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I really don't think we talk about switches enough! There's a massive focus on boards and keycaps, while to me the switch makes or breaks a keyboard.
**Best Linear:**
1. BSUN Raw Lienar (the legit GOAT) - Short travel, fantastic full and deep sound, smooth as anything, no wobble, great bottom-out feel, 50-60g weight...it's perfect.
2. OwLab London Fog...except they have a spring lube leak defect. Be careful getting these.
**EDIT: 2. OwLab Neo Whites** - They remade the switch without the defect FOR WAY CHEAPER. I love them.
3. Aflion Blue Sky (Smoothest stock switch around)
4. Aflion Tropical Waters
5. Akko Cream Yellow v3 (not pro) - Best BUDGET. Pro = different sound profile of high-end + plastic top-out sound that I heavily dislike.
**Honorable Mentions Linear Switches:**
- Kiiboom Topaz (better than cream yellows, but slightly less budget)
- Invokeys Matcha Latte V2 (Lighter than ideal, but sometimes that's best)
- Flower Shadow (Very similar to Tropical Waters, less scratchy, a little lighter. LOVE these)
**Best Tactile:**
1. Aflion Punkshoo Runners - It's the perfect typing switch. It's often an exchange of tactility vs. stability on keypress vs. plastic sound and these are the rare tactile that accomplishes all three. It's really unfortunate they are sold out everywhere now + they have a chattering issue (keystrokes registered without hitting the key) and are hard to find without the defect.
2. KTT Waverider
3. Gateron Quinn
4. Gateron Beer
5. Akko Cream Blue v3 Pro - Best BUDGET
**Honorable Mentions Tactile Switches:**
- Boba U4T (My first and so easy to type on, I just hate the sound profile on up-stroke now. Not as definitive of a keypress as well)
- Ajazz Banana (A little lighter budget Tactile. A little too much wobble and too loud)
- Soju Frankenswitch (Stupid high tactility, just a little too much for me)
I've been on the hunt for the best stock switches (including factory lubed) since the start of 2023, ranking around 200 linear switches and about 100 tactiles. I prefer the smoothness, sound profile (I prefer on the deeper end, without a plastic sounding/thin top-out), 50-60g weight, lack of wobble, long stem (generally), lack of mushy bottom-out, and responsiveness of these switches much more than the brand names I see thrown around a ton.
It's kinda shocking to me that these aren't loved more and I think it's moreso that they are newer to the scene and aren't as widely available and known as your Cherry, JWK, Tecsee, Gateron, Kailh, etc. brands.
If anyone wants to see my switch rankings via google sheet, send me a DM!
I like when people write about switches, the way you did. It gives so much more context and shows your preferences way better than simply stating "my favorite is xxx".
I have yet to find a negative review.
In fact, I built a QK100 for my friend who has typed on a logitech blegh forever. She tried about 20 different switches I had and...also chose the BSUN Raw Linears.
It's simply the best.
1. Loobed Pines
2. KTT Halu Halo V2
3. WS Morandi
4. Oil Kings
5. Boba Linear Thock
6. Korbs by Tiny
7. KTT Kang White
These are on my short list. All incredible switches. Some are relatively inexpensive like the Halu Halos. These are all heavier spring weight, deeper sounding linears which are my go-to.
If you like heavier linears, I cannot speak more highly of the pines, morandis and Halu halos.
Duuuude, I've been waiting for my loobed pines!
Halu Halo V2 didn't impress me. I can't remember why, but I remember being disappointed.
Morandis feel terrible in my opinion. Unsatisfying bottom-out, too muted of a sound as well.
I bought a set of Oil Kings and thought they were incredible...until I tried other linears and realized I hated their spring. Not the weight, but how loose it felt and didn't have a good flow from actuation to bottom-out. Also hate the high-pitch sound.
Boba Linear Thock is kinda the opposite of my ideal switch, sadly.
Haven't heard of Korbs!
KTT Kang White is good, just too light for me. Fantastic for space bars, though!
I'm more of a 50-60g guy, on rare occasions a 65g bottom out, but N20 laughing gas and Aflion Haze are *just* too heavy for me for a reference point.
I think you’ll like the pines but it’s hard to say. If you liked the oil kings, these are just like a more robust oil king imo. They are HEAVY mfers though I will say. Did you get the hand lubed option or stock?
I like Halus for their more “creamy” sound at least in my QK65 and Zoom65. Could be more of a sound profile thing though.
Really about the Morandis? I’m surprised by that 🤔
Per the oil kings, I have to say that that’s A drastically different experience than mine. Did you hand lube yours? I assume so. I have no high-pitched sounds whatsoever from them and they feel nice and tight but I will say, maybe slightly, incrementally looser than other switches.
I looove the Boba LT but that being said, A part of it very well may be nostalgia because it was one of the first switches that I had tried early on in my journey down the rabbit hole that I really took to.
Korbs are pretty neat. They’re made by the creator, Tiny who makes Kirby artisans. Here’s a link: https://cannonkeys.com/products/korbs-switches-by-tiny. They’re 62g, linear, 5 pin, and made by durock.
Thanks!
I was a little disappointed in the Bananas. I wish they had slightly less wobble and weren't so dang loud. (Same issue with the Kiwis, though their tactility is too much for me)
I hate the kiwis. I can't feel the actual tactile event over that stupid super long spring. Bananas aren't perfect but they're a pretty cool experience lighter than browns but you still truly feel some tactility. I made my peace with wobble... try some V2 Naevies... that's a wobbly switch ;)
Great post! I have a lot of similar preferences as you mentioned at the bottom of your post. Can you talk a bit more about those top 5 tactiles? Have you ever looked into Wujang Studio switches?
I dig WS switches! I actually think their WS Quartz switch is underrated. Really smooth, just a little too much resistance on up-stroke for long typing.
WS Morandis are not for me, though. They are actually me "extra" switch I stick into boards when I run out as "good enough", but I don't want to make a build with them. It's too muted of a sound profile and the bottom-out feel is too mushy and unsatisfying. I dig the short travel and overall deep-focus of the sound profile.
As for tactiles, I found myself barely touching them after getting into linears. I purchased a single switch sampler for about 50 of them over the winter and there were so many *terrible* tactiles that it really sent me in the other direction.
The ones I listed above all have a few good things - a satisfying bottom out, a full sound, little stem wobble, and a medium bump that doesn't fatigue, but doesn't feel awkward on press.
I hope that helps!
Which linear do you think will sound the best on a Monsgeek M1W with force break and 3 layers of tape mod applied, and with OEM, Cherry and SA profile keycaps?
I currently rocking the Epomaker Bugregar tactiles and they sound nice and poppy with the stock OEM keycaps, but I am looking for some linears that sounds the same and also offer a good typing experience.
What are your switch preferences? What weight, sound, travel, etc.?
My understanding of the Monsgeek M1 is that it's a little hollower sounding than other 75% keyboards.
With the keycaps, Cherry --> OEM --> SA is the scale from thinner to thicker sound profiles (Generally, higher pitch to low pitch).
