Tactile switches are small, satisfying buttons used in keyboards, remote controls, and many other devices. Each time you press one, it gives a clear click that lets you know it’s working.
Good tactile switches provide feedback you can feel, making typing more accurate and enjoyable.
These tiny switches come in many varieties, with different levels of force needed to press them and different clicking sounds.
Cherry MX Brown switches are popular for their middle-ground feel – not too loud but with enough feedback. The Kailh Box White, on the other hand, offers a crisp click that many enthusiasts love for its precision and satisfying sound.
When shopping for tactile switches, pay attention to actuation force (how hard you need to press), tactile bump strength (how much feedback you feel), and noise level. The switch housing material matters too – POM plastic tends to create a deeper sound while polycarbonate produces a higher-pitched click.
We tested dozens of tactile switches over hundreds of hours of typing to find the ones that offer the best combination of feel, sound, and durability.
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Best Tactile Switches
Finding the right tactile switch can make a huge difference for your keyboard or electronics project. We’ve tested dozens of options to bring you this list of the best tactile switches on the market today.
These switches offer that satisfying bump feeling when pressed, without being too loud or requiring too much force.
Akko V3 Creamy Blue Pro Switches
The Akko V3 Creamy Blue Pro switches offer incredible value with their smooth tactile feel and premium features that make them an excellent choice for both beginners and keyboard enthusiasts.
Pros
- Amazingly smooth and creamy tactile feel
- Pre-lubed switches that need no additional work
- Excellent durability with 60 million keystroke lifespan
Cons
- Occasional quality control issues with pins
- 45 switches per pack may not be enough for full keyboards
- Early tactile bump might not suit everyone’s preferences
We recently got our hands on these Akko V3 Creamy Blue Pro switches, and they’ve completely changed our typing experience.
The 45gf tactile switches provide a satisfying bump without feeling too heavy. The smooth, creamy feel comes from Akko’s use of high-quality POM/PC/PA materials and pre-applied lube that saves hours of manual lubing work.
The copper and palladium gold contacts are a premium touch we didn’t expect at this price point. When typing, each keystroke feels consistent and reliable.
We noticed the early tactile bump gives great feedback without being too loud or distracting. The dustproof stem is a nice addition that should help keep the switches feeling fresh even after months of use.
Installation was straightforward with the 5-pin design fitting perfectly in our hot-swap keyboard. The switches have a nice clacky sound that isn’t overwhelming.
We particularly appreciate the built-in LED slot that makes these switches compatible with RGB lighting setups. After using them for several days, we can confidently say these outperform switches costing twice as much.
Perfect for mechanical keyboard newcomers who want premium feel without premium price!
The 45gf actuation force strikes a good balance – light enough for comfortable typing but with enough resistance to prevent accidental keypresses.
We found the switches worked well for both gaming and typing tasks. Some switches in the batch had slight variations in feel, but nothing significant enough to affect overall performance.
At around $0.50 per switch, the value is exceptional compared to other premium tactile options on the market. The included plastic tray keeps them organized until installation.
These switches have quickly become our daily drivers, and we can’t see ourselves going back to our previous ones anytime soon.
TWTADE Tactile Switch Pack
These colorful tactile switches offer incredible value with 70 buttons and matching caps in a convenient organized pack.
Pros
- Great variety with six different colored caps
- Perfect fit for breadboard projects
- Excellent value for the quantity provided
Cons
- Some packs may be missing a few switches
- Button quality isn’t premium-grade
- No specifications sheet included
We recently got our hands on this TWTADE tactile switch pack and were impressed by the organization right from the start.
Instead of the ziplock bag shown in the listing, our switches arrived in a neat plastic organizer with all 70 switches and matching caps properly sorted by color. Each button measures 12x12x7.3mm with a satisfying click feel when pressed.
The assortment of colored caps (red, blue, black, green, white, and yellow) makes these perfect for color-coding different functions in electronic projects.
When we tested them on our breadboard circuits, they fit perfectly with the 4-pin design sitting snugly in the holes. The momentary action feels responsive without being too stiff or too mushy.
For hobbyists and beginners working on Arduino or Raspberry Pi projects, these switches are a fantastic value.
We built a simple LED control panel and the different colors helped us keep track of which button controlled which function. The 4mm pin length provides enough reach for secure soldering, though we did notice slight variations in click resistance between different colors.
When building a small synthesizer project, we appreciated having so many switches available. The 70-piece count means you won’t run out quickly, even when working on multiple projects.
While these aren’t premium Omron switches, they perform reliably for most applications and learning projects.
Perfect for breadboard projects and teaching electronics basics to beginners!
Akko Penguin Silent Tactile Switches
The Akko Penguin switches offer the perfect balance of tactile feedback and quiet operation for typists who need silence without sacrificing feel.
Pros
- Nearly silent operation perfect for shared spaces
- Smooth pre-lubed feel right out of the box
- Light 43gf actuation force prevents finger fatigue
Cons
- Bottoming out still produces some noise
- Tactile bump is more subtle than some competitors
- Only 45 switches per pack may not be enough for full-size keyboards
We recently tested these Akko Penguin switches in our office, and they immediately stood out from other tactile options.
The penguin-inspired design with yellow stems and two-tone housing looks great, but the real magic happens when you type on them.
The 43gf actuation force strikes a nice balance – light enough for long typing sessions but with enough resistance to prevent accidental keypresses. What impressed us most was how Akko managed to create a silent tactile switch that still provides satisfying feedback.
