0:33 Holy Panda - B 2:31 Glorious Panda - B 3:05 Boba U4T - A 4:12 Hyperglide brown and Retool brown - C or D 5:43 Blueberries - C 7:14 Zealios - A or B (A for quality, B for price) 8:06 Akko CS Ocean Blue - lower B 9:02 Neopolitan - S 10:13 Mujid - F 11:21 TKC Kiwi & Dragonfruit - B for Kiwi, D for Dragonfruit 12:43 Box Royal & Violet & Brown - F D F 14:33 Aliaz - F 15:21 Silent Brown & Gateron Brown & Hill Brown & Milky Brown & Kailh Brown - D, but C for Kailh Brown 16:11 Drop Holy Panda X - C 17:20 Tecsee Sapphires - A 17:58 Jwick T1s - C 18:50 Everglide Moyu Black - A (if you're ok with loud switches) 19:34 Blue Velvet and Night Sakura - C or B for Velvet, B or possibly A if lubed for Sakura 20:59 Outemu Silent Sky - S (for silent tactile) 21:55 TTC Bluish White - D 23:00 Kono Midnight - D 23:27 Akko Jelly Blue - C 23:50 Cherry MX Clear - D or F (very heavy and fatiguing) 24:34 Ethereal Panda - B 25:12 SP Star Magic Girl - B 25:35 Purple Panda - B 25:59 Naevy R1.5 - B (light tactile) 26:35 Everglide Oreo - B or C (super mediocre) 27:33 Halo Clear - F or D 28:03 Durock medium tactile - C (mediocre but usable) 28:31 Outemu Sky - D (on stem wobble alone) 29:00 Salmon - C or perhaps B S: Neopolitan, Outemu Silent Sky (if you want silent) A: Boba U4T, Zealios (ignoring price), Tecsee Sapphire, Everglide Moyu Black (if you're ok with loudness) B: Holy Panda, Glorious Panda, Ethereal Panda, Purple Panda, Night Sakura, SP Star Magic Girl, Zealios (price taken into account), TKC Kiwi, Naevy R1.5 (if you want a light tactile), Akko Ocean Blue C: Kailh Browns, Hyperglide Browns, Blueberries, HPX, Jwick T1, Blue Velvent, Akko Jelly Blue, Everglide Oreo, Durock medium tactile, Salmon D: Dragonfruit, Box Violet, Browns, Bluish White, Kono Midnight, Outemu Sky, Halo Clear (if cannibalized for Holy Panda) F: Cherry MX Clear (very heavy and fatiguing), Box Royal, Box Brown, Muiid, Aliaz
Re: 20:49 Silent Tactiles - it was the **U4 Boba Silents** that they rated S-tier. They discussed both Outemu and U4’s, but only rated the U4’s - stating that U4’s were superior and that they didn’t know any silent tactile that could be better.
S tier: Neapolitan Ice Creams 9:01 Boba U4 21:18 A tier: Boba U4t 3:04 Night Sakura 19:21 Sapphire 17:20 Dark Jade 18:50 SP Star Magic Girl 25:12 B tier: Holy Panda 0:32 Glorious Panda 2:28 Zealios 7:00 Lavender 7:53 Ocean Blues 7:53 Kiwi 11:21 Blue Velvet 19:21 Ethereal Panda 24:33 Purple Panda 25:36 Naevy 1.5 25:57 Everglide Oreo 26:35 C tier: Hyperglide MX Brown 4:08 NK Blueberry 5:39 Kailh Brown 15:32 Holy Panda X 16:11 T1 17:58 Jelly Blue 23:27 Medium Tactile 28:25 Salmon 28:58 D tier: Retool/SMD MX Brown 4:08 Dragonfruit 12:04 Box Violet 12:44 Gateron Browns (normal, milky, etc) 15:32 Blueish White 21:53 KONO Midnight 22:57 MX Clear 23:50 Halo Clear 27:34 F tier: Mute Jades 10:09 Box Orange, Brown, Royal 12:44 Alias 14:33 Gateron Silent Brown 15:19 Blue Velvet 19:21 Pro Purple 27:14 Plum 27:14 Moose Sky 28:30
(JUST SWITCHES I'M INTERESTED IN) 3:28 Glorious Pandas - B 3:34 Boba U4ts - A 8:46 Akko Lavenders - B 9:23 Neopolitan - S 17:40 TecSee Sapphire - A 19:59 Night Sakura - A 20:08 Blue Velvet - (Comfy to type on) B 21:28 Outemu Silent Sky 21:32 Silent Boba U4ts
Lavanders in the same Tier as Glorious panda? what is this? wonderland? everyone is crazy? lost their minds? daaaaamn Lavanders are C tier if glorious pandas are B.