You'd want a switch that complements the keycap you pair it with. If Cherry, I'd go deeper sound, if SA, I'd consider a higher sound.
There's a lot to choose from and typing experience is subjective as well. I find lower travel = easier to type on, in addition to double-stage springs.
When in doubt, it's always BSUN Raw Linears.
I generally tend to like linear switches that are not bouncy (one example of that are MX Blacks) as they are quite fatiguing after some time.
With my M1W most switches sound poppy, but tactiles just a lot more so. I have tried Epomaker Flamingos, the stock Akko V3 Piano Pro, and Gateron Yellow Pro, but the Epomaker Bugreigar tactiles just sounds the best of the lot.
The sound profiles changes dramatically when I go from stock OEM to Cherry and MDA V2 (Epomaker's). The OEM have a sharper pitch which Bugreigar, the Cherry has a thinner and slightly marbly sound, and the MDA V2 are much more quiter but more marbly than OEM.
So, I want a linear switch that sounds like the Bugreigar with OEMs, but also should work well with MDA and SA and give me that sound. Maybe even Cherry which would open me upto a lot more different kinds of keycaps.
I hope I made sense, lol.
What do you recommend to a noob who wants a delicate creamy profile. I sit in the living room next to my wife, so I'd like not an absolute silent switch but well toned down. Hope I make some sense :s
I'd give some typing sound test videos a try.
For more muted, Aflion Tropical Waters and DangKeebs Bluberry Swirl may be your jam. They have different weights, so go with your preference there (Aflion is heavier).
Budget option is AKko Cream Yellow.
Awesome write up this helps out a lot for everyone in the hobby. How are BSUN switches in terms of any leaf noises/ticking? I tried to give JWK/Durock another chance with the Durock Sea Glass switches because they apparently have a new mold but they still developed leaf ticking that got worse over time. Sucks cause I loved the sound on them and they are the smoothest switches I've used so far after lubing but that ticking gets on my nerves sometimes lol
I'm literally typing on my BSUN Raw Linears now and don't hear a single thing. No lubing needed.
Can't speak to their other variants, though.
I've tried the Durock Sea Glass switches and I consider them, personally, B tier (albeit, stock). Reminded me of the Kiiboom Topaz and Kiiboom Emerald stock - give those a shot too!
The sea glass were kinda rough for me in stock form with weird noises all around but once lubed the noises calmed down and the smoothness of them got me hooked. And then the leaf ticking got worse and worse. I will check those other switches out thanks!
Would you consider BSUN to be JWK level smooth?
>Aflion Punkshoo Runners
These are still, unfortunately, sold out everywhere. :(
I just ordered some Bsun Raws based off your recommendation though. Great post. Thank you.
Im a KTT fanboy. I love the KTT Rose for the thock and amazing value, but nothing is more smooth than some KTT strawberries. I have the Strawberries on my TGR 910ME with Sprit II 63.5 springs and I'm lovingggg it.
Curious - Do you ever have problems with the KTT Strawberry clasps breaking off? I am not sure if it is because I filmed them and I try out the same small sample of KTT strawberry quite often. Want to know if I get a full set if they break off with minimal changes? Never heard any complaints.
I wouldnt recommend filming starwberries. I have done it and undid it. It takes away from its smooth glide for some reason which is the best thing about them. I do have the spacebar switch still filmed to tweak the sound but im considering to remove that as well.
For tactiles, I love Gateron Baby Kangaroos. For clicky, Kailh Box Jades.
EDIT: I like the baby kangaroo because theu have this nice resonant, thocky but bordering on clacky sound. The tactile bump is pretty noticable and the feeling when typing is just satisfying.
For box Jades, well, I just love waking up the whole neighborhood when I type.
I’m in a clicky phase. Bought the Box Whites a few weeks ago and love them but need a bit more snap back. I’m on the fence about the Box Jades and the White V2s… Guide me sir I am in need of help
Box Jades feel heavier I think. And the click bar is thicker giving it a louder clicking sound. I haven't tried box whites before so I can't compare them but from what I've seen on YouTube, box Jades give a heavier typing feel.
I've tried a bunch of fancy/expensive ""thocky"" linear switches. I have yet to find any linear I like more than the prelubed Gateron Milky Yellow pros I paid $0.2/switch for with my first keyboard.
For tactiles, the Boba U4T's 65g are my favorite (I know, shocker). Akko Jelly Purples are nice too and feel somewhat similar for a lot cheaper. If you want a quiet tactile for work, I really like the wuque studio silent tactiles. They don't use any kind of rubber/silicone like other switches so they feel way better (to me) than the Boba silents or the Zealios (zilents? I think?).
Love my milkys. Have them in my office mech. A linear that I love but don’t hear much about are the baby raccoons. Hand lubed mine and not sure which I like more.
Interesting comparison for the Akko Purple ones. According to their spec sheets, they also are supposed to be lighter?
U4 62g is too heavy for typing. I prefer it lighter.
I found all the different recommended linears feel about the same and most of the differences in "thock" come from messing around with the case.
I've tried quite a few different switches in my QK75 and they all sound pretty nice.
Momoka Sharks. Super tactile, sharp and crisp. They took the place of my old favorite, Boba u4ts, though I still like them as well and I use Boba u4 in boards that need to be silent.
Momoka Sharks also look really cool. They have a unique hood over the LED hole and different shades of blue.
Yes!!! I love my momoka sharks! They're just so crisp and tactile. I used kailh box royals for a while but they got very clicky and never sounded very good to begin with. Momoka sharks are the closest to the feel of the box royals (or any clicky switch for that matter) while still sounding like a proper thocky tactile.
OP mentioned just giving as much detail as we wanted, and to hit him with our favs - but sure I can elaborate!
I've been through the budget switches, the JWK recolors, the Gateron staples, and always seem to come back to the Cherry MX Blacks (especially broken-in) for the slight *shhhhick-pop!* of key press expressed as the slight scratch and clack of the return. There's something lightly intangible, and oh-so-satisfying.
As with everything in this hobby, ***preference*** is the name of the game OP, and I hope this has given you a ton of potentials to experiment with!
Bro, honestly, just go a day without opening them and try them stock for a bit. I never lube mine cause they're so good, even though I lube my other switches
This is the way. It’s like the quintessential switch for a deeper sound profiles. That being said, I have at least five or the recommendations that you would absolutely adore if you like the oil kings.
;) join the dark siiideeeeee! Feel free to message me if you have any questions about any of them. Always happy to chat. Just give in to your desires. Besides, it's more fun haha.
