feel using a spring or metal dome mechanism inside.
- When you press a key, the dome or spring flexes down, eventually making contact with two little electrical terminals to complete the circuit and register the key press.
- When you let go, the spring regains its original shape, breaking the electrical contact until your next keypress.
However, midway through the press, you’ll feel the dome or spring push back against your finger slightly before it collapses further to complete the contact. This quick resistance is the tactile bump you feel. It comes from the spring snapping into place right before actuation.
Exploring the Different Types of Switches
Now that we’ve covered what a tactile switch is and how it works, let me explain the main varieties of good tactile switches. The following headings give a comparison between the types of switches:
1. Tactile Switches vs Clicky Switches
Even though both switches provide the same tactile feedback, they share some different traits. The following points quickly differentiate between both types of switches:
- Both types have a bump that gives an actuation response, but clicky switches produce a more distinctive clicky sound.
- Tactile switches are quieter and present a moderate keystroke than clicky switches.
- Tactile switches are preferred for gaming or work while click switches are preferred by those who enjoy auditory keypress feedback.
2. Tactile vs Linear Switches
Here is how you can compare tactile and linear switches:
- Tactile switches have a bump per switch while linear switches give a smooth and consistent experience.
- Tactile switches offer more feedback while linear switches are more responsive.
- Linear switches are more comfortable. On the other hand, tactile switches require more force to work.
Why Opt For Tactile Switches
What makes tactile switches such a popular choice? There is a reason why these switches are a favorite among gamers and typists. Let me share some of the common advantages of these switches:
- Physical feedback: They give physical feedback for improved typing – the bump allows you to confirm each keypress without bottoming out keys.
- Responsive: Tactile switches have a responsive and satisfying feel that makes typing enjoyable.
- Silent switch: They operate quieter than clicky switches. Therefore, the lack of audible clicks makes tactile suitable for office and shared spaces.
What are Some Good Tactile Switches for Gaming?
Here comes the question for gamers – what is the best tactile switch for gaming? Let me share some tips that can help you filter among thousands of options and make a great buying decision:
- The product should have a short pre-travel distance for fast actuation.
- Moreover, they should be light enough actuation force for rapid taps and clicks.
- They provide stable and wobble-free keystrokes for precise control.
Based on the above properties, I would rate Kalih Copper as a perfect gaming switch with tactile sensation.
What is the Most Satisfying Tactile Switch?
If you want maximum bliss while typing, here are characteristics of the most pleasurable tactile switches:
- Sharp and highly tactile bump for pronounced feedback;
- Deep, audible “thock” on bottom out;
- Smooth factory lubrication for buttery keystrokes.
Holy Panda Switches are usually considered pleasant switches owing to their thick sounds. I have used one of their product “Glorious Panda Switch” and can definitely recommend it.
What are the Smoothest Tactile Switches?
When evaluating the smoothness of tactile switches, keep an eye out for:
- It should have POM plastic stems that reduce friction naturally.
- These should have a minimal spring “ping” or crunch on return.
- They come with a close switch housing that fits with tight tolerances.
I have used various tactile switches that give the smoothest experience like no one else. However, I will put my trust in Meletrix because of its smooth key release.
FAQs
What is the quietest tactile switch?
Boba U4T switches and GK GAMAKAY are the quietest switches. Features like silicone dampeners reduce sound and clicky output.
Is tactile better than linear?
It depends upon personal preference. Tactile switches give tactile feedback and are preferred due to their versatility. On the other hand, linear switches are quieter and give a smooth experience.
What is the best tactile switch?
The best tactile switch is the Kailh Speed Copper switch due to its light and fast response. And for some, the best switches are Glorious Panda switches due to their more pronounced bump.
Which tactile switch is the best for gaming?
The best tactile switch for gaming is Drop + Invyr Panda. It features a 67g spring, plate mount, tactile stem, and SMD LED compatibility.
What are the best tactile switches for sound?
The best tactile switches for sound are the products that produce deep and thick sounds. The Glorious Panda and the Drop + Invyr Panda are some switches that are considered deafening.
What are the best tactile switches in 2023?
Kalih Copper Switch, and Gazzew Boba U4 series like Boba U4T, the Tecsee Sapphire, and the Akko Lavender Purple are some of the most recommended switches in 2023 due to their excellent response and premium mechanical nature.
Which are the most tactile switches?
The most tactile switches are those that come with large and sharp tactile bumps. Hence, the Zealios V2, Durock T1 Switches, and Halo Clear Switches fall in this category.
Do pro gamers use tactile switches?
Yes, tactile switches are preferred by many pro gamers because they have to press a lot of key presses. Tactile switches prevent accidental key presses.
Conclusion
Summing up, the best tactile switches are products that enhance your typing and gaming experience. While buying these switches, keep in mind features like build quality, crispy feedback, response, travel time, and pricing.
Meanwhile, among plenty of products, I would rate Kailh Copper switch above high. It provides 1.1m short pre-travel, a prominent tactile response, and waterproofing. Moreover, it also packs 120 pieces in the package, providing you with a real-value-for-money product.
