Linear or tactile: choose by feel

Linear switches move without a deliberate tactile bump. Tactile switches add feedback during travel. Neither category is automatically better for typing or gaming; the useful comparison is between exact models.

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Start with the feedback you want

If you like an uninterrupted stroke, try a linear. If you want a noticeable bump, try a tactile. A click mechanism is another property; do not assume every tactile switch clicks. Switch colour names are not a consistent standard across manufacturers.

Compare like-for-like specifications

Compare actuation force with actuation force, not another model’s bottom-out force. Check travel and technology too. An unrecorded field means more research is needed, not that the feature is absent. Use the compare controls below to line up candidates from this catalog.

Use a small sample to decide

Specifications can narrow your choices, but they cannot tell you which feel you will prefer. Sample a few candidates when possible, then price the number of packs your build needs. Check retailer variants carefully where a single product page includes multiple weights or switch types.