Best Linear Keyboard Switch

Introduction

Mechanical keyboards are renowned for their durability, tactile feedback, and the sheer satisfaction they bring to typing and gaming experiences. Among the numerous types of best linear keyboard switches available for mechanical keyboards, linear switches are often favored for their smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. However, with a plethora of options on the market, selecting the best linear keyboard switch can be a daunting task.

In this comprehensive roundup, we’ll be comparing five of the top-rated best linear keyboard switches available on Amazon. So whether you’re a seasoned typist, an avid gamer, or just someone exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, we hope this guide helps you find the best linear keyboard switches to suit your needs.

Popular Best Linear Keyboard Switch

best linear keyboard switches are known for their consistent, smooth keystroke that lacks the tactile bump or audible click found in other best linear keyboard switch types. Some of the most popular best linear keyboard switches include Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Black, and Gateron Reds, each with their unique characteristics. This roundup will delve into the specifics of other promising contenders that could potentially become your next top pick.

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Best Linear Keyboard Switch Customization

One of the beauties of mechanical keyboards is the ability to customize your best linear keyboard switches. Lubrication, filming, and spring swapping are some common customization methods amongst keyboard enthusiasts to enhance the smoothness, sound, and overall typing experience. Each product reviewed in this article comes with its unique features and potential for customization.

Best Linear Keyboard Switch Typing Experience

The typing experience offered by a keyboard switch is highly subjective, often depending on your personal preferences, typing speed, and the nature of your tasks. Some people prefer a heavier switch for a more robust feel, while others opt for lighter switches for quicker, less fatiguing typing. Our product reviews will detail the typing experience you can expect from each best linear keyboard switch.

Best Linear Keyboard Switch Innovations and New Technologies

The world of mechanical keyboards is ever-evolving, with new technologies frequently introduced to enhance user experience. Whether it’s innovations in switch design, materials used, or compatibility with new keycap designs, staying updated with the latest trends can help you make a more informed choice. In this roundup, we’ll be looking at some of the latest innovations incorporated in our selected best linear keyboard switches.

05 Best Linear Keyboard Switch

Akko CS Air Switches for Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Product Details:

Akko CS Air Switches are precision-engineered to deliver a satisfying typing and gaming experience. The switches operate at a force of 48gf, ensuring each keystroke is smooth and responsive. The switches come in an Air color, adding a subtle touch to your keyboard’s aesthetic appeal.

The total travel of these switches is 4.0 – 0.5mm with a pre-travel of 1.9 ± 0.3mm, ensuring quick and efficient keypresses. These switches are highly rated by users and come in a pack of 45, allowing you to fully customize your mechanical gaming keyboard.

Pros & Cons Based on Customer Reviews:

Pros:

• Smoothness: Users appreciate the smooth keystrokes provided by these switches.
• Sound Quality: The sound quality of the switches has been praised by many users.
• Value for the price: Many users have commended the value for the price of these switches.
• Stability: Users have noted the stability of these switches, even during intense gaming sessions.
• Typing Experience: Users find these switches excellent for typing due to their smooth and responsive operation.

Cons:

• Lack of tactile feedback: Since these are linear switches, the lack of tactile feedback may not be suitable for users who prefer a tactile bump when typing.

Comparison with Other Products:

Compared to other products, Akko CS Air Switches stand out for their smoothness and sound quality. The linear operation ensures smooth keystrokes, and the sound quality adds to the overall typing experience. In terms of value for the price, these switches are highly rated by users. However, the lack of tactile feedback might be a downside for some users. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for smooth, stable, and responsive switches for your mechanical gaming keyboard, Akko CS Air Switches are a compelling choice.

CS Jelly White Linear Switch Set for Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Product Details:

Each EPOMAKER CS Jelly White Linear Switch is designed to offer a total travel of 4.0 ± 0.3mm and a pre-travel of 1.9 ± 0.3mm. The switches’ clear housing is a major advantage, allowing for stunning RGB lighting effects. This aesthetic feature, combined with the switches’ smoothness, ensures a superior typing and gaming experience.

These switches have an actuation force of 50gf ± 5gf, providing a balance between speed and control. The tactile position/force is not applicable to these linear switches, as they are designed to provide a more smooth and consistent keystroke.

