{"title":"Switches","description":"\u003cp\u003eMX-style mechanical keyboard switches: linear, tactile, and more. Swap them into any hot-swap board to change how your keyboard feels and sounds.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cherry-mx2a-black-linear-switches-18-pack","title":"Cherry MX2A Black Linear Switches (18-pack)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCherry MX2A Black switches are the current generation of Cherry's classic heavy linear switch, engineered and made in Germany. Each press travels straight down with no tactile bump and no click, actuating at 60cN — a firm, consistent feel that many typists and gamers prefer for fast, deliberate keystrokes. This is a pack of 18 switches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLinear operation — smooth keystroke with no bump and no click\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActuation force: 60cN; initial force: 30cN\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePretravel: 2.0mm; total travel: 4.0mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFactory-applied premium lubricant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNoise-reducing barrel spring design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpring-centering stem with glide-optimized guidance ribs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGold crosspoint contacts, self-cleaning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRated for over 100 million actuations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits soldered or hot-swappable keyboards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Germany\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's in the box\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 × Cherry MX2A Black linear switches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMX2A switches work in any keyboard built for MX-style switches — hot-swap boards (no soldering needed) and soldered PCBs alike. An 18-pack covers a macropad or a partial board refresh; a full 60% keyboard needs about 61 switches, so plan on multiple packs for a complete build.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is this for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMX2A Black suits someone who knows they like linear switches and wants a heavier, controlled press — good for fast typists who bottom out hard and for gamers who want consistent actuation without accidental presses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does \"linear\" mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe keypress is smooth from top to bottom with no tactile bump and no click sound — only the sound of the key bottoming out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they pre-lubed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Cherry applies a factory lubricant, and the MX2A generation adds a barrel spring and polished stem guidance for a smoother press than older MX Blacks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many packs do I need for a full keyboard?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach pack has 18 switches. A 60% board needs about 61, a 65% about 68, and a 75% about 84 — buy a few extra for spares.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLinear vs tactile — which should I pick?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLinears are smooth and quiet; tactiles add a small bump you feel mid-press. Our guide \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/typetide.shop\/blogs\/guides\/linear-vs-tactile-vs-clicky-switches\"\u003eLinear vs Tactile vs Clicky Switches: Which Should You Choose?\u003c\/a\u003e walks through the difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRelated guides\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/typetide.shop\/blogs\/guides\/linear-vs-tactile-vs-clicky-switches\"\u003eLinear vs Tactile vs Clicky Switches: Which Should You Choose?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Cherry","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":62777383649361,"sku":"TT-004","price":7.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1079\/1498\/5553\/files\/typetide-cherry-mx2a-black-1_a3d7ba7b-33f0-4bd5-9267-a1159622f1ed.jpg?v=1790820943"},{"product_id":"cherry-mx2a-brown-tactile-switches-18-pack","title":"Cherry MX2A Brown Tactile Switches (18-pack)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCherry MX2A Brown switches are the current generation of Cherry's classic tactile switch, engineered and made in Germany. Each press has a soft tactile bump you can feel mid-keystroke, with no click sound — a middle-ground feel that gives typing feedback without the noise of clicky switches. Actuation happens at 55cN of operating force. This is a pack of 18 switches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTactile operation — soft bump mid-press, no click sound\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOperating force: 55cN (actuation force 45cN, tactile point 55cN); initial force: 30cN\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePretravel: 2.0mm; total travel: 4.0mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFactory-applied premium lubricant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNoise-reducing barrel spring design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpring-centering stem with glide-optimized guidance ribs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGold crosspoint contacts, self-cleaning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRated for over 100 million actuations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits soldered or hot-swappable keyboards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Germany\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's in the box\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 × Cherry MX2A Brown tactile switches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMX2A switches work in any keyboard built for MX-style switches — hot-swap boards (no soldering needed) and soldered PCBs alike. An 18-pack covers a macropad or a partial board refresh; a full 60% keyboard needs about 61 switches, so plan on multiple packs for a complete build.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is this for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMX2A Brown suits a typist who wants light feedback with each keystroke but works around other people — the tactile bump confirms the press without a click, making it the default \"safe\" choice for offices and shared spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does \"tactile\" mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou feel a small bump partway through the keypress. It confirms the key actuated without making the loud click of a clicky switch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they quiet enough for an office?