How to Safely Remove Keyboard Switches for Cleaning or Replacement

Discovering the intricacies of keyboard upkeep empowers you to increase its lifespan and improve its performance. Eradicating switches from a keyboard is an important ability on this endeavor, enabling you to customise your typing expertise, change defective switches, or carry out deep cleansing. Whether or not you are a seasoned keyboard fanatic or a novice looking for to delve into this technical area, this complete information will give you the mandatory information and step-by-step directions to take away switches out of your keyboard effectively and successfully.

The method of change elimination varies barely relying on the kind of keyboard you possess. Membrane keyboards, as an example, make the most of a unique mechanism than mechanical keyboards. Nevertheless, the underlying rules stay constant throughout most keyboards. To embark on this job, you’ll require a number of important instruments: a change puller, a pair of tweezers, and a microfiber fabric. The change puller is a specialised gadget designed to securely extract switches with out damaging them or the encircling elements. After you have gathered the mandatory instruments, you possibly can proceed to the precise change elimination course of, which we are going to delve into within the subsequent paragraphs.

Earlier than embarking on the change elimination course of, it’s crucial to organize your keyboard. Disconnect it out of your laptop and switch it the other way up to forestall any particles from falling into the circuitry. Moreover, take away all keycaps to realize unobstructed entry to the switches. With these preparatory steps accomplished, you possibly can begin the change elimination course of. Make the most of the change puller to softly pry up the change from its socket, making use of even strain to keep away from damaging the change or the keyboard. As soon as the change is unfastened, use the tweezers to rigorously take away it from the socket and place it in a protected location. Repeat this course of for every change you plan to take away. Upon completion, you should have efficiently extracted the switches out of your keyboard, paving the best way for additional customization or upkeep.

Eradicating Switches with a Swap Puller

A change puller is a small, devoted instrument designed particularly for the aim of eradicating mechanical keyboard switches. It’s a easy but efficient gadget that makes use of a pair of prongs to hook onto the edges of a change and pull it straight up and out of the keyboard. Swap pullers are sometimes produced from sturdy supplies comparable to plastic or steel and are designed to be simple to grip and use, even in tight areas.

Selecting the Proper Swap Puller

When selecting a change puller, there are a number of key components to contemplate:

  • Materials: Swap pullers will be produced from a wide range of supplies, together with plastic, steel, and even 3D-printed supplies. Plastic change pullers are sometimes probably the most inexpensive and light-weight, however they is probably not as sturdy as steel change pullers. Metallic change pullers are extra sturdy and durable, however they can be dearer.
  • Design: Swap pullers are available in a wide range of designs, every with its personal benefits and downsides. Some change pullers have a easy two-pronged design, whereas others have extra complicated designs with further options comparable to a built-in keycap puller or a magnetic base. The perfect change puller for you’ll rely in your particular person wants and preferences.
  • Compatibility: Not all change pullers are suitable with all kinds of mechanical keyboard switches. Some change pullers are designed to work with particular kinds of switches, comparable to Cherry MX switches or Kailh switches. Earlier than buying a change puller, you should definitely examine the compatibility info to make sure that it’s going to work with the switches in your keyboard.

Utilizing a Swap Puller

Utilizing a change puller is a comparatively easy course of. To take away a change utilizing a change puller, observe these steps:

  1. Place the change puller: Place the change puller over the change that you simply need to take away. The change puller must be positioned in order that the prongs are hooked onto the edges of the change.
  2. Pull the change puller: Gently pull the change puller straight up and out of the keyboard. The change ought to come out with the change puller.
  3. Take away the change from the change puller: As soon as the change has been faraway from the keyboard, it may be faraway from the change puller. To do that, merely grasp the change along with your fingers and pull it out of the change puller.

Suggestions for Utilizing a Swap Puller

Listed here are a number of suggestions for utilizing a change puller:

  • Watch out to not bend the change pins: When utilizing a change puller, it is very important watch out to not bend the change pins. The change pins are delicate and will be simply broken if they’re bent.
  • If a change is caught, don’t power it: If a change is caught within the keyboard, don’t attempt to power it out. This might harm the change or the keyboard. As a substitute, strive utilizing a pair of tweezers to softly wiggle the change unfastened.
  • Hold the change puller clear: Over time, the change puller can change into soiled with mud and particles. You will need to preserve the change puller clear to make sure that it’s working correctly. To scrub the change puller, merely wipe it down with a moist fabric.

