Tactile Switches

Tactile switches: feel the bump, stay in control

Tactile switches have a noticeable bump just before the actuation point. You feel when the key actuates and don't have to push it all the way down. That gives you more control than a linear and is much quieter than a clicky.

How strong should the bump be?

Light bumps in the Brown style, like on the Cherry MX2A Brown, are subtle and can be typed through almost like a linear. Medium to strong bumps are clearly noticeable and often "snappy", for example on the MMD Holy Panda V3. On switches with a top bump, the bump starts right at the beginning of the travel and there is hardly any linear travel behind it.

Spring weight and travel

Spring weight also decides how pronounced the bump feels. Actuation and bottom-out force are listed with every switch. Besides the classic 4 mm travel there are switches with shorter travel, where the bottom-out comes earlier and feels crisper.

Sound

A tactile sounds like a linear with the same build, plus the soft noise of the bump. How it ends up sounding depends on materials, lubing, plate and case. If you want it especially quiet, look at the silent switches, which include silent tactiles.

Linear, clicky or hall effect?

If you like an even feel without a bump, linear switches are the right choice. If you also want an audible click, you'll find it in the clicky switches. Our guide switch types explained compares all types. In-stock items ship from Germany within one working day.