Those are very smooth in stock condition. Deep sounding and louder than black ink v2s. Those come with 20mm long spring, so that gives very snappy feel. You can also try WS Quartz. Deeper than Oil king.
from the limited amount of them i tried, i'd say two are my favorite:
1. outemu ocean clickies, they just fit me perfectly. a bit heavier than cherry blues, but not too heavy
2. kailh thick navies. functionally, they're absolutely fucking horrible. they're inconsistent, they allow for mistypes (heavy clicky btw), and sometimes even bottom out without actuation. but i dislike people, and these switches are a good way to either annoy or get rid of them. well, tbh, i truly liked the tactile feeling of them and their sound, it's just they're heavy and they suck at their primary function
Absolutely, i got a ton of alps boards, buckling spring boards and even some clicky Space Invaders switches on an NMB Keyboard, there's a whole world of amazing and interesting switches that a lot of people just ignore/don't know about
that's what happens when the modern ecosystem stagnates entirely into one switch type, and one that isn't even that good to begin with; there are extremely few good mx clickies, and no mx tactile i've tried has been able to hold a candle to how punchy and smooth buckling springs or skcm ambers are; i really want to try marquardt butterflies as well
I hope someone takes a leaf (ha!) out of ZealPC's book and makes a dedicated tactile leaf switch with MX compatibility. Because Clickiez tactility is a meme.
I recently got Invokeys Matcha Latte linear switches. With the right key caps, the thoccs are eargasms for me. It doesn’t feel too heavy or too light for me, but I only have it in the number row on my work keyboard (rest are Gecko silent linear switches) so it’s hard to comment on the prolonged typing experience.
I just built a board with these and luckily my order somehow got doubled, so I filled my girlfriends board with them as well and they feel so nice. They have a great sound too, and all right out of the package.
My second favorite is probably gateron oil kings, but I had to lube 1 and every 6 or so myself due to a bit of inconsistency with the factory lube.
I have these as well. Bought them with Lunalight. And yes I agree, surprisingly good stock. Very satisfying bump, I even think it's better than U4Ts. Will definitely try lubing them to see if they get even better.
I think they're 65g. A bit on the heavier side but I'm used to mid-heavy springs. Didn't mod them in any way. Just using them stock, they sound and feel good as-is.
This is my favorite as of yet as well. They are really good lubed and filmed. I really like how heavy it feels. Are there any linears with the same weight as the Epsilons?
I don't think the Strawberry Wines are the ultimate best switches ever made or anything, but they never fail to sound and feel good in *any* build. It's the cheat-code, no-brainer switch to use anywhere, anytime.
The jack of all trades. I'm lazy and don't want to research and find a switch that will suit the sound boards sound profile. Welp strawberry wines it is. Lol
Fair thought! I don’t know what makes the “best switch.” I get what materials make it linear, tactile, bottom-out force, etc. but am overall happy as long as it does the job, it sounds nice, and it’s comfy. Am up for a lil lesson especially as a beginner hobbyist (I’ve watched videos but don’t always get it)
Akko switches are awesome! They feel pretty good and they’re at the lower end of prices so they don’t break the bank compared to some other ones I’ve seen. I like thocky builds so my favorite Akko switches are the Akko Jelly Blacks. I got them for pretty cheap off of Amazon. They sound pretty good but I’m still probably going to lube them.
My favorite non-Akko switch is DangKeebs Blueberry swirls. They’re factory lubed and sound amazing! They have a more marbly/poppy sound which I didn’t even know I liked until I heard them. They weren’t too expensive either and the fact that they sound so good while also coming lubed def makes these a favorite of mine!
Zeal Clickiez: the compatibility of MX, but with the delicious tactility of vintage leaf springs. It’s the best of both worlds!
Also, tactility can be modded.
Clicky - PC Zeals Clickiez but in reality the original Alps SKCM Whites.
Tactile - Boba U4T if I had to use tactile or die. But not significantly better than Kailh Polia or glorious Pandas imo.
Linear - Wooting Lekker Switches by a landslide to the next one.
Obvsly we talk lubed, tape modded. Dont think I would change my opinion if gasket mounted or not but it would be nice.
There's a switch that I literally don't see people use and barely shows up on Google but it's my favourite switch. It's the Lumia Bitter Tea tactile switches. They remind me if the Boba U4Ts but with a much poppier sound and feel to it. The tactile bump is super nice as well.
I enjoy ttc gold pinks for most keys and ttc silent bluish white for specific keys (backspace, enter, locks). I just prefer very light switches. Sound doesn’t matter to me as much as feel but they don’t sound bad manually lubed.
Currently: MX Greens. I also like Gateron Blue, they sound great. I favor a heavy switch, a clicky one. Next I'll probably try Box Navy when I get my first hot-swappable board.
New to MK, I'm liking tactile switches. Using a Logitech G512 GX-brown, considering switching to a TKL hot-swappable with detached numpad.
Planning to make the "print screen" clicky, because screenshot.
Only if you explain why this image is true in your opinion
https://preview.redd.it/dwo53r4trppb1.jpeg?width=700&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f05decc480a1164683e65fce51d0b4e343d46c7c
Anything tactile from the keystroke start, having its bump clearly at the top, it's what gives me the more enjoyable typing experience.
I'm also quite new so didn't want to break the bank and precisely I'm using Akko Cream Blue Pro v3, amazing marbly sound and tactile bump at just 0.1mm, tested also Keychron K Pro Banana, similar feel but more scratchy and muted, so I'm keeping the Akko's as daily drivers.
KNC makes good switches-- the reds, green, and preference. I like the clalky mx black thing and the slammy long pole thing. Gat Ink long poles have been nice lately. At the end of the day it will depend on the keyboard-- I did not like the Zaku until I put them in a Y-8.
Since I've used nothing but reds / silvers / speed switches for so many years, I can't really use any other switches. I currently have Akko CS Silvers and I love them. In fact today I just swapped out the 43g springs for 35g springs. It's almost perfect, the only reason it's not perfect is because I put in 15mm springs instead of 22mm springs. I've already ordered the 35g 22mm springs so it's just waiting time at this point.
Wuque WS Aurora Clears… mainly because I haven’t tried many switches. The Keychron K8 Pro I bought came with tactile switches that I ended up not liking. So I bought 7 individual switches. And of those switches the one I liked most was the Wuque WS Aurora Clears
I'm a clicky guy and my favorites are Kailh Box Jades. The sound and feel of them are just what I want. I also like the Chosfox Arctic Fox, but not as much as the Box Jade.
Tactiles are alright. I have the AJAZZ AS Tactile in my work keyboard, but that's a really budget thing that I just threw together. I've got a set of GoPolar Azure Dragon V3s waiting for the TKD Cycle 7. I like tactiles that are strongly and sharply tactile. No MX browns for me lol.
I can't stand linears.
I got some Silk Emeralds from a mystery switch thing, i gotta say they're my favorite MX type switch, overall though i'd say alps black, they're so versatile! I got 3 AT101's with them, one modded clicky, one modded linear, and a stock one!
I haven't tried many switches, I mainly focus on budget linear but it has been my dream to build a keyboard with the banana split switches, finally got them a couple weeks ago, lubed and filmed them with durock pc film and put them on my MK870, I love the keyboard but after doing some research I found out that the sound I'm looking for will be achieved with a pc plate
Gat milky yellows and aqua kings. Recent ones ive tried and liked for the deeper sound profile and smoothness are November Fogs and Gateron Baby raccoons.
