Linear vs. Clicky Switches: Which Keyboard Will Actually Boost Your Gaming Skills?

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Inquiring about the preferred keyboard switches from ten gamers might ignite a discussion as heated as the console war debates. The gulf between linear and tactile switches is profound within gaming communities, with both sides asserting that their selection offers an advantage.

But beyond personal preference, there are real differences worth considering before dropping cash on your next gaming keyboard. In this article, we are going to look at all the differences that matter, and decide on which type suits your needs. Let’s take a look.

How Linear And Clicky Switches Work

As a discerning movie-goer navigating the world of mechanical keyboards, I find that linear switches are the reliable leading actors in this narrative. Unlike their tactile or clicky counterparts, linear switches deliver a straight-forward performance, maintaining an even resistance throughout their journey from keystroke to keyboard. There’s no unexpected bump or sudden click to disrupt the flow – it’s a seamless and uninterrupted ride, every time.

Brands like Cherry MX with their Reds, Gateron with their Yellows, and even industry giants such as Razer and SteelSeries have these linear switches in their ensembles. It’s a testament to their enduring popularity that these performers continue to captivate audiences, time and time again.

Switches with a clicky mechanism tend to be quite noticeable. They have a tactile bump and make an audible clicking sound upon activation, which is characteristic of Cherry MX Blues, Kailh Box Whites, and other similar switches that aim to clearly signal to you (and those around you) when a key has been registered.

The distinct variations in design lead to significantly diverse typing and gaming encounters. Smooth and precise is how linear switches are felt, contrasting the deliberate, tactile response offered by clicky switches upon every key press.

In simpler terms, linear switches have a straightforward structure that consists of a straight stem and spring. When you press them, the stem moves in a straight direction until metal contacts touch, completing the circuit. On the other hand, clicky switches come with more intricate components. Typically, they use either a “click jacket” design (such as Cherry MX Blues) or a “click bar” mechanism (similar to Kailh Box switches), which adds an audible click sound upon actuation.

These additional parts contribute to both the tactile sensation you perceive and the audible click you hear. The click occurs specifically at the activation point, which is the instant your keypress is recognized, offering you a multi-sensorial response.

Why Linear Switches Usually Win In Gaming

In competitive gaming, linear switches tend to outperform others due to their faster response time. Since there’s no tactile bump to negotiate, these keys register strokes more instantly, particularly during rapid or repeated presses. Typically, high-performance linear switches activate between 1.2mm to 2mm into the keypress, whereas clicky switches often require a bit more travel before they register a stroke.

In games that demand rapid responses or heavy tapping, this distinction becomes apparent. Here are some points to consider briefly.

Actuation Force

As a dedicated movie buff and avid gamer, I’ve noticed that most standard game controllers require a push of 45–60 grams to trigger an action. The quicker versions might even ask for just 35-45g. However, clicky switches demand a bit more effort, requiring 50-60g due to the resistance needed to surpass the tactile bump. Less force means less finger strain during extended gaming sessions, which gives linear switches a slight advantage when it comes to endurance.

Actuation Point

Here, the key records its input signals. Over time, gaming-oriented linear switches have shifted this interaction point upward along the keystroke, moving from the conventional 2mm to as low as 1mm in certain “quick response” versions.

This implies that you don’t have to push the key as deeply for it to register, saving valuable milliseconds on reaction times. Typically, clicky switches feature a consistent 2-2.2mm actuation point, as altering this could disrupt the tactile feedback.

Reset Point

Once a button is clicked, it should quickly return to a specific position so that it can be clicked again. This is crucial for fast, repeated clicks. Generally, linear switches feature a reset point close to their activation point, enabling “hovering” techniques where you keep the keys slightly above the active level.

As a dedicated movie-goer of all things keyboard, I’ve noticed that clicky switches tend to exhibit a noticeable gap between the moment they are activated and when they reset, which is commonly referred to as ‘hysteresis’. This means you’ll be traveling a bit further with each press compared to other types.

Travel Distance

For the majority of switches, the total key travel typically falls between 3.5 to 4 millimeters. In gaming keys, this distance may be decreased to a range of 3 to 3.5 millimeters. A shorter travel distance can result in less finger movement, potentially increasing speed. Both linear and clicky switches are available with short-travel options, although these are more prevalent among linear types.

In the world of esports, linear switches have become the go-to choice for many professional gamers due to their speed advantage. At major tournaments, you’ll often notice that most competitors prefer keyboards equipped with red, yellow, or fast-acting switches over their louder, clickier counterparts.

Clicky switches have their unique performance edge, offering unequivocal assurance. This is because the tactile bump and sound offer undeniable confirmation when a key is registered. In games where accurate, deliberate inputs are crucial over sheer speed (for instance, MMOs with intricate ability sequences or strategy games with vital command inputs), many players find they perform better with this clear feedback.

