Switches

With ultra-light linears, small differences in spring weight, travel and housing materials can dramatically affect control and comfort. Huano Sakura V2 and Gateron Clear are among the lightest linear switches available and are often chosen by users who want minimal resistance. Despite similar force numbers, they feel clearly different in stability, sound and overall typing confidence. 1. Construction & Materials Huano Sakura V2 – An ultra-light modern linear with improved stability compared to V1. A nylon housing, POM stem and very light spring create extremely low resistance while maintaining a surprisingly controlled keystroke. Designed for comfort and consistency during long...

Small differences in tactile bump shape, weight and travel can have a big impact on how a keyboard feels. HMX Bruise and HMX Frog are both modern tactile switches with a relatively mild, fast bump (not a heavy “Holy Panda”-style wall), but they deliver clearly different typing experiences. 1. Construction & Materials HMX Bruise – A light tactile with a short, mild “p-shaped” bump and 3.8mm total travel. Nylon top & bottom housing, POM stem, usually factory-lubed. The overall feel is subtle and controlled, with a clean and restrained sound. HMX Frog – Known for its snappy and direct tactile...

HMX Sonja and HMX Snow Crash are two popular modern linear switches that both focus on tight tolerances and a “premium” feel. On paper they look similar (PA66 housing, POM stem, 22mm long spring), but in practice they aim for different experiences: Sonja is intentionally more textured/scratchy due to the top housing, while Snow Crash is known for a clean, stable rail bottom-out feel with a calmer bottom-out character. 1. Construction & Materials HMX Sonja – Rail bottom-out linear with an intentionally textured top housing that adds a recognizable “scratch” sensation. Typically factory-lubed, which can vary by batch/vendor. HMX Snow...

The Haimu Snow Silent HE Magnetic Switch is a modern Hall Effect (HE) linear switch focused on maximum silence, precision and smoothness. Thanks to magnetic actuation, this switch operates without physical contact points, resulting in extremely consistent input, minimal wear and a whisper-quiet typing experience. Specifications Type: Silent Linear (Hall Effect / magnetic) Actuation: Magnetic (adjustable on HE-compatible keyboards) Total travel: approx. 4.0 mm Sound level: Extremely quiet Materials: Nylon housing, POM stem, magnetic sensor Lifespan: Practically unlimited (no physical wear point) Performance & Feel The Haimu Snow Silent HE is known for its ultra-smooth and silent linear travel. Because...

The Haimu Midnight Switch is a high-quality linear switch focused on smoothness, stability and a deep, calm sound. This switch is designed for users who want a consistent, no-nonsense linear keystroke without excessive resistance or sharp acoustics. The Midnight feels controlled, refined and comfortable — perfect for long typing and work sessions. Specifications Type: Linear (no tactile bump, no click) Operating force: approx. 45–50 cN Pre-travel: approx. 2.0 mm Total travel: approx. 4.0 mm Materials: Nylon housing, POM stem, quality spring Factory lube: Light (batch dependent) Lifespan: Up to 80 million keystrokes Performance & Feel The Haimu Midnight is known...

The Gazzew U4T Tactile Switch is one of the most popular tactile switches within the custom keyboard community. This switch is known for its pronounced, immediate tactile bump combined with a deep, characteristic “thock” sound. The U4T is designed for users who want clear feedback without a click mechanism, but with a full and satisfying keystroke. Specifications Type: Tactile (strong, immediate bump) Operating force: approx. 62–65 cN Pre-travel: approx. 2.0 mm Total travel: approx. 4.0 mm Materials: Boba housing (proprietary blend), POM stem Factory lube: Light (batch dependent) Lifespan: Up to 80 million keystrokes Performance & Feel The Gazzew U4T...

