Are you tired of typing on a mushy and unresponsive keyboard? Do you find yourself constantly making mistakes because you can’t feel the keys under your fingers? If so, then it might be time to switch to a tactile switch keyboard.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what a tactile switch keyboard is, how it works, and the benefits of using one. Whether you’re a professional writer, gamer, or just someone who spends a lot of time typing, a tactile switch keyboard could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Quick Answer!
A tactile switch keyboard is a type of keyboard that provides tactile feedback to the user. This means that when you press a key, you can feel a physical bump or click, which lets you know that the keystroke has been registered.
This can make typing more accurate and efficient, as you can feel the keys under your fingers and avoid making mistakes.
So, let’s dive in and learn more about this innovative and satisfying technology.
What Is a Mechanical Switch?
A mechanical switch is a type of switch used in computer keyboards that registers a keypress by physically actuating a mechanism within the switch. This is in contrast to other types of keyboard switches, such as membrane switches, which use a thin layer of rubber or plastic to register keypresses.
In a mechanical switch, the keycap is attached to a stem that rests on a spring. When the key is pressed, the stem and spring compress, and the mechanism inside the switch is actuated. This sends an electrical signal to the computer, which registers the keypress.
There are several different types of mechanical switches, each with its own unique feel and sound. Some switches require more force to actuate, while others actuate more easily. Some switches have a tactile bump that provides feedback when the key is pressed, while others have a linear action with no feedback.
Mechanical switches are popular among gamers and typists who want a more tactile and responsive typing experience. They are generally considered to be more durable than membrane switches, with a longer lifespan and a more consistent feel over time.
However, mechanical keyboards can be more expensive than membrane keyboards, and they can also be louder due to the audible click or clack of the switch mechanism.
What Is a Tactile Switch Keyboard?
A tactile switch keyboard is a type of computer keyboard that uses mechanical switches that provide tactile feedback when a key is pressed. The tactile feedback is typically in the form of a “bump” that is felt when the key is pressed, providing an additional sensory cue to the user that the keypress has been registered.
Tactile switch keyboards are popular among touch typists, gamers, and others who do a lot of typing, as the tactile feedback can help to reduce errors and increase typing speed. The switches used in tactile keyboards are often referred to as “tactile switches” or “tactile mechanical switches”, and they come in a variety of different types, each with its own unique feel and sound.
One popular type of tactile switch is the Cherry MX Brown switch, which has a tactile bump and a relatively light actuation force, making it ideal for typing. Another popular option is the Cherry MX Blue switch, which has a more pronounced tactile bump and an audible click, making it a popular choice for gamers.
Tactile switch keyboards are generally considered to be more durable and longer-lasting than membrane keyboards, as the mechanical switches can withstand millions of keystrokes without wearing out.
They are also often customizable, as many mechanical keyboards allow the user to swap out the keycaps and even the switches themselves.
Keep in mind that, tactile switch keyboards can be more expensive than membrane keyboards, and they can also be louder due to the audible click or clack of the switch mechanism.
How to Lube keyboard switches? full Guide
Quick Comparison: Linear vs Tactile vs Clicky
1. Linear Switches
Linear switches are a type of mechanical switch used in computer keyboards that do not have any tactile feedback or click when a key is pressed. They are also known as “linear mechanical switches”. When a key with a linear switch is pressed, it moves smoothly downwards without any tactile bump or feedback until it actuates and registers the keystroke.
Linear switches work by using a spring and a stem that connects the keycap to a metal contact. When the key is pressed, the stem compresses the spring, which in turn pushes the metal contact into a circuit board, sending an electrical signal to the computer.
Pros:
- Smooth and consistent keystrokes: Linear switches have a smooth and consistent feel that can make them ideal for gaming or typing if a user desires a very responsive and quiet keyboard. The linear actuation force allows the user to type with less effort.
- Quiet operation: Linear switches do not produce an audible click or bump, making them a good option for shared workspaces or quiet environments.
- Good for rapid keypresses: The lack of tactile feedback can be an advantage for those who need to perform rapid keypresses, as the absence of a tactile bump means that the user can press keys more quickly and with less resistance.
- Durable: Linear switches are often more durable than membrane switches and can withstand millions of keystrokes without wearing out.