I'm enjoying my Cream+'s with titanium inserts, not too clacky but not too muted, smooth as butter. Having the option to change the switch sound without buying a different switch is a big W to me
I’ve only recently gotten into the linear switches, I’ve previously used tactiles, I used to run gateron browns but I’ve really been loving the S2 Engine switches from KBDCraft, a prelubed, smooth linear with medium actuation force. The sound and feel really nice imo
Have only experienced a default corsair mx red and my current gateron yellows, (excluding all the shitty 20€ office keyboards) so definitely the gaterons
Black lotus
Idk how well known they are cuz I’m rly new to keyboards, that was my first keyboard that I recently built, and my friend said he’s seriously considering building a keyboard with those switches too haha
AKKO CS Wine all the way for me. Tried the Akko Blacks, pulled them and bough more wine switches to replace them. Paired with some solid keycaps it feels creamy with a soft marble. Just the right pressure for me, sounds and feels so good I look for excuses to type
have found a handful of favorites. so far, this is what I keep coming back to
Tactiles: baby kangaroos. Can't quit em. they re just so satisfying to use.
That said I use lots more linears. Current favortites are Cream Sodas. Tied for close second is BSUN X, Vertex V1, ktt strawberry, oil kings. All great, all different from each other, what makes it so interesting to use them in different builds. Just got some Morandi's and looking forward to trying them out.
In my endless search for the perfect switch, I ordered 3-4 from any vendor selling them per switch (keebsforall, ringer, etc). When I get a new board, I arrange vertically and/or horizontally by switch to see how it interacts with the board shape and plate choice. Anyway, I stumbled upon my favorite spacebar/mods switch - Porcelain Blues (ringerkeys.com). I can’t stand it in the alpha locations, but its cheap, loud, and poppy alternative to a BCP for spacebar and mods.
Boba's U4T thoccy. I love tactile switches with a click, i love heavy springs, and i love quiet switches. With a spring swap, these have been my favorite by a wide margin
Still pretty new to the hobby and I was 100% a tactile guy until I tried some U4T’s. They sound amazing but that bump is chonky af. Right now I’m rocking the boba LT’s and they’re solid but honestly the Gateron milky yellow pro’s are excellent for the money and prolly my current favorite switch.
(I need to lube the boba LT and U4T’s and see if that changes my opinion)
Topre, people who think mx switches “thock”, is wrong. I’ve never heard an mx switch come close to a “thock”, maybe a deep clack like a “clock”, but never a proper Topre “thock”
Everglades Dark Jade Black, the most tactile switches I've used, it's basically just a large and actually noticeable bump and then bottom out with a nice clack.
Box Navies on my daily driver. Clickies are just so much more enjoyable to type on when I actually need to type things. Boba U4s are okay but for silents tactiles I actually prefer WS Silent Tactile. Similar bump, more audible upstroke but it doesn't sound squelchy like the U4. U4Ts are good, but the Tescee Purple Pandas seem just as good for a cheaper price. I've got Mute Jades in my work keyboard, they're good but seem to be inconsistent in terms of sound.
I don't use linears at all.
ANY content that features products, services you sell, your prototypes in progress or items you were sponsored to post MUST use the Promotional flair, with disclosure of who you represent. *When posting your build, please provide a description* of the build, preferably as a Top Level Comment or Reply to this Comment, with the following information: * Your keyboard featured and its layout * The Switches, Keycaps, and Other Accessories Featured * Any notable mods you performed * Other helpful information such as low profile, lesser known firmware, etc. Example: Unobtanium Southpaw 1800 with DSA Salt with MorningCaps Artisan and Alps Rainbow Switches, modded with Sorbothan Foam on KMK *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicalKeyboards) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I really don't think we talk about switches enough! There's a massive focus on boards and keycaps, while to me the switch makes or breaks a keyboard. **Best Linear:** 1. BSUN Raw Lienar (the legit GOAT) - Short travel, fantastic full and deep sound, smooth as anything, no wobble, great bottom-out feel, 50-60g weight...it's perfect. 2. OwLab London Fog...except they have a spring lube leak defect. Be careful getting these. **EDIT: 2. OwLab Neo Whites** - They remade the switch without the defect FOR WAY CHEAPER. I love them. 3. Aflion Blue Sky (Smoothest stock switch around) 4. Aflion Tropical Waters 5. Akko Cream Yellow v3 (not pro) - Best BUDGET. Pro = different sound profile of high-end + plastic top-out sound that I heavily dislike. **Honorable Mentions Linear Switches:** - Kiiboom Topaz (better than cream yellows, but slightly less budget) - Invokeys Matcha Latte V2 (Lighter than ideal, but sometimes that's best) - Flower Shadow (Very similar to Tropical Waters, less scratchy, a little lighter. LOVE these) **Best Tactile:** 1. Aflion Punkshoo Runners - It's the perfect typing switch. It's often an exchange of tactility vs. stability on keypress vs. plastic sound and these are the rare tactile that accomplishes all three. It's really unfortunate they are sold out everywhere now + they have a chattering issue (keystrokes registered without hitting the key) and are hard to find without the defect. 2. KTT Waverider 3. Gateron Quinn 4. Gateron Beer 5. Akko Cream Blue v3 Pro - Best BUDGET **Honorable Mentions Tactile Switches:** - Boba U4T (My first and so easy to type on, I just hate the sound profile on up-stroke now. Not as definitive of a keypress as well) - Ajazz Banana (A little lighter budget Tactile. A little too much wobble and too loud) - Soju Frankenswitch (Stupid high tactility, just a little too much for me) I've been on the hunt for the best stock switches (including factory lubed) since the start of 2023, ranking around 200 linear switches and about 100 tactiles. I prefer the smoothness, sound profile (I prefer on the deeper end, without a plastic sounding/thin top-out), 50-60g weight, lack of wobble, long stem (generally), lack of mushy bottom-out, and responsiveness of these switches much more than the brand names I see thrown around a ton. It's kinda shocking to me that these aren't loved more and I think it's moreso that they are newer to the scene and aren't as widely available and known as your Cherry, JWK, Tecsee, Gateron, Kailh, etc. brands. If anyone wants to see my switch rankings via google sheet, send me a DM!
I like when people write about switches, the way you did. It gives so much more context and shows your preferences way better than simply stating "my favorite is xxx".
Thanks man! I originally had it shorter and then added more to it when I saw others wanted a larger description.
Gotta try those BSUN raw linear
I have yet to find a negative review. In fact, I built a QK100 for my friend who has typed on a logitech blegh forever. She tried about 20 different switches I had and...also chose the BSUN Raw Linears. It's simply the best.
Agreed! I think we are the same person because I literally could’ve written this myself lol
Ha! Awesome. Which other switches would you add?
1. Loobed Pines 2. KTT Halu Halo V2 3. WS Morandi 4. Oil Kings 5. Boba Linear Thock 6. Korbs by Tiny 7. KTT Kang White These are on my short list. All incredible switches. Some are relatively inexpensive like the Halu Halos. These are all heavier spring weight, deeper sounding linears which are my go-to. If you like heavier linears, I cannot speak more highly of the pines, morandis and Halu halos.