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrowns are among the quieter mechanical switches since there is no click mechanism — only the sound of keys bottoming out, which varies with the keyboard case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they pre-lubed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Cherry applies a factory lubricant, and the MX2A generation's barrel spring and polished stem guidance make for a smoother press than older MX Browns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many packs do I need for a full keyboard?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach pack has 18 switches. A 60% board needs about 61, a 65% about 68, and a 75% about 84 — buy a few extra for spares.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRelated guides\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/typetide.shop\/blogs\/guides\/linear-vs-tactile-vs-clicky-switches\"\u003eLinear vs Tactile vs Clicky Switches: Which Should You Choose?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Cherry","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":62777383813201,"sku":"TT-005","price":7.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1079\/1498\/5553\/files\/DSC09638.jpg?v=1790787321"},{"product_id":"gateron-ks-3-milky-yellow-pro-linear-switches-18-pack","title":"Gateron KS-3 Milky Yellow Pro Linear Switches (18-pack)","description":"\u003cp\u003eGateron KS-3 Milky Yellow Pro switches are one of the most recommended budget linear switches in the keyboard community. They actuate at 50g with a smooth, straight-down press, come lightly lubricated from the factory, and use Gateron's updated KS-3 molds for reduced stem wobble. The milky nylon housings give them a deeper sound than clear-housed switches. This is a pack of 18 switches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLinear operation — smooth keystroke with no bump and no click\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActuation force: 50g; bottom-out force: 62g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePretravel: 2.0mm; total travel: 4.0mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFactory pre-lubed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5-pin PCB mount (also fits 3-pin hot-swap sockets on most boards)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMilky nylon (PA66) top and bottom housings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePOM stem\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGold alloy contacts, stainless steel spring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMX stem — compatible with all MX-mount keycaps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's in the box\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 × Gateron KS-3 Milky Yellow Pro linear switches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are 5-pin switches, which press directly into 5-pin hot-swap PCBs and soldered PCBs; they also fit most 3-pin hot-swap sockets. They work with any MX-mount keycap set. An 18-pack covers a macropad or a partial refresh; a full 60% board needs about 61 switches, a 65% about 68, and a 75% about 84.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is this for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMilky Yellow Pros suit a builder who wants a smooth linear feel on a budget — they are the classic \"first good switch\" recommendation because they sound and feel good stock, with no lubing required to enjoy them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does \"pre-lubed\" mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGateron applies a light factory lubricant, so the switches feel smooth out of the bag. Enthusiasts can still hand-lube over it for an even smoother feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow are these different from Cherry MX Black?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMilky Yellows are lighter (50g vs 60g actuation), factory-lubed, and generally less expensive — a softer, smoother press.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill 5-pin switches fit my hot-swap board?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf your PCB has 5-pin hot-swap sockets, yes, directly. Most modern hot-swap boards do; older 3-pin-only boards need the two extra plastic pins clipped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many packs for a full keyboard?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach pack has 18. A 60% needs about 61, a 65% about 68, a 75% about 84 — grab one extra pack for spares.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRelated guides\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/typetide.shop\/blogs\/guides\/linear-vs-tactile-vs-clicky-switches\"\u003eLinear vs Tactile vs Clicky Switches: Which Should You Choose?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Gateron","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":62777383845969,"sku":"TT-006","price":4.76,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1079\/1498\/5553\/files\/gateron-milky-yellow-pro-linear-switches-final-2_ihs5gz.png?v=1790787320"},{"product_id":"gateron-oil-king-silent-tactile-switches-18-pack","title":"Gateron Oil King Silent Tactile Switches (18-pack)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Oil King line is Gateron's premium switch family, and the Silent Tactile version adds built-in dampening to a defined tactile bump — every press starts with a crisp bump and lands on a softly cushioned bottom-out, quiet enough for shared offices and late-night typing sessions. This 18-pack arrives factory-lubed and ready to drop into any hot-swap board.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwitch type: silent tactile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActuation force: 38g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBottom-out force: 65g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal travel: 3.2mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMount: 5-pin PCB mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTop housing: nylon; bottom housing: proprietary INK blend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFactory lubricated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 switches per pack\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat's in the box\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e18 × Gateron Oil King Silent Tactile switches\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFits MX-style hot-swap and solder PCBs. The 5-pin mount drops straight into 5-pin boards; for 3-pin boards the two extra plastic legs can be clipped off.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho is this for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eTypists who want tactile feedback without the noise — office workers, students, anyone sharing a room. Also a low-commitment way to try a premium silent tactile before buying 70 at once.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they completely silent?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo switch is truly silent, but the dampening noticeably softens both bottom-out and top-out noise compared to a standard tactile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to lube them?