Where to Buy Mechanical Keyboard Switches in the UK: Best Online and High Street Options

Mechanical keyboard switches have gone from a niche obsession to a mainstream upgrade that thousands of UK typists, gamers, and developers are making every year. Whether you are building a custom board from scratch, hot-swapping switches into an existing keyboard, or simply trying to replace a handful of broken ones, knowing where to actually buy them in Britain makes all the difference. The market has matured considerably, and you now have more options than ever — from specialist hobbyist retailers to big-box electronics stores and everything in between.

This guide covers the best places to buy mechanical keyboard switches in the UK, what to expect in terms of pricing and stock, and a few practical tips to help you avoid the most common pitfalls.

Understanding What You Are Actually Buying

Before you open your wallet, it helps to be clear on what kind of switch you need. Mechanical switches broadly fall into three categories based on feel and sound:

Linear switches — smooth from top to bottom with no tactile bump. Popular examples include Cherry MX Red, Gateron Yellow, and the Novelkeys Cream. These suit fast typists and gamers who prefer a quieter, faster actuation.
Tactile switches — have a noticeable bump partway through the keystroke that gives physical feedback without an audible click. Cherry MX Brown, Boba U4, and Gateron Brown fall into this category. Good all-rounders for office and home use.
Clicky switches — produce an audible click at the point of actuation. Cherry MX Blue and Kailh Box White are well-known examples. Satisfying to type on, but not exactly popular in open-plan offices.

You will also encounter switches described by their mount type. Most boards use a standard PCB or plate mount, but make sure the switches you buy are compatible with your keyboard before purchasing. Five-pin (PCB mount) switches can almost always be clipped down to work as three-pin (plate mount), but it is worth double-checking.

Online Retailers: The Best UK-Based Options

The bulk of the UK mechanical keyboard community does its shopping online. Shipping from within the UK means no customs fees, faster delivery, and easier returns — all significant advantages over buying directly from overseas.

Mechboards

Mechboards is arguably the most respected UK-based keyboard specialist. Based in Manchester, it stocks a wide and regularly updated selection of switches from brands like Gateron, Durock, Boba, and Kailh, alongside lubricants, switch films, and accessories. Prices are competitive — you can expect to pay around £3.50–£6.00 per 10 switches for mid-range options, with premium tactiles like the Boba U4 coming in at roughly £7–£8 per 10.

Mechboards also participates in group buys, which is how the enthusiast community pre-orders limited-run products. If you are getting serious about the hobby, creating an account and checking in regularly is worthwhile.

Keebz N Cables

Another solid UK retailer with a good focus on budget-friendly options without skimping on quality. Keebz N Cables often stocks Gateron switches in bulk quantities, which is useful if you are building a full-size or 1800-layout board and need 90–100 switches at once. Buying in bulk typically brings the per-switch cost down noticeably.

Proto[Typist]

Proto[Typist] is a smaller boutique retailer that tends to carry more niche and premium switches alongside a carefully curated selection of custom keycaps and keyboards. If you are after something like Gateron Ink V2s or Holy Pandas, this is a good place to look. Stock moves quickly, so signing up for their mailing list is a smart move.

Overclockers UK

Not a specialist keyboard shop, but Overclockers UK stocks a reasonable range of Cherry MX switches in both small and bulk quantities. It is a useful option if you already have an order going through for PC components, as you can combine shipping. Prices for Cherry MX switches here typically sit around £15–£20 for a pack of 10, which reflects Cherry’s premium positioning in the market.

Amazon UK

Amazon is not the most exciting place to buy switches, but it is hard to ignore for convenience. Cherry MX switches are widely available, and you can often find Gateron and Kailh options at competitive prices. The key caveat is to check seller ratings carefully — some third-party sellers list switches with misleading descriptions or inflated prices. Sticking to sold-by-Amazon listings or reputable third-party sellers with good feedback history reduces the risk. Delivery is, of course, usually fast.

European Retailers That Ship to the UK

Since Brexit, ordering from EU-based retailers has become more complicated due to customs duties and import VAT. However, some European shops are still worth considering, particularly for switches that are not stocked by UK retailers.

Candykeys (Germany)

Candykeys is one of Europe’s most reputable keyboard specialists and ships to the UK. Be aware that for orders under £135, import VAT is handled at checkout on many platforms, but you should verify this before purchasing. For items over that threshold, you will almost certainly face additional charges. That said, Candykeys regularly stocks switches that are hard to find elsewhere in Europe, making it worth the occasional look.

Mykeyboard.eu (Belgium)

Similar situation to Candykeys — excellent stock, particularly for group buy items, but factor in potential import costs when pricing up your order. If the switch you want simply is not available in the UK, these shops are a reasonable fallback.

A practical tip: always use a duty and VAT calculator before committing to an overseas order. The UK government’s trade tariff tool is freely available and can save you from a nasty surprise at the door.

High Street Options: What Is Actually Available In Person

The honest reality is that the UK high street is not a great place to buy individual mechanical switches. Most physical retailers stock complete keyboards, not loose components. That said, there are a few exceptions worth knowing about.