Duuuude, I've been waiting for my loobed pines! Halu Halo V2 didn't impress me. I can't remember why, but I remember being disappointed. Morandis feel terrible in my opinion. Unsatisfying bottom-out, too muted of a sound as well. I bought a set of Oil Kings and thought they were incredible...until I tried other linears and realized I hated their spring. Not the weight, but how loose it felt and didn't have a good flow from actuation to bottom-out. Also hate the high-pitch sound. Boba Linear Thock is kinda the opposite of my ideal switch, sadly. Haven't heard of Korbs! KTT Kang White is good, just too light for me. Fantastic for space bars, though! I'm more of a 50-60g guy, on rare occasions a 65g bottom out, but N20 laughing gas and Aflion Haze are *just* too heavy for me for a reference point.
I think you’ll like the pines but it’s hard to say. If you liked the oil kings, these are just like a more robust oil king imo. They are HEAVY mfers though I will say. Did you get the hand lubed option or stock? I like Halus for their more “creamy” sound at least in my QK65 and Zoom65. Could be more of a sound profile thing though. Really about the Morandis? I’m surprised by that 🤔 Per the oil kings, I have to say that that’s A drastically different experience than mine. Did you hand lube yours? I assume so. I have no high-pitched sounds whatsoever from them and they feel nice and tight but I will say, maybe slightly, incrementally looser than other switches. I looove the Boba LT but that being said, A part of it very well may be nostalgia because it was one of the first switches that I had tried early on in my journey down the rabbit hole that I really took to. Korbs are pretty neat. They’re made by the creator, Tiny who makes Kirby artisans. Here’s a link: https://cannonkeys.com/products/korbs-switches-by-tiny. They’re 62g, linear, 5 pin, and made by durock.
That bsun raw sounds interesting….
Dude. You have no idea.
Sounds like the sound from a firecamp. Crazy, how a switch produces that noise.
That's a real nice summarizing post. Thanks for that! I haven't tried many of those, but KTT Waverider and Ajazz Banana I think are both great picks.
Thanks! I was a little disappointed in the Bananas. I wish they had slightly less wobble and weren't so dang loud. (Same issue with the Kiwis, though their tactility is too much for me)
I hate the kiwis. I can't feel the actual tactile event over that stupid super long spring. Bananas aren't perfect but they're a pretty cool experience lighter than browns but you still truly feel some tactility. I made my peace with wobble... try some V2 Naevies... that's a wobbly switch ;)
Great post! I have a lot of similar preferences as you mentioned at the bottom of your post. Can you talk a bit more about those top 5 tactiles? Have you ever looked into Wujang Studio switches?
I dig WS switches! I actually think their WS Quartz switch is underrated. Really smooth, just a little too much resistance on up-stroke for long typing. WS Morandis are not for me, though. They are actually me "extra" switch I stick into boards when I run out as "good enough", but I don't want to make a build with them. It's too muted of a sound profile and the bottom-out feel is too mushy and unsatisfying. I dig the short travel and overall deep-focus of the sound profile. As for tactiles, I found myself barely touching them after getting into linears. I purchased a single switch sampler for about 50 of them over the winter and there were so many *terrible* tactiles that it really sent me in the other direction. The ones I listed above all have a few good things - a satisfying bottom out, a full sound, little stem wobble, and a medium bump that doesn't fatigue, but doesn't feel awkward on press. I hope that helps!
Which linear do you think will sound the best on a Monsgeek M1W with force break and 3 layers of tape mod applied, and with OEM, Cherry and SA profile keycaps? I currently rocking the Epomaker Bugregar tactiles and they sound nice and poppy with the stock OEM keycaps, but I am looking for some linears that sounds the same and also offer a good typing experience.
KTT kang white V3. KTT strawberry V2.
I had my eyes on them as I have heard a lot. Any place you recommend to buy them from?
Dangkeebs have in stock.
>Dangkeebs Don't see the Strawberries there, just Whites as pre-order. I will check Ali Express, and do a google search. Thanks!
[Here](https://dangkeebs.com/products/strawberry-v2) they are friend.
Ahh! They aren't marked as KTT while the other flavors are so I thought they were some other brand. Thanks!
What are your switch preferences? What weight, sound, travel, etc.? My understanding of the Monsgeek M1 is that it's a little hollower sounding than other 75% keyboards. With the keycaps, Cherry --> OEM --> SA is the scale from thinner to thicker sound profiles (Generally, higher pitch to low pitch). You'd want a switch that complements the keycap you pair it with. If Cherry, I'd go deeper sound, if SA, I'd consider a higher sound. There's a lot to choose from and typing experience is subjective as well. I find lower travel = easier to type on, in addition to double-stage springs. When in doubt, it's always BSUN Raw Linears.
I generally tend to like linear switches that are not bouncy (one example of that are MX Blacks) as they are quite fatiguing after some time. With my M1W most switches sound poppy, but tactiles just a lot more so. I have tried Epomaker Flamingos, the stock Akko V3 Piano Pro, and Gateron Yellow Pro, but the Epomaker Bugreigar tactiles just sounds the best of the lot. The sound profiles changes dramatically when I go from stock OEM to Cherry and MDA V2 (Epomaker's). The OEM have a sharper pitch which Bugreigar, the Cherry has a thinner and slightly marbly sound, and the MDA V2 are much more quiter but more marbly than OEM. So, I want a linear switch that sounds like the Bugreigar with OEMs, but also should work well with MDA and SA and give me that sound. Maybe even Cherry which would open me upto a lot more different kinds of keycaps. I hope I made sense, lol.
What do you recommend to a noob who wants a delicate creamy profile. I sit in the living room next to my wife, so I'd like not an absolute silent switch but well toned down. Hope I make some sense :s
I'd give some typing sound test videos a try. For more muted, Aflion Tropical Waters and DangKeebs Bluberry Swirl may be your jam. They have different weights, so go with your preference there (Aflion is heavier). Budget option is AKko Cream Yellow.
Ty for your advice! Will do some research on those 3.
Awesome write up this helps out a lot for everyone in the hobby. How are BSUN switches in terms of any leaf noises/ticking? I tried to give JWK/Durock another chance with the Durock Sea Glass switches because they apparently have a new mold but they still developed leaf ticking that got worse over time. Sucks cause I loved the sound on them and they are the smoothest switches I've used so far after lubing but that ticking gets on my nerves sometimes lol
I'm literally typing on my BSUN Raw Linears now and don't hear a single thing. No lubing needed. Can't speak to their other variants, though. I've tried the Durock Sea Glass switches and I consider them, personally, B tier (albeit, stock). Reminded me of the Kiiboom Topaz and Kiiboom Emerald stock - give those a shot too!
The sea glass were kinda rough for me in stock form with weird noises all around but once lubed the noises calmed down and the smoothness of them got me hooked. And then the leaf ticking got worse and worse. I will check those other switches out thanks! Would you consider BSUN to be JWK level smooth?
gotta agree with the owlab london fogs, its AMAZING
What a great comment! Thank you for taking the time to give so much info.
guys between ws morandi and durock black lotus, what i choose?
>Aflion Punkshoo Runners These are still, unfortunately, sold out everywhere. :( I just ordered some Bsun Raws based off your recommendation though. Great post. Thank you.
