How to Choose Switches 101 - how to choose the right silent switches for you?

Introduction:

Mechanical keyboards have taken the world of computing by storm, offering a tactile and audible typing experience that's beloved by many. However, not everyone appreciates the clickety-clack of mechanical switches, especially in shared workspaces or quiet environments. This is where silent switches come to the rescue, providing the same satisfying mechanical feel without the noise.

If you're on a quest to find the perfect silent switches for your mechanical keyboard, you've come to the right place. In this guide, "How to Choose Switches 101," we'll walk you through the essential steps to help you select the right silent switches tailored to your typing preferences.

From understanding the basics of spring weight and travel distance to considering RGB lighting requirements, we'll provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to make an informed decision. By the end of this guide, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to choose the ideal silent switches that enhance your typing experience and fit seamlessly into your mechanical keyboard. So, let's dive into the world of silent switches and find the perfect fit for your needs.

Step 1 - Step One - Stick with the Standard Switches that Came with Your First Mechanical Keyboard

When you're new to mechanical keyboards, it's a good idea to start with the switches that came with your initial purchase. This will give you a baseline experience to compare against as you explore other options. Let's take a look at some of the popular switches often included with pre-built mechanical keyboards, such as Gateron Red, Gateron Brown, or Gateron Blue switches.

• Gateron G Pro Red: Gateron Red switches are known for their smooth and linear keystrokes. They require a light actuation force, making them easy to press without much resistance. This can be ideal for both typing and gaming, providing a fluid and responsive feel.
• Gateron G Pro Brown: Gateron Brown switches strike a balance between tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes. They offer a subtle bump when a key is activated, providing a tactile feel without being too clicky or noisy. This makes them a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience without the audible click.
• Gateron G Pro Blue: Gateron Blue switches are recognised for their distinct audible click sound and tactile feedback. They require a slightly higher actuation force than the Reds, and the clicky sound can be satisfying for typists who prefer audible confirmation with each keypress.

By starting with these standard switches that come with many pre-built mechanical keyboards, you can gain valuable insights into your personal preferences. Understanding the fundamental characteristics of these switches will serve as a solid foundation as we explore silent switch options tailored to your typing style.

Step 2 - Take Note of the Weight of the Spring and Travel Distance of Your First Switches

Pay attention to the feel of your current switches. Note how heavy or light they are when you press the keys and how far they travel when activated. Understanding these characteristics is crucial in finding the perfect switch for you. Let's have a quick look at the spring weight and the travel distance of Gateron G Pro Red, Gateron G Pro Brown, or Gateron G Pro Blue switches.

• Spring Weight: Gateron G Pro Red switches typically feature a light spring weight, usually around 45-50 grams, which means they require minimal force to actuate. Gateron G Pro Brown switches also fall within this range, making them easy to press. In contrast, Gateron G Pro Blue switches have a slightly higher spring weight, usually around 50-55 grams, providing a bit more resistance and tactile feedback. Understanding the spring weight of these switches can help you determine your preference for keypress resistance.
• Travel Distance: Regardless of the switch type, Gateron G Pro switches commonly offer a standard travel distance of around 4.0mm. This means the key travels a consistent distance when activated, providing a predictable and comfortable typing experience. It's essential to note if you enjoy this travel distance or prefer something shorter or longer.

By examining the spring weight and travel distance of your current switches, you'll gain valuable insights into your typing preferences. Some users find the light, linear feel of Gateron G Pro Red switches suits their fast-paced typing style, while others appreciate the tactile feedback of Gateron G Pro Brown switches. Gateron  G Pro Blue switches, with their distinct clicky sound and slightly higher spring weight, may also have its unique appeal. These observations will be instrumental as we proceed to select the ideal silent switches tailored to your specific needs.

Step 3 - Eliminate Switches that are Too Heavy or Too Light Based on Spring Weight

Once you've identified the spring weight that suits your typing style, eliminate switches that are significantly heavier or lighter. This step will help narrow down your options.

If the switches that came with your initial purchase align perfectly with your typing preferences, consider exploring silent switch options that offer a similar spring weight:

• Kailh Box Whale - Tactile
• XCJZ Lucy - Linear
• TTC Silent Red V3 - Linear
• TTC Light Cloud V2 - Linear

These silent switches have a spring force similar to the Gateron G Pro Red and Brown switches, providing a familiar feel. If you're comfortable with the Gateron G Pro switches' spring weight, these could provide a seamless transition to silent switches.

If the switches that came with your initial purchase feel too heavy for your liking, consider exploring alternative silent switches with lighter spring weights:

• TTC Frozen V2 - Linear
• Outemu Lime V2 -Tactile
• Outemu Peach V2 - Linear

These are silent linear switches with a spring force of 35gf to 40gf, making them even lighter than the Gateron G Pro Red and G Pro Brown. If you're looking for a lighter touch, these might be a good option.