I'm bored so here you go! 0:33 Holy Panda 2:31 Glorious Panda 3:05 Boba U4T 4:12 Hyperglide brown and Retool brown 5:43 Blueberries 7:14 Zelios 8:06 Akko CS Ocean Blue 9:02 Neopolitan 10:13 Mujid 11:21 TKC Kiwi & Dragonfruit 12:43 Box Royal & Violet & Brown 14:33 Aliaz 15:21 Silent Brown & Gateron Brown & Hill Brown & Milky Brown & Kailh Brown 16:11 Drop Holy Panda X 17:20 Tecsee Sapphires 17:58 Jwick T1s 18:50 Everglide Moyu Black 19:34 Blue Velvet and Night Sakura 20:59 Outemu Silent Sky 21:55 TTC Bluish White 23:00 Kono Midnight 23:27 Akko Jelly Blue 23:50 Cherry MX Clear 24:34 Ethereal Panda 25:12 SP Star Magic Girl 25:59 Naevi R1.5 25:35 Purple Panda 26:35 Everglide Oreo 28:31 Outemu Sky 29:00 Siemen 29:42 (Frankenstein Sound typing test) Sadly they didn't review Designer Studios White Jades
Your ranking videos would be so much more helpful if you SHOWED the names of the switches on the screen and then put a list with their names at the end of the video. Even better, put links to the top switches in the description so that we can buy them!
This way you have to watch the whole video carefully aka help her with view time. If everyone could just skip to the ending its not good for the channel.
@@FlankyFrankie ...or alternatively, I can ignore a 30-minute no-chapter video, dislike it, and move to a different place that respects viewers, and with less clickbaity entertainment and more substance. It's not like this is the only channel on the Internet that reviews keyboard things.
My journey through switches started with really liking the feel and sound of clickies and ended up with wanting silent tactile. I started with Azalias because they were cheap and one of the first ones I could find at the time. The very next set (my current ones) are the silent boba U4T. So, it's funny you ranked them as far apart possible. I personally still liked the Azalias because they were quiet. But yeah, they're mushy. I love the silent U4T a lot more though, so I'm glad it's highly rated.
I'm taking the same journey right now. I really enjoy blue clickys, but I want something silent with the same feel. Did you find the U4Ts didn't have any mushyness at all? My venture into tactiles with the cherry MX clears just left me disappointed with the mushy feel.
I like the SP Star Magical Girls, they definitely have the sound signature and feel that I enjoy. They have a slight leaf crunch stock but lubing takes care of that. Glad to see a video like this as someone who enjoys tactiles.
Uhh glarses hates browns because of its tactility, not sound /: Browns are still a good switch, it's just that as a "tactile" switch, it isn't that desirable for tactile users.
Yay, more love for tactiles! Thanks for the comparison, Betty and Randy! I’m currently planning my next keeb project and ordered Boba U4Ts 62 g for it. Glad to see they also received some praise from you guys. With all these choices it’s really hard to keep track, so I ordered one of those 3×3 switch testers as well and let them fill it with Durock Koala 62g, Gateron Ink Black V2, Gateron Oil King, Gateron Milky Yellow, Gazzew Boba U4T 68g, Kailh Polia, Kailh Speed Copper, SP-Star Dark Magic Girl, Tecsee Purple Panda. Not all tactiles, I know, but I also want to give some linears a chance for comparison. Keep up the good work!
@@MajesticSlinky I got a sampler from Hippokeys as well and I also loved the Magical Girl and I now have to source a set for a nice tactile but light keyboard but my surprise star are the Durock T1 Smokey. Heavy but not unpleasantly so.
@@MajesticSlinky thanks for this recommendation. I bought the tactile switch tester from hippokeys and some U4 silents as well this is gonna be awesome 🙏
I got the Boba U4 over the Zilents for a silent work office keyboard per your suggestion when I had asked before. They are most definitely worth the S tier ranking. The keyboard itself is a Meko Blink 60%; which isn't bad, but is plate mount and doesn't support standard housings. I have 2 other keyboards for home use. A Womier K87 TKL with lubed Glorious Pandas, and a Miya Panda Pro with Cherry MX Clears. The Pandas are super nice to type on. The Cherry MX Clears can definitely get fatiguing after a while.
If comparing switch noise you really need to test the switches in the same spot on the keyboard. Depending on where the switch is installed on the board, the sound is going to be drastically different even with the same switch.
