The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Mechanical Keyboard Switches in the UK (2024)

If you’ve ever typed on a decent mechanical keyboard and then been forced back to a mushy membrane board, you’ll understand why people get so passionate about this stuff. The difference is stark — mechanical keyboards feel more precise, more satisfying, and over time, considerably kinder to your fingers. But before you spend anywhere from £80 to £400 on a new board, you need to understand the component that defines the entire experience: the switch.

This guide covers everything you need to know about mechanical keyboard switches as a beginner in the UK — from the basic mechanics of how they work, to which switches suit different typing styles, to where you can actually buy them in Britain without paying extortionate shipping fees from US-based retailers.

What Is a Mechanical Keyboard Switch?

Every key on a mechanical keyboard sits atop an individual switch — a small, self-contained mechanism that registers your keypress. When you press a key, the switch activates and sends a signal to your computer. On a standard membrane keyboard, you’re pressing down on a rubber dome that collapses to make contact with a circuit board underneath. It works, but the feedback is vague and the feel is generally described as “mushy” for good reason.

A mechanical switch, by contrast, uses physical moving parts — a stem that travels down a housing, with a spring providing resistance and return force. Depending on the switch type, there may also be a tactile bump or an audible click built into the mechanism. The result is a far more precise, consistent, and satisfying keystroke.

Each switch has three key specifications worth understanding:

Actuation force: Measured in grams (g), this is how hard you need to press the key for it to register. Lower figures (around 45g) feel light and effortless; higher figures (60g+) require more deliberate pressure.
Actuation point: The distance the key travels before it registers, measured in millimetres. Most switches actuate between 1.2mm and 2.0mm into a total travel distance of 3.5mm to 4mm.
Switch type: Linear, tactile, or clicky — more on these shortly.

The Three Main Switch Types

Linear Switches

Linear switches move smoothly from top to bottom with no bump or click along the way. The keystroke is consistent throughout — press down, it actuates, the spring pushes it back up. That’s the whole story.

These are popular with gamers because the smooth travel allows for rapid, repeated keypresses without any resistance interrupting the motion. They’re also favoured in open-plan offices precisely because they’re quieter than clicky alternatives. If you share a workspace or do a lot of late-night typing near a sleeping partner, linears are worth serious consideration.

The most well-known linear switch is the Cherry MX Red, which has a 45g actuation force and remains the benchmark against which most others are measured. In the UK, you’ll find Cherry MX Reds in a huge range of keyboards from manufacturers like Corsair, Ducky, and Keychron.

Other popular linears available in the UK include:

Cherry MX Speed Silver: A shorter actuation point (1.2mm) designed for faster response — common in gaming-oriented keyboards.
Gateron Yellow: A budget-friendly linear with an exceptionally smooth feel, often considered smoother than Cherry despite costing significantly less. Widely available through Mechkeys and similar UK retailers.
Akko CS Radiant Red: A newer option gaining traction in the UK hobbyist community, offering a refined linear feel at a competitive price point.

Tactile Switches

Tactile switches include a deliberate bump partway through the keystroke — a physical indication that the key has actuated. You feel it under your finger rather than hearing it. For typists, this feedback loop is genuinely useful: your fingers learn where the actuation point is, and over time you stop fully bottoming out keys, which reduces fatigue on long typing sessions.

The Cherry MX Brown is the most commonly sold tactile switch in the UK, largely because keyboard manufacturers default to it as a crowd-pleasing middle ground. However, it’s a somewhat controversial choice in enthusiast circles — the tactile bump is subtle enough that some users barely notice it, leading to the unkind but common description of Browns as “linears with a bit of grit.” They’re not bad switches by any means, but if you specifically want tactile feedback, there are stronger options.

For a more pronounced tactile experience, look at:

Cherry MX Clear: A stiffer tactile with a more noticeable bump than Browns, though harder to find in pre-built keyboards.
Gateron Brown or Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown: A smoother take on the tactile theme, available through UK retailers like Mechkeys and KBDfans EU warehouse.
Boba U4: A favourite among the UK mechanical keyboard community for its rounded, satisfying tactile bump and remarkably quiet operation. Available from speciality vendors including Candykeys (EU, ships to UK) and occasionally Drop.com with UK shipping.
Holy Pandas / Pandas: A premium tactile option with a sharp, pronounced bump. Prices vary considerably — expect to pay £1 to £1.50 per switch if buying loose, with prices having stabilised somewhat since the initial frenzy a few years ago.

Clicky Switches

Clicky switches add an audible click to the tactile bump, giving you both physical and acoustic confirmation of each keypress. For many people, this is the quintessential mechanical keyboard experience — the sound that drew them to mechanical keyboards in the first place.

The classic example is the Cherry MX Blue, which produces a distinctive click at the actuation point. It’s immensely satisfying to type on if you’re working alone. If you’re in a shared office, however, it’s the sort of switch that will earn you meaningful looks from colleagues within a fortnight.

