How to Choose and Buy Switches
You've learned about the anatomy of a switch, the three main types, the nitty-gritty characteristics, and even the art of modding. Now it's time for the most exciting part: choosing and buying the switches for your keyboard. With hundreds, if not thousands, of options out there, this can feel like a daunting task. But with a clear strategy, you can narrow down the choices and find the perfect switch for you without getting lost in the sea of options.
This guide will provide a practical, step-by-step approach to making your final decision and purchasing your switches with confidence.
Making the Final Decision
Making the Final Decision
You've learned about the anatomy of a switch, the three main types, the nitty-gritty characteristics, and even the art of modding. Now it's time for the most exciting part: choosing and buying the switches for your keyboard. With hundreds, if not thousands, of options out there, this can feel like a daunting task. But with a clear strategy, you can narrow down the choices and find the perfect switch for you without getting lost in the sea of options.
This guide will provide a practical, step-by-step approach to making your final decision and purchasing your switches with confidence.
Step 1: Try Before You Buy with a Switch Tester
Reading about switches is one thing, but feeling them is another. The single best investment you can make when starting your keyboard journey is a switch tester. A switch tester is a small acrylic or plastic board with a variety of different switches mounted on it. It allows you to press and feel a range of switches side-by-side, giving you a real-world, tactile sense of what you like.
- What to Look For in a Tester:
- Variety: Get a tester that includes a wide mix of linear, tactile, and clicky switches from different brands (e.g., Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, JWK, Zeal, etc.). The more variety, the better.
- Keycaps: Putting keycaps on the switches will give you a more accurate feel, as the keycap's material and shape can slightly alter the sound and feel. Make sure your tester can accommodate them.
Spending $20-$30 on a switch tester is an invaluable diagnostic tool that can save you from spending $50-$100 on a full set of switches you end up disliking. It's the most important first step.
Step 2: Read and Watch Reviews (The Right Way)
Once you have a general idea of what you like from your switch tester, it's time to do some focused research. The custom keyboard community is filled with passionate reviewers who provide in-depth analysis of switches.
- What to Look For in Reviews:
- Sound Tests: YouTube is an invaluable resource, but be a critical listener. Search for "sound test" of the switches you're interested in. Crucially, try to find tests where the keyboard build is similar to yours. The same switch will sound completely different in a plastic case versus an aluminum one, or with a brass plate versus a polycarbonate one. Pay attention to the reviewer's build specs.
- Detailed Analysis: Look for written or video reviews that discuss the switch's smoothness (both stock and lubed), the amount of stem wobble, any housing looseness (which might require films), and any unique characteristics. Reviewers like ThereminGoat provide incredibly detailed, data-driven analysis that is a goldmine for enthusiasts.
Step 3: How Many Switches Do You Need?
This is a simple but crucial step that's easy to forget in the excitement of choosing. Before you click "buy," you need to know how many switches your keyboard's layout requires.
- Full-Size (100%): ~104-108 switches
- Tenkeyless (TKL / 80%): ~87-88 switches
- 75%: ~84 switches
- 65%: ~67-68 switches
- 60%: ~61-64 switches
- 40%: ~40-50 switches
Pro Tip: Always buy at least 5-10 extra switches! It's common to have a few duds in a batch with bent pins from the factory, or you might accidentally bend the pins on one during installation. Having extras on hand is a cheap insurance policy that can save you a lot of frustration and the cost of having to place another small order (and pay for shipping again). Switches are typically sold in packs of 10, so it's easy to round up.
Step 4: Where to Buy
You're ready to make your purchase. The keyboard community is supported by a network of fantastic, specialized vendors. Buying from them not only gets you the best selection but also supports the hobby. Here are some of the most trusted and popular vendors:
- North America:
- Divinikey: Known for fast shipping and a well-curated selection of enthusiast switches.
- NovelKeys: The creator of the popular "Cream" switches and a vendor for many other brands.
- CannonKeys: Another great US-based vendor with a good selection of popular switches and keyboard kits.
- Europe:
- Keygem: A popular EU-based vendor located in Germany.
- MyKeyboard.eu: A well-established store in Belgium with a wide range of products.
- Asia / Worldwide:
- KBDfans: A massive selection and a great one-stop-shop for all your keyboard parts, shipping worldwide.
Choosing your switches is a personal journey. Take your time, do your research, trust your own preferences, and most importantly, have fun with it! The perfect switch is out there waiting for you.
This concludes our section on switches! You're now equipped with all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. Next up, we'll explore the world of Backlighting.