Tactile vs Linear: Which Mechanical Switch Should You Buy?

9/20/2025 · Keyboards · 6 min

TL;DR

Tactile switches give a noticeable bump on actuation that helps typing accuracy and feedback without the loud click. Great if you like a physical confirmation.
Linear switches move smoothly with no bump. They are typically quieter and favored for consistent keystrokes and fast double-taps in gaming.
Best picks by use case:
Typing and office: Tactile 55–65 g actuation or light clicky if sound is fine.
Gaming and macros: Linear 45–60 g for fast presses.
Quiet shared spaces: Silent linears or tactile switches with dampeners.

Tactile: Has a defined bump around actuation point that you can feel. That bump helps your fingers know when a keypress registered without bottoming out.
Linear: Smooth travel from top to bottom. No bump, no tactile event. Many users prefer this for rapid, repeated presses.
Clicky: Provides tactile bump plus an audible click. Good for feedback but can be disruptive in shared spaces.

Switch sound is a product of switch type, keycap material, plate/board mounting, and case dampening.
Linears are often quieter out of the box, but can rattle if the build is loose.
Tactiles are middling in noise; they emphasize feel over sound.
Clickies are the loudest. Use them only if noise is not an issue.
Add foam, switch films, or lubing to reduce ping and improve sound profile.

Actuation force: Measured in grams (g). Lower values feel lighter, higher values feel heavier. Common ranges: 35–45 g (very light), 45–60 g (common), 60–75 g (heavy).
Travel distance: Typical total travel 3.6–4.0 mm; actuation usually 1.2–2.2 mm. Shorter actuation can feel faster but reduces tolerance for accidental presses.
Choose based on finger strength and use: light for fast gaming, medium for balanced typing, heavier for deliberate typing and fewer mistakes.

Linear (e.g., Red, Silent Red): Smooth, predictable, good for gaming. Pair with lubed stems and tight housings for best feel.
Tactile (e.g., Brown, Tactile Clear): Bump at actuation makes typing satisfying. Great for coding, writing, and mixed use.
Clicky (e.g., Blue, Green): Tactile plus audible click. Loved by some typists, disliked in open offices.

Material: ABS is cheap and can shine over time. PBT is more durable with a matte finish.
Profile: OEM, Cherry, SA, DSA, etc affect finger travel and comfort. Try different profiles to see what matches your typing style.
Legends and printing: Dye-sublimated or double-shot legend printing lasts longest.

Hot-swap boards: Swap switches without soldering. Perfect for testing tactile vs linear without commitment.
Soldered PCBs: Often more rigid and can be more stable sound-wise, but require soldering skill to change switches.

Stabilizers (stab) on long keys impact feel and sound a lot. Cheap stabs rattle; quality lubed and clipped stabs feel much better.
Common mods: lubing switches, switch films, foam dampening, and stabilizer clipping/lubing. These improve sound, reduce wobble, and refine feedback.

For fast-paced FPS or MOBAs, many prefer light linear switches for rapid actuation and repeatability.
For long-form typing and coding, tactile switches reduce errors and improve endurance.
If you want one board for both, choose a medium-weight tactile, or a linear near 45–55 g depending on preference.

Try before you buy: Use a switch tester or hot-swap board.
Decide noise tolerance: Office environment may require silent linears or dampened tactiles.
Check actuation force: Match to your typing force and gaming needs.
Keycap material: Prefer PBT for longevity.
Hot-swap if you like experimentation.
Plan for mods: Lubing, films, and stabilizer work can transform a budget switch.

Choose tactile if you want physical feedback to improve typing accuracy and satisfaction.
Choose linear if you want smooth, consistent keystrokes for gaming or a quieter feel.
If unsure, get a hot-swap keyboard and a sampler pack to test different weights and types before committing.

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