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey come factory-lubed and most people use them as-is. Hand-lubing can refine them further but risks dulling the bump.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many packs do I need for a full keyboard?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn 18-pack is a great trial size. A 65% board needs about 68 switches (4 packs); a TKL needs about 87 (5 packs).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill they fit my hot-swap board?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the board accepts MX-style switches, yes — the vast majority of hot-swap boards do.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eRelated guides\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/typetide.shop\/blogs\/guides\/linear-vs-tactile-vs-clicky-switches\"\u003eLinear vs Tactile vs Clicky Switches: Which Should You Choose?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Gateron","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":62778971553873,"sku":null,"price":13.46,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1079\/1498\/5553\/files\/Oil_20King_20Silent_20Tactile_201_mo2g6fjf.jpg?v=1790807388"},{"product_id":"hmx-yogurt-s-linear-switches-18-pack","title":"HMX Yogurt S Linear Switches (18-pack)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHMX has become the name in budget linears, and the Yogurt S is one of its smoothest: factory-lubed from the start, with a clean, consistent keystroke that punches well above its price. Pick between two spring weights to match your typing style. This 18-pack is a low-risk way to try them before committing to a full board.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLinear switch, factory lubricated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo spring-weight options: 37–43g and 45–53g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmooth, consistent keystroke out of the box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 switches per pack\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat's in the box\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e18 × HMX Yogurt S linear switches\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFits MX-style hot-swap and solder PCBs — drop them straight into any board that takes MX-style switches.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho is this for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLinear lovers on a budget, and anyone curious what the HMX hype is about. At this price, trying them costs less than lunch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to lube them?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey arrive factory-lubed, and most people run them stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich spring weight should I pick?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe lighter 37–43g option suits fast, light typing and gaming; the heavier 45–53g option fits harder bottom-outs and those who want more resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many packs for a full keyboard?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout 4 packs for a 65% board (68 switches), 5 for a TKL (87 switches).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these good for a first build?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — smooth, affordable, and consistent is exactly what you want while you are learning.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eRelated guides\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/typetide.shop\/blogs\/guides\/linear-vs-tactile-vs-clicky-switches\"\u003eLinear vs Tactile vs Clicky Switches: Which Should You Choose?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"HMX","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":62778971750481,"sku":null,"price":7.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1079\/1498\/5553\/files\/12327567589694-normalized_71f8bfb8-8e83-4d48-b950-b31e6419ddaf.jpg?v=1790807403"},{"product_id":"gazzew-boba-u4t-tactile-switches-18-pack","title":"Gazzew Boba U4T Tactile Switches (18-pack)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Boba U4T is the switch behind the \"thock\" meme: Gazzew's long-pole tactile with a strong, rounded bump and a deep, marbly bottom-out sound that made it a community legend. Factory-assembled with a light lube on the spring base and leaf, it is sold here in an 18-pack so you can hear what the fuss is about before buying a full set.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTactile switch with the signature deep \"thock\" sound\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBottom-out force options: 62g, 65g, 68g (depending on variant)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ev3 full-clear housings for maximum RGB shine-through; v2 black housings also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLight factory lube on spring base and leaf\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 switches per pack\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat's in the box\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e18 × Gazzew Boba U4T tactile switches\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFits MX-style hot-swap and solder PCBs. Gazzew's hard-pin design is compatible with universal Outemu, Kailh, and Gateron sockets.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho is this for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eTactile fans chasing the famous thock, and anyone who wants a premium-feeling switch without a premium price.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does \"thocky\" actually mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA deep, soft, marbly bottom-out sound — the opposite of high-pitched clack. The U4T's long-pole stem is what produces it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU4 vs U4T — what is the difference?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe U4 is Gazzew's silent tactile; the U4T is the non-silent version tuned for maximum thock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they need lube or films?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey come lightly lubed and Gazzew housings fit tightly, so most people run them stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many packs for a full board?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout 4 packs covers a 65% (68 switches); 5 packs covers a TKL (87 switches).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eRelated guides\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/typetide.shop\/blogs\/guides\/linear-vs-tactile-vs-clicky-switches\"\u003eLinear vs Tactile vs Clicky Switches: Which Should You Choose?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Gazzew","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":62778971783249,"sku":null,"price":13.46,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1079\/1498\/5553\/files\/IMG_1515.jpg?v=1790807405"}],"url":"https:\/\/typetide.shop\/collections\/switches.oembed","provider":"TypeTide","version":"1.0","type":"link"}