Noise: The War Between Clicks And Clacks

It’s clear to see: clicky switches can be quite noisy. While the satisfying ‘click’ might be delightful during solo gaming sessions late at night, it may not hold the same appeal for roommates or office mates when heard at 2 AM or in an open workspace. In fact, the noise level produced by a typical clicky switch is similar to that of a normal conversation, which could make them somewhat disruptive in shared environments.

How noisy are we speaking? Typically, clicky mechanical keyboards produce sounds in the range of 65-75 decibels, similar to a normal conversation or busy office. However, some aggressive options like Kailh Box Navies can go beyond 75 decibels, reaching volumes comparable to a vacuum cleaner. Contrastingly, linear switches usually produce sounds in the range of 40–55 decibels, similar to a quiet library or soft background music.

The sounds produced by these switches vary significantly. Linear switches emit a softer, muffled “thock” as they reach their bottom and a “clack” when returning to their position. On the other hand, clicky switches introduce a distinct, high-pitched click at the point of actuation, resulting in a more intricate sound signature that cuts through ambient noise more efficiently, although this can sometimes be either beneficial or detrimental.

Linear switches aren’t completely silent, especially for vigorous typists who fully press keys, but they generate significantly less sound. For gamers living with roommates, streaming with open microphones, or chatting on Discord with friends, the quieter function of linear switches can be a significant advantage.

The contrast in sound levels goes beyond just being thoughtful towards others. For broadcasters and content producers, keyboard clatter often overpowers microphone audio, despite good noise reduction. Nothing cancels out your sharp wit quite like the rapid-fire pops of clicky keys during an exciting gaming scene, which is why a quieter alternative might be beneficial.

Customization: Switches Are Just The Beginning

Due to a significant increase in popularity among gamers, mechanical keyboards offer an unmatched level of customization for various switch types today. For instance, linear switches are available in numerous versions, each with distinct spring weights, stem designs (including standard, long, and short), diverse housing materials like nylon, polycarbonate, or UHMWPE, and varying degrees of factory lubrication.

Some noteworthy switches worth considering are the Cherry MX Reds, Gateron Yellows, Razer Linear Opticals, and the Silver Speed versions.

For those on Team Clicky, you might want to explore options such as the Cherry MX Blues, Kailh Box Whites, or either the Kailh Box Jades or Navies; alternatively, consider the Razer Greens.

For experts and enthusiasts, there’s more to customization than what’s commonly available. They dive deeper into the intricacies of modifying their switches. This includes installing aftermarket springs for tailored resistance curves, applying switching films to minimize housing movement, or even manually lubricating them to decrease friction (mainly for linear switches).

More and more gaming keyboards now offer hot-swapping capabilities, enabling users to effortlessly swap out different keyboard switches without the need for soldering. This feature has significantly simplified the process of experimenting with various switches, allowing gamers to personally test and discover their ideal match, rather than relying solely on online reviews. In essence, both clicky and linear switches seem to be equally competitive when it comes to performance.

How Switch Feel Impacts Long Gaming Sessions

During prolonged gaming spells, not just the efficiency of switches but also their feel has a substantial impact on your overall gaming experience. Switches with a linear action offer uniform resistance all through the keypress, making them particularly appealing to gamers who prefer this sensation over an extended period.

The smooth motion reduces strain on your finger joints, allowing for a more delicate touch when you master the technique. In video games where keys need to be held down continuously (like holding ‘W’ to move ahead), the constant resistance of linear switches helps decrease finger tiredness.

Clicky switches necessitate a purposeful keystroke; you need to gradually build up pressure until you surmount the tactile bump, at which point it swiftly lessens. This adjustable resistance offers increased tactile feedback, but during prolonged gaming sessions or on frequently-used keys, it might lead to finger strain due to the higher force required for most clicky switches. This high actuation force can exacerbate this issue.

On the contrary, certain game enthusiasts appreciate the tactile response of clicky switches as it offers affirmation of successful key presses, minimizing the need for complete key travel. This may help lessen the force exerted on fingertips during prolonged gaming sessions, given proper technique is mastered.

People who have sensitive joints usually opt for softer linear switches that need less pressure, as they are more comfortable. On the other hand, some individuals appreciate the tactile cues provided by clicky switches, which help them avoid applying excessive pressure, thereby reducing stress in the long run.

How Long Will Your Switches Last?

Top-tier keyboard switches made by trusted brands can withstand years of intense gaming sessions. Many high-quality mechanical switches are designed to endure up to 50 million to 100 million keystrokes, which surpasses the number that even hardcore gamers typically reach on common keys.