Curious what you think about the Mint Chocolate Chip POM switches, which are smooth with a sharp tactile bump, or my personal favorite tactiles, the Dark Amber T1 from CannonKeys…? Loved this comparison as it added a few new ones to my radar, & looking forward to seeing your rating of all Linears soon! 💪💪
I could almost flip this list upside down and it would be for me! So much personal preference with switches, yet we are all so obsessed with the comparisons.
As a mechanical keyboard lover I loved this kind of videos but I also a small business owner and I would like to remind everyone that this is very subjective. Because ALL of these manufacturers are doing their best to provide the consumers all the choices in the products they are producing. I appreciated them all. Now go pick your own fav switches!
R1 Cherry Profile keycaps probably did most of the heavy lifting to make the switch deeper and lower-pitched. I honestly doubt that the Neapolitans will thock on their own if the keyboard itself wasn't tuned for thock. Nevertheless, I did really like the sound of the Neopolitan Ice Creams and the Boba U4Ts. Both high-tier switches in my opinion.
Herr is a suggestion, rent a silent room, you know the soundproof with spikes on the walls where you can hear your heartbeat. Now that is the perfect place to test sound.
Do you do any post-recording tweaks to your mic quality or is your voice smacked straight through your mic? If so, what do you use to tweak your audio? I'm trying to see if I can find a way to mix my audio better or if I should just get a new mic. LOVE THE VIDS! 💪
It might an Electro-Voice RE320 which is the cheaper version and doesn't have as good of a sound signature, then post-processing would be involved for sure
@@AstuteJoe thanks! I've got a higher, more nasally voice and it doesn't mix well with my darker-sounding mic, and mixing in audacity just makes my S's peak really bad. I'm trying to find a mic that has a really open and clear top end
@@SomeSteven I'm very nasally as well, even had sinus and septum surgery, and RE20 is amazing for that, it's MILES better than the Shure SM7B, also made in US, do your research and check it out, I love it personally
I really appreciate this style of review because compares each switch relative to its closest counterparts without the marketing aspect that often switch reviews entail.. It helped me make several decisions with building my tactile keeb. Thanks for your effort and hard work!
As someone who uses silent switches (Zilents in my case), I wish there was some accounting for the point of them. They don't sound "thocky" yes, they are more damped in the feel yes, but that's the point. For people looking for crisp bottom out and punchy sound, look elsewhere for sure. I just wish silent switches were evaluated from a silent standpoint. I like having a tactile bump, but a quiet switch, because it works well with lots of voice chatting, I don't constantly bother all my friends. F-tier is understandable if you only think about how thocky they are and crisp the bottom out is, but comparing them for what they are, I feel like they'd have gotten a better rating. It's a to each their own thing, but yeah, a bit sad they get so much hate when compared to switches they aren't trying to compete with.
Great video, Betty. I've finally given in and I'm going to see what the linear switch hype is all about. So, here I am, purposely watching my first video about tactile switches with the intent to buy. I really like the feel of the Kailh Box Crystal Navy switches, so I'm basically hoping to find something similar without the click. Heavy, with a noticeable bump. With that being said...... It's kind of sad that we live in a world that you have to make a disclaimer stating the obvious at the beginning of videos to hopefully ward off any comment trolls whose opinion may be different from yours.
My gosh, this channel has BLOWN. UP. !!! I remember when your views were like under 30k and you responded to every comment :) now I’m sure there are too many!!
The tactiles I'm currently using are called Dareu Violet Gold V2. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find too many reviews/info on them but they feel pretty good for how cheap they are.
Neapolitan ice creams are so good, extremely tactile, thocky, good spring weight for both heavy and light lovers, not too expensive, just a very versatile switch. Highly recommend
Love this video for confirming my bias that Neapolitan Switches are the best tactiles. You get that nice Halo-like bump without it feeling like too much, two-stage spring for a nice feel, plus they sound amazing.
29:37 unexpected Guilty Gear Edit: Betty, this got me thinking. have you ever tried anything related to custom arcade sticks? I feel like there are some similarities between those and keebs ss enthusiast hobbies; plus there are some customizable arcade buttons that work with mechanical keyboard switches and the entire concept of lunchboxes
I really love the feel of Neapolitans but I find them very fatiguing to type on for an extended duration compared to more mild tactiles. Did the link to the finished tier list get posted?
Not that this didn't take enough time, but here's to hoping that Randy & Betty try saving some of the C/D tier tactiles (like MX Clears and T1s) by trying a spring swap.
