The Best Clicky Switches | Top 5 Clicky Keyboard Switches

1 year ago

Clicky switches are a type of mechanical keyboard switch that is known for its satisfying click sound. This sound is created by a mechanism inside the switch, which makes a clicking noise when the switch is pressed. Clicky switches are beloved of gamers and typists because of their satisfying tactile feedback – you know right away that a key’s been hit. This feedback can be helpful for both gaming and typing, as it can help you to improve your accuracy and speed. But which are the best clicky switches?

If you are looking for a keyboard switch that provides a satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, then a clicky switch is the perfect choice for you. Clicky switches are sure to add a touch of personality to your keyboard, and they’re sure to make you smile every time you type. So whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardworking typist, read on to see the best clicky switches!

Product Comparison Table: Best Clicky Switches

TitlePriceRating (Amazon)Best in classBuy
Kailh Box Jade$$$4.5 starsLoudest Click Amazon
Kailh Box Dark Yellow$$$4.5 starsBest Heavy Amazon
NovelKeys Pink$$4.5 starsBest Quiet Amazon
Cherry MX Blue$$$$4.5 starsBest Premium Amazon
Gateron Blue Pro 2.0$$$4.5 starsBest Click Jacket Amazon

Kailh Box Jade

The Kailh Box Jade are known as some of the loudest clicky switches on the market, with a sharp, consistent and high volume sound. They have a solid, average actuation force of 50g that gives a pleasant finger-feel. This is complemented by a travel distance of 3.6mm, so they definitely register when you’ve pressed them. The keyfeel in general is sharp and crisp, with clean tactility. Lastly, they are guaranteed to the same 80 million keystrokes you’d expect from the Kailh Box line.

Pros

  • Loudest decibel level
  • 3.6mm travel distance
  • High-compatibility 3-pin design
  • 50g actuation

Cons

  • Can be a little scratchy

Verdict

The Kailh Box Jade have the loudest decibel level on this list, making them the loudest clicky switches we reviewed. If you like to hear clicks when you press a key, you’ll definitely get a good one from these switches. There is a tiny little scratch when you press, however; that knocks them off the best heavy spot for us.

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Kailh Box Dark Yellow

The Kailh Box Dark Yellow are a solid heavy set of switches with a deep and satisfying “clunk-click” motion. They have a deep heavy actuation force of 70g that gives a deep bottom-out of 80g. Just like the Jade, this is complemented by a travel distance of 3.6mm, so they definitely register when you’ve pressed them. Lastly, they are guaranteed to the same 80 million keystrokes you’d expect from the Kailh Box line.

Pros

  • 80g bottom-out
  • 3.6mm travel distance
  • High-compatibility 3-pin design
  • 70g actuation

Cons

  • Can slow down typing speed

Verdict
The Kailh Box Dark Yellow are our best clicky switches if you prefer a heavy switch. They have our heaviest actuation, and go nice and deep to get that super satisfying keyfeel. They’re also easy to click in and out with the included switch puller. However, heavy switches like these can sometimes slow down your typing speed.

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NovelKeys Pink

The NovelKeys Pink Box switches are built with a midsize clickbar. This is right in between the clickbar of the Box Whites and the Box Jades. The creates a decent sized tactile bump that is more defined than the Box Whites and more rounded than the Box Jades. It’s also much quieter than the other switches on this list, despite the standard actuation: 65g, with a 55g bottom-out. They even have the same 3.6mm travel as their Jade, White and Dark Yellow cousins.

Pros

  • Quiet soft click
  • High-compatibility 3-pin design
  • 55g actuation
  • 3.6mm travel distance

Cons

  • Fit a little tighter than others

Verdict 

The NovelKeys Pink Box switches are our quietest clicky switches, making them the best clicky switch for those who prefer a more subtle sound. They have the same actuation, distance, and bottom-out as others on this list, but achieve a quieter click due to the modified clickbar. Some users say that where the Jade is like popping bubble wrap volume-wise, the Pink is more like crumpling paper.

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Cherry MX Blue

The Cherry MX Blue are a premium, tactile clicky switch that make an impressively audible clicking sound. It’s a fresh, clean pop – the kind of sound clarity and satisfying type feel you’d expect in this higher price bracket. Originally made in Germany, they’re compatible with most mechanical and OUTEMU keyboards. They have an operating force of 60cN, and a total travel of 4mm. Lastly, they’re guaranteed for a whopping 50 million operations.

Pros

  • Prestige Cherry brand
  • 60cN operating force
  • 4mm total travel
  • Guaranteed for 50 million operations

Cons

  • Much more expensive

Verdict

The Cherry MX Blue have a click jacket design, which means they only click when entering a keystroke during the downward pressing of the key. That means they’re a totally different experience to all the other switches we’ve reviewed so far. They have a satisfying sound and a comfortable typing feel, up to the standard you’d expect from this world-renowned brand. The only downside is the price.

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Gateron Blue Pro 2.0

The Gateron Blue Pro 2.0 is the new, pre-lubed version of the previous Gateron model. They’re designed to resist oxidization and wear on the click jacket, so they have a much longer life than the previous model too. Despite being a click jacket model, they have no spring noise or stem wobble, instead offering a solid and satisfying typing experience. The 3-pin PCB design is also compatible with 5-pin PCB hot-swap keyboards. Finally, they have a life of 80 million cycles, and 60g operating force,.

Pros

  • 60g operating force
  • No stem noise or spring wobble
  • Compatible with most keyboards

Cons

  • Two stage spring doesn’t suit everybody

Verdict

The Gateron Blue Pro 2.0 are our best click jacket clicky switches, offering a smooth and solid clicking motion that won’t disappoint. They have a standard actuation level and a wide compatibility, and last for an impressively long time – even compared to much pricier models. The only issue is the two stage spring; for some this’ll be a positive, but for others it might be too forceful on the rebound.

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