Advantages of Utilizing a Swap Puller

There are a number of advantages to utilizing a change puller, together with:

  • Comfort: A change puller makes it simple to take away and change mechanical keyboard switches. This may be helpful for a wide range of causes, comparable to cleansing the switches or changing them with totally different switches.
  • Security: A change puller helps to guard the change pins from being bent or broken. That is essential as a result of bent change pins may cause the change to malfunction.
  • Effectivity: A change puller makes it doable to take away and change switches rapidly and simply. This will prevent effort and time, particularly if you’re engaged on a big keyboard with many switches.

Conclusion

A change puller is a invaluable instrument for anybody who owns a mechanical keyboard. It’s a easy, protected, and environment friendly option to take away and change switches. In case you are on the lookout for a option to make it simpler to wash or customise your mechanical keyboard, a change puller is a must have instrument.

Figuring out the Right Swap Puller

Choosing the suitable change puller is essential to keep away from damaging your keyboard or the switches themselves. Completely different keyboards typically make use of totally different change varieties, and every kind requires a particular puller designed to suit its distinctive building. To make sure compatibility, take into account the next pointers:

1. Determine Your Swap Sort

Step one is to find out the kind of switches put in in your keyboard. Frequent change varieties embody Cherry MX, Kailh, and Gateron, every with its distinct design options. Check with the keyboard’s documentation or producer’s web site to acquire this info.

2. Select the Matching Puller

As soon as you already know the change kind, you possibly can choose the suitable puller. Swap pullers are sometimes designed to accommodate a particular change household. For instance, a Cherry MX change puller will solely work with switches that observe the Cherry MX design, comparable to Cherry MX Purple, Blue, and Brown switches. Equally, Kailh change pullers are designed solely for Kailh switches, which can embody Kailh Field, Velocity, and Bronze switches. Gateron change pullers are suitable with Gateron switches, comparable to Gateron Yellow, Purple, and Black switches.

Swap Puller Compatibility Desk
Swap Sort Suitable Swap Puller
Cherry MX Cherry MX Swap Puller
Kailh Kailh Swap Puller
Gateron Gateron Swap Puller

3. Contemplate Swap Plate Compatibility

Along with the change kind, it is important to examine in case your keyboard has a change plate. A change plate is a steel or plastic plate that lies beneath the switches, offering further stability and stopping them from falling out. In case your keyboard has a change plate, you may want a change puller that’s particularly designed to accommodate it. These pullers sometimes have a wider base to make sure they will match over the change plate.

4. Consider Puller High quality

The standard of the change puller additionally issues. Excessive-quality pullers are produced from sturdy supplies, comparable to steel or sturdy plastic, to resist repeated use. They need to even have a safe grip and an ergonomic design to make sure consolation through the change elimination course of.

5. Select a Multi-Purposeful Puller

For added comfort, take into account investing in a multi-functional change puller that mixes a number of pullers into one instrument. These pullers typically embody adapters or attachments that permit them to accommodate totally different change varieties. Nevertheless, it is essential to confirm the compatibility of the multi-functional puller along with your particular keyboard and change kind.

By rigorously contemplating these components, you possibly can choose the proper change puller that may safely and successfully take away the switches out of your keyboard.

Holding the Keyboard Regular

Securing the keyboard firmly is essential for protected and exact change elimination. A number of strategies will be employed to attain this:

Utilizing a Keyboard Tray

A keyboard tray supplies a secure and elevated platform for the keyboard, decreasing pressure in your wrists and guaranteeing a cushty working place. With the tray in place, the keyboard is securely held and fewer prone to transfer or wobble throughout change elimination.

Putting the Keyboard on a Secure Floor

For these with out a keyboard tray, putting the keyboard on a flat, secure floor, comparable to a desk or desk, is crucial. Make sure the floor is freed from any unevenness or obstacles that would trigger the keyboard to shift or tip over.

Utilizing a Non-Slip Mat

Including a non-slip mat beneath the keyboard supplies further stability by stopping it from sliding round on the floor. That is notably helpful for keyboards with a easy backside or on surfaces vulnerable to motion.

