Reviews

Best Linear Switches for your Keyboard

Having a good linear switch would make your keyboard better. Hence, in looking for good linear switch, we suggest that you get something that is stable, smooth and something that could provide a deep thud sound on impact.

In this article, we shall provide you a list of best linear switches for your keyboard which you could use as a guide in choosing the best that would suit your needs and preference.

Best Linear Switches for Keyboard

Gateron Yellow Switches

The Gateron Yellow Switches is one of the best switches options which is perfect for those who are on a tight budget. It provides good experience in typing and it comes with medium resistance. It has smaller stem size which means it provides smoother typing experience. These switches come in red, yellow and black linear switches.

Cherry MX Speed Silver

The Cherry MX Speed Silver is perfect for gaming. It provides smooth and consistent actuation. In fact, it has shorter actuation distance which makes the switch faster compared to other switches. Unfortunately, it also has downsides and one of them is that is you type a lot, these switches could be uncomfortable to use due to its shorter travel distance.

NovelKeys Cream

This switch comes with useful features such as having a POM plastic design. It comes in creamy white color which could make your keyboard look great. The only downside of this switch is that it is a bit scratchy at the start but as you use the switch more and through its lubricating design, it would become smoother and easier to use.

Cherry MX Black

The Cherry MX Black is considered as the most durable and consistent switches. In fact, they could last up to 100 million keystrokes. It is also considered as vintage and its factory parts have been retooled and created differently which is the only downside of the Cherry MX Black. However, if you could get the original set of vintage Cherry MX Black switches then you are in for a treat.

Gateron Ink Black

The Gateron Ink Black is considered as the most popular option. It offers smoothness and its smoky black housing looks amazing. Furthermore, these switches are very much similar to the NovelKeys Cream which would require you to install them on a custom keyboard build.

FAQs

Should I get a Linear Switch?

Before you move onto a linear switch, you would need to consider a lot of factors. For example, if you are moving from tactile switches to linear switches, adjusting could be difficult and uncomfortable. Furthermore, it could lead to you experiencing mild finger pain and discomfort. However, once you get used to using linear switches, you would surely enjoy and love them.

Since, linear switches have bottoming issues, we do not recommend for you to use this type of switches if this is your first time to use a mechanical keyboard.

How to improve my Linear Switches?

If you are making this as a DIY project, you could work on your linear switches with minimal equipment to improve the quality of your linear switches. For one, you would have to make your linear switch feel smooth. This way you could have a more pleasant experience in using your keyboard.

For you to be able to make your linear switches smooth, you will have to lubricate them. This way you will be able to get rid of the scratchiness. Keep in mind, however, that lubing your switches is a tedious and time consuming activity. Hence, you will have to spare an hour or so in doing this.

There is also a possibility that you could experience wobbling and shaking whenever you type. This means, for you to be able to fix this issue, you will have to install some switch film.

For those who are new to mechanical keyboards, we would like to explain to you some commonly used words or lingo in the mechanical keyboard world and they are the following:

Mechanical Keyboard – switch under each key which supports your finger whenever you hit the keys.
Linear Switches – type of switch which provides smooth and consistent actuation. This type of switch is perfect for those who would not like small bumping experiencing when they are typing.