Top 10 Best Linear Switches For Your Keyboard
Mechanical keyboards are very helpful as they are responsive, sturdy, and durable. This is because mechanical keyboards have switches under their keys. There are tactile switches that have a slight resistance/bump when you press them. The tactile switches can be used for both typing and gaming.
There are clicky switches that make a loud, clicky noise when pressed and are used for typing only. And there are linear switches that are smooth and hit bottom without any resistance when you press them. These switches are perfect for gaming. In this article, we are going to learn about the best linear switches available on the market.
What are Linear Switches?
The linear switches are mechanical switches that are very smooth and bumpless when you press them. Unlike clicky and tactile switches, linear switches are very silent and tactile-free. When you press a key from top to bottom in a linear keyboard, you get a linear feel. As these switches are very smooth, the actuation force required to press the keys is very low.
The only noise these switches make is when the keys are pressed, and they hit the floor of the keyboard. As there is no resistance, these switches are very responsive. And due to this, these switches are used by gamers as they require a fast response in competitive games.
Advantages of Linear Switches
The linear switches are very smooth and tactile-free. These switches are almost silent and, therefore, can be used in public places. The linear switches are good for gaming as they are very responsive.
The average actuation force for these switches is just 45g. Therefore, when you use these switches, you feel very light. After long usage, you won’t feel any pain in your fingers if you use linear switches.
Recommended: Tactile Vs Linear Vs Clicky Switches
10 Best Linear Switches
Linear switches are great. It can be used for fast typing or to boost your gaming experience. But there are lots of linear switches available. There we have curated a list of the top 10 best linear switches.
| Rank | Switch | Award | Actuation Force | Total Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kailh Cream Switches | Smoothest Switch | 55g | 4mm |
| 2 | Gateron Clear Switches | Lightest Linear Switch | 35g | 4mm |
| 3 | Cherry MX Speed Silver | Best Gaming Switch | 45g | 3.4mm |
| 4 | Kailh Box Red | Most Durable | 50g | 3.6mm |
| 5 | Cherry MX Red | Most Popular | 45g | 4mm |
1. Kailh Cream Switches
Kailh is a well-known brand that produces various amazing switches. These switches are used on various keyboards. One such amazing switch by Kailh is the Cream Switches. These switches are very responsive and have an actuation force of 55g. This is the best linear switch.
These switches provide an amazing gaming experience and can also help you with plenty of stuff to do in a very short period of time.
PROS
- You can customize these switches as they have MX stem compatibility.
- The clicks on these switches are very smooth and light.
- These switches are great for gaming.
CONS
- These switches have low actuation points.
- These switches are a little expensive.
| Type | Actuation Force | Total Travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | 55g | 4mm | Check Price |
2. Gateron Clear Switches
For every keyboard enthusiast, Gateron produced some amazing linear switches. One of the smoothest and lightest linear switches offered by Gateron is the Gateron Clear switch.
These switches are really smooth to press and do not require much force to click. There is no clicking sound when you press the keys. This helps you to concentrate on your task. These switches are cheap, and you can customize them as well.
PROS
- These switches provide a smooth feeling when you press them.
- These switches are cheap.
CONS
- These switches are unstable compared to other linear switches.
- These switches have low actuation points.
| Type | Actuation Force | Total Travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | 35g | 4mm | Check Price |
Recommended: Gateron vs Cherry Switches
3. Cherry MX Speed Silver
The Cherry MX speed silver switches are the best gaming switches offered by Cherry MX. These switches provide many amazing features that are needed for gaming. These switches are very easy to press as the actuation force is just 45g.
It also has a high actuation point, which is 1.2mm. This makes these switches very responsive and the best for gaming. Also, these switches are very durable and can last up to 100 million keystrokes.
The Cherry MX speed silver switches are very stable and make no noise when the keys are pressed. So when you play games with your team in a lobby, the keyboard noise won’t annoy them. Some gamers may enjoy the clicky noise made by their keyboard, whereas some prefer a quieter keyboard when they work or play games.
PROS
- The switches are very smooth and are silent.
- These switches are very durable.
- These switches are very stable.
CONS
- These switches are very expensive.
| Type | Actuation Force | Total Travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | 45g | 3.4mm | Check Price |
4. Kailh Box Red
The Kailh Box Red switches are one of the best linear switches in terms of durability. These switches are very smooth and have an actuation point of 1.8mm. The actuation force of these switches is 50g.