Desk: Comparability of Keyboard Stabilization Strategies

Technique Benefits Disadvantages
Keyboard Tray Offers elevated and secure platform, reduces wrist pressure Is probably not broadly out there or suitable with all keyboards
Secure Floor Easy and cost-effective Might not present as a lot stability as different strategies
Non-Slip Mat Prevents keyboard from sliding, supplies further stability Is probably not appropriate for all keyboard designs

Further Suggestions for Holding the Keyboard Regular

  • Keep away from putting the keyboard in your lap or a delicate floor: This will trigger the keyboard to flex or transfer unexpectedly, making change elimination troublesome.
  • Maintain the keyboard firmly across the edges: Utilizing each palms to grip the keyboard supplies most stability and prevents it from rotating or slipping.
  • Be light and keep away from extreme power: Whereas holding the keyboard regular, be conscious to not apply undue strain that would harm the keyboard body or switches.

Aligning the Swap Puller

Step 1: Determine the Keycap’s Orientation

Earlier than aligning the change puller, it is essential to know the proper orientation of the keycap. Completely different keycaps have various layouts and orientations, so it is important to examine the important thing you plan to take away.

Step 2: Place the Swap Puller

As soon as you have decided the keycap’s orientation, rigorously place the change puller’s hooks into the keycap’s devoted slots. Be sure that the hooks are securely engaged with the underside of the keycap.

Step 3: Apply Mild Downward Strain

With the change puller in place, apply light downward strain to the keycap. Make sure that the strain is evenly distributed and never extreme, as this might harm the keycap or keyboard.

Step 4: Monitor the Keycap’s Motion

As you apply downward strain, observe the keycap’s motion. It ought to progressively separate from the keyboard’s base, sometimes shifting upward. When you encounter any resistance or issue, gently modify the change puller’s place and take a look at once more.

Step 5: Sustaining Grip and Precision

All through the method of eradicating the keycap, keep a constant grip on the change puller. This ensures that the puller doesn’t slip and trigger any harm to the keycap or keyboard. Moreover, train precision when making use of strain to keep away from by accident damaging adjoining keycaps or the keyboard’s base.

Making use of Strain to the Swap

After you have recognized the change you need to take away, you possibly can start the method of prying it off. This may be completed utilizing a wide range of instruments, however the most typical and efficient strategies contain utilizing a change puller or a pair of tweezers.

Utilizing a change puller

A change puller is a specialised instrument designed particularly for eradicating switches from keyboards. It consists of a pair of prongs which are inserted into the change’s housing after which used to pry the change up and out of the keyboard.

To make use of a change puller, merely insert the prongs into the change’s housing after which gently pull the change up and out of the keyboard. You’ll want to apply even strain to each prongs with the intention to keep away from damaging the change or the keyboard.

Utilizing a pair of tweezers

When you don’t have a change puller, it’s also possible to use a pair of tweezers to take away switches from a keyboard. Nevertheless, this technique shouldn’t be as efficient or protected as utilizing a change puller, and it may be tougher to keep away from damaging the change or the keyboard.

To make use of a pair of tweezers to take away a change, first grasp the change’s housing with the tweezers after which gently pull the change up and out of the keyboard. You’ll want to apply even strain to either side of the change with the intention to keep away from damaging the change or the keyboard.

Suggestions for eradicating switches

Whatever the technique you employ to take away switches out of your keyboard, it is very important watch out and to keep away from damaging the change or the keyboard. Listed here are a number of suggestions that can assist you take away switches safely and successfully:

  • Apply even strain to either side of the change when prying it up and out of the keyboard. It will assist to keep away from damaging the change or the keyboard.
  • Be affected person and take your time. Dashing the method can result in errors and harm.
  • In case you are having issue eradicating a change, strive utilizing a unique instrument or technique. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all answer, and the very best technique for eradicating switches might range relying on the kind of keyboard and change.

Frequent errors to keep away from when eradicating switches

There are a number of frequent errors that folks make when eradicating switches from keyboards. These errors can harm the change or the keyboard, so it is very important keep away from them.

  • Making use of an excessive amount of strain when prying the change up and out of the keyboard. This will harm the change’s housing or the keyboard’s PCB.
  • Not making use of even strain to either side of the change when prying it up and out of the keyboard. This will trigger the change to tilt and harm the encircling elements.
  • Utilizing a pointy object to pry the change up and out of the keyboard. This will harm the change’s housing or the keyboard’s PCB.

