8 MOST FAVORITE LINEAR SWITCHES OF MAXIMUM PEOPLE – WHICH ONE GOOD FOR YOU?
Double-minded people are unable to pick the right linear switches sometimes. So relax. Here’s a list of favorite linear switches that maximum people use in gaming, office work, and daily life. After all, I found crucial factors that make linear mechanical switches perfect for people like sound, stock cost, smoothness, fast, spring swap, realistic feel, and cost. Asked me, Gateron Yellow and Gateron red linear switches are commonly used and my favorite linear switches.
Which are the Favorite Linear Switches of People?
Let me get straight, professional gamers and mechanical switches lovers. Electing linear switches in subjective and objective ways. Which means how pretty is it? Is it good to use? What is the total travel distance of a linear switch? What is made of? How do keystrokes sound and feel? And lastly, how much is the cost of linear switches for me? Because budgeted switches are the favorite for many people.
Plus, the Cherry MX and Gateron are the two brands that are famous for manufacturing the best linear switches for gaming, typing, and daily use. Most people love the linear switches of these brands. Alternatively, my two friends always compare both brands. Furthermore, many brands produce the best mechanical or silent switches, like kailh or durock.
- Gateron Ink V2 Black Linear Switches
- Gateron Yellow Linear Switches
- Cherry MX Speed Silver Linear Switches
- Durock POM Linear Switches
- Cherry MX red Linear Switches
- Cherry MX black Linear Switches
- Zeal Tealios V2 Linear Switches
- Gateron Red Linear Switches
Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear Switches
The Gateron Ink V2 also boasts a sleek black design with a transparent case encasing a smoky interior. Smoky translucent housings come in different colors along with black, such as yellow, red, and blue.
An ink-proprietary bottom provides smoother operation, while a 70g spring weight ensures a stronger actuation force than the Hippo linear switch. It has a good actuation force. As you compress the keys, you are given a satisfying crunch sensation. In addition to the classy and satisfying thock sound.
Gateron Ink V2 also produces a clack that differs slightly from the Gateron Oil Kings. When first used, there may be a scratchy sound, which can easily be remedied by lubricating the switch. Gateron switches on the market today have a similar wobble to this one. Gateron Ink V2 has an extremely satisfying thock sound. Lubricant quickly resolves any scratchiness that may occur after initial use.
| Gateron Ink V2 Black | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Actuation Force | 60gf |
| Pre-Travel Distance | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel Distance | 4.0mm |
| Keystroke Noise | Quiet |
| Operating Life | 50M cycles |
| Good for | Gaming and Typing |
Gateron Yellow Linear Switches
Several colors and materials are available for Gateron Yellow linear switches, with nylon and milky yellow housings being the most popular.
The Gateron Yellow switch is now available in newer versions (the pro version comes pre-lubed). A white gateron mechanical switch with a 35 gf operating force has the lightest actuation force among gateron linear switches.
Unlike mechanical switches, the keys were triggered with light force, making them effortless. However, this mechanical switch bike is the cherry for those people who are frustrated by the heavy keystroke force and noise of the switch disturbing their mindset.
Even without lubricant, Gateron Yellow switches are popular among the community. During typing, they have a strong upstroke due to a bouncy spring.
They have a slightly deeper sound because of their milky housings, but their smoothness is not as good as the all-black counterparts, so if you’re looking for smoothness, go with all-black. Plus, when you consider the price, they’re a great choice.
| Gateron Yellow Switches | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Actuation Force | 50gf |
| Pre-Travel Distance | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel Distance | 4.0mm |
| Keystroke Noise | Quiet |
| Operating Life | 50M cycles |
| Good for | Gaming and Typing |
Cherry MX Black Linear Switches
Compared to Cherry MX Red switches, Cherry MX Black switches are heavier. Their linear motion is actuated by 54g at just over 2mm, and their actuation force is 54g.
Moreover, the Cherry mechanical switches were among the first on the market to be available to consumers. Still, they have been updated over the years to make them feel different.
Sometimes I wonder whether Cherry ever tested its switches. While the MX Blacks in the 7G keyboard are scratchy, I understand it’s one of the first attempts. They might bind in some cases! Sometimes people say the key push feels rough.
Furthermore, since I prefer heavier switches, it shouldn’t surprise me that I tend to type more comfortably with them. Although they’re heavier, they switch from top to bottom to prevent bottoming out, but the weighting is pretty good.
They still beat the MX Reds, hands down. Also, the 7G chassis makes quite muffled sounds; if you type slowly, scratchy sounds can be heard. Plus, typing on it is decent. It can be lubricated to reduce scratchiness and sound, but as a stock switch, it’s decent. If you like the weighting, a lubed Gateron Black switch can be comparable (or better).
In addition, the switch is designed for gaming, and several gamers prefer it for gaming. In this case, the heavyweight is a disadvantage. It’s important to note that I don’t play very long nowadays, so my playtime wasn’t greatly affected by the switch. My fingers will only naturally feel sorer the longer the session lasts.
| Cherry MX Black Switches | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Actuation Force | 60cN |
| Pre-Travel Distance | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel Distance | 4.0mm |
| Keystroke Noise | Quiet |
| Operating Life | 50M cycles |
| Good for | Gaming and Fast Type |
Cherry MX Speed Silver Linear Switches
In addition to their short travel time and increased actuation force, speed silver linear switches are becoming increasingly popular with gamers that enjoy heavy games. Cherry MX reds have an actuation distance of 2.0mm, whereas Silvers has a distance of 1.2mm, nearly half as far.