Pros & Cons based on Customer Reviews:

Pros:

• Smoothness: Users have praised the smooth operation of these switches, improving the overall typing experience.
• Sound Quality: Despite the slightly scratchy sound, users have reported satisfaction with the sound quality.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The clear housing design adds to the visual appeal and facilitates beautiful RGB lighting.
• Versatility: These switches are well-received for both typing and gaming.

Cons:

• Scratchiness: Some users have reported a slight scratchiness in the switches, which might affect the sound quality.
• Availability: The product is currently unavailable, which can be a downside for potential buyers.

Comparison with Other Products:

The EPOMAKER CS Jelly White Linear Switch Set distinguishes itself with its clear housing design and the resulting RGB lighting effects. While some users have reported slight scratchiness, the overall smoothness and sound quality have been well-received. The switches’ suitability for both typing and gaming make them one of the best keyboard linear switches available. The unavailability of the product could be a disadvantage when compared to other readily available switches in the market. However, their unique aesthetic appeal and versatility make them a top-rated linear keyboard switch option.

CS Air Switches for Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Product Details:

The Akko CS Air Switches stand out for their unique features. They come with a built-in LED slot, which adds to the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard, and are compatible with MX style structure, which allows them to work with most keycap sets with a cross stem. The switches come in a pack of 45, housed in a plastic tray that also serves as a lubing station.

Crafted with polycarbonate material, these switches are designed for surface mounting. They have an IP54 rating, indicating their durability and resistance to dust and water splashes. With their X-10 connectivity protocol, these switches ensure a seamless connection for your gaming needs.

Pros & Cons based on Customer Reviews:

Pros:

• Smoothness: Users have praised the smooth action of these switches, which enhances the gaming and typing experience.
• Sound Quality: The clean sound of these switches has received positive feedback from users.
• Snappiness: Customers appreciate the snappiness of the switches, making for a responsive keyboard.
• Tactile Feel: Users have highlighted their satisfaction with the tactile feel of these switches.

Cons:

• Lubrication Required: Some users noted that the switches could benefit from lubrication for even smoother performance.
• Noise Levels: While many users are satisfied with the sound, a few users found the switches to be slightly noisy.

Comparison with Other Products:

When compared to other linear switches in the market, Akko CS Air Switches shine in their unique features. Their built-in LED slot, compatibility with most keycap sets, and the inclusion of a plastic tray that can serve as a lubing station make them a competitive option. However, the need for lubrication and slightly higher noise levels can be potential drawbacks for some users. Nevertheless, their overall performance and durability make these switches a strong contender in the best keyboard with linear switches category.

KiiBoom Linear 38gf Pink Rose Mechanical Keyboard Switch

Product Details:

These switches feature a linear switch type, with a total travel of 3.80±0.2mm and pre-travel of 1.6±0.4mm. The actuation force is a gentle 38±15gf, offering a comfortable and smooth typing experience. The stem material is made of PC, and the housing material is a translucent PC, giving it a unique aesthetic appeal.

Special features of the KiiBoom Linear 38gf Pink Rose switches include backlit functionality, a transparent base, and hot-swappability, making them versatile and customizable. They are compatible with MX structure keycaps, adding to their flexibility.

Pros & Cons based on Customer Reviews:

Pros:

• Smoothness: Users mentioned their satisfaction with the smoothness of these switches.
• Sound Quality: The sound quality after lubrication was praised by many users.
• Tactile Feel: The gentle actuation force and tactile feel of these switches were appreciated.

Cons:

• Quality Concerns: Some users noted minor quality issues with housing fragility and mold marks.
• Requires Customization: Although they perform well after lubrication, some users might find it inconvenient to have to customize the switches to get their best performance.

Comparison with Other Products:

The KiiBoom Linear 38gf Pink Rose switches stand out for their distinctive pink rose colorway and their gentle actuation force. When compared to other products, they offer a unique aesthetic appeal thanks to their translucent PC housing. However, some users mentioned minor quality issues and the need for customization to achieve optimal performance. Despite these minor drawbacks, they are still highly regarded for their smoothness, sound quality, and tactile feel, making them some of the best keyboard linear switches on the market.

RK ROYAL KLUDGE Keyboard Switches

Product Details:

The RK ROYAL KLUDGE Keyboard Switches are designed to offer a seamless and comforting typing experience. These 3-pin 45gf linear switches are lubed to ensure smoother keypresses and are compatible with most keyboard sockets kit, following the Cherry MX style construction. The switches come in a unique Lemon Yellow color, adding a vibrant touch to your keyboard.