Blueberries and Jelly Blues having two bumps could be an interesting methodology for adding tactility to the various optical or magnetic switches that have multiple 'actuation' points. With a better design and light finesse, multiple actuation points could become a lot more consistent compared to just fully finessing a full-range linear to different depths. By comparison, the only other solution to this that I can think of is a multi-rate spring, where it gets noticeably heavier beyond certain points; almost between a tactile and a linear, you don't get a sharp bump with a drop in force, but you also don't get the linearity of a single-rate spring, basically tactility via spring force alone- though looking at the components of the Jelly Blues, they look to be using a dual-rate spring. Problem is, for these kind of switches, it somewhat locks you into certain hard points, rather than having the adjustable actuation points within the range of the switch; changing the otherwise analog nature, especially on full-range magnetics, to a digital trinary or quaternary by feel.
I wish some of the mainstream switches were in on here cause I love ripping my hyper x aquas out and putting them into custom boards. Love to see what people think of them.
I was hoping you would talk about Kailh polias. I got a bunch on clearance from novelkeys and I really like them, but I don't see them discussed very often.
Just a follow up on my tactile experience. I like them, but I ended up with a bad experience with the Boba U4T 68g switches. I figured why not just go with the "thock king" of the tactile switches. After about 2 months I started getting a lot of key chatter that was getting progressively worse. Multiple registers with a single tap. No register with a single, usually more taps. I swapped out the worst of them with the handful of extras I had and they even started doing the same thing while the other switches were getting worse yet. Probably at least 10, maybe 15 of the switches were pretty consistently just bad. I did a bit of research and found that it was not just me having the issue and the person that makes them or whatever was being pretty "it can't be my switches, it has to be you" about it even though there were several people saying the same thing. I hadn't taken them apart or anything since I bought the pre-lubed. So, I'm going to give a different switch a try and hopefully I get better results. For now, I'm back to my Kailh Box Jades (don't cringe )with no chatter whatsoever. #ClickySwitchesMatter 🤣🤣🤣
If there's one thing I hate, it's a sensitive linear. If there's one thing I love, it's a tactile with a sweet muted click with no bass and all midrange like chopsticks against a porcelain bowl.
In regards to the Purple Pandas and the Blue Velvet Tactiles, I'm pretty sure they're just the same switches, but recolored. There might be small miniscule differences in regards to stem design, but overall, material and stock spring are the same. I currently have Blue Velvets cuz they were in stock at the time and I like their color more. Blue Velvets are currently sold out and Dangkeebs have told me they plan on bringing them back around Q3, so I recommend getting Purple Pandas for the time being. I personally put them in A Tier. Solid housings where you don't need to film, and unlubed, so you can lube them yourself in anyway you so choose. The 68g spring is where I do think it can be divisive. Since my finger strength isn't super strong, I switched them out with TX 57g Long Springs, and bagged lubed with Super Lube Oil. Goes from a medium tactile to a light-medium tactile, and I quite enjoy them now. If you have the fingers for them though, I think the 68g stock spring is fine. In regards to other tactile switches I'm interested in trying: Loobed Cotton Candies, Bolsa Supply Corsa, KTT Onyx, KTT Mallow, Ajazz Diced Banana, and Ajazz Diced Kiwi.
I currently daily drive Tecsee Sapphires and they’re pretty nice. I spring lubed them as well as the housing. It’s better lubed. I can still go for heavier ones or maybe spring swap these but I’m pretty much content with these switches since I’m comfortable typing with them. There’s a switch that I’m eyeing on though which is the Tecware Pearl Salmon. I’ve heard it’s a pretty nice tactile switch. I’m also looking at Jelly Purples from Akko which is an updated Lavender Purple and a lot of people love Lavender Purples so that’s a promising switch I think.
You still using the Sapphires? The only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger on them is they seem a little rounder/the tactile bump is longer than say the U4Ts. They sound incredible though...I'm torn between the Sapphires, U4Ts, and Durock T1s/Eberglide Oreos
i just did a full swap out on k552 with akko lavender purple, definetly worth it for the price. very happy with them. tactile are the way to go, i have a razer black widow as well with linear yellows and i just dont like linear as i get to many false hits if my finger rests on the key.
I built a keyboard with TECSEE Purple Pandas, I’ve never used a tactile beyond a Cherry MX Brown so I was surprised by how much more tactile and louder they were. TECSEE just cannot miss.
Considering the price and how difficult it is to get switches in some parts of the world, I'm really happy with my glorious pandas, I cant find any of the B tier and above here (except for the pandas). Although I came from cherry mx browns (and before that razer green(blues)) so it's night and day. No fake tactile mush any more!