Cons:
- Lack of tactile feedback: One of the main disadvantages of linear switches is that they do not provide tactile feedback, which some users may find less satisfying or engaging. The absence of tactile feedback may make it more difficult for some users to type accurately and comfortably.
- Prone to accidental key presses: Because linear switches do not provide any tactile feedback, they can be prone to accidental key presses. The user may not be aware that they have pressed a key until the key has been actuated and registered by the computer.
- Limited customization: Linear switches are often less customizable than other types of switches. The actuation point and force are fixed and cannot be adjusted to the user’s preference.
2. Tactile Switches
Tactile switches are a type of mechanical switch that provide tactile feedback to the user. They are commonly used in keyboards to provide a tactile feel and audible click when a key is pressed.
Tactile switches typically consist of a stem with a spring and a housing. The stem contains a metal contact that connects to the circuit board when the key is pressed. The spring provides resistance and returns the key to its original position when the user releases it.
The housing contains a mechanism that provides the tactile feedback when the stem is depressed.
Tactile switches are popular among users who prefer a tactile and audible feedback when typing. They can also be beneficial for touch typists who rely on the feedback to know when a key has been pressed.
However, tactile switches may not be suitable for users who require a quiet environment, such as those working in a shared office space or a library.
Pros:
- Tactile feedback: Tactile switches provide a tactile bump or click when the key is pressed, which can give users a better sense of the key actuation point and can help prevent typing errors.
- Durability: Tactile switches are typically more durable than membrane switches, which are commonly found in inexpensive keyboards.
- Customizability: Tactile switches come in a variety of types, each with different tactile feedback and actuation force, allowing users to choose the switch that suits their typing style and preferences.
- Typing speed: Some users find that the tactile feedback provided by tactile switches can help them type more quickly and accurately.
Cons:
- Noise: Tactile switches can be quite loud, especially those with an audible click, which may not be suitable for environments where noise is an issue.
- Cost: Tactile switches are typically more expensive than membrane switches, which can make them less accessible for users on a tight budget.
- Maintenance: Tactile switches can accumulate dirt and debris over time, which may require maintenance to keep them functioning properly.
3. Clicky switches
Clicky switches are a type of mechanical switch commonly found in computer keyboards that provide a tactile and audible click when the key is pressed. These switches are often favored by users who enjoy the tactile feedback and the satisfying sound of the click.
Clicky switches typically consist of a stem with a spring and a housing. The stem contains a metal contact that connects to the circuit board when the key is pressed.
The spring provides resistance and returns the key to its original position when the user releases it. The housing contains a mechanism that provides the tactile feedback and the audible click when the stem is depressed.
Clicky switches can be beneficial for touch typists who rely on the feedback to know when a key has been pressed. However, clicky switches may not be suitable for users who require a quiet environment, such as those working in a shared office space or a library.
And also, clicky switches may be more expensive than other types of switches, which can make them less accessible for users on a tight budget.
Pros:
- Tactile feedback: Clicky switches provide a tactile bump and an audible click when the key is pressed, which can give users a better sense of the key actuation point and can help prevent typing errors.
- Satisfaction: Some users enjoy the satisfying sound of the clicky switches, which can enhance the typing experience and provide a sense of accomplishment.
- Customizability: Clicky switches come in a variety of types, each with different tactile feedback and actuation force, allowing users to choose the switch that suits their typing style and preferences.
- Typing speed: Some users find that the tactile feedback provided by clicky switches can help them type more quickly and accurately.
Cons:
- Noise: Clicky switches can be quite loud, which may not be suitable for environments where noise is an issue.
- Cost: Clicky switches are typically more expensive than membrane switches, which can make them less accessible for users on a tight budget.
- Maintenance: Clicky switches can accumulate dirt and debris over time, which may require maintenance to keep them functioning properly.
- Tactile feedback preference: Some users may not enjoy the tactile feedback provided by clicky switches and may prefer a quieter or smoother typing experience.