The transparent upper cover of these switches not only adds to the aesthetics but also works effectively in enhancing the RGB light transmission. This feature allows users to enjoy a colorful and immersive typing experience. The switches come in a pack of 35, enabling users to comprehensively customize their mechanical keyboards.

Pros & Cons Based on Customer Reviews:

Pros:

• Smoothness: Users have applauded the smoothness of these switches, contributing to a comfortable typing experience.
• Sound Quality: The “THOCK” sound produced by these switches has been appreciated by many users.
• Durability: Users have commented positively on the longevity of these switches.
• Unique Color: The unique Lemon Yellow color of these switches has been a hit among users, adding a vibrant flair to their keyboards.
• Quality Packaging: The packaging of the switches has impressed users, with each switch securely placed.

Cons:

• Price: Some users have raised concerns about the pricing of these switches, comparing them to similar products.
• Lubrication Consistency: A few users have reported minor issues with the consistency of the lubrication among the switches.

Comparison with Other Products:

When compared to other products, the RK ROYAL KLUDGE Keyboard Switches stand out due to their pre-lubed feature, enhancing the typing experience by offering smoother operation. While the pricing might be a point of contention for some users, the unique Lemon Yellow color and the quality packaging make them a compelling choice. The switches’ compatibility with most keyboard sockets kit also gives them an upper hand over some other products, allowing users to use them with various keyboard designs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best linear keyboard switch can significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience. All the products reviewed offer unique qualities that set them apart.

The Akko CS Jelly Black Switches stand out with their dustproof stem for reduced wobble, and translucent polycarbonate bottom for better RGB effects. This makes it one of the top-rated linear keyboard switches on the market.

On the other hand, the EPOMAKER CS Jelly White Linear Switch Set is highly praised for its smoothness, sound quality, and the value it offers for the price. Its transparent housing also permits beautiful RGB lighting, making it suitable for both typing and gaming.

For those who value smoothness and a clean sound, the Akko CS Air Switches are a great pick. They offer a snappy and satisfying typing experience, with customers particularly commending their performance after lubing.

The KiiBoom Linear 38gf Pink Rose Mechanical Keyboard Switches are well-regarded for their gentle actuation and compatibility with various keycap sets. Despite minor quality concerns, they offer great performance after customization like lubrication and are a budget-friendly option.

After reading the linear switch reviews, it’s clear that each product has its strengths and offers a different typing experience. It’s important to consider what you value most in a keyboard switch, be it smoothness, sound quality, or the typing experience, before making a decision.

We hope this roundup of the best keyboard linear switches helps you make an informed choice. Happy typing!

Q&A Section

Q: Are linear keyboard switches good?
A: Yes, linear keyboard switches are popular due to their smooth keystroke mechanism. They do not have a tactile bump or audible click, making them a preferred choice for fast typists and gamers who require rapid key presses.

Q: What is the best linear Gateron switch?
A: The best linear Gateron switch is often subjective and depends on personal preference. However, the Gateron Red and Gateron Yellow switches are often highly rated for their smoothness and responsiveness.

Q: Should I get linear or tactile?
A: The choice between linear and tactile switches depends on your typing preference. If you prefer a smooth keystroke with no feedback, then linear switches are the best choice. However, if you appreciate a noticeable bump or feedback when you press a key, you would likely prefer tactile switches.

Q: How does a linear keyboard switch differ from other switch types?
A: Linear keyboard switches offer a smooth and consistent keystroke, with no tactile bump or audible click. This is different from tactile switches, which have a noticeable bump mid-keystroke, and clicky switches, which provide both a tactile bump and an audible click.

Q: What is the actuation force of the best linear keyboard switches?
A: The actuation force of linear keyboard switches can vary. However, many popular linear switches have an actuation force between 35gf and 50gf.

Q: Are there any linear switches known for being particularly quiet?
A: Yes, linear switches are generally quieter than tactile and clicky switches. Some particularly quiet linear switches include the Cherry MX Red Silent, Gateron Silent Red, and the Zilents V2.

Q: Are there any linear switches with additional features, such as RGB lighting?
A: Yes, many linear switches are designed with additional features, such as RGB lighting compatibility. For example, the Akko CS Jelly Black Switches and EPOMAKER CS Jelly White Linear Switch Set have transparent housings to better showcase RGB lighting effects.

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