10 Best Tactile Switches for your Keyboard

Tactile switches are common switches that complete an electric circuit when pressed. This means that tactile switches turn on when pressed and off when released. These switches have an audible click sound that is not as loud as other switches.

Typically, tactile switches work through touch. When you press the tactile bump of the switch, it touches the responding surface and completes the circuit to signal a specific action.

Many people consider tactile switches high-quality because of their ability to withstand a range of activities, excellent performance and response, and adaptability to different products and design needs.

The main applications of tactile switches include those used in Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) of various electronics and aviation equipment. They also form the central part of a keyboard and are embedded inside gaming consoles to improve the gaming experience.

This article reviews some of the best tactile switches you can purchase in 2022. Remember that there are no one-size fits all purchases, and it all depends on the budget and the features you’re looking for.

Essential Things To Consider When Looking For Tactile Switches

Choosing suitable tactile switches can change your experience for the better. Whether you’re looking to change your gaming mechanical keyboard switches or want to use them on a different device, it’s essential that the switches are high-quality and responsive.

Here are some of the essential things to consider when buying tactile switches:

1. User Experience

The first and most essential thing to consider when selecting tactile switches is user experience. The buttons pressing mechanism should offer the best or most comfortable feel, feedback, and resistance, depending on the application.

Comfortable switches improve the users’ confidence and, consequently, the speed and accuracy of input. For example, your typing speed and accuracy will improve when using a keyboard whose keystrokes are comfortable and responsive.

Feedback is also essential to user experience. Suppose you work with machines that require wearing gloves. Any tactile switches attached to the device should have better and stronger tactile feedback for you to register. Remember that gloves reduce the sense of feeling in a person’s fingers.

2. Durability

Longevity is another advantage of tactile switches over other types. Switches are designed to accept a specific number of keystrokes. In most cases, tactile switches have an over 50 million keystroke rating, which can be as high as 100 million for some. Durability is a critical consideration depending on the frequency of use.

For example, durability should be top of your list if you’re a gamer considering a keyboard with tactile switches. You want to ensure that you receive excellent performance for a long time without having to replace the switches.

3. Button Profile

The button profile refers to the shape and height of the switches. Switches can be high or low-profile. Low-profile switches are shorter than high-profile switches and have less key travel distance. Key travel distance dictates typing speed and response time, so low-profile switches typically are better at speed and response.

The switch shape matters when considering ergonomics. Contoured or sculpted switches have a soft bump that prevents your fingers from tiring after extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall tactile switches offer a combination of high reliability, excellent mechanical response, low profile, and suitability for various applications.

4. Budget

Like any other product, your budget will determine the type of tactile switches you get. While some consider expensive switches high-quality, it’s not always the case. Price doesn’t always determine quality. If you’re on a budget, there are several affordable tactile switch options you can choose from. If you’re working with an open budget, consider other factors like the user experience and durability before settling on a specific choice.

Best Tactile Switches in 2023

Next, we delve into the nine best tactile switches in 2023.  

1. Boba U4T

Boba U4T is the ideal tactile switch choice for a smooth, neat, and performing switch that is equally Zilent. One of the unique features of these switches is that they come in four variants. RGB and opaque housings with 62 and 68g weight options. These switches are smooth with little scratchiness when pressed.

As noted above, they have 62g and 68g options. The 62g is almost perfectly weighted for minimal actuation distance and quick response. The switches have an audible sound but not too loud that it disturbs people around you.

Another outstanding feature of the Boba U4T is the long stem that creates a tactile bump that lasts the entire down stroke. It gives the switches a satisfyingly smooth and continuous feeling that makes them easy on the fingers.

If you are trying to find switches for a gaming mechanical keyboard, you’ll be happy to learn that these have enough tactility for fast-paced gaming. They are also ideal for typing, which makes them a good deal for anyone looking to do both.

Reasons To Buy

• Solid tactile switch
• Deep signature sound
• Long stem with a heavy bottom

Reasons To Avoid

• It may require lubing as the housings can be extremely tight

2. Glorious Panda

The Glorious range of switches is quite popular and with good reason. These particular ones have a milky housing and bright yellow stems that stand out. The stem is meant to provide less key travel distance for the tactile bump and give a more decisive upward stroke. They also have a noticeable bump that you will feel when they switch actuates. The spring weight is 67g which makes travel distance compared to other switches of the same caliber.

For gaming or typing, Glorious pandas provide a smooth and consistent experience. Pressing the switch produces a ‘snappy’ sound. Even though this sound is quite audible, it’s not unpleasant or annoying.

If your switches are mainly for typing, you will appreciate the tactile switch’s potential speed acceleration with high accuracy. If you’re an avid gamer, you may need to lube the switches to even out the texture, But overall, the Glorious Panda is among the best-performing switches in the market.