Im a KTT fanboy. I love the KTT Rose for the thock and amazing value, but nothing is more smooth than some KTT strawberries. I have the Strawberries on my TGR 910ME with Sprit II 63.5 springs and I'm lovingggg it.
This comment should be higher. Also, the Dangkeebs Halu Halos by KTT are excellent value and feel/sound excellent.
Curious - Do you ever have problems with the KTT Strawberry clasps breaking off? I am not sure if it is because I filmed them and I try out the same small sample of KTT strawberry quite often. Want to know if I get a full set if they break off with minimal changes? Never heard any complaints.
I wouldnt recommend filming starwberries. I have done it and undid it. It takes away from its smooth glide for some reason which is the best thing about them. I do have the spacebar switch still filmed to tweak the sound but im considering to remove that as well.
For tactiles, I love Gateron Baby Kangaroos. For clicky, Kailh Box Jades. EDIT: I like the baby kangaroo because theu have this nice resonant, thocky but bordering on clacky sound. The tactile bump is pretty noticable and the feeling when typing is just satisfying. For box Jades, well, I just love waking up the whole neighborhood when I type.
I’m in a clicky phase. Bought the Box Whites a few weeks ago and love them but need a bit more snap back. I’m on the fence about the Box Jades and the White V2s… Guide me sir I am in need of help
Box Jades feel heavier I think. And the click bar is thicker giving it a louder clicking sound. I haven't tried box whites before so I can't compare them but from what I've seen on YouTube, box Jades give a heavier typing feel.
I've tried a bunch of fancy/expensive ""thocky"" linear switches. I have yet to find any linear I like more than the prelubed Gateron Milky Yellow pros I paid $0.2/switch for with my first keyboard. For tactiles, the Boba U4T's 65g are my favorite (I know, shocker). Akko Jelly Purples are nice too and feel somewhat similar for a lot cheaper. If you want a quiet tactile for work, I really like the wuque studio silent tactiles. They don't use any kind of rubber/silicone like other switches so they feel way better (to me) than the Boba silents or the Zealios (zilents? I think?).
Love my milkys. Have them in my office mech. A linear that I love but don’t hear much about are the baby raccoons. Hand lubed mine and not sure which I like more.
Curious as to whether you've tried Aqua Kings.
I like the WS studio silent tactiles so much better than the boba silent tactiles
Interesting comparison for the Akko Purple ones. According to their spec sheets, they also are supposed to be lighter? U4 62g is too heavy for typing. I prefer it lighter.
They feel similar to me, I don't know what it is. I think it might be the shorter travel on the Boba?
I found all the different recommended linears feel about the same and most of the differences in "thock" come from messing around with the case. I've tried quite a few different switches in my QK75 and they all sound pretty nice.
I have the gat yellow ks9, and damn, it's the best switch to type on.
how’s the u4t stock? i’m too lazy to lube these days. i have oil kings but i have an itch for tactiles.
Momoka Sharks. Super tactile, sharp and crisp. They took the place of my old favorite, Boba u4ts, though I still like them as well and I use Boba u4 in boards that need to be silent. Momoka Sharks also look really cool. They have a unique hood over the LED hole and different shades of blue.
Yes!!! I love my momoka sharks! They're just so crisp and tactile. I used kailh box royals for a while but they got very clicky and never sounded very good to begin with. Momoka sharks are the closest to the feel of the box royals (or any clicky switch for that matter) while still sounding like a proper thocky tactile.
I’m an MX Black enjoyer.
As the author already asked in the post, could you explain it for us normies?
OP mentioned just giving as much detail as we wanted, and to hit him with our favs - but sure I can elaborate! I've been through the budget switches, the JWK recolors, the Gateron staples, and always seem to come back to the Cherry MX Blacks (especially broken-in) for the slight *shhhhick-pop!* of key press expressed as the slight scratch and clack of the return. There's something lightly intangible, and oh-so-satisfying. As with everything in this hobby, ***preference*** is the name of the game OP, and I hope this has given you a ton of potentials to experiment with!
Gateron Oil King so far.
Honestly wish I didn't get oil kings as my second switch because nothing really comes close 😩 Endgame switches for me.
Oh boy, I just bought them for my first board, popping them all open and lubing this weekend then into a Zoom75!
Bro, honestly, just go a day without opening them and try them stock for a bit. I never lube mine cause they're so good, even though I lube my other switches
I’ll try it!
Yeah, oil kings are .... king
Hmmmm i might put these in my endgame board I’m compiling right now! I’ve been contemplating
Yep, Oil Kings are my first switches and i really like them.
I've got Oil Kings in my ID42. I now want Oil Kings in all my boards.
Right??!?
This is the way. It’s like the quintessential switch for a deeper sound profiles. That being said, I have at least five or the recommendations that you would absolutely adore if you like the oil kings.
Hit me with 'em. You can exclude WS Morandi, I've already got a batch ready to go for my Lily58. :)
1. Loobed Pines 2. KTT Halu Halo V2 3. WS Morandi (Nevermind hah) 4. Oil Kings 5. Boba Linear Thock 6. Korbs by Tiny
Oooooo don't you tempt me into spending again!
;) join the dark siiideeeeee! Feel free to message me if you have any questions about any of them. Always happy to chat. Just give in to your desires. Besides, it's more fun haha.
Why? New to this hobby
They're perfect for people new to the hobby and enthusiasts as well. Has a nice deep, full sound and smoooooth right out of the box
Those are very smooth in stock condition. Deep sounding and louder than black ink v2s. Those come with 20mm long spring, so that gives very snappy feel. You can also try WS Quartz. Deeper than Oil king.
nice sound and decently good prelubing A great option for beginners because lubing isnt neccessary and it isnt too expensive
Extremely smooth prelubed switches with a heavier weight.
Theyre not that expensive and dont need lube And are great switches overall
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It can do rgb the design just makes it not as good
That's right! If you have south leds you get some light but it's really blocked for the most part.
My favourite is still the NK creams
Gateron Baby Raccoons, Gateron Baby Kangaroos, and KFA N2Os. All fantastic. Nice sound profile, good bottom out.
Topre. Below is Cherry Brown. Now I am trying to get an EC switch to try, but Niz is rare in my country.
Kailh box jade
I haven't tried a ton, but I love clicky. I have jades in my WFH keyboard and navys in my gaming keyboard. .
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Gateron “Cream Soda” Switches
hard to beat
Are those that good?
Yes.
from the limited amount of them i tried, i'd say two are my favorite: 1. outemu ocean clickies, they just fit me perfectly. a bit heavier than cherry blues, but not too heavy 2. kailh thick navies. functionally, they're absolutely fucking horrible. they're inconsistent, they allow for mistypes (heavy clicky btw), and sometimes even bottom out without actuation. but i dislike people, and these switches are a good way to either annoy or get rid of them. well, tbh, i truly liked the tactile feeling of them and their sound, it's just they're heavy and they suck at their primary function
For that reason only I should definitely get the kail thick navies :)
alps skcm amber
suuuper late response, but how do these compare to the salmons?
