The Best Tactile Switches for Mechanical Keyboards 2024

Various types of keyboard switches help to enhance your typing. The most common type of these switches is tactile switches. Tactile switches are the standard switches used to close an electric circuit when pressed.

There is a wide variety of these switches in the market, but all the items do not perform like a premium quality tactile switch. If you are looking for a high-quality product with exceptional performance, the following guide on the best tactile switches can help you in many ways. We have created best tactile switches of 2024

Tactile switches are much more reliable than mechanical, clicky, and linear switches. They create an audible clicking sound when pressed, which is not too loud like other keyboard switches that disturb the surroundings. It can be a challenging task to find a high-quality tactile switch because of the wide variety. Hence, I have listed a few best tactile switches in the following guide to help you choose the most suitable product according to your requirements.

Best Tactile Switches of 2024 – Our Top Picks

1. Akko V3 Switch for Mechanical Keyboard, Tactile Switches

Akko is one of the most popular brands for manufacturing keyboard tactile switches. This product from Akko is ideal for you if you own a mechanical keyboard. Besides being highly affordable, these switches are long-lasting. Furthermore, they are available in a wide variety of color options to help you choose the one according to your choice. The package includes 45 pieces of tactile switches. It is the best product in our list of the best tactile switches. 

With a total weight of 8.9 ounces, this item’s dimensions are 9.84 x 5.91 x 0.79 inches. The switches have a push-button switch type and surface mounting type. Moreover, the V3 generation switches from this company come with long pole stems that significantly enhance your typing and prevent misclicks. These switches contain an 18mm extension spring and polycarbonate material that make the switches more smooth. It is the best product in our list of the best linear switches. 

In addition, this product’s long pole stems also help provide a better and faster typing experience than other tactile switches. One of the most highlighted features of this product is that it comes with a built-in LED slot for LED assembly or modification. According to laboratory-based tests, this item has a lifespan of 60 million keystrokes.

As I mentioned in its features, this product is highly compatible. The switches have an MX-style structure that can fit most keycaps with an X cross stem. This tactile switch package has a 38 ± 5gf operating force. Its total travel is estimated at around 3.5 ± 0.3mm. On the other hand, its pre-travel measurement ranges around 2.0 ± 0.3mm. The tactile position of these switches is around 0.5 ± 0.3mm. Lastly, these switches have a tactile force of around 53 ± 5gf.

One needs a switch opener to replace the mechanical switches with tactile switches, but this product does not come with a switch opener. Hence, you must purchase it separately to install these tactile switches. Besides this one factor, this product is one of the best tactile switches in the market because of its compatibility and durability.

2. LTC Panda Switches for Mechanical Keyboards

If you are looking for a tactile switch with multiple style options, this product from LTC Panda won’t disappoint you. It is available in around six styles to help you choose the appropriate one according to your requirements. Like the first product on the list of best-selling tactile switches, it is also highly compatible. The package includes 30 tactile switch pieces, less than the first product.

One of the prominent features of this item is that it comes with a switch puller to make the replacement of switches much easier and less time-consuming. Furthermore, the item weighs around 4.2 ounces, while the package’s dimensions are 8.58 x 4.49 x 1.06 inches. The significant characteristic of this item is its deep bassy sound.

These Holy Panda-style switches are snappy tactile switches with more actuation. In addition, the 3-pins switches have a plate-mounted type. As I stated above, this product is highly compatible. It is compatible with most gaming keyboards and custom-built keyboards. Hence, it is the most suitable option if you have a gaming keyboard.

Besides being compatible with various mechanical keyboards, this product has a high lifespan so that one can use it for a prolonged time. Its snappy tactile design enhances your typing experience by providing smooth typing. The item’s distance is estimated at around 2.0 ± 0.4mm. Moreover, its total travel measurement is 3.2 ± 0.3 mm, and the operating force is 57 ± 15gf. The tactile force of this product ranges around 66 ± 15gf, while its return force is ≥ 15gf.

Although this product has many characteristics, it has fragile connection pins that can bend easily. Hence, you must be careful when installing these switches to prevent the bending of the connection pins. A switch puller can make your task more accessible, but you should make sure to perform this task delicately.

3. Akko CS Switches, 3 Pin 36gf Tactile Switch

This product from Akko is one of the best-selling items on Amazon of best tactile switches because of its characteristics. The CS tactile switches have a plastic material. Furthermore, they offer a wide variety of color choices to help you choose the color of your choice according to your keyboard. The package includes 45 pieces of tactile switches. It is one of the most affordable products in the market with advanced features.

This product is compatible with MX mechanical keyboards. It has a push-button switch type. This CS tactile switch from Akko has a 3-pin plate mounting type that allows you to customize your keyboard for a better and smooth typing experience. Its affordable price makes it one of the best options for customizing a keyboard. Unlike other products from Akko, this tactile switch series has an 18mm extension spring that creates unique and smooth feedback.