Additionally, the keyboard was tricky to use at first, and I kept pressing it too much. I often accidentally typed or moved my character when I rested my fingers on the keyboard. Activation and switch travel times have been shortened. The shorter travel time makes it impossible to test them for faster actuation.
Among Cherry MX speed silver switches, actuation speed and actuation are two of their most notable features. Since gamers love these switches, they are always preferred by game players. Players always prefer these switches because gamers love them. It’s amazing how fast these switches are.
Additionally, they have been tested by typing a lot, so they are suitable for fast typing work. Additionally, these switches operate quietly and respond quickly. Try Cherry MX red switches as a beginner or if you have never used MX linear switches instead.
| Cherry MX Speed Silver | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Actuation Force | 45 cN |
| Pre-Travel Distance | 1.2 mm |
| Total Travel Distance | 3.4 mm |
| Keystroke Noise | Quiet |
| Operating Life | 50M cycles |
| Good for | Gaming |
Durock POM Linear Switches
Polycarbonate and polymer nylon blend shells make up Durock’s mechanical linear switches, which are sleek and minimalistic. The most durable switches for mechanical keyboards were Cherry MX and Gateron linear switches. A smooth, consistent, and responsive stem increases performance or response time.
Durock is known for being the best among the linear switches on the market because of its characteristics. Due to its long travel distance and smooth response time, it is a superior model over its competitors. The smoothness and consistency of these switches are much better than Cherry MX red switches or Cherry MX speed silver switches.
There are many benefits to using Durock POM mechanical switches over Cherry MX speed silver switches, including smoothness and consistency. Furthermore, the stem is not excessively sticky. If it’s on your keyboard, it won’t bump into it. The switch comes in a nice black color.
Moreover, gaming and typing are both great with this switch. This switch is perfect for those looking for a responsive and reliable switch.
| Durock POM Switches | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Actuation Force | 48gf |
| Pre-Travel Distance | 2.0 mm |
| Total Travel Distance | 4.0 mm |
| Keystroke Noise | Quiet |
| Operating Life | 50M cycles |
| Pins | 5 Pins PCB Mout |
Cherry MX Red Linear Switches
The versatility of Cherry MX red linear switches has also contributed to their popularity. Moreover, they are renowned for their smoothness. These red linear switches have a 45 + 15 gf actuation force, making them the lightest linear mechanical switches on the market. Black linear switches have a heavier actuation focus.
A gaming keyboard usually has red linear switches because they’re perfect for gaming and double tapping and great for typing. Depending on your performance, you’ll like one more than the other.
For beginners who want to start gaming and typing, I found them to be lightweight and a good starting point.
As with black linear switches, Red Cherry MX linear switches provide very quiet key press performance. In addition, silent red switches actuate slightly more quickly (1.9mm) than the “normal” red switches (2.0mm). Deep testing has resulted in an approximately 3.7mm reduction in travel distance.
| Cherry MX Red | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Actuation Force | 45 cN |
| Pre-Travel Distance | 2.0 mm |
| Total Travel Distance | 4.0 mm |
| Keystroke Noise | Quiet |
| Operating Life | 50M cycles |
| Perfect for | Gaming |
Zeal Tealios V2 Linear Switches
In addition to being a tactile switch, Tealio V2 is another popular option from ZealPC. Tealio V2 are my favorite linear switches for their smoothness and poppy sound profile.
As a result, it is smoother and less shaky than the Gateron linear. Furthermore, the switch has a teal-blue stem, transparent housing, and gold-plated leaf and spring. Moreover, the 67g is the only weight variant available for the Tealio V2, which is perfect for both heavy and light typists as it doesn’t come off as too light or too heavy in terms of bottom-out force.
| Zeal Tealios V2 | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Bottom Out | 67g |
| Mount | PCB Mount |
| Upper and Lower Housing | Polycarbonate |
| Keystroke Noise | Quiet |
| Stem | POM |
| Coil Spring | Gold-Plated |
| Perfect for | Gaming and Typing |
Gateron Red Linear Switches
Gateron Red linear switches have a classic feel and provide a great typing and gaming experience. Most linear keyboards use these switches due to their quieter sound. As a result, they can use it for longer periods without feeling tired because the pressure is light and moderate.
The force required by red linear switches is about 45 gf. This switch is ideal for gaming due to its moderately light actuation force and increased response time. As a result, the keys were executed quickly.
Gateron Red is slightly less progressive than Cherry MX Red based on force curve comparisons. The MX Red is also heavier at 43g rather than 49g and is farther away from it at 2.3mm rather than 2.1mm. Despite its higher price, it is still cheaper in many cases to buy the Gateron Red than the Outemu Red.
| Zeal Tealios V2 | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Operating Force | 43g Operating |
| Pre Travel | 2.3mm Actuation |
| Total Travel Distance | 4.0mm Actuation |
| Keystroke Noise | Quiet |
| Lifespan | 50 Million |
| Perfect for | Gaming and Typing |
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To Conclude
These favorite linear switches are best for you, and, by experience, like Gateron yellow and red linear switches are a good start for beginners by typing, gaming, and daily use with quiet sound and smoothness. Also, Gateron Ink V2 is set for experienced people to enhance their typing force with subjective and objective. The Cherry MX red and black switches are good for their smoothness and sound. Plus, support fast typing and heavy games. On the other hand, MX speed silver only supports gaming and is the best option for pro gamers.