The main features of these switches are that they have an IP rating of 56. This makes these switches dust and water-resistant and consequently makes them last longer. These switches can be used for both typing and gaming.
PROS
- These switches have an IP rating of 56.
- The switches have 50g of actuation force.
CONS
- These switches can get loud.
| Type | Actuation Force | Total Travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | 50g | 3.6mm | Check Price |
5. Cherry MX Red
Every switch manufactured by Cherry MX offers amazing features and a great user experience. The Cherry MX Red switches are great linear switches. The actuation point of this switch is 2mm.
The actuation force of these switches is 45g. The Cherry MX Red switches provide a fast response; this feature is handy for gamers. This switch can give an upper hand in competitive games.
PROS
- These switches are not very costly.
- These switches offer a fast response.
CONS
- These switches are poor quality-wise.
| Type | Actuation Force | Total Travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | 45g | 4mm | Check Price |
6. NovelKeys Cream
The NovelKeys Cream Switches have one of the best sounds. This bassy sound has made these switches popular. Many keyboard users who like sound feedback while typing love these switches.
These switches offer a white color aesthetic, and these switches are made of POM plastic. If you want to use these switches, then you have to buy them separately and install them.
These switches are not pre-installed on keyboards. These switches are a little scratchy at first, but they become smooth after you use them for a while. This is because of the self-lubricating design.
PROS
- These switches have a pleasant bass in their sound.
- These switches provide an option to customize.
CONS
- These switches are not pre-installed on any keyboards. You have to purchase them and install them on your own.
| Type | Actuation Force | Total Travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | 55g | 4mm | Check Price |
7. Cherry MX Black
The Cherry MX Black switches are one of the most popular linear switches. These switches are known for their durability. In fact, these switches are the most durable linear switches. These switches can last up to 100 million keystrokes.
These switches are consistent but are scratchy. These switches are from the vintage collection of the Cherry MX company. These switches are extinct and hard to find.
PROS
- These switches are very durable.
- These switches are from the vintage collection.
CONS
- These switches are a little scratchy and may annoy some users.
| Type | Actuation Force | Total Travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | 60g | 4mm | Check Price |
8. Outemu Red Switches
The Outemu Red Switches are the best linear switches for users who need a high-quality switch at a cheap price. These switches are very smooth and are entirely silent. The actuation force of these switches is 50g.
These switches are cheaper compared to many linear switches mentioned in this article. The switches are not stable because they are not appropriately housed.
PROS
- These are high-quality switches.
- These switches do not make much noise.
- These switches are available at a cheap cost.
CONS
- These switches are not stable.
- The trigger level of these switches is quite low.
| Type | Actuation Force | Total Travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | 50g | 4mm | Check Price |
9. Gateron Red Switches
The Gateron Red Switches are one of the smoothest linear switches ever. These switches have an actuation force of 50g. Therefore, these switches can be pressed without much pressure.
The actuation point of these switches is 2mm. These switches are very silent and do not cost your pocket. However, these switches are not durable. They can last up to 50 million keystrokes.
PROS
- These switches are very smooth. Pressing the keys is effortless.
- These switches are cheap in price.
- These switches make no noise when you use them, so you can also use them in public places.
CONS
- These switches are not stable.
| Type | Actuation Force | Total Travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | 50g | 4mm | Check Price |
10. Outemu Black Switches
The Outemu Black Switches are one of the best switches made by Outemu. These switches are suitable for work as well as play. These switches do not make any noise, so that they can be used in a professional setting. The actuation point of these switches is 2mm.
The actuation force required to press these switches is 65g. This is the highest actuation force among all the switches mentioned in the list. These switches are durable and last up to 80 million keystrokes.
PROS
- These switches do not make any noise.
- These switches are durable.
CONS
- These switches have a high actuation force.
| Type | Actuation Force | Total Travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | 65g | 4mm | Check Price |
Conclusion
Linear switches are great to use. They do not make as much noise as tactile and clicky switches. The switches mentioned in this article are great to use. Mostly, linear switch keyboards are used by gamers. Only a few users use linear switches for typing. But this totally depends on personal preference.
thank you so much for such a great artice. thats what i wanted to read 🙂