Tactile Switches in Keyboards: Smooth Typing and Responsive Gaming

Tactile Switches in Keyboards: Smooth Typing and Responsive Gaming

Tactile switches are a popular choice in mechanical keyboards, offering a balance of comfort, responsiveness, and feedback that appeals to both gamers and typists. Known for their distinct “bump” during actuation, these switches provide clear feedback without the loud clicks of other mechanical options, making them versatile for a range of uses. 

At GravaStar, our signature keyboards feature linear switches. But tactile switches might be a better choice for those who prefer more feedback, and our keyboards are hot-swappable for easy adaptation to your needs. Here’s why tactile keyboard switches might work for you. 

What is a Tactile Switch? 

A tactile switch is a kind of mechanical switch that completes or interrupts a circuit when pressed, providing a physical sensation to confirm its activation. This physical sensation is a noticeable “click” that can be both felt and heard softly. 

These switches are often used in computer keyboards. The noticeable click indicates to users that their action of pushing the keyboard button was successful. It’s useful for fast typing and gaming, where speed is important, as well as feel and sound. 

They’re sometimes called thocky switches or clacky switches, a reference to the sound they make during use. Proving their popularity, the tactile switch market is projected to grow around 4.6% between 2025 and 2033, reaching an estimated $10.4 billion in 2033. 

How Do Tactile Switches Work? 

Tactile switches use a spring-loaded mechanism that contains a cover, a plunger, a contact dome, and a base. When the plunger is pressed (during a keystroke), it pushes against the contact dome and causes it to flex and connect internal circuits, allowing current to flow through the whole structure. 

The press-down action creates resistance halfway through the key press and at the bottom of the key press, there’s a tactile bump on the base. This accounts for the “click” feeling during use. 

How Do Tactile Switches Compare to Other Switch Types? 

Tactile keyboard switches have an excellent balance of sound and tactile feeling compared to other switches. They have a noticeable bump but not as distracting as clicky switches, a more noticeable click sound than linear switches, and excellent typing accuracy and typing fatigue compared to other mechanical keyboard switches. 

Feature

Tactile Switches

Linear Switches

Clicky Switches

Feel

Noticeable bump during key press

Smooth, consistent keystroke without feedback

Pronounced bump during key press

Sound

Quieter than clicky, louder than linear

The quietest option

Distinct audible click with each keystroke

Feedback

Physical bump, no loud click

No physical feedback

Physical bump and audible click

Typing Accuracy

Improved due to tactile feedback

Less feedback for typing

High due to strong feedback

Typing Fatigue

Reduced compared to linear switches

Can cause more fatigue during long typing sessions

Similar to tactile, but sound may cause fatigue

Gaming Performance

Good balance for typing and gaming

Excellent for rapid key presses in gaming 

Can be distracting for some gamers

Noise Level

Moderate

Low

High

Actuation Force

45 to 60g

Varies, often lighter than tactile

Often similar to tactile

Benefits of Using Tactile Switches 

Tactile key switches are more accurate than other switches when typing, comfortable for long hours of use, durable enough for millions of keystrokes, and provide a quiet but satisfying user experience. 

Better Typing Accuracy 

Tactile switches provide distinct physical feedback when pressed, allowing typists to feel and hear each keystroke. This immediate response helps users to recognize missed inputs and correct them quickly, making typing more efficient overall. 

Comfortable for Long Use 

Tactile switches require minimal force to actuate. This reduces finger fatigue when you’re using them for a long period of time, making them suitable for time-consuming tasks and gaming. The tactile bump also matches a natural typing rhythm, making it a more comfortable experience overall. 

Quiet but Satisfying 

Although they provide noticeable feedback, tactile switches operate quietly compared to other mechanical switches. They offer the ideal balance between a satisfying user experience and a quiet experience for others, making them a good choice for shared or quiet environments. 

Versatile 

The compact and efficient design of tactile switches makes them adaptable across various applications. They’re often used in consumer electronics like keyboards, keypads, and gaming controllers, but you can also find them in automotive controls, medical devices, wearable technology, and industrial equipment. 

Durable 

Tactile switches are robust and reliable as they’re constructed with fewer moving parts than some other switches. Their simple design contributes to a longer operational lifespan, because they need less frequent replacement and provide consistent performance over time, even with heavy use. 

What Are the Best Tactile Switches in 2025? 

Gazzew, Holy Panda, Gateron, Kailh, and Cherry tactile switches all make our list of the best tactile switches in 2025. 

1. Gazzew Boba U4T 

The Gazzew Boba U4T is widely known as one of the best tactile switches on the market. Its unique D-shaped tactile bump profile provides consistent feedback throughout the keystroke, making it ideal for both typists seeking precise actuation and gamers who rely on rapid, responsive inputs. 

You can find it in 62g and 68g bottom-out force options, which means it’s ideal for both lighter presses for fast-paced gaming or heavier presses for deliberate and accurate typing. The premium build includes a proprietary Boba plastic housing, a POM stem, and a Korean stainless steel spring for smooth, reliable performance. 

This MX-compatible switch is versatile, supporting through-hole LEDs and working with most hot-swap sockets. The light factory lube minimizes noise, so it’s a good choice for quiet environments while delivering a satisfying tactile experience. 