Reasons To Buy

• More Affordable than other Panda switches
• Well-done factory lubing
• Pleasing sound with minimal key wobble

Reasons To Avoid

• 67g switch weight may not be ideal for gaming-focused switches

3. Tecsee Sapphire

If you’re not a fan of the typical loud tactile switches, the Tecsee Sapphires are perfect for you. The Tecsee uses polycarbonate housing, which is more durable than the usual PME. It also is less prone to developing scratches after some time. Please note that these switches are not entirely silent. They just have a softer sound. This works well for anyone looking for switches ideal for night typing.

Another design factor that stands out is the long gold spring with three sections, the top, middle, and bottom. The spring might interfere with the tactile bump, which is less pronounced for these switches, but it’s still a small price to pay for the overall performance of the Tecsee Sapphire.

The tactility level is on the mid-to-high side, as it’s noticeable. Overall, these switches work well for anyone looking for a smooth tactile experience without the minimal key travel distance. The tight housings are also appealing and don’t require film.

Reasons To Buy

• Tactile switches with low actuation force and travel
• Excellent performance comparable to Cherry MX Brown Switches
• Durable
• Teaser has lubrication for hot-swappable units

Reasons To Avoid

• Stock switches don’t come with lube

4. Kailh Speed Copper

The Kailh Speed Copper is a light and fast actuating tactile switch. The bump isn’t as pronounced as the Cherry MX’s tactile bump but it still offers sufficient feedback.

These switches are multi-purpose but they are excellent for gaming because of their short key travel distance.

The key travel distance might not be noticeable when typing but, it will save you seconds of reaction time. These can make all the difference in competitive gaming.The switches are generally smooth, responsive, and easy to use. As noted above, the tactile bump is audible but isn’t annoying or distracting. You can easily type or game at night.

In addition to the shorter key travel, Speed Copper switch’s lightweight tactile touch enables quick action while remaining smooth and comfortable on the fingers. They have a lifetime rating of 70 million keystrokes which makes them pretty durable. Gamers looking for a tactile switch that is leather-soft and responsive will not go wrong with this option.

Reasons To Buy

• Smooth and responsive
• Have a high actuation point
• Short actuation point

Reasons To Avoid

• Mid-range resistance

5. Cherry MX Browns

If you’ve been shopping for tactile switches for a while now, you’ve likely received the Cherry MX Browns suggestion severally. These switches are pretty popular. They derive their name from the stem’s brown color. The stem is the part of the switch that moves up and down after pressing. The MX Browns are tactile with an actuation force of 55g and a 2mm actuation point. The total travel distance is about 4mm.

The actuation force is the main difference between Cherry MX Browns and its predecessor Cherry MX Red. As noted above, the Browns have an actuation force of 55g, while the Reds have 45g. The Reds have smooth key travel making them linear while the Browns have a bump making them tactile.

The tactile bump in this switch is quite noticeable. You will feel it right after pressing the key. This makes Cherry MX Brown switches ideal for people who type a lot and require excellent feedback from the keyboard. The tactile bump is not as pronounced as in other switches. Supposing you are a gamer who prefers a more significant bump, in that case, consider different switches.

Cherry MX Browns have moderate noise that’s not distracting to other people. Their response is ideal for typing and non-competitive gaming. These switches are highly recommended for tactile switch beginners looking for a moderate experience.

Reasons To Buy

• Strong and durable
• Versatile and adaptable for many uses
• Quality bump and relatively Zilent
• Quick actuation and excellent response

Reasons To Avoid

• The actuation can affect specific functions like gaming

6. Akko Lavender Purple

Akko Lavender Purple tactile switches are smooth and responsive switches you can get on a budget. These switches have an actuating force of 50g and a key travel distance of 4mm. They have an extended 18mm spring that makes the tactile bump satisfying. The sound is not annoying, and they feel comfortable on the fingers. The most unique feature of the Akko Lavender Purple switches is that the housings are of excellent quality. For their price, you’re getting value for money with these switches in terms of longevity.

Their 50g actuation force offers medium resistance. This may be better for users like gamers who may want to go lighter. Unfortunately, the Akko Lavender Purple switches can be scratchy with a muffled sound without lubrication. These switches are a good deal if you don’t mind lubing them.

Akko Lavender Purple switches may not be the best for competitive gaming, but you will barely notice the inconsistencies when typing.

Reasons To Buy

• Affordable
• Comfortable feel
• Good performance

Reasons To Avoid

• Scratch and muffled when unlubricated

7. Durock T1

The Durock T1s are a good compromise if the Zealot V2s are above your budget. They have equally excellent performance and durable housings. One of the things you notice about Durock T1 switches is the curvy tactile bump you feel immediately after the key starts to travel. The feedback is also highly noticeable. Anyone who requires good tactile feedback for typing will enjoy this.