Desk: Abstract of change elimination strategies

The next desk summarizes the totally different strategies for eradicating switches from keyboards:

Technique Professionals Cons
Utilizing a change puller – Straightforward to make use of
– Secure and efficient
– Requires a specialised instrument
Utilizing a pair of tweezers – No specialised instruments required
– Will be tougher and fewer efficient
– Harder to keep away from damaging the change or the keyboard

Avoiding Harm to the Keyboard

9. Be Cautious of Wrist Straps

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a major concern when dealing with digital units, together with keyboards. Wrist straps are designed to floor you and forestall ESD, however utilizing them may also result in harm if not dealt with correctly. Here is why:

* **Improper Grounding:** If the wrist strap shouldn’t be correctly grounded, it could really enhance the danger of ESD. Make sure that the wrist strap’s connection to the bottom is safe and that the grounding level is correctly grounded.

* **Buildup Beneath Strap:** Static electrical energy can construct up beneath the wrist strap, particularly if it is not worn snugly. To keep away from this, put on the strap tightly and guarantee there aren’t any gaps between your pores and skin and the strap.

* **Touching the Keyboard’s PCB:** When eradicating switches whereas carrying a wrist strap, be conscious to not contact the uncovered printed circuit board (PCB) along with your naked palms. The grounded wrist strap can create a path for ESD to discharge onto the PCB, damaging it.

* **Secure Removing:** When eradicating switches with a wrist strap, use pliers or a change puller to keep away from direct contact with the PCB. When you should contact the PCB, floor your self utilizing an anti-static mat or by touching a grounded steel object first.

Wrist Strap Dealing with Precautions Potential Dangers
Improper grounding Elevated danger of ESD
Buildup beneath strap ESD discharge can happen
Touching PCB with naked palms PCB harm
Eradicating switches with out instruments Direct contact with PCB

Further Suggestions

  • Use the Proper Instruments: At all times use applicable instruments for eradicating switches, comparable to a change puller or pliers. Utilizing blunt or unsuitable instruments can harm the change stems or the PCB.
  • Take away Stabilizers First: In case your keyboard has stabilizers on bigger keys just like the spacebar, take away them first earlier than trying to take away the switches.
  • Apply Even Strain: When eradicating switches, apply even strain to either side of the change to forestall bending or misalignment.
  • Test for Caught Keys: Earlier than reassembling your keyboard, be certain that all switches are correctly seated and never caught.
  • Check Each Key: As soon as assembled, check each key in your keyboard to confirm performance and guarantee there aren’t any points.

Choosing the Correct Swap Puller Measurement

Figuring out the suitable change puller measurement is essential for profitable change elimination with out damaging the keyboard or switches. Comply with these steps to find out the proper measurement:

1. **Measure the Swap Width**

Use a ruler or caliper to measure the space between the 2 outermost legs of the change. This measurement represents the width of the change.

2. **Check with Producer Specs**

Test the producer’s specs for the change mannequin you’re utilizing. The specs ought to point out the change width and suitable change puller sizes.

3. **Use a Sizing Chart**

Varied web sites and on-line sources present sizing charts that match change widths to change puller sizes. Refer to those charts to search out the suitable measurement to your switches.

4. **Match the Puller Form**

Swap pullers come in numerous shapes, comparable to U-shaped, X-shaped, and cruciform. Make sure that the puller you select matches the form of your change to keep away from damaging the change housing.

5. **Contemplate the Keycap Top**

If the switches are positioned underneath high-profile keycaps, you might want a puller with prolonged prongs to succeed in the switches successfully.

6. **Test for Further Options**

Some change pullers provide further options, comparable to a built-in keycap puller or a bent nostril for simpler entry in tight areas. Contemplate these options primarily based in your particular wants.

7. **Check the Match**

Earlier than utilizing the puller in your keyboard, gently insert it into the change housing to make sure a cosy match. It will assist stop the puller from slipping and damaging the change.

8. **Keep away from Overtightening**

When utilizing the puller, rotate it gently to loosen the change with out overtightening. Extreme power can harm the change or puller.

9. **Use a Regular Movement**

When pulling the change out of the keyboard, use a gentle, even movement. Keep away from extreme jerking or pulling, as this will harm the change housing or PCB.