Comparison of Linear vs Tactile vs Clicky
Here is a comparison table of the most common types of mechanical switches used in keyboards:
| Type of Switch | Tactile Feedback | Audible Feedback | Smoothness | Durability | Price | Best for |
| Linear | No | No | Smooth | High | Low | Gamers, Fast typists |
| Tactile | Yes | No | Some bumps | High | Medium | Typists, Gamers |
| Clicky | Yes | Yes | Some bumps | High | High | Typists, Gamers |
Linear switches provide a smooth typing experience with no tactile feedback or audible click. They are often preferred by gamers and fast typists who value speed and efficiency.
Tactile switches provide a tactile bump when the key is pressed, which can help prevent typing errors and improve typing accuracy. They do not have an audible click and are often preferred by touch typists who rely on tactile feedback to know when a key has been pressed.
Clicky switches provide a tactile bump and an audible click when the key is pressed. They are often preferred by typists who enjoy the satisfying sound of the click and the tactile feedback. However, they may not be suitable for users who require a quiet environment.
All three types of switches are highly durable and long-lasting, but clicky switches are typically the most expensive due to the added components that produce the audible click.
What is the difference between tactile and linear switches?
The main difference between tactile and linear switches is the presence of a tactile feedback in the former and the absence of it in the latter. Here I am sharing with you more detailed explanation:
Tactile switches provide a tactile bump or click when the key is pressed. This is due to a small bump or tactile leg located within the switch mechanism that provides a physical feedback to the user.
This bump or click can be felt when the switch actuates, giving users a better sense of the key actuation point and can help prevent typing errors.
Tactile switches are often preferred by touch typists who rely on tactile feedback to know when a key has been pressed.
Linear switches, on the other hand, do not provide any tactile feedback. They provide a smooth typing experience without any bumps or clicks.
This is due to the switch mechanism being designed with a straight stem that slides smoothly up and down when the key is pressed, providing a consistent actuation force throughout the keypress.
Linear switches are often preferred by gamers and fast typists who value speed and efficiency, as the smoothness of the switch allows for fast, uninterrupted keystrokes.
Another difference between tactile and linear switches is their sound. Tactile switches tend to be quieter than linear switches, as the tactile feedback does not produce any additional sound. Linear switches, on the other hand, can produce a small amount of noise as the stem moves up and down in the switch housing.
How Does a Tactile Switch Work?
A tactile switch works by using a small, spring-loaded plunger located within the switch mechanism to provide a tactile bump or click when the key is pressed. Here is a more detailed explanation of how a tactile switch works:
- When the keycap is pressed, it pushes down on the stem of the switch, which compresses a spring inside the switch.
- As the spring compresses, it pushes the plunger down, creating a tactile bump or click depending on the design of the switch.
- When the plunger reaches a certain point, it actuates a metal contact located beneath it, completing an electrical circuit and registering the keypress.
- Once the key is released, the spring pushes the plunger back up, causing the tactile bump or click to be felt again.
Tactile switches can vary in the amount of force required to actuate the switch, the amount of tactile feedback provided, and the sound produced when the switch is pressed. Different types of tactile switches may use different types of mechanisms to provide tactile feedback, such as a metal leaf spring or a rubber dome.
Tactile switches are often used in keyboards, computer mice, game controllers, and other devices that require precise, tactile input. They are preferred by touch typists who rely on tactile feedback to know when a key has been pressed and can help prevent typing errors.
How Do Tactile Switches Feel?
Tactile switches feel different depending on the specific type of switch, but in general, they provide a tactile feedback in the form of a bump or click when the key is pressed. Here are a few common descriptions of how tactile switches feel:
- Tactile bump: This type of tactile switch provides a noticeable bump or resistance when the key is pressed. The bump can be felt at a specific point in the keypress, and it gives the user a physical indication that the key has been actuated. This type of switch is often preferred by typists who want to be sure that their keystrokes are registering.
- Tactile click: This type of tactile switch provides a more noticeable feedback than the tactile bump, in the form of an audible click or snap.
The click can be heard and felt when the key is pressed, and it gives the user a clear indication that the key has been actuated. This type of switch is often preferred by users who enjoy the satisfying feedback of an audible click.
- Tactile and quiet: Some tactile switches provide a subtle, barely perceptible bump when the key is pressed, without any click or snap. This type of switch can be preferred by users who want the tactile feedback without any additional noise.
In general, tactile switches are designed to provide a more deliberate typing experience than linear switches, which provide a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. The tactile feedback can help prevent typing errors and improve typing accuracy, making them popular with touch typists and users who value precision.
