Welp MagazinePeople who love building mechanical keyboards know how they like their builds, and that means they know how they like their switches. Switches go underneath the keycaps of your mechanical keyboard: some people like them plain old linear, some like them clicky, and others like them tactile. Tactile switches are perhaps the most fun of the three switch types that make up the holy trinity.
There’s nothing like that satisfying bump registering every stroke. So, if you’re the tactile type, this is the article for you. We’ve searched far and wide to find the best tactile switches for people who like their keys with feedback. Without further ado, let’s check out the best tactile switches on the market today.
Product Comparison Table: Best Tactile Switches
| Title | Price | Rating (Amazon) | Best in class | Buy | |
 | DUROCK T1 Tactile Keyboard Switches with Unique Tactile Keyswitch | $$ | 5 stars | Best Feedback | Amazon |
 | DAIDAI AJAZZ Diced Fruit Keyboard Switch | $$ | 4.5 stars | Best Look | Amazon |
 | Gateron KS-9 Mechanical Switches | $$$ | 4.4 stars | Best Feel | Amazon |
 | Akko CS Tactile Switch | $ | 4.7 stars | Best Value | Amazon |
 | ZugGear Silent T1 Tactile Switch | $ | 4.5 stars | Best Silent | Amazon |
DUROCK T1 Tactile Keyboard Switches with Unique Tactile Keyswitch
The best tactile switches have great sound, no scratchiness and most importantly, the perfect weighty feedback. The best tactile switch in the feedback stakes is by far the DUROCK. These 5-pin switches are translucent for RGB and backlight builds, and with a snappy 67g bottom-out force, their operation approximates and improves upon the fan-favourite Holy Panda model – thanks to a unique ‘stepped’ tactile feel as opposed to the Panda’s ‘rounded’ tactility. They also come pre-lubed from the factory.
Pros
- Responsive and satisfying
- Translucent
- Pre-lubed
Cons
- Too heavy bottom-out for some
Verdict
Ready to use stock, the DUROCK Tactile Keyboard Switches place firmly among the best tactile switches, all due to the unique keyswitch mechanism These polycarbonate wonders can even be used in plate mounted keyboards with the appropriate pins cut – and rest assured, they’re great-sounding and uber-responsive with no need for re-lubing.
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DAIDAI AJAZZ Diced Fruit Keyboard Switch
These DAIDAI AJAZZ switches look good enough to eat! Inspired by cubed fruit, you can pick from a menu of Kiwi, Blueberry, Peach or Banana. This Cherry MX/Kalih-style 3-pin mounts seamlessly, with a POM shaft, stainless steel spring, and MX structure design. Backlight and RGB compatibility, more importantly, make these babies by far the best tactile switch for gamers and typers building a fashionable setup.
With initial force of 50gf and end force of 65gf, total travel is 4.0mm, DAIDAI gives a rebound as lovely as these switches look – but each fruit ‘flavour’ offers slightly different specs. What’s more, these fruity and glittery DAIDAI linear switches are tested up to 80 million keystrokes, so they’ll be sitting pretty for years to come.
Pros
- Pretty as a picture
- 3-pin structure
- Satisfying tactility
Cons
- May need additional lube
Verdict
Gorgeous, reliable and user-friendly, DAIDAI tactile switches are a modder’s best friend. Besides how sparkly and fun they are, we also loved the individual packaging per switch! Each unit comes in a little individual ‘fruit can’ with a pull-tab lid, making installation as easy as (blueberry) pie.
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Gateron KS-9 Mechanical Switches
Gateron KS-9 Series Switches have a lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes, and we’ve found they’re the best tactile switches if you’re all about the bump. Brown or blue, your fingers will notice no spring ping or crunch as you bounce your way through typing or gaming projects like wading through treacle.
What truly makes this our best tactile switch for feel is the way the Gateron KS-9 took us back to the days of vintage mechanical keyboards with its high pitched voice and heavy responsiveness. We love the thocky subdued experience that recalls long evenings playing Super Mario after a fun summer day.
Pros
- Beautiful creamy sound
- Unmatched feel
Cons
- May need additional lube
Verdict
Sometimes, it’s all about feel. Sweet, hotswappable feel. After all, tactility is what you’re here for. Still, we feel the Gateron V2 should be commended for its vocal performance as well as for being our best tactile switch for feel under the fingers. There’s no hint of cheap hollowness here. You just can’t beat this thock.
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Akko CS Linear Switch
An improvement on the Akko V2, the Akko CS is an affordable wonder. These are the best tactile switches on a budget, with a satisfying typing experience worthy of a far higher price tag. Nice responsive feedback when bottoming-out plus a lab-confirmed 60 million keystroke lifespan equals a very happy tactile-minded keyboard modder.
CS stands for Custom Series, and that’s reflected in the massively customizable range of colour options. No other tactile switches we’ve reviewed offer this rainbow of choices to mix and match, especially with an MX-style structure, built-in LED slots and SMD compatibility.
Pros
- Huge colour range
- Competitive price
Cons
- Some find these a little loud
- Only 45 keys per pack
Verdict
The best tactile switches don’t have to cost the earth, and these Akko CS Tactile Switches come out at a blisteringly budget-friendly 0.31 cents a switch! We love to see any products that make mechanical keyboards a more accessible hobby for anyone and everyone. Whether you’re a beginner going for a cheap hotswap or a pro building the dream, these Akko tactile switches are ideal.
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ZugGear Silent T1 Tactile Switch
Hey. Shh. Can you hear that? We can’t hear the ZugGear Silent T1 Tactile Switches because they’re our best tactile keyboard switches if you like silence. You might not count quietness among the features that make tactile switches the favourite choice of those who love them, but the quietness of the ZugGear Silent T1 in our tests shows you don’t have to pay for a good bump with distracting sound.
Competitively priced and competitively quiet, the Epomaker Silent Mechanical Switches bottom-out at 67gf… in total silence. Allegedly, this is down to not just the stainless steel spring, but the gold-plating that enhances responsiveness.
Pros
- Quiet and smooth typing experience
- RGB compatible
Cons
- Only 45 keys per pack
Verdict
There’s nothing more peaceful than a quiet keyboard, and ZugGear knew that when they created the best tactile switches for silence-lovers. Pre-lubed and easy to install are two other compliments we could throw these switches’ way. We found that quiet helped us focus more on the feel of the switches, so these are the perfect model for people who struggle with overstimulation, or just prefer to streamline their sensory experience.
