Guide to Tactile Switches

Reviewed by Jay Proctor, Technical Support Team Leader (January 2025)

Tactile mechanical switches are switches that provide physical feedback. They are notable for the small bump they give when the switch is pressed. This guide explores what tactile switches are, where they are used, and their attributes vs clicky and linear switches. If you’ve ever wondered, ‘What is a tactile switch?’ read on to find out more about the different types of tactile switches.

So what are tactile switches? Tactile switches create a ‘bump’ when you press them. The user experiences resistance when they press the switch. When the force they have applied overcomes the bump, the key operates. The resistance of the tactile switch, the force needed to operate it, and where the bump occurs in the keystroke vary widely between different switch types. Typists like tactile switches because they confirm that a key has been successfully actuated, which is good when it comes to accuracy. Gamers also enjoy the physical feedback they provide.

The tactile switch, like other forms of electrical switch, works by allowing current to flow when pressed. A tactile switch completes the electrical circuit when the user applies pressure to the switch, resulting in a haptic bump or click. This tangible feedback assures the user, when the switch activated and has worked. Unlike a standard push button switch in general does not have feedback when pressed in momentary style, latching switches do have some sense of feedback when latching into place, a tactile switch enables current to flow when the actuator is pushed and held, and stops flow when it is released. Because of this, tactile switches are known as ‘momentary action switches.’

Tactile switches began life as screen-printed membrane switches for keyboards and keypads, before the introduction of metal domes to the device, enabling the tactile feedback that distinguishes them. Tactile switches are typically smaller than push button switches and have lower current and voltage ratings.

Tactile switches make a small amount of noise when operated, which makes them popular with users such as typists who prefer audio feedback when they are typing to indicate a key has been pressed. The volume of the sound produced by tactile switches varies and is often described as a ‘thock’ or ‘clack’ sound. Lubricating tactile switches tends to reduce their volume when pressed. The pitch of a tactile switch (from low to high) varies between designs.

Tactile switches are available that are low-noise or close to silent. ‘Silent’ tactile switches still aren’t as low-noise as linear switches, but quiet tactile switches are available for users who want the feel of a tactile switch without the sound.

What’s the difference when it comes to linear vs tactile switches? Your choice of tactile vs linear switches depends on whether you want smooth operation. Linear switches are smoother, noiseless, and bump-free. When it comes to the difference between linear and tactile switches, gamers sometimes prefer linear switches because they increase speed of response.

‘Clicky’ switches, as the name suggests, feature a click noise. Similarly to tactile switches, they provide haptic feedback, but when the bump is overcome, a click is heard.

Wondering how to lube tactile switches? Even the best tactile switches sometimes require maintenance. Pre-lubed, tactile switches on a keyboard can help them work more smoothly, with less noise.

You will need to start by choosing the right kind of lubricant. Dedicated tactile keyboard switch lubricants are available, and low viscosity lubricants are best for this job. You will need a very small brush to lube the switches. A 5 mm brush is about the right size. You will also need a switch opener (you can use a small flathead screwdriver for this purpose, or a dedicated tool), a soldering iron to desolder and resolder your switches to the keyboard’s printed circuit board, and a pair of tweezers.

Once the switches are off the keyboard, pull the upper housing and lower housing of the switch apart using the screwdriver and carefully lube the lower housing, spring, stem, and upper housing. Put the switch back together, and then resolder the switch onto the PCB. Finally, test each key to make sure it is working correctly. Heavy tactile switches can be made smoother to operate with good lubrication. 

To recap, tactile switches are a great choice for both typists and gamers, and they have uses in a range of other industrial and commercial settings. If you’re wondering, ‘What is the difference between linear and tactile switches?’ and which to choose, pick tactile switches if:

• You’re a typist who values accuracy and haptic feedback on each keystroke.
• You’re a gamer who plays games that require a lot of different keystrokes, and you don’t want to press the wrong key.
• You want a quiet keyboard that still features physical feedback. Tactile switches provide a balance between feedback and noise compared to clicky or linear switches.

Remember that if speed is the ultimate priority, however, linear switches are likely to be a better choice for your keyboard as the lack of physical feedback enables quicker pressing of the keys.

And if you’re looking to work in silence, linear switches are also the way to go.

Looking for keyboard and keypad switches or other types of switch? Explore RS’s range.