Durock T1s have a 67g actuation force, 20mm actuation point, and 4.0mm total travel distance. There are definitely lighter switches than this, but they still feel comfortable. However, these switches may not work for avid gamers who prefer a more lightweight feel. The sounds and responses are also excellent. Additionally, the switch’s tactility starts at the top of the key travel. The bump can be very satisfying.

Another advantage of the Durock T1 switches is that they come pre-lubed from the factory. Lubricating them yourself will not affect the tactility or the comfort.

Reasons To Buy

• Affordable
• High-quality housings
• The come pre-lubed

Reasons To Avoid

• The mid-resistance may not work for competitive gamers

8. Outemu Brown

Outemu Brown switches are frequently compared to Cherry MX Browns because they have a similar feel but for a fraction of the MX Brown’s price. They are especially ideal for a mechanical gaming keyboard because they are tactile and responsive. Outemu Brown switches sound is above average, so they may not work in an office setup.

The tactile bump, on the other hand, is well-pronounced and enjoyable for users who press aggressively or those who like to maintain accuracy when typing. The tactile bump lets you know when the switch has been actuated. Additionally, these switches work well for light-handed people as they are smooth and responsive.

The Outemu Browns may not be a gamer’s first choice because the operating force of 55g offers mid-resistance. But these switches can still work for mid-gamers and regular typing.

Reasons To Buy

• Comfortable feel with a quality bump
• Affordable
• Well-rounded tactile bump

Reasons To Avoid

• It may be loud for some

9. Drop Halo Clear

As the name suggests, Drop Halo Clear switches have transparent housings to better reflect RGB backlighting. They have a similar design to Cherry MX Clears and share some features with Drop Halo True switches. If you prefer a silent tactile bump but an equally high-quality tactile switch to the Cherry MX switches, you won’t go wrong with this option.

The first thing you notice about the Halo Clear Switch is its smooth velvety feel. Using it feels seamless. It has a lower bottom spring force than the Halo True, meaning you can type faster and more accurately.

According to the specs, this switch has a total key travel distance of 4mm. But, when you use them, the force curve can feel closer to 3.7 or 3.8mm. If you’re a fan of heavy tactile switches, you’ll enjoy Halo Clear’s pop after activation.

Besides typing, Halo Clear works well for competitive gaming, especially if you don’t care for the loud click sound that many gamers like. Unfortunately these switches  fetch a premium price. This makes them unsuitable for first-time tactile switch buyers or those looking for budget-friendly options. Overall, the Drop Halo Clear switches are some of the best quiet and consistent tactile switches in the market.

Reasons To Buy

• Silent
• Smooth and responsive
• Have a high actuation point

Reasons To Avoid

• Expensive
• They have mid-range resistance

10. Novelkeys Blueberry Switch

Novelkeys Blueberry Switch is an update of the cream switch. They have similar features including a long tactile bump at the end of the 3mm actuation bump. Like the cream switches, Novelkeys Blueberry have good tactile feedback. You won’t have any problem with speed and accuracy typing using these switches.

The weighting of the switch is heavier than average. It peaks at approximately 70g while switches on this list have an average peak of 65g. This means that heavy-handed users who don’t mind the extra ‘push’ will like these switches.

For sound, the Novelkeys Blueberry classify as clacky. It’s not the typical ‘thocky’ sound but it’s not annoying. The downside is the switches are scratchy and the weighting isn’t ideal for competitive gaming.

Reasons To Buy

• Good tactile feedback
• Responsive

Reasons To Avoid

• Scratchy
• The weighting isn’t ideal for Gaming

Conclusion

The list above should offer helpful suggestions if you’re in the market for tactile switches. Finding the best tactile switches can be challenging, especially for first-time buyers. The essential considerations are user experience and durability. Know the level of comfort, response, and accuracy you want from your switches. After, check the keystroke acceptance rate. Ideally, durable switches should accept 50-100 million keystrokes.

The key profile is also a vital feature to consider when looking for tactile switches. Remember the height and weight of a switch affect speed and accuracy. Finally, consider tactile switches within your budget.

Overall, the list above has something for everyone, from the user looking for a great performer but budget-friendly to the user prioritizing a tactile bump and having an open budget.

FAQs

What Are Tactile Switches?

Tactile switches have an on-and-off function that completes an electric circuit to signal action. When you press the bump of the tactile switch, it touches the responding surface to initiate action and then goes off when you release it. Tactile switches have an audible click sound.

Are Tactile Switches Better Than Linear Switches?

This choice depends on preference. Tactile switches are popular with users who prefer the traditional keyboard feel and prioritize comfort and accuracy. Linear switches are popular with users who like quiet, smooth, and light keystrokes.