Now, let's dive into switches with heavier spring weights that's similar or heavier than Gateron G Pro Blue switches:

• Wuque Studio Silent Linear
• Wuque Studio Silent Tactile
• TTC Silent Bluish White - Tactile
• Outemu Milky Yellow Pro - Tactile
• Kailh Box Whale - Tactile
• Kailh Box Fried Egg V2 - Linear
• Homoo Seasalt Lemon - Linear

Featuring an operating force ranging from 40gf and a bottom contact force ranging between 60gf to 63.5gf, these switches offer a responsive typing experience suited for those who prefer a weighty keypress.

Step 4 - Based on the Travel Distance, Eliminate Switches That Don't Match Your Preference

Consider your preference for key travel distance. Some users prefer a shorter, snappier feel, while others prefer a longer, more deliberate keypress. Eliminate switches that don't align with your desired travel distance.

If the switches that came with your initial purchase align perfectly with your travel distance preference, consider exploring silent switch options that offer a similar travel distance: 

• Kailh Box Islet - Linear
• Homoo Seasalt Lemon - Linear
• XCJZ Lucy - Linear
• TTC Silent Red V3 - Linear

These switches maintain a total travel distance of around 4.0mm (from 3.7mm), mirroring the Gateron G Pro switches' travel distance, making them an ideal choice for those who value travel distance consistency.

• Kailh Box Whale - Tactile
• Kailh Box Fried Egg V2 - Linear
• TTC Light Cloud V2 - Linear
• TTC Frozen V2 - Linear
• Wuque Studio Silent Linear
• Wuque Studio Silent Tactile
• TTC Silent Bluish White - Tactile

These switches feature a total travel distance around 3.5mm, providing a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron switches. If you seek a swift and precise keystroke for tasks like light gaming or rapid typing, these switches offer an excellent choice.

If you seek a significantly shorter travel distance, particularly ideal for gamers seeking faster response times or swift typists looking to enhance typing efficiency, explore silent switches designed with a much shorter travel distance than Gateron switches:

• Outemu Peach V2 - Linear
• Outemu Lime V2 -Tactile
• Outemu Milky Yellow Pro - Tactile

These silent switches offer a much shorter total travel distance of 3.3mm compared to Gateron switches.This reduction in travel distance can provide a snappier and more responsive feel during typing, making them an excellent choice for those who value quick keypresses.

By considering your preferred travel distance, you can further refine your selection of silent switches to match your unique typing preferences and requirements.

Step 5 - Based on RGB requirement, decide if you need switches that comes with a light diffuser and be prepared to pay extra for RGB.

If you prioritise RGB lighting in your mechanical keyboard, be aware that some premium switches come with light diffusers for enhanced illumination. Either choose switches without this feature or be prepared to pay extra for RGB compatibility.

Some silent switches that enhances the RGB lighting for your evening set-up or night gaming experience:

• Kailh Box Islet - Linear: The clear top design enhances RGB lighting, providing a satisfactory RGB experience for light gaming sessions.
• TTC Light Cloud V2 - Linear: The new and improved light diffuser present a mat finish and enhance the diffused RGB, providing a stronger and more centred lighting from each switch.
• TTC Frozen V2 - Linear: The fully translusent design is optimuled for gaming keyboards with tranlusent keycaps, providing the ultimate booster to a RGB lightshow while striking each keystroke.

Step 6 - Get 1 or 4 of the switches available that meets your criteria based on the above steps to try them out.

To truly gauge how well a switch aligns with your typing preferences and comfort, consider purchasing a few switches that match your criteria from the previous steps. This hands-on approach allows you to experience them firsthand and make an informed decision.

Switch testers are readily available from various manufacturers and suppliers. We recommend acquiring four switches of each type you're interested in. This not only enables you to test them on a switch tester but also to install and use them on your keyboard in a real typing setup.

We also offer a customised option where you can select four switches of your choice from our website's available selection. This way, you can create your own switch tester, whether you opt to include our keyboard switches tester or not. It's a practical way to ensure you find the perfect silent switches for your needs.

Step 7 - Make Your Silent Switch Decision

Now that you've had a chance to test the switches, it's time to make your final decision based on your typing preferences and budget.

If the test switches exceeded your expectations and significantly enhance your typing experience, consider stretching your budget to invest in a full set of your dream silent switches. The comfort and satisfaction of using the perfect switches may be well worth the extra cost.

On the other hand, if the test switches met your requirements and are "good enough" for your needs, there's no need to overspend. Stick to your original budget and purchase a full set of switches that align with your preferences.

Ultimately, choosing the right silent switches for your mechanical keyboard is a personal journey. Following these steps will help you make an informed decision that perfectly suits your typing style, comfort, and budget. Happy typing!