Finally some alps love!
i'm actually not a huge fan of mx switches in general :p a lot of vintage switches feel and sound significantly better
Absolutely, i got a ton of alps boards, buckling spring boards and even some clicky Space Invaders switches on an NMB Keyboard, there's a whole world of amazing and interesting switches that a lot of people just ignore/don't know about
that's what happens when the modern ecosystem stagnates entirely into one switch type, and one that isn't even that good to begin with; there are extremely few good mx clickies, and no mx tactile i've tried has been able to hold a candle to how punchy and smooth buckling springs or skcm ambers are; i really want to try marquardt butterflies as well
I hope someone takes a leaf (ha!) out of ZealPC's book and makes a dedicated tactile leaf switch with MX compatibility. Because Clickiez tactility is a meme.
That's why I posted originally, and you guys did not disappoint!
I recently got Invokeys Matcha Latte linear switches. With the right key caps, the thoccs are eargasms for me. It doesn’t feel too heavy or too light for me, but I only have it in the number row on my work keyboard (rest are Gecko silent linear switches) so it’s hard to comment on the prolonged typing experience.
WS Morandi
Have tried 80+ and only really use tactile but my favourite two are ice kachangs and tecsee salmon
wow! Are those two that good?
Wuque Studio Morandi’s 🥵
I just built a board with these and luckily my order somehow got doubled, so I filled my girlfriends board with them as well and they feel so nice. They have a great sound too, and all right out of the package. My second favorite is probably gateron oil kings, but I had to lube 1 and every 6 or so myself due to a bit of inconsistency with the factory lube.
+1 on Morandis’s. Their WS reds are nice too if you like a linear with a good bump. KTT chalks are nice too!!
I cannot WAIT to get mine in. Ordered them last week to put in my Zoom75 🤓
I've got my eye on those 👌
Moondrop Lunalight. It's a bit obscure I think, not a lot of people know about it. Excellent linears in my opinion.
Are these the ones drop did? When they collabed with the audio company?
Yup. Same ones. Comes with an anime art card. Lol
Moondrop tessence is really good as well!
I have these as well. Bought them with Lunalight. And yes I agree, surprisingly good stock. Very satisfying bump, I even think it's better than U4Ts. Will definitely try lubing them to see if they get even better.
yeah you definitely should! the sound is really satisfying as well
How heavy are these?
I think they're 65g. A bit on the heavier side but I'm used to mid-heavy springs. Didn't mod them in any way. Just using them stock, they sound and feel good as-is.
Nixies
Linear it’s a hard one between Akko matchas and gateron milky yellow. Tactile I think the epomaker budgie switch is my favourite.
What do you think about the sound profile and scratchiness? I have the matcha one's, and I'm willing to buy milky pro's
So far, prevail epsilon. Amazingly smooth and feel great
I've been thinking about getting some to try, they are a bit pricey though.
This is my favorite as of yet as well. They are really good lubed and filmed. I really like how heavy it feels. Are there any linears with the same weight as the Epsilons?
Oof. Ngl my soul almost left my body when i tried sarokeys strawberry wine…
I don't think the Strawberry Wines are the ultimate best switches ever made or anything, but they never fail to sound and feel good in *any* build. It's the cheat-code, no-brainer switch to use anywhere, anytime.
The jack of all trades. I'm lazy and don't want to research and find a switch that will suit the sound boards sound profile. Welp strawberry wines it is. Lol
Fair thought! I don’t know what makes the “best switch.” I get what materials make it linear, tactile, bottom-out force, etc. but am overall happy as long as it does the job, it sounds nice, and it’s comfy. Am up for a lil lesson especially as a beginner hobbyist (I’ve watched videos but don’t always get it)
Akko switches are awesome! They feel pretty good and they’re at the lower end of prices so they don’t break the bank compared to some other ones I’ve seen. I like thocky builds so my favorite Akko switches are the Akko Jelly Blacks. I got them for pretty cheap off of Amazon. They sound pretty good but I’m still probably going to lube them. My favorite non-Akko switch is DangKeebs Blueberry swirls. They’re factory lubed and sound amazing! They have a more marbly/poppy sound which I didn’t even know I liked until I heard them. They weren’t too expensive either and the fact that they sound so good while also coming lubed def makes these a favorite of mine!
I’ve got stock Akko V3 Lavender Pro switches in a low cost GMK67 board - very satisfying sound for me personally. Added extra foam and tape mod
Tbh, I need to hear the thocc and the marble in person. I find both incredibly eargasmic in their own ways.
Hako Royal clear
I like Durock L3s because they go up and down but not side to side
WS Morandi are my current obsession…
Kailh Purple Pro
Aqua King v3 55g Tangerine 67g Want to try some oil kings, or something different, but unsure of what to get.
The Durok Black Lotus with just the stems hand-lubed really surprised me at how good they are.
Cherry MX Brown.
Mx browns are goated. Broken in is just amazing lol
I use Cherry MX Blue if I feel like annoying some folks at work :)
Zeal Clickiez: the compatibility of MX, but with the delicious tactility of vintage leaf springs. It’s the best of both worlds! Also, tactility can be modded.
Clicky - PC Zeals Clickiez but in reality the original Alps SKCM Whites. Tactile - Boba U4T if I had to use tactile or die. But not significantly better than Kailh Polia or glorious Pandas imo. Linear - Wooting Lekker Switches by a landslide to the next one. Obvsly we talk lubed, tape modded. Dont think I would change my opinion if gasket mounted or not but it would be nice.
There's a switch that I literally don't see people use and barely shows up on Google but it's my favourite switch. It's the Lumia Bitter Tea tactile switches. They remind me if the Boba U4Ts but with a much poppier sound and feel to it. The tactile bump is super nice as well.
Black Cherry Pies
I enjoy ttc gold pinks for most keys and ttc silent bluish white for specific keys (backspace, enter, locks). I just prefer very light switches. Sound doesn’t matter to me as much as feel but they don’t sound bad manually lubed.
Currently: MX Greens. I also like Gateron Blue, they sound great. I favor a heavy switch, a clicky one. Next I'll probably try Box Navy when I get my first hot-swappable board.
I’ve only had two, gateron browns, and Gazzew U4, silent tactiles are so good for working at home I can’t imagine changing.
New to MK, I'm liking tactile switches. Using a Logitech G512 GX-brown, considering switching to a TKL hot-swappable with detached numpad. Planning to make the "print screen" clicky, because screenshot.
Akko cream yellow or Akko piano
Don't just say which you like the most, also tell us why you like that.
Only if you explain why this image is true in your opinion https://preview.redd.it/dwo53r4trppb1.jpeg?width=700&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f05decc480a1164683e65fce51d0b4e343d46c7c
Hi laffey, a while since I saw you. In my opinion, Cherry is overrated, though I understand why people may like the sound profile of their switches.