10. **Deal with the Switches Rigorously**

After eradicating the switches, deal with them rigorously to keep away from bending the legs or damaging the contacts. Place the switches in an applicable storage container till you’re able to reinstall them.

Swap Sort Swap Width Suitable Swap Puller Measurement
Cherry MX 13.9mm U-shaped or cruciform (2-prong)
Gateron 13.9mm U-shaped or cruciform (2-prong)
Kailh 13.9mm U-shaped or cruciform (2-prong)
Alps SKCC 14.5mm X-shaped (4-prong)
Topre 15mm Cruciform (4-prong)

Inspecting the Keyboard After Swap Removing

As soon as you have eliminated all of the switches out of your keyboard, it is essential to examine it rigorously to make sure that no harm has occurred and that all the pieces is in working order. Listed here are some issues to search for:

1. Test the PCB for Harm

The printed circuit board (PCB) is the guts of your keyboard, so it is essential to examine it rigorously for any harm. Search for any cracks, scratches, or burns. When you discover any harm, you may want to switch the PCB earlier than you should use your keyboard once more.

2. Test the Switches for Harm

Even when the switches seem like undamaged, it is nonetheless a good suggestion to examine them rigorously. Search for any cracks, scratches, or bent pins. When you discover any harm, you may want to switch the change.

3. Test the Keycaps for Harm

The keycaps are the plastic covers that go over the switches. They are not as essential because the switches or the PCB, however they will nonetheless be broken. Search for any cracks, scratches, or fading. When you discover any harm, you possibly can change the keycaps.

4. Test the Stabilizers for Harm

The stabilizers are the steel bars that assist to maintain the bigger keys (just like the spacebar and the Enter key) secure. They are not as essential because the switches or the PCB, however they will nonetheless be broken. Search for any cracks, scratches, or bends. When you discover any harm, you possibly can change the stabilizers.

5. Test the Case for Harm

The case is the plastic or steel housing that holds the keyboard collectively. It isn’t as essential because the switches or the PCB, however it could nonetheless be broken. Search for any cracks, scratches, or dents. When you discover any harm, you possibly can change the case.

6. Check the Keyboard

As soon as you have inspected the keyboard, it is a good suggestion to check it to be sure that all the pieces is working correctly. Plug the keyboard into your laptop and kind a number of sentences. If all the pieces works correctly, you then’re good to go.

7. Troubleshooting Frequent Issues

When you encounter any issues when inspecting your keyboard, listed here are a number of suggestions for troubleshooting:

Downside Resolution
The keyboard would not work in any respect Test the USB connection. Be sure that the keyboard is plugged into your laptop securely.
A few of the keys do not work Test the switches for these keys. Be sure that the switches are correctly seated within the PCB.
The keys really feel mushy or sticky Test the switches for these keys. Be sure that the switches aren’t broken.
The keycaps are unfastened Test the keycaps for harm. Be sure that the keycaps are correctly seated on the switches.
The keyboard makes a wierd noise Test the stabilizers for harm. Be sure that the stabilizers are correctly seated within the PCB.

Checking for Damaged Switches or Harm

Earlier than eradicating a keyboard change, it is essential to confirm if the change is certainly damaged or broken. Here is examine:

  1. Visible Inspection: Rigorously study the change for any seen indicators of injury, comparable to cracks, dents, or discoloration. If the change appears to be like broken, it might should be changed.
  2. Tactile Check: Gently press and launch the change. If the change feels mushy, would not click on correctly, or has a noticeable wobble, it is seemingly broken and must be changed.
  3. Keycap Removing: Take away the keycap related to the suspected change utilizing a keycap puller. It will permit you to examine the change extra carefully.
  4. Swap Tester: If in case you have entry to a change tester, insert the suspected change into it. A change tester will present a constant and dependable option to check the change’s performance and establish any points.
  5. Multimeter Check: For a extra superior examine, you should use a multimeter to measure the change’s electrical resistance. Check with the change’s datasheet for the anticipated resistance values.

Further Harm Test Particulars

To additional slim down the reason for the change malfunction, listed here are some further particulars to contemplate through the harm examine:

Swap Lubrication

Over-lubricated switches can exhibit mushiness or sticking, affecting their efficiency. Test for extreme lubrication on the change’s stem, housing, and spring.