Unlike loud clicky switches, these let you feel each keystroke without disturbing everyone around you.
Pre-lubed right from the factory, these switches felt smooth without any scratchy or gritty sensation. The tactile bump is gentle but definite – you’ll know when the key actuates.
We installed them in minutes thanks to the standard MX-style design that fits most mechanical keyboards with hotswap sockets.
For offices, libraries, or late-night gaming sessions, these switches solve the noise problem brilliantly. The silent operation doesn’t come at the expense of durability either – with a 50 million keystroke lifespan, they’ll last for years of heavy use.
One thing to note is that while they’re marketed as silent, bottoming out hard will still make some noise. The sound is dramatically reduced compared to regular tactile switches, but they’re not completely silent under heavy typing.
Perfect for shared workspaces where noise is a concern but tactile feedback is still desired.
EPOMAKER Wisteria Tactile Switches
The EPOMAKER Wisteria tactile switches offer a perfect balance of smooth typing feel and satisfying feedback that makes them worth every penny for keyboard enthusiasts.
Pros
- Incredibly smooth typing experience with factory lubing
- Beautiful purple and orange color scheme
- Satisfying tactile bump without being too heavy
Cons
- Slightly louder than some other tactile options
- Premium price point compared to budget switches
- May require break-in period for optimal performance
We recently installed these Wisteria switches in our daily driver keyboard, and the improvement was instant.
The POM+PTFE stem glides effortlessly with each keystroke, creating a buttery smooth typing experience. The factory lubing is well-done, eliminating the need for any additional work out of the box.
The sound profile really stands out with these switches. They produce a deep, creamy sound that isn’t too loud but provides enough audio feedback to make typing enjoyable.
The PC and PA66 housing combination helps create this balanced sound profile while reducing unwanted ping or hollowness.
The tactile bump feels just right – you can definitely feel it, but it’s not so pronounced that it causes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. With a 100 million keystroke lifespan, these switches are built to last through years of heavy use.
We’ve noticed they perform exceptionally well for both typing and gaming.
Installation was straightforward since they’re compatible with all MX-style keyboards. The 5-pin design ensures stability when mounted to the PCB.
Their beautiful purple and orange colorway adds a nice aesthetic touch to any keyboard build, especially with RGB lighting shining through the transparent housing.
For keyboard enthusiasts looking to upgrade their typing experience, these Wisteria tactile switches deliver exceptional performance, beautiful aesthetics, and reliable durability that make them a standout choice in the tactile switch market.
DUROCK Silent Shrimp Switches
The DUROCK Silent Shrimps offer excellent tactile feedback while remaining whisper-quiet, making them perfect for noise-sensitive environments like offices or shared spaces.
Pros
- Extremely quiet with T1 tactility intact
- Light factory lube makes for a smooth typing experience
- Translucent housing works beautifully with RGB lighting
Cons
- Some switches feel slightly scratchy without additional lubing
- 67g bottom out might be too heavy for some typists
- Higher price point compared to non-silent tactiles
We’ve been testing these switches in our daily driver keyboard for several weeks now, and they’ve completely changed our typing experience.
The turquoise housing isn’t just for looks – it allows RGB lighting to shine through beautifully while maintaining that signature T1 tactile bump we love.
What makes these switches special is how they manage to be so quiet without sacrificing feel. The patent silencing rings DUROCK uses effectively dampen sound while preserving the satisfying tactile feedback. Our coworkers have stopped giving us annoyed looks when we’re typing during video calls!
The 67g bottom out force provides a substantial feel without requiring too much effort. We’ve found the switches are responsive enough for gaming but really shine during long typing sessions.
The POM stem glides smoothly, especially with the light factory lube applied.
One thing worth noting is that while these come pre-lubed, we found adding just a bit more lubricant made them even smoother. The factory lube job is decent, but keyboard enthusiasts might want to apply their own for that perfect feel.
Installation was straightforward with the 5-pin design. We’ve put these in both custom builds and hot-swappable pre-built keyboards with equal success. The build quality feels premium, with materials sourced from Korea and Japan contributing to their durability.
If you’re coming from clicky or standard tactile switches, the silence might take a day or two to get used to. But once you adjust, it’s hard to go back to louder options. We’ve found ourselves reaching for keyboards with these Shrimps installed far more often than our other builds.
Buying Guide
When shopping for tactile switches, we need to focus on a few key features. These small components can make a big difference in how your keyboard feels and performs.
Key Factors to Consider
First, think about the actuation force. This is how much pressure you need to press the key.
Light switches (35-45g) are good for typing, while heavier ones (50-80g) might feel better for gaming.
Sound matters too! Some tactile switches are loud and “clicky,” while others are more quiet. Think about where you’ll use your keyboard. A quiet office might need silent switches.
Durability is super important. Look for switches rated for at least 50 million keypresses if you type a lot or game heavily.
Pro Tip: Always try before you buy if possible! Everyone’s fingers are different, and what feels good to someone else might not work for you.
Comparing Switch Types
| Feature | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
| Actuation Force | 35-80g range | Affects typing comfort |
| Tactile Bump | Subtle to pronounced | Feedback when pressing |
| Noise Level | Quiet to clicky | Environment consideration |
The “bump” feeling is what makes tactile switches special. Some have a small bump, while others have a more noticeable one.
We recommend a more pronounced bump if you’re new to mechanical keyboards.
Price is also worth thinking about. Quality switches usually cost $0.50-$1.00 each, which adds up quickly for a full keyboard!