Thanks for all the info! This may be just what I need to find my ideal switch. So far, the best options appear to be TTC Silent Bluish White and Boba U4. I like my non-silent TTC Bluish White board, but it could stand to be quieter, a bit softer/mushier (I'm weird), and push back a little harder on the upstroke. So I think I'll try Boba U4 next. Basically I'm looking for something which feels like a good scissor switch or rubber dome, but in hotswap MX form. I also like my Hako True Whitefox. The extra-mushy bottom feels like I'm typing on clouds, and it lifts my fingers effortlessly after each stroke. It's where I get my highest wpm, but it makes my pinky fingers tired, and the tactile bump is pretty meh. I like it way more than a traditional blue or brown style switch though... can't stand the response curve on those; feels like using a paper hole puncher which gets stuck both ways on each stroke.
@@JimmyTulip1 Definitely check out the force curve graphs on any switches you want to try. A scissor switch has a distinct curve shape, and it's a very different shape than a blue or brown switch. So if you want something more scissory, the options are switches like: Boba U4 / U4T, Durock T1, Durock Shrimp, TTC Bluish White, Holy Panda, Glorious Panda, etc.
I thought I wanted something quiet and membrane-y after coming off a logitech K800 w/ thin scissor keycaps...turns out I don't. But for that reason I tried the U4s and yep, they're very tactile and very quiet/soft, a bit more rubber dome-y. You'd probably like them.
I have TTS Bluish white silents, theyre pretty good. What i hate about them, is they sound and feel scratchy, and the ping is pretty noticeable. Lubing helps a bit, but you lose that blubble-wrap type of feel and it doesnt completely remove other issues. Im currently looking for something else that would feel and sound similar, maybe with harder bump, but no pings and scratches
My first tactile is Fantasy Virus. They are quite good, I think the Virus can go to B tier in this video. But after that, I saw your video and currently, I have full 80% keyboard with Neapolitan. That's the whole new level. Same for the Dark Jade (Moyu Black). I use them for stab with Neapolitan spring. Sooo good. I'm gonna try them with TX spring to see how it sounds. Thank you for helping me finding my favorite tactiles.
I'm confused on how things are rated here. Is it just based on sound? Why does that seem to be so important to people in the mechanical keyboard community? It just seems like nitpicking. Why would I pay way more money just for a better typing sound? Shouldn't it be based off of how it feels when you type or how it works while gaming? Maybe I just don't understand switches enough, I'm researching, but I don't really understand these rankings. I want to know what to buy based on performance... not sound.
Moyu Blacks are my daily driver, and paired with an FR4 plate, they just hit REAL different compared to most other switches imo. But you are absolutely right, they are DEFINITELY not for something like office use LOL. Mechs on Deck actually used Moyu Black stems in an all nylon housing to make Anubis switches, which are probably some of the deepest switches on the market right now.
My first mechanical keyboard I got a Corsair Vengeance with Cherry MX Browns. After a few years I decided to look into different switches that had a bit more weight and tactility in them and looked up the spec sheet for the Browns and the rest of the Cherry MX lineup and decided I wanted the Cherry MX Clears. I eventually got a Ducky One 2 loaded with Cherry MX Clears and I'd rate them a step above the Browns personally. So I was disheartened to see you rate the Clears so low :( But hey at the end of the day this is a very subjective thing so it doesn't bother me that much I guess. After owning the Clears for about a year or so now, I'm looking to move to clicky tactile switches. I'm a heavy handed typer so I'm currently looking at getting either the Kaihl BOX Navy or Jade. And I'm not rich so I just got myself a GMMK to load with whatever switch I decide to end up getting.
Right? My thoughts exactly. I'm in the same boat as you. Bought a Ducky Zero with Cherry MX Browns like, 10 years ago I think. And then I swapped into different switches, tried linear with a corsair k63 with cherry red, and then another corsair with silver speed. Didn't like them both, actually, I hated them I do not know why people love linear, but hey, that's subjective. Now I decided to build my own keyboard, but I'm in the middle of the process since some of the parts I want are out of stock atm. So I use a Varmilo Minilo with MK Holy Llama (and sometimes with MX Clears) as my main drive. So, I feel you, clears are not for everyone.
