Recently I’ve been trying out more tactile switch options on my 40% keyboard layout. I was somewhat dissatisfied with the Gateron Browns, which didn’t have enough of a tactile bump for me. I really like a solid feedback (or whatever it’s called) to let me know I pressed the key down.

Anyways, I’m liking the experience of trying out new switches and experimenting with feel and sound¹1To be honest, I’m not really a sound connoisseur; most switches really sound the same or similar to my ear, so I care more about the “typing experience”.

. Switches tend to be the cheapest change you can make to a keyboard (bar the super expensive switches which I’m not too interested in), and there seem to be great budget options out there. With my hotswap PCBs, trying out a new switch is easy.

I recently ordered some Akko Lavenders. They’re a nice looking switch and very affordable. The tactile bump was much more noticeable, and the typing experience was a lot more solid imo. I put these in my Boardsource 4x12.

I next ordered some Gazzew Boba U4 silent tactiles with the 62g springs, and put them in my BM40 (PCB mounted). I think I prefer the lighter springs so I don’t have to exert too much force. I think the Akko Lavenders have a ~55g bottom out compared to the 62g bottom out on the Boba U4 tactiles, so it requires a bit more force. But like sound, I’m not really able to tell too much of a difference, but maybe after using either for more extended periods of time I’ll develop a better sense of that. Regardless, I enjoyed the quiet nature of these switches. They were also very comfortable to type on. I did pick up a switch tester with the regular Boba U4T on it, which are much louder. I might consider picking up these another time.

I think I’m somewhat satisfied for now. I’d like to experiment with more tactiles and linears in the future. I also wonder what a good clicky switch would be like, but I’m holding off on that.