Keycap Binding

If the keycap shouldn’t be securely seated on the change stem, it could trigger the change to really feel wobbly or bind when pressed. Make sure that the keycap is correctly aligned and securely connected.

Keyboard Firmware

In uncommon circumstances, keyboard firmware points can intrude with change performance. Strive resetting the keyboard’s firmware to rule out any software-related issues.

Swap Pins

Broken change pins can stop the change from making correct electrical contact. Examine the change pins for any seen bending or breakage.

Cleansing the Keyboard After Swap Removing

After eradicating the important thing switches out of your keyboard, it is very important clear the keyboard totally to take away any mud, particles, or different particles that will have accrued underneath the switches. It will assist be certain that your keyboard features correctly and stays in good situation.

To scrub the keyboard, you should use a delicate brush or a vacuum cleaner with a delicate brush attachment. Gently brush or vacuum the realm underneath the switches, being cautious to not harm any of the elements.

You may also use a cotton swab or a microfiber fabric dampened with isopropyl alcohol to wash the realm underneath the switches. You’ll want to wipe the realm dry afterwards.

As soon as the keyboard is clear, you possibly can reassemble it by inserting the important thing switches again into their slots. Be sure that the switches are correctly aligned and seated earlier than urgent down on them to safe them in place.

Disinfection of the Keyboard

In case you are involved about micro organism or different contaminants in your keyboard, you possibly can disinfect it utilizing a disinfectant wipe or a twig. You’ll want to observe the directions on the product label rigorously, and permit the keyboard to dry fully earlier than utilizing it once more.

Further Suggestions for Cleansing the Keyboard

Listed here are some further suggestions for cleansing your keyboard:

  • Unplug the keyboard out of your laptop earlier than cleansing it.
  • Use a delicate brush or a vacuum cleaner with a delicate brush attachment to keep away from damaging the keyboard.
  • Use a cotton swab or a microfiber fabric dampened with isopropyl alcohol to wash the realm underneath the switches.
  • Wipe the keyboard dry with a clear fabric after cleansing it.
  • Disinfect the keyboard utilizing a disinfectant wipe or a twig if you’re involved about micro organism or different contaminants.

Cleansing the Keyboard with Completely different Forms of Switches

The kind of switches in your keyboard can have an effect on the way you clear it. Listed here are some suggestions for cleansing several types of switches:

Swap Sort Cleansing Directions
Membrane switches Membrane switches are sometimes sealed, in order that they can’t be eliminated for cleansing. Nevertheless, you possibly can clear the floor of the switches with a delicate fabric or a vacuum cleaner with a delicate brush attachment.
Mechanical switches Mechanical switches will be faraway from the keyboard for cleansing. You should use a delicate brush or a vacuum cleaner with a delicate brush attachment to wash the switches and the realm underneath the switches. You may also use a cotton swab or a microfiber fabric dampened with isopropyl alcohol to wash the switches.
Optical switches Optical switches are much like mechanical switches, however they use an optical sensor to detect key presses. You may clear optical switches in the identical manner as mechanical switches.

How To Take away Switches From Keyboard

Eradicating switches from a keyboard is usually a daunting job, but it surely’s really fairly easy as soon as you know the way. Listed here are the steps on do it:

  1. Collect your instruments. You have to a pair of tweezers, a small screwdriver, and a keycap puller.
  2. Take away the keycaps. Use the keycap puller to take away the keycaps from the switches.
  3. Find the change clips. On the underside of every change, you will notice two small clips. These clips maintain the change in place.
  4. Gently pry open the change clips. Use the small screwdriver to softly pry open the change clips. Watch out to not harm the clips.
  5. Carry the change out of the keyboard. As soon as the clips are open, you possibly can raise the change out of the keyboard.

Individuals Additionally Ask About 123 How To Take away Switches From Keyboard

How do I take away a change from a mechanical keyboard?

To take away a change from a mechanical keyboard, you have to to observe the steps outlined above.

Can I take away switches from a laptop computer keyboard?

It isn’t beneficial to take away switches from a laptop computer keyboard. Laptop computer keyboards are sometimes not designed to be disassembled, and eradicating switches can harm the keyboard.

What are the several types of keyboard switches?

There are three essential kinds of keyboard switches: linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches are easy and quiet, tactile switches have a small bump while you press them, and clicky switches make a clicking sound while you press them.