I have TTC Bluish White Silents, and i have mixed feelings about them. Unlubed the bump is amazing, feels like bubble wrap. But you have to lube them because the scratchiness and ping is atrocious. So after lubing you lose some of the amazing bump, but it still doesnt completely remove the issues. It would be a perfect switch if not for ping and scratchiness, it feels and sounds amazing, but its driving me nuts. Wish i could find something similar, but better. From what i've seen and heard online, pandas and even U4T's dont even come close to how good the TTC's are
Would be awesome if you did a ranking for stock switches. As someone new to keyboard builds, finding the best stock switch has been something I've been researching to no end for. While juggling everything else I honestly cannot be assed to lube switches as it has seen to be the most time consuming/tedious part of the hobby. From my own research I've gathered that the Aqua Kings are #1 and that's currently what's on its way to me but I would be very curious to hear your takes on the topic
Lovely tier list, definitely helped me out. Would love if the Durock Anibus tactiles where there as well. I heard they are as good or better than the U4T
People tend to waste their time on the bad direction too many options. I own Cherry MX Browns (CoolerMaster Quickfire TK) Blues (Corsair K95 Plat. XT) and Reds (CoolerMaster CK372). I'm a professional programmer and using mostly my browns in my work. blues only after my gym sessions. And reds on weekends mornings.
I think that Kailh box browns are quite a lot more tactile than Gateron or Cherry browns. And they have no pre-travel, which I prefer. Especially box silent browns. They have a very sharp tactility. But I don't like their return force curve. It feels like they don't easily want to pop back up. It reminds me of rubber domes.
I daily drove the Box Browns for a few months before roughly half of the switches on my board turned clicky and inconsistent. Which is a shame since I liked the tactile characteristics a lot.
@@tunglamduong3000 Yeahh, I really like my box silent browns, even though they have practically become clicky. It's a muted click that I have come to enjoy.
I love me some U4Ts. They feel so good, sounds great too. I just built my first board and it's my first "enthusiast" switch, after only having experience with browns on gaming boards I am a completely changed man now
Clear-s are often misunderstood. Their actual actuation force is 65g. 90g is the bottom-out force. They ra very comfortable for people who would normally bottom-out the regular tactile switches.
Just got the asus rog azoth 75 in both nx blue and nx brown, will compare the two. This video is definitely going to be a reference for the switch upgrade I choose. I enjoy typing and gaming, though I need tactile response and feedback to have a pleasant experience. The typical brown switches that come with most boards have left me wanting, sometimes are mushy and generally have a barely existent tactile bump that make them too close to linears. I moved to blue switches for a short time because of this frustration, but they are just too loud as a daily driver. The feedback is amazing though and would like similar feedback as blues, but with lower upsetting sound. I pretty much want a blue without the irritation. This tier list I feel confident will get me close.
I need advice, everybody. I am new to the hobby, and I have been thoroughly sucked into the vortex. I'm not sure if my wallet is prepared, but for my part, I am jumping in with both feet. I am focused on just one keyboard for now, but will definitely do others in the future. I grew up in the '80s and '90s, so my frame of reference for superior mechanical keyboards is the buckling springs switches of Model F and Model M fame. Not only am I nostalgic for that feel, but I can honestly remember thinking to myself as a kid, "Wow, I rarely make mistakes on these keyboards," compared to my Mom's Brother electric typewriter. And I need that back in my life. Plus, the sound of the buckling springs was absolute nirvana. I know you can get a New Model F for like $500 and that Unicomp makes the Model Ms for around $100. But I have now forayed deeply enough into the world of Cherry MX-stemmed switches (and their compatibility with everything on the market) that I went ahead and ordered a custom wood case and PCB with RGB from Crolander to create my own masterpiece. I've already sunk hundreds into this thing before even buying switches, so now I am committed. I also already have the Glorious Olive GPBT keycaps (yeah, I know they're not shine-through), and the case is being made. I first purchased a Kaihl tester on Amazon with every Box switch available. I like the clickiness of the Jades and the tactility of the Royals, but the weight of the Navies (yes, I already created a Frankenswitch before I even knew what that was). But I still came up lacking. So I ordered a tester from Brandon Hwang on Etsy with nine switches, mostly Pandas and the heavier Boba U4T. I threw in a Zeal Clickiez 40g totally on a whim and ended up loving it the most, and then I modified it to a tactile and was blown out of the water. But after pressing it repeatedly and missing some presses here and there due to the force required to actuate it, I thought that maybe it's just a little TOO tactile and heavy for daily typing in my job as a mortgage loan officer. So I ordered Zealios and was completely underwhelmed by both the V1s and V2s at EVERY weight. So that's where I am. Pandas aren't sharp enough in the tactility department, though I like the sound, particularly the sound of the Glorious Pandas. Zealios aren't sharp enough either, and I DON'T like the sound. They're also a bit wobbly. Zeal Clickiez are almost perfect on a single-switch basis, but will probably get old really fast when typing all day (though clicky mode is pretty sweet). I've ordered 8 more switches from Brandon, but there are a few on this video that I didn't order and I will likely have to place yet ANOTHER order with him to get them. So help me out please, and think thocky OR clacky sound (I just want NOISE!) with *incredibly* sharp tactility like the Zeal Clickiez modded to tactile mode, and then back it off a little. Clicky is fine too, but it has to also be thocky or clacky. Is it Neopolitan Ice Creams? Zykos? Harimaus? I REALLY don't want to spend $2/switch, but I guess if that's what it takes, I'll bite the bullet. Thanks in advance.