However, the specific feel of a tactile switch can vary widely depending on the specific switch mechanism used, so it’s important to try out different switches to find the one that feels the best for your individual typing style.
Who Should Use Tactile Switches?
Tactile switches can be used by a variety of people, but they are particularly well-suited for touch typists who value precision and accuracy. Here are a few types of people who may benefit from using a keyboard with tactile switches:
- Writers and editors:
Tactile switches can help writers and editors type more accurately and efficiently, reducing the number of errors and improving productivity. The tactile feedback can also help prevent repetitive strain injuries by providing a more ergonomic typing experience.
- Programmers and developers:
Programmers and developers often spend long hours typing code, and the tactile feedback provided by tactile switches can help them type more quickly and accurately. The tactile feedback can also help with navigating code by providing a physical indication of when a key has been pressed.
- Gamers:
Tactile switches can be particularly useful for gamers who need precise and responsive input for fast-paced games. The tactile feedback can help with input accuracy and reaction times, and the mechanical switches used in some keyboards can provide a satisfying “click” sound that can add to the gaming experience.
Anyone who prefers a deliberate typing experience: Tactile switches provide a more deliberate typing experience than linear switches, which can be beneficial for users who value precision and accuracy.
The tactile feedback can help prevent typing errors and improve typing speed, making them a good choice for anyone who wants to type with greater accuracy and efficiency.
Are tactile switches best for typing?
Yes! Tactile switches are often preferred by touch typists because they provide a physical indication that a key has been actuated, which can help with typing accuracy and speed.
The tactile feedback can help prevent typing errors by providing a physical indication of when a key has been pressed, and the feedback can also help with the rhythm and flow of typing.
Are tactile switches better than clicky?
According to my experience and opinion , if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, then tactile switches are generally a better option. If you prioritize an audible and tactile confirmation of key presses, then clicky switches may be a better choice.
As I explain above that, Clicky switches has an audible “click” sound when the switch actuates, in addition to the tactile feedback. Some people prefer the clicky sound as it gives them an audible confirmation that the key has been pressed, which can be helpful for touch typists. However, the click sound can also be loud and distracting to others, particularly in a shared workspace.
And Tactile switches have a tactile bump that you can feel when the switch actuates, giving you feedback that the switch has been activated. This tactile feedback can be helpful when typing or playing games, as it helps you know when you’ve pressed a key without needing to look at the keyboard or screen.
Tactile switches are generally quieter than clicky switches, which can be important if you’re using the keyboard in a shared workspace or if you don’t want to disturb others.
Is tactile keyboard noisy?
Tactile keyboards can produce some noise, but they are generally quieter than clicky keyboards. Tactile keyboards have a tactile bump that you can feel when the switch actuates, giving you feedback that the switch has been activated.
This tactile feedback can be helpful when typing or playing games, as it helps you know when you’ve pressed a key without needing to look at the keyboard or screen.
However, the noise produced by a tactile keyboard is typically caused by the bottoming out of the keycap or the sound of the switch stem hitting the bottom of the switch housing. This noise is generally quieter than the audible “click” produced by clicky keyboards, which have an additional mechanism to create a distinctive clicking sound.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a tactile switch keyboard is a type of mechanical keyboard that provides feedback to the user through a tactile bump and an audible click when a key is pressed. This feedback can help typists to type faster and more accurately, as well as reduce the risk of typing-related injuries.
Tactile switch keyboards come in a variety of designs and styles and can be customized to meet the needs and preferences of different users. Whether you’re a gamer, a programmer, or a professional typist, a tactile switch keyboard can offer an improved typing experience and enhance your productivity.
So if you’re looking for a keyboard that combines precision, comfort, and style, a tactile switch keyboard might be the perfect choice for you.
I am Rai Saleem (MSc. Computer Science). Worked with Different Tech StartUps. I have 4+ Years of Working Experience in the Computer Industry. On This platform, I share My Experience and Providing Solutions for Computer problems.
I Started This Journey From 2G internet with 30KB downloading Speed to This modern 5G World. Now Sharing My IT Experience With loving People Like You. I am addicted to This Drug of Computer Science since My Childhood When I Got my first core 2 duo Pc.
