If you’re venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by an array of keyboard terminologies, options, and extensive customization possibilities, specifically when it comes to switches. Mechanical keyboard switches are the heart of every mechanical keyboard, defining its feel, sound, and overall typing experience. This guide presents an extensive review of custom mechanical keyboard switches, providing valuable insights on matters such as switch types, hot-swappability, switch materials, and more.
### Understanding Mechanical Keyboard Switches
In mechanical keyboards, the switch refers to the component beneath each keycap, comprising a base, spring, stem, and housing. When a key is pressed, the stem plunges into the base and the spring recoils, repeating this process countless times without degrading in performance or feel.
The initial step in selecting your mechanical keyboard switches is understanding the various types. Fundamental types of mechanical switches include Linear, Tactile, and Clicky switches.
#### Linear Switches
Linear switches offer a smooth keystroke, devoid of a tactile bump or a clicking noise. The actuation force changes linearly as you press down, creating a fluid keystroke till the point of actuation. This seamless action makes linear switches a preferred choice among gamers.
#### Tactile Switches
Tactile switches are characterized by a noticeable tactile bump when the key moves past the actuation point. This gives you a tangible feedback about the actuation of your keystroke which most typists find satisfying and efficient.
#### Clicky Switches
Clicky switches share a similar mechanism to tactile ones but with an added audible click sound at the actuation point. The auditory feedback, combined with the tactile bump, make clicky switches quite enjoyable, especially amongst typing enthusiasts.
### Exploring the Borderless World of Custom Mechanical Keyboard Switches
Custom mechanical keyboard switches take the entire experience to another level. Using different components, you can tweak the feel, sound, and response of your keyboard switches to your personal liking.
#### Lubrication
Lubrication of switches contributes a lot to the typing experience. A well-lubed switch can significantly reduce friction, resulting in smoother keystrokes and less spring noise. Different switch components can be lubed such as the housing, the spring, and the stem, utilizing either oil or soft greases.
#### Spring-Swapping
Spring-swapping alters the actuation force of your switch. Lighter springs require less force to actuate, while heavier ones need more. Exchanging springs provides a quick and easy way to modify the force requirement, fine-tuning the switch to your exact liking.
#### Hot-Swapping & Switch-Swapping
Switch-swapping is made accessible through hot-swappable keyboards where switches can be removed and replaced without desoldering. This feature is splendid because it allows you to test and experiment with different switches trying to find your perfect match.
### An Insight into Switch Materials
Different materials offer different characteristics and impacts on your typing experience.
#### Housing Material
The switch housing often determines the sound of the switch. Plastic housings, like those made of Polycarbonate, are quiet, while metal housings typically produce a “ping” sound.
#### Stem Material
The stem material can impact both the sound and feel of the switch. POM (Polyoxymethylene) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) are common materials, with POM stems usually providing a smoother keypress.
#### Spring Material
Spring material impacts the sound and actuation force of the switch. While most springs are made of stainless steel, gold-plated springs are believed to offer a better “pop” and are less prone to corrosion.
### The Importance of Testing Switches
Trying several switches before making a purchase is ideal. Investing in a few switch testers can help you understand your personal preferences better. Switch testing enables you to determine the hardness you prefer, the amount of sound, or lack thereof, that you enjoy, and whether you want a smooth, bump, or click in your keystrokes.
### Custom Mechanical Switches Brands
There are numerous custom mechanical switch brands that have gained a solid reputation for their quality and performance. These include Cherry MX, Kailh, Gateron, ZealPC, and NovelKeys. Each brand has its own unique style and specialization, offering a vast variety of switches to choose from.
As you embark on your custom mechanical keyboard journey, remember that understanding and choosing the right switches is key (pun intended) to achieving the perfect personalized typing experience. Whether you’re a gamer, developer, writer, or a keyboard enthusiast, selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch that caters to your needs and quirks, may seem challenging and intimidating, but it’s a rewarding venture that you’re unlikely to regret. Be adventurous, experiment with different types and make some noise as you type, remembering, there’s no such thing as the ‘best’ switch – it all comes down to personal preference and comfort.