No one told me my Box Burnt Oranges would turn clicky after a few months of use. Now they just feel scratchy and they're all really clicky and sound inconsistent (even after super lightly relubing them). I'm looking at swapping them all over to U4Ts... Just trying to decide whether I go with the 62g or the 68g, since I actually really enjoy the weight of the Burnt Orange just not the typing experience.
What i learned: Akko is cheap and good enough until i am ready to spend hundreds on switches. In EU its a nightmare to get all those fancy switches and Akko actually is available, cheap and solid. Tactile and Linear switches seem to be pretty good from Akko which is weird since they cost sooo much less compared to worse options.
I really do love Tactiles! My first keyboard was Cherry MX brown when mechanical keyboard were new! Still using it from the day I bought it! I used to love it a lot, but by time I hear bad reviews I started to lose interest in them, by time I started to feel they are really bad as a tactile switch. Although it is a nice switch not going to lie. Now building my first keyboard bought everything, waiting for the keyboards to go stock to buy them! Was planning to go with KBDFANS ODIN V2 but they removed the LED and it got better with flex cuts, but can’t sacrifice LED. Now deciding to get AKKO MOD 007 I bought drop Panda and I feel guilty, because when I read it is Panda and it looks so good, I prefer natural color switches so my LED doesn’t turn something weird and I do like if the switch is shin through. In hope I can find original holy panda stems to replace them with the drop panda.
thank you so much for the video! I'm really interested in the naevy 1.5 and salmons, but on other videos they sound worse. Do you mind telling me about the keyboard itself? Looking at your other videos you mentioned how sound is really affected by the case and keycaps. Thanks :D
The Durock Shrimps are better than the Bobas for a silent switch once they’re lubed. Seriously. I swapped out the 68g spring for a 62g but that’s just me. Seriously, better than the Bobas. Just lube them. I also found that lubIng the Bobas ruined them.
Many many keyboards later and a lot of money I learned linears are not my thing even for gaming. Tactiles are the way to go at least for me. Thank you for this list!
I was buying a new keyboard to replace my disgusting, food encrusted 5yo keyboard and I know absolutely NOTHING about keyboards. Found a pretty decent looking one on Amazon that was a mechanical and I chose it simply because it reminded me of the old computer I used in my childhood that was really clicky sounding. They gave me three TTC options and like I mentioned before, I know zilch. Then I discover there are like 50 different types and several videos like this one about it. I would have never thought something so mundane (to my uneducated mind) like keyboard switches would be so extensively vast and customized 😯 This was both unhelpful to manage my decision and surprisingly entertaining 😅
Strange The Cherry website says clears have a 65g spring. MX grey is the one with the 80g operating force Oh, they do bottom out at 100 So wait, if mx browns are almost linear, gaterons are even less tactile, assuming ergo clears feel the way the force curve looks and pandas being as much of a wall as they are, what _should_ I get?
This makes me think of the video you made when you purchased all those unusual switches (fried egg, azure dragons). Are you still gonna do a video comparing those?