Apart from the extension spring, this product also offers a tactile bump at 0.5mm to enhance your typing experience. As I mentioned in the feature, this product has a built-in LED slot for LEd modification or assembly. Like other keyboard switches from this company, this item also has a lifespan of 60 million keystrokes that last for many years.

Though this product is available in various colors, these colors have different springs. You can choose the most suitable and compatible one according to the keyboard conditions. A few colors have a progressive spring, some have an extension spring, and some have larger springs. The operating force of this product is around 36 ± 5gf. Moreover, its total travel measurement is around 4.0 ± 0.5mm, and pre-travel ranges between 1.9 ± 0.3mm. Lastly, its tactile position is 0.5 ± 0.3mm, while the tactile force is 50 ± 5gf.

Like the first product from Akko, this item also doesn’t come with a switch puller, making its installation more challenging. There is an easy solution to this problem. You must purchase a switch puller separately to install the switches easily in less time.

4. DUROCK Tactile Keyboard Switches

The previous products mentioned in the list have many features but fewer switch pieces. If you are looking for a tactile switch package with more switches, look for none other than DUROCK. This product is in our list of best linear switches This item is available in multiple size options, including 70 pieces, 90 pieces, and 110 pieces. Hence, you can choose the required size for your keyboard. Besides the size options, the item comes in eight different styles with varying prices.

The Koala 62g tactile switches from DUROCK have a polymer nylon material that increases their durability. In addition, this package weighs around 5.3 ounces, while its dimensions are 3.35 x 3.31 x 3.27 inches. One of the highlighted characteristics of this item is that it offers tactility with a soft and smooth response, unlike many other switches. Its particular tactile stem is responsive to the touch for better typing.

It has a long and robust tactile bump to prevent misclicks and improve your typing experience. Though it has a long bump, it still provides a light and smooth response. This product is the recolor of the T1 switch, so it provides the same smooth and soft response as it. It is also available in LED designs that are SMD compatible, allowing a slot for LED. The tactile switch’s travel measurement is 4mm, operating force is 2mm, bottom out is 62g, and it has 5-pin.

This product is more expensive because it includes more tactile switches than other items. You should invest your money in this product if you want a product with a wide variety of options, advanced features, and high quality. This is the main reason why this is on the list of best tactile switches. It might be unsuitable for people who don’t want to spend more than 20 USD on a keyboard switch.

5. DUROCK Silent T1 Tactile Switches

Like the other products from DUROCK, this item is also available in various size options. It is available in three colors. One of the most prominent features of this product is the gold-plated spring. This product differs from other series of best tactile switches from DUROCK because it is a silent version of T1 switches. It has nylon material.

The product features a translucent turquoise housing and white stem. These switches use a patent silencing ring to mitigate the sound to get T1 tactility. Furthermore, these silencing rings provide a significant sound reduction. Its polymer nylon material and PC blend housing with a soft and flexible POM stem enhance its durability and performance.

This tactile switch package has a 3.8mm travel, 2mm operating force, 67g bottom out, and a 5-pin switch design. In addition, this product comes with 60 million operations. It is also available in LED styles that are SMD compatible and allow modification and assembly for LED. The gold-plated rings play a significant role in enhancing the quality and durability of this item.

Like the other product from DUROCK, this item is also expensive. If you don’t want to compromise on the quality of the product, you must consider buying this tactile switch from our list of best tactile switches package because of its high durability and exceptional performance.

6. Gateron KS-15 Optical Switches for Mechanical Keyboards

Although the products from DUROCK are available in many sizes, they are costly, so everyone can’t afford them. Moreover, some people do not prefer spending more than 30 USD on keyboard switches. I have a solution for you if you are one of those people. This product from Gateron comes with multiple size options at a reasonable price.

Besides multiple size options, this package is also available in various colors to help you choose the perfect one for your gaming keyboard. It is one of the most appropriate tactile switch products for gaming keyboards because of its high compatibility. This product has an optical connector type and a push button switch type.

These tactile switches are among the most popular internet-selling items because they offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Moreover, they are suitable for gaming keyboards because they provide a fast gaming performance to enhance your game. Besides a smooth typing performance, they have a faster response rate than regular mechanical keyboard switches. This is why we have chosen this product in the list of best tactile switches

One of the highlighted features of this product is that its switches have small tactile bumps on each keystroke with a low noise level to prevent disturbance in the surroundings. In addition, these switches have a clear transparent appearance that makes them shine when you install them on RGB LED keyboards. Its total travel is 4mm, and the actuation force is 55g. This product is one of the most durable items, with a lifespan of 100 million keystrokes.

One of this product’s highlighting drawbacks is that it is incompatible with regular mechanical keyboards. Hence, it is only the best option if you own a gaming keyboard. In short, you can use these tactile switches on a regular keyboard.