The Gateron X Linear Switch R3 is the refined third revision of Gateron’s popular X-series. This linear switch focuses on consistency, stability and a clean typing feel. Thanks to improved tolerances, a smoother slider and a balanced spring, the R3 delivers a reliable and modern linear experience suitable for both gaming and daily use. Specifications Type: Linear (no tactile bump, no click) Actuation force: approx. 45–50 cN Bottom-out: approx. 60–62 cN Pre-travel: approx. 2.0 mm Total travel: approx. 4.0 mm Materials: Nylon housing, POM stem, improved spring Factory lube: Yes Lifespan: Up to 80 million keystrokes Performance & Feel The...

The Gateron Lanes Switch is a linear switch focused on balance, control and smooth performance. Instead of being extremely light or heavy, Lanes offers a controlled and accessible linear keystroke suitable for both work and gaming. Thanks to its stable construction and smooth slider, this switch feels consistent and comfortable during long sessions. Specifications Type: Linear (no tactile bump, no click) Actuation force: approx. 45–50 cN Bottom-out: approx. 60 cN Pre-travel: approx. 2.0 mm Total travel: approx. 4.0 mm Materials: Nylon housing, POM stem, quality spring Factory-lubed: Yes Lifespan: Up to 80 million keystrokes Performance & Feel The Gateron Lanes...

The Gateron Absolute Zero Switch is a high-end linear switch focused entirely on maximum smoothness, stability and a muted sound profile. This switch is known for its “cold”, controlled typing feel where friction is virtually nonexistent. Ideal for users looking for a calm, refined linear without noise or unnecessary resistance. Specifications Type: Linear (no tactile bump, no click) Operating force: approx. 45–50 cN Bottom-out: approx. 60–62 cN Pre-travel: approx. 2.0 mm Total travel: approx. 4.0 mm Materials: Nylon housing, POM stem, high-quality spring Factory lube: Yes Lifespan: Up to 80–100 million keystrokes Performance & Feel The Absolute Zero is known...

The Everglide x Haimu HE Magnetic Switch is a unique mechanical switch that combines magnetic sensing with high-end construction for a modern and ultra-consistent typing experience. Unlike traditional mechanical switches, HE Magnetic uses magnets to detect actuation, resulting in reduced wear, flatter performance curves and exceptional consistency — regardless of typing or gaming style. Specifications Type: Magnetic (Hall effect actuation) Actuation force: approx. 45–50 cN Bottom-out: approx. 60–65 cN Pre-travel: approx. 2.0 mm Total travel: approx. 3.8–4.0 mm Materials: Nylon or PC housing, POM or Nylon stem, magnetic sensors Lifespan: Theoretical >100 million actuations Performance & Feel The Everglide x...

The Durock Black Lotus Switch is a premium linear switch designed for enthusiasts who value maximum smoothness, stability and control. This switch is known for its buttery-smooth travel, consistent keystroke and deep, full sound. Thanks to Durock’s high-quality materials and tight tolerances, the Black Lotus feels luxurious and refined with every keypress. Specifications Type: Linear (no tactile bump, no click) Operating force: approx. 55–60 cN Bottom-out: approx. 63–67 cN Pre-travel: approx. 2.0 mm Total travel: approx. 4.0 mm Materials: Nylon housing, POM stem, high-quality spring Lifespan: Up to 80–100 million keystrokes Performance & Feel The Durock Black Lotus is known...

The Cherry MX2A Petal is a light, linear switch within Cherry’s renewed MX2A series. This switch focuses on smooth speed, comfort and accessibility, delivering a soft keystroke that works perfectly for both gaming and long typing sessions. Thanks to the MX2A improvements, Petal feels more modern, consistent and quieter than classic Cherry linears. Specifications Type: Linear (no tactile bump, no click) Actuation force: approx. 45 cN Bottom-out: approx. 55–60 cN Pre-travel: 2.0 mm Total travel: approx. 4.0 mm Materials: MX2A housing, POM stem, improved spring Durability: Up to 100 million keystrokes Performance & Feel The Cherry MX2A Petal is known...