2. Cherry MX Brown 

The Cherry MX Brown provides a soft tactile bump without the audible click. With a 55 gf operating force, 2 mm pre-travel, and 4 mm total travel, it’s ideal for both typists and gamers thanks to its responsive yet deliberate keystroke and noise-reducing design. 

Built with CHERRY Gold Crosspoint technology, a self-cleaning mechanism, and a lifespan of over 100 million keystrokes, the MX Brown is durable and dependable. Its factory-applied lubricant, glide-optimized stem, and dust-resistant build deliver an exceptionally smooth and quiet performance. The Cherry MX Blue is another tactile switch available from the company. 

3. Gateron Baby Kangaroo 

The Gateron Baby Kangaroo 2.0 has a unique tactile bump that peaks at 0.5 mm, far earlier than conventional switches. This design delivers a sharper, more pronounced tactile feel, ideal for tactile enthusiasts who want precise and immediate feedback. 

Featuring a 22 mm double-stage gold-plated spring, the switch offers a snappy and consistent rebound, making it a strong choice for fast typists and gamers who want reliable responsiveness. The durable anti-oxidation gold alloy contact gives you dependable conductivity and longevity, supporting up to 80 million keystrokes. 

With a highly transparent PC housing and optimized light guide technology, the Baby Kangaroo 2.0 also enhances LED brightness for a visually striking keyboard setup. This 5-pin MX-compatible switch is perfect for hot-swappable keyboards and is equally suited for office work or gaming. 

4. Holy Panda X Clear 

The Holy Panda X Clear takes the legendary Holy Panda tactile switch experience to the next level with improved consistency, reduced stem wobble, and a transparent housing perfect for illuminated setups. Unlike its “Frankenswitch” predecessor, this fully engineered switch is designed and manufactured by Gateron tactile switches for excellent precision and quality. 

Featuring a polycarbonate top housing, nylon bottom housing, and a smooth POM stem, the Holy Panda X Clear delivers a tactile experience that’s smoother and more refined while maintaining the satisfying tactile bump that fans love. Its 60 g spring weight and pre-lubricated design provide effortless and consistent performance for typists and gamers alike. 

This MX-compatible switch is available in both 5-pin and 3-pin options, making it ideal for a wide range of keyboards. The transparent housing kicks your backlighting up a notch, so it’s an excellent choice for low-profile or RGB-focused builds. 

5. Kailh Speed Copper 

The Kailh Speed Copper switch offers a tactile experience tailored for users who need responsiveness and precision in both gaming and office work. With a pre-travel of just 1.1 mm and a moderate actuation force of 40 gf, this switch is excellent for quick inputs while providing a noticeable tactile bump. 

These features make it ideal for gamers who need accurate keystrokes and typists who prefer feedback without excessive resistance. Its shorter travel distance (3.5 mm) enables faster key presses, delivering a responsive and efficient typing or gaming experience. 

Built to last, it features composite gold contacts and a spring steel mechanism, with durability of up to 70 million keystrokes. Whether you’re strategizing in the office or doing intense gaming sessions, the Kailh Speed Copper strikes the perfect balance between speed and tactility, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications. 

How to Choose the Right Tactile Switch 

Consider actuation force, the tactile bump, the switch travel distance, and the noise level of the switch while looking for the right one for your needs. 

Actuation Force 

The actuation force is the amount of pressure needed to activate the switch. Tactile keyboard switches come in a range of actuation forces, and different forces are best for gamers and typists. 

Low actuation force (35 to 50 grams-force) is a good choice for gamers, to reduce finger fatigue during fast-paced, repetitive keystrokes in long gaming sessions. Lightweight switches allow for quicker key presses, which is helpful in games that need rapid inputs. 

Typists may prefer medium actuation force (50 to 70 grams-force) to avoid accidental key presses and maintain typing accuracy. The slightly higher force makes sure each press is intentional, improving efficiency for prolonged writing tasks. 

For those who both game and type often, a mid-range actuation force of aground 50 would likely provide a good enough balance to be effective for both. 

Tactile Bump 

The tactile bump is the small resistance or “bump” that you feel when the key actuates, which means that the key press has been registered. Gamers may prefer a subtle tactile bump or even linear switches (which lack a tactile bump entirely) for maintaining a consistent rhythm in games like first-person shooters or MOBAs where speed matters. 

Typists benefit from a prominent tactile bump as it confirms activation of the key without requiring the key to bottom out (be pressed all the way down). This tactile feedback helps streamline typing as you get immediate feedback if you miss a key, without having to constantly look at the screen. 

Noise Level 

Noise level depends on the design of the switch and its materials. Gamers may favor quieter tactile key switches if they play in shared spaces or record streams. Silent tactile switches reduce distractions without compromising the gaming experience. 

Typists often enjoy the satisfying sound of tactile keyboard switches with moderate noise, as the auditory feedback complements the tactile sensation. In professional or shared settings, quieter switches are more suitable. 

Switch Travel Distance 

This is the distance the key travels from its resting position to full actuation and then to the bottom-out point. Gamers usually prefer shorter travel distances (2 to 3.5 mm) to reduce response time. Low-profile or speed switches with shorter actuation points are ideal for competitive gaming, where milliseconds matter. 

Typists usually favor standard travel distances (4 mm) to achieve a more traditional typing experience. The longer travel provides a familiar feel and reduces typing errors by offering clear feedback before bottoming out. 

 

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How to Replace Keyboard Switches on a Hot-Swap Keyboard
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