UK-available clicky options include:

Cherry MX Blue: The standard clicky, found in countless entry-level mechanical keyboards from brands sold at Currys and Amazon UK. Loud and tactile.
Cherry MX Green: A stiffer version of the Blue, requiring more force to actuate. Less common in pre-built boards but available as loose switches.
Kailh Box White or Box Jade: Kailh’s Box switches use a different internal mechanism that makes them more resistant to dust and moisture ingress — a practical consideration if you’re eating lunch at your desk. The Box Jade has a heavier, chunkier click that many typists find extremely satisfying.
Gateron Blue: Similar to Cherry MX Blue but with a slightly smoother action, and typically cheaper in pre-built keyboards at the budget end of the market.

The Main Switch Brands Available in the UK

Cherry MX

Cherry is a German company and the original manufacturer of modern mechanical keyboard switches. Their MX series switches have been the industry standard since the 1980s, and while they’re no longer the best switch for every use case, they remain reliable, well-documented, and supported by virtually every keycap set on the market. Cherry switches are cross-compatible — any MX-compatible keycap will fit any Cherry MX switch, and the same goes for most third-party switches using the same footprint.

Cherry switches tend to cost a premium in pre-built keyboards. A board with Cherry switches will typically run £10–£30 more than a comparable board with Gateron or Outemu switches. Whether that premium is worth it depends on how particular you are — many experienced users now consider Gateron to be competitive with or superior to Cherry in terms of smoothness.

Gateron

Gateron is a Chinese manufacturer that has built a strong reputation for producing smooth, well-priced switches. Their standard lineup mirrors Cherry’s colour coding (Red, Brown, Blue, Yellow, etc.) but at a lower price point. Gateron’s G Pro 3.0 and Gateron Oil King (a linear) have become genuinely popular in the UK hobbyist community. If you’re buying a budget mechanical keyboard — say, a Keychron K2 Pro or a Royal Kludge board — you’ll often have the option to choose Gateron switches, and it’s frequently the right call.

Kailh

Kailh produces a wide range of switches, including the Box series mentioned above. They also make low-profile switches used in slimmer keyboards, and the Kailh Speed series for rapid actuation. Their switches are used in boards by Ducky, Keychron, and various budget brands. Quality is generally solid, and the Box switch design genuinely offers practical advantages in dusty or humid environments.

Outemu

Outemu switches are found predominantly at the budget end of the market — keyboards selling for £30 to £50. They get the job done and are a reasonable introduction to mechanical keyboards, but they’re not typically what enthusiasts gravitate towards. If your first mechanical keyboard came with Outemu switches, it’s worth knowing that many budget boards are now “hot-swap” compatible, meaning you can pull the switches out and replace them with better alternatives without any soldering.

Hot-Swap vs Soldered: An Important Distinction for Beginners

When shopping for a mechanical keyboard in the UK, you’ll encounter two types of boards: soldered and hot-swap.

On a soldered board, the switches are permanently attached to the PCB (circuit board) with solder. Changing the switches requires desoldering — a process that involves a soldering iron, desoldering pump or wick, and a fair amount of patience. It’s not impossible to learn, but it’s a barrier for beginners.

On a hot-swap board, the switches simply press into sockets on the PCB and can be removed with a switch puller (a small tool, often included with the keyboard or available for a pound or two). Changing switches takes minutes. This is enormously useful when you’re still figuring out which switch type you prefer — you can buy a set of testers, try them, then swap in your preferred switch without any technical skill required.

For
beginners, I strongly recommend starting with a hot-swap keyboard. The flexibility is invaluable, and you won’t be locked into a switch choice you might regret. Many excellent hot-swap options are available in the UK from retailers like Mechboards, Keygem, and Overclockers UK, typically ranging from £60 to £150 for a solid entry-level board.

Where to Buy Switches in the UK

Finding switches in the UK has become much easier in recent years. Mechboards.co.uk and Keygem.store are two excellent specialist retailers with wide selections and reasonable shipping times. Overclockers UK also stocks popular switches alongside their keyboards. For budget-conscious buyers, AliExpress offers cheaper options, though shipping takes 2-4 weeks.

Switch prices vary considerably. Gateron switches typically cost £15-25 per set of 70, Cherry MX switches run £25-40, and premium options like Zealios or Holy Pandas can reach £50-70 per set. Most keyboards need 60-110 switches depending on size, so budget accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your first mechanical keyboard switch doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start by identifying whether you prefer tactile feedback or smooth linear action, consider your noise tolerance, and if possible, try a switch tester before committing. Remember that preferences are highly personal — what works brilliantly for someone else might not suit you at all.

The beauty of the mechanical keyboard hobby is that there’s no single “correct” choice. Whether you end up loving the thocky sound of lubed linears, the satisfying bump of tactiles, or even the controversial click of blues, you’ll be typing on something far more enjoyable than a standard rubber dome keyboard. Start with a hot-swap board, experiment freely, and enjoy discovering what works best for you.