7. EPOMAKER AKKO CS Jelly White Linear Switch

This product from EPOMAKER is highly affordable. It is available in five colors with different prices at an affordable range. The package includes 30 pieces of tactile switches. Furthermore, a pet animal inspired the color budgerigar called a budgie. This product has a pale yellow and green color to highlight the relationship between humans and budgie animals. Besides its inspired color, this product provides a high-quality performance to improve your typing experience.

In addition to its design, this item has a POM material that increases its durability and lasts longer for many years. This POM material significantly provides maximum resilience and minimizes coefficient fraction to provide a smooth and stable typing feeling. Hence, its POM material creates a smooth and scratchless keystroke. Apart from the material, this item also has a Nylon housing and dua springs that make the product better than other items in the market.

One of the highlighting features of this product is that it comes with a self-lubing feature that allows it to lube itself when typed. This lube characteristic is vital in providing a smooth feeling in your typing. In addition, it is highly compatible with MX mechanical keyboards that fit o X cross-stem keycaps. Its compatibility permits you to customize your keyboard according to your choice. The built-in LED slots allow you to modify or assemble LEDs in your best tactile switches.

Though it is a highly affordable product, it has fewer switches. Hence, you need to order more switches to install on your keyboard. You can order two packages of this product to increase the switch amount. It won’t cost you more than 30 USD.

Why Should You Use Tactile Switches?

Tactile switches are much more reliable than ordinary medicinal keyboard switches. Various factors make them better than mechanical switches. Tactile switches are the best option for beginners because they have multiple advanced features that enhance typing. One of the most prominent benefits of tactile switches is that they are satisfying and create less noise, so one can use their keyboard in public without creating a disturbance with clicking sounds.

Furthermore, tactile switches have a bump that creates an actuation to tell you that you clicked a specific key. In short, this bump determines your performance. Tactile buttons offer maximum stability and a smooth experience with the help of their material and bumps that help to prevent misclicks. Moreover, these switches are more durable than regular switches.

If you want to learn more about the differences, read our detailed guide on Tactile Vs Linear Vs Clicky: Which Switch Type Suits You?

Tactile Switches VS Linear Switches

From the above guide on best linear switches, you must know that tactile switches are famous for creating less sound and bumps to determine your action. They are the best options for people who prefer stability and performance over other factors. Furthermore, these switches enhance your typing and last longer than other mechanical switches.

In contrast, linear switches are well-known keyboard switches that provide a smooth typing experience without creating bumps like tactile switches. They are quieter and smoother than other keyboard switches. These switches are perfect for people who want to experience quiet and smooth typing without tactile effects.

Tactile Switches VS Clicky Switches

Although tactile switches have bumps on each keystroke to determine your action, they do not create much noise. Moreover, they offer high stability and actuation with minor bumps and long-lasting effects. On the other hand, clicky switches are the complete opposite of tactile switches. They also have bumps, but they create a loud noise that makes them unsuitable to use in public. Hence, they are less reliable than tactile and linear switches.

Final Verdict:

The above guide contains a detailed review of the seven best tactile switches for keyboards to help you find the most suitable product according to your requirements. Tactile switches are much more reliable than other mechanical switches because they offer maximum stability and durability with the help of tactile bumps and several other characteristics. Check out these products from this list of the best tactile switches to find which one suits your keyboard the most. The following are my favorite products from the above list.

• Akko V3 Switch for Mechanical Keyboard Tactile Switches is highly durable, compatible, and affordable.
• LTC Panda Switches for Mechanical Keyboards provide a snappy tactile typing feeling and are durable.
• Akko CS Switches, 3 Pin 36gf Tactile Switch has a built-in LED slot for LED modification or assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tactile switches best for gaming?

There are various categories of keyboard switches in the market. The most suitable switches for gaming keyboards are tactile switches because they offer maximum stability with the help of tactile bumps on each keystroke.

What are the best tactile switches and silent switches?

Although tactile switches have bumps that create an audible sound to determine your action, the noise is low and does not cause disturbance in the surroundings. Hence, you can choose any product from the above list of the best tactile switches according to your keyboard requirements without worrying about its noise.

Are tactile switches more reliable than other keyboard switches?

Tactile switches are more reliable than other mechanical keyboard switches. Apart from providing maximum stability, these switches have LED slots that allow you to modify or assemble the LED on your keyboard. Moreover, they improve your typing by creating a bumpy feeling when pressed. In short, tactile switches are the most reliable keyboard switches in the market.

Which switch is the noisiest?

The most common keyboard switches are linear, tactile, and clicky switches. Linear switches are well-known for their smoothness. On the other hand, tactile switches are most famous for their reliability and stability. The noisiest keyboard switches in the market are clicky switches that create a loud noise when pressed.

What switches are the easiest to press?

Linear and tactile switches are the easiest to press than clicky switches. Tactile switches have bumps on each keystroke to create specific noise to determine the action, so this bumpy effect might make it less easy to press. In contrast, linear switches are the best for smoothness because they do not contain a tactile effect and are the quietest.