A Comprehensive Guide to Mechanical Keyboard Switches

Introduction

If you've ever browsed for a mechanical keyboard or seen people ask for "brown" or "blue" switches, you've probably been caught in the color-coded confusion of mechanical switches. But here's the truth: switch colors don't define switch types. Today, the color of a switch tells you very little about its feel, sound, or performance. Let's clear the air and explore what really matters — the three core switch types, how switch materials affect performance, and how lubing your switches changes everything.

The Three Major Mechanical Switch Types

All mechanical switches fall into one of three core categories:

🔴 Linear Switches

• Feel: Smooth and consistent from top to bottom

• Sound: Quietest among the three (unless unlubed)

• Use Case: Gaming, fast typing

No bump, no click — just a smooth press. Popular among gamers who want speed and minimal resistance.

🟤 Tactile Switches

• Feel: Noticeable bump before actuation

• Sound: Moderate sound from tactile bump

• Use Case: Typing, general use

The tactile bump offers feedback without the loud click, making these a balanced choice for typing and daily tasks.

🔵 Clicky Switches

• Feel: Tactile bump and audible click

• Sound: Loud and clicky (sometimes too loud for shared spaces)

• Use Case: Typing purists, those who love feedback

Great if you love classic typewriter vibes — not so great if your coworkers don’t.

3-Pin vs. 5-Pin Switches

• 3-Pin: Two metal pins + one plastic center leg. Fits most hot-swap boards.

• 5-Pin: Adds two extra plastic legs for extra stability. Can be trimmed to fit 3-pin PCBs.

Some hot-swap keyboards only support 3-pin switches, but many modern ones support both. Always check your board's compatibility. Most of the budget keyboards which market themselves as "hotswappable" usually have what's called a Rivet hotswap socket, which is only compatible with 3-pin switches.

Anatomy of a Mechanical Switch: Why Materials Matter

Each switch has 5 core parts:

• Top Housing: Affects how the switch sounds on return

• Bottom Housing: Influences bottom-out feel and sound

• Stem: Responsible for the type (linear, tactile, clicky)

• Spring: Determines actuation force

• Pins: For electrical contact (3 or 5 pin)

Material Breakdown

🔹 LY (Hybrid Plastic)

• Ultra smooth, low friction

• Very soft, almost buttery key feel

• Unique sound profile — often deeper

🔸 PA66 (Nylon)

• Durable and rigid

• Traditional mechanical feel

• More affordable

• Deeper sound when used in top/bottom housings

🔹 PC (Polycarbonate)

• Often used in clear switches (RGB friendly)

• Bright and crisp sound

• Slightly higher-pitched than full nylon

🔸 POM (Polyoxymethylene)

• Popular for stems (especially linear)

• Durable and low-friction

• Produces a clean, slightly muted sound

🔹 UHMWPE

• Super low-friction, very smooth

• Often used in premium linear switches

• Can wear down quicker but feels ultra-smooth

Lubing Switches: The Game Changer

Lubing your switches is one of the best mods you can do — especially for scratchy stock switches. It improves smoothness, reduces noise, and enhances overall feel.

🧴 Lubricant Types

Oil Lubes:

• Thin, low viscosity

• Good for springs and clicky/tactile stems

• Can be used for bag-lubing springs

Grease Lubes:

• Thicker, more viscous

• Ideal for linear switches and stabilizers

• Must be manually applied to each component

💡 Popular Lubes

• Krytox 205g0: Thick grease, perfect for linear switches

• Krytox 203/3203: Lighter viscosity, better for tactile/clicky switches

• GH V4: Custom blends — thick and thin variants available

Final Thoughts

Mechanical keyboards have evolved far beyond the old red = linear, brown = tactile, and blue = clicky narrative. Understanding switch types, materials, and the impact of lubrication lets you make informed decisions based on what you like — not just a color label.

Whether you're chasing smoothness, durability, or the perfect sound profile, the right combo of stem, housing, and lube can make your keyboard feel truly custom.