When switches ultimately become worn out, they usually malfunction in distinct ways. Linear switches often exhibit uneven resistance or a scratchy feel instead of completely failing. On the other hand, clicky switches may lose their unique clicking sound while still functioning, effectively transforming into inconsistent tactile switches.

Essentially functioning components reveal the tale. Linear switches possess fewer operative pieces – mainly the stem, spring, and metal contacts. This simplicity in construction reduces the likelihood of issues. However, over time, the seamless operation may degrade as lubricants lose their effectiveness and plastics build up friction.

Clicky switches incorporate extra moving components, such as the click casing or bar mechanism, which introduces additional points where things might go wrong. Over prolonged use, the small metal click bar in Kailh Box switches or the plastic click housing on Cherry MX Blues may degrade, resulting in a less distinct sensation and sound even though the switch itself remains operational.

In terms of gaming, it’s common for the most often-used keys (usually WASD, Space, and Shift) to show signs of wear more quickly than other keys. This uneven wear can lead to a peculiar sensation where frequently used keys may feel noticeably different from the rest of the keyboard after prolonged gaming sessions.

Modern gaming keyboards often come equipped with hot-swap switch technology, enabling users to replace single worn-out keys without the need for an entire keyboard overhaul – a significant benefit for frequent users who may experience wear on specific keys.

Pro Players Have Spoken: Here’s What They Use

In fast-paced gaming categories such as first-person shooters and Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs), linear switches are commonly preferred by most professional gamers. Approximately 75% of esports professionals opt for these types of switches, with Cherry MX Red variations being especially favored among them.

Looking at specific games:

  • In Counter-Strike and Valorant, over 80% of professionals use linear switches.
  • Fighting game pros show more variety, with about 60% using linears and 40% using clicky or tactile options.
  • MOBA players overwhelmingly favor linears, with over 75% adoption.
  • RTS pros show similar preferences to MOBA players.

This choice is logical considering linear designs offer a slight yet quantifiable speed advantage. In highly competitive environments, even minor enhancements in processing speed can prove significant. Yet, there’s an intriguing diversity in preference for switches among different gaming categories.

Experts in combat-style video games often opt for keyboards featuring clicky switches, as they offer distinct feedback that aids in executing complex combos accurately. Likewise, many advanced players of strategy games and MMOs select keyboards with clicky or tactile switches to confirm abilities and maintain precise control over their gameplay.

Which One Should You Choose?

With all that in mind, how do you decide which switch type suits your gaming needs?

Linear switches make sense if:

  • You play competitive, reaction-based games like FPS or MOBAs.
  • You game in shared spaces where noise matters.
  • You value pure speed over tactile feedback.
  • You stream or record gameplay with open microphones.
  • You play for extended sessions where finger fatigue becomes an issue.

Clicky switches might be your thing if:

  • You play games where precision matters more than raw speed.
  • You game in private spaces where noise isn’t an issue.
  • You benefit from clear, physical confirmation of each keystroke.
  • You find the tactile experience more satisfying and engaging.
  • You’re still developing keyboard technique and appreciate the feedback.

For those who are unsure, tactile switches serve as a balanced choice, offering a subtle bump instead of a loud click. Switches such as Cherry MX Browns deliver feedback comparable to clicky switches yet produce significantly less sound.

Over time, dedicated gamers often acquire several keyboards tailored for different tasks – maybe a keyboard with a linear layout for competitive gaming and another with clicky keys for more leisurely gaming or typing. While I believe that the preference for tactile feedback is subjective, I’d argue that the vast majority of competitive players would benefit from starting out with linear switches, given their smooth and responsive performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do temperature and humidity affect different switch types?

In colder conditions, linear switches often grow slightly stiff, whereas clicky mechanisms may lose their sharpness in humid environments. These changes are usually unnoticeable in temperature-controlled rooms, but they could impact outdoor events or unheated spaces. Additionally, the lubricants used in switches behave differently under extreme temperatures.

Will switching from membrane to ANY mechanical keyboard improve my gaming?

With near certainty, even the most inferior mechanical switches surpass membrane keyboards when it comes to responsiveness, uniformity, and longevity. The tactile experience of membrane keyboards is often unclear due to inconsistent pressure points for activation, which complicates precise timing.

Will lubing my switches really make a difference for gaming?

Properly lubricating linear switches significantly enhances their performance. It reduces friction, minimizes noise from scratching, and produces a smoother keystroke which makes gaming more comfortable over extended periods. However, when it comes to clicky switches, lubrication can be trickier. Excessive lubrication might mute the distinctive click sound and undermine its purpose altogether.

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2025-04-28 15:10