Scan Computers (Bolton)

Scan has a physical store in Bolton and also operates a well-stocked website. They carry Cherry MX switches in various quantities and sometimes stock Kailh options. If you are in the North West of England, it is one of the few brick-and-mortar options for mechanical keyboard components.

Maplin’s Successor / Independent PC Shops

Since Maplin closed in 2018, there has been a noticeable gap on the high street for electronics enthusiasts. Some independent PC and electronics shops in larger cities carry Cherry MX switches — particularly the more popular colours like Red, Brown, and Blue — but stock is inconsistent. It is always worth ringing ahead before making a trip.

Gaming and Esports Shops

Stores like GAME occasionally sell mechanical keyboards, but loose switches are generally not their territory. However, some dedicated esports or gaming cafes have begun stocking accessories, and a few independent gaming hardware shops in cities like London, Birmingham, and Edinburgh carry a small selection of switches for enthusiasts. These are niche finds rather than reliable sources, but worth exploring if you are based in a major city.

The Second-Hand Market: A Genuinely Good Option

The UK mechanical keyboard community is active on several second-hand platforms, and buying used switches is a perfectly legitimate way to access premium options at reduced prices — particularly for switches that are no longer in production.

Reddit: r/mechmarket

While this is a global community, UK sellers are well-represented and often offer local pickup or Royal Mail shipping. You can find everything from unopened bulk switch lots to pre-lubed and filmed sets ready to drop straight into a board. Pay attention to whether the seller is in the UK to avoid customs complications.

Deskthority and GeekHack Forums

These are the two oldest and most established mechanical keyboard forums. Both have trading sections where UK members buy and sell switches. The community is generally trustworthy, though you should still use common sense — check post history, ask questions, and use PayPal Goods and Services for buyer protection.

eBay UK

eBay can be hit or miss, but it is worth a look for both new and used switches. You will find Cherry MX switches fairly consistently, and occasionally more unusual options. Be cautious of listings that seem to offer premium switches at suspiciously low prices — counterfeit switches do exist, and Cherry in particular has been widely counterfeited over the years.

Buying Switches in Bulk vs. Testing First

One question that comes up constantly for newcomers is whether to buy a switch tester before committing to a full set. The answer, for most people, is yes — it is money well spent.

A decent switch tester with 10–20 common switch types costs around £15–£30 from retailers like Mechboards or Amazon UK. Spending half an hour typing on different switches before buying 90 of them could save you from a purchase you regret within a week.

If you want a more hands-on experience, some keyboard meetups held in UK cities (London and Manchester both have active scenes) allow you to try a wide variety of boards and switches. The UK keyboard community posts meetup announcements on Reddit, Discord, and the forums mentioned above. These events are free to attend and genuinely useful for narrowing down your preferences.

Pricing: What to Expect in 2024

Switch prices vary quite a bit depending on the brand, type, and quantity. Here is a rough guide to what you should expect to pay in the UK:

Budget linears (Gateron Yellow, Outemu Red) — £2.50–£4.00 per 10 switches
Mid-range tactiles (Boba U4,
Durock T1) — £5.00–£8.50 per 10 switches
Premium enthusiast switches (Zeal, Gazzew, TTC premium lines) — £8.00–£14.00 per 10 switches
Silent switches — usually £6.00–£12.00 per 10, depending on brand
Clicky switches — often £3.50–£7.00 per 10
Lubed or filmed switches — expect to pay a noticeable premium, often 20–50% more than stock

If you are building a full-size keyboard, remember that you may need 90–110 switches depending on layout. For a 60% or 65% board, 70–75 is usually enough, though it is wise to buy a few spares in case of bent pins or future replacements.

Tips for Buying Keyboard Switches in the UK

Check whether the switches are 3-pin or 5-pin — some PCBs only support one without modification.
Read the product listing carefully — some shops sell switches in packs of 10, while others price them individually.
Factor in postage — a slightly cheaper listing can end up costing more once delivery is added.
Look for UK stock first — it usually means faster delivery, easier returns, and no surprise import charges.
Consider switch testers — if you are unsure what you like, a tester can save money in the long run.
Watch for restocks — popular enthusiast switches often sell out quickly, especially at smaller UK vendors.

Best Places to Buy Mechanical Keyboard Switches in the UK

For most buyers, the best option is a specialist UK keyboard retailer, as you get better switch variety, clearer specifications, and simpler shipping. General online marketplaces can still be useful for budget picks and mainstream brands, while high street shops are best for trying complete keyboards rather than buying loose switches.

If you want the shortest version: start with UK keyboard specialists for enthusiast switches, check Amazon or large electronics retailers for common models, and use local stores or meetups to test switches before you commit. That approach gives you the best balance of price, convenience, and confidence.

Whether you prefer a smooth linear, a sharp tactile bump, or a loud clicky switch, there are now more good UK buying options than ever. Spend a little time comparing stock, delivery costs, and switch type, and you will be far more likely to end up with a keyboard that feels exactly right for you.