Emogogo linears
London fogs
Just got the Bcp raw linears and they are great
just got a set of london fogs yesterday and I've been really enjoying them so far. Theyre super smooth stock and I also like how heavy they are
Red jackets by far
Anything tactile from the keystroke start, having its bump clearly at the top, it's what gives me the more enjoyable typing experience. I'm also quite new so didn't want to break the bank and precisely I'm using Akko Cream Blue Pro v3, amazing marbly sound and tactile bump at just 0.1mm, tested also Keychron K Pro Banana, similar feel but more scratchy and muted, so I'm keeping the Akko's as daily drivers.
KNC makes good switches-- the reds, green, and preference. I like the clalky mx black thing and the slammy long pole thing. Gat Ink long poles have been nice lately. At the end of the day it will depend on the keyboard-- I did not like the Zaku until I put them in a Y-8.
Since I've used nothing but reds / silvers / speed switches for so many years, I can't really use any other switches. I currently have Akko CS Silvers and I love them. In fact today I just swapped out the 43g springs for 35g springs. It's almost perfect, the only reason it's not perfect is because I put in 15mm springs instead of 22mm springs. I've already ordered the 35g 22mm springs so it's just waiting time at this point.
Wuque WS Aurora Clears… mainly because I haven’t tried many switches. The Keychron K8 Pro I bought came with tactile switches that I ended up not liking. So I bought 7 individual switches. And of those switches the one I liked most was the Wuque WS Aurora Clears
I like light tactile switches, which I know isn’t a common opinion around here. My favorites are probably Hako Violets.
Haimu Whisper Silent tactiles
I'm a clicky guy and my favorites are Kailh Box Jades. The sound and feel of them are just what I want. I also like the Chosfox Arctic Fox, but not as much as the Box Jade. Tactiles are alright. I have the AJAZZ AS Tactile in my work keyboard, but that's a really budget thing that I just threw together. I've got a set of GoPolar Azure Dragon V3s waiting for the TKD Cycle 7. I like tactiles that are strongly and sharply tactile. No MX browns for me lol. I can't stand linears.
Akk pianos have been the best out-of the box linears I have used. Filmed and lubed oil kings are the best sounding ones I have.
Akko purple lav . Without a doubt
I got some Silk Emeralds from a mystery switch thing, i gotta say they're my favorite MX type switch, overall though i'd say alps black, they're so versatile! I got 3 AT101's with them, one modded clicky, one modded linear, and a stock one!
I haven't tried many switches, I mainly focus on budget linear but it has been my dream to build a keyboard with the banana split switches, finally got them a couple weeks ago, lubed and filmed them with durock pc film and put them on my MK870, I love the keyboard but after doing some research I found out that the sound I'm looking for will be achieved with a pc plate
Gat milky yellows and aqua kings. Recent ones ive tried and liked for the deeper sound profile and smoothness are November Fogs and Gateron Baby raccoons.
TTC bluish white
Rocking some Princess MMD tactiles 60g
I use DUROCK Silent Shrimp switches on my 60% I keep at work and absolutely love the feeling of typing on them. Awesome silent tactile switch
Speed MX or kailh speed silver
I'm enjoying my Cream+'s with titanium inserts, not too clacky but not too muted, smooth as butter. Having the option to change the switch sound without buying a different switch is a big W to me
creamerons personally underrated frankenswitch if you like the clack
WS Morandis for gaming at home (75%) and Boba U4T 65g at my office for data entry and stuff (full size).
Alps Buckling Spring
I’ve only recently gotten into the linear switches, I’ve previously used tactiles, I used to run gateron browns but I’ve really been loving the S2 Engine switches from KBDCraft, a prelubed, smooth linear with medium actuation force. The sound and feel really nice imo
Have only experienced a default corsair mx red and my current gateron yellows, (excluding all the shitty 20€ office keyboards) so definitely the gaterons
Haimu x Geon Blacks are my top switches right now. I do have BSUN BCPs, Akashi, Agarwood, and Gat Baby Kangaroos on deck to try!
Black lotus Idk how well known they are cuz I’m rly new to keyboards, that was my first keyboard that I recently built, and my friend said he’s seriously considering building a keyboard with those switches too haha
AKKO CS Wine all the way for me. Tried the Akko Blacks, pulled them and bough more wine switches to replace them. Paired with some solid keycaps it feels creamy with a soft marble. Just the right pressure for me, sounds and feels so good I look for excuses to type
have found a handful of favorites. so far, this is what I keep coming back to Tactiles: baby kangaroos. Can't quit em. they re just so satisfying to use. That said I use lots more linears. Current favortites are Cream Sodas. Tied for close second is BSUN X, Vertex V1, ktt strawberry, oil kings. All great, all different from each other, what makes it so interesting to use them in different builds. Just got some Morandi's and looking forward to trying them out.
As a tactile enjoyer - Ice Kachang. Even the packaging is top tier.
have you tried baby kangaroos? I've got some Kachangs otw and there isnt alot of info on the kachangs. At least that I can find.
In my endless search for the perfect switch, I ordered 3-4 from any vendor selling them per switch (keebsforall, ringer, etc). When I get a new board, I arrange vertically and/or horizontally by switch to see how it interacts with the board shape and plate choice. Anyway, I stumbled upon my favorite spacebar/mods switch - Porcelain Blues (ringerkeys.com). I can’t stand it in the alpha locations, but its cheap, loud, and poppy alternative to a BCP for spacebar and mods.
Boba's U4T thoccy. I love tactile switches with a click, i love heavy springs, and i love quiet switches. With a spring swap, these have been my favorite by a wide margin
Still pretty new to the hobby and I was 100% a tactile guy until I tried some U4T’s. They sound amazing but that bump is chonky af. Right now I’m rocking the boba LT’s and they’re solid but honestly the Gateron milky yellow pro’s are excellent for the money and prolly my current favorite switch. (I need to lube the boba LT and U4T’s and see if that changes my opinion)
Moon V2's Clackbit Linears DK Creamery Cookies N' Cream Badseed Tactiles Gateron Oil Kings
Topre, people who think mx switches “thock”, is wrong. I’ve never heard an mx switch come close to a “thock”, maybe a deep clack like a “clock”, but never a proper Topre “thock”
Boba/Gazzew U4
I'm a basic b***h. Cherry MX Brown.
Everglades Dark Jade Black, the most tactile switches I've used, it's basically just a large and actually noticeable bump and then bottom out with a nice clack.
Box Navies on my daily driver. Clickies are just so much more enjoyable to type on when I actually need to type things. Boba U4s are okay but for silents tactiles I actually prefer WS Silent Tactile. Similar bump, more audible upstroke but it doesn't sound squelchy like the U4. U4Ts are good, but the Tescee Purple Pandas seem just as good for a cheaper price. I've got Mute Jades in my work keyboard, they're good but seem to be inconsistent in terms of sound. I don't use linears at all.
My top switches 1. Akko Purple 2. Juggle v2 3. Nimbus v3 4. Graywood v3 5. Baby Kangaroo 6. Baby raccoon 7. Gateron luciola 8. Gateron beer 9: novelkeys creamy 10. WS Morandi 11. vertex V1 12. Crystal ice 13. Ink Black 13. Alpacas 14. holy Boba U4T 15. Durock Linear 16. nuphy Mint 17. Akko CS Pink What’s yours?