0:33 Holy Panda - B
2:31 Glorious Panda - B
3:05 Boba U4T - A
4:12 Hyperglide brown and Retool brown - C or D
5:43 Blueberries - C
7:14 Zealios - A or B (A for quality, B for price)
8:06 Akko CS Ocean Blue - lower B
9:02 Neopolitan - S
10:13 Mujid - F
11:21 TKC Kiwi & Dragonfruit - B for Kiwi, D for Dragonfruit
12:43 Box Royal & Violet & Brown - F D F
14:33 Aliaz - F
15:21 Silent Brown & Gateron Brown & Hill Brown & Milky Brown & Kailh Brown - D, but C for Kailh Brown
16:11 Drop Holy Panda X - C
17:20 Tecsee Sapphires - A
17:58 Jwick T1s - C
18:50 Everglide Moyu Black - A (if you're ok with loud switches)
19:34 Blue Velvet and Night Sakura - C or B for Velvet, B or possibly A if lubed for Sakura
20:59 Outemu Silent Sky - S (for silent tactile)
21:55 TTC Bluish White - D
23:00 Kono Midnight - D
23:27 Akko Jelly Blue - C
23:50 Cherry MX Clear - D or F (very heavy and fatiguing)
24:34 Ethereal Panda - B
25:12 SP Star Magic Girl - B
25:35 Purple Panda - B
25:59 Naevy R1.5 - B (light tactile)
26:35 Everglide Oreo - B or C (super mediocre)
27:33 Halo Clear - F or D
28:03 Durock medium tactile - C (mediocre but usable)
28:31 Outemu Sky - D (on stem wobble alone)
29:00 Salmon - C or perhaps B
S: Neopolitan, Outemu Silent Sky (if you want silent)
A: Boba U4T, Zealios (ignoring price), Tecsee Sapphire, Everglide Moyu Black (if you're ok with loudness)
B: Holy Panda, Glorious Panda, Ethereal Panda, Purple Panda, Night Sakura, SP Star Magic Girl, Zealios (price taken into account), TKC Kiwi, Naevy R1.5 (if you want a light tactile), Akko Ocean Blue
C: Kailh Browns, Hyperglide Browns, Blueberries, HPX, Jwick T1, Blue Velvent, Akko Jelly Blue, Everglide Oreo, Durock medium tactile, Salmon
D: Dragonfruit, Box Violet, Browns, Bluish White, Kono Midnight, Outemu Sky, Halo Clear (if cannibalized for Holy Panda)
F: Cherry MX Clear (very heavy and fatiguing), Box Royal, Box Brown, Muiid, Aliaz
Re: 20:49 Silent Tactiles - it was the **U4 Boba Silents** that they rated S-tier. They discussed both Outemu and U4’s, but only rated the U4’s - stating that U4’s were superior and that they didn’t know any silent tactile that could be better.
@@endogeneticgenetics thanks for this.
Looks like you missed the akko CS purple lavender (same time than the akko cs ocean blues), also in B tier.
Cheers!
thank you so much
S tier:
Neapolitan Ice Creams 9:01
Boba U4 21:18
A tier:
Boba U4t 3:04
Night Sakura 19:21
Sapphire 17:20
Dark Jade 18:50
SP Star Magic Girl 25:12
B tier:
Holy Panda 0:32
Glorious Panda 2:28
Zealios 7:00
Lavender 7:53
Ocean Blues 7:53
Kiwi 11:21
Blue Velvet 19:21
Ethereal Panda 24:33
Purple Panda 25:36
Naevy 1.5 25:57
Everglide Oreo 26:35
C tier:
Hyperglide MX Brown 4:08
NK Blueberry 5:39
Kailh Brown 15:32
Holy Panda X 16:11
T1 17:58
Jelly Blue 23:27
Medium Tactile 28:25
Salmon 28:58
D tier:
Retool/SMD MX Brown 4:08
Dragonfruit 12:04
Box Violet 12:44
Gateron Browns (normal, milky, etc) 15:32
Blueish White 21:53
KONO Midnight 22:57
MX Clear 23:50
Halo Clear 27:34
F tier:
Mute Jades 10:09
Box Orange, Brown, Royal 12:44
Alias 14:33
Gateron Silent Brown 15:19
Blue Velvet 19:21
Pro Purple 27:14
Plum 27:14
Moose Sky 28:30
That's enough carpal tunnel for today, it's 12 am and I've spent 45 minutes making this thing so time to go to bed.
@@stoofyboof4399 sad
doing gods work.
my fellow earthling saving lives one comment at a time
🙏
Silents are neglected as always.
(JUST SWITCHES I'M INTERESTED IN)
3:28 Glorious Pandas - B
3:34 Boba U4ts - A
8:46 Akko Lavenders - B
9:23 Neopolitan - S
17:40 TecSee Sapphire - A
19:59 Night Sakura - A
20:08 Blue Velvet - (Comfy to type on) B
21:28 Outemu Silent Sky
21:32 Silent Boba U4ts
finish the list pleaaaaase, everyone's gonna love you for it
@@starzhisoka6346 agreed
I appreciate this list so far with the 2 S tiers
I have lavenders they are really nice imo. I probably need to lube them but I prefer browns.
Awesome! Thank you!!
Lavanders in the same Tier as Glorious panda? what is this? wonderland? everyone is crazy? lost their minds? daaaaamn Lavanders are C tier if glorious pandas are B.
I'm bored so here you go!
0:33 Holy Panda
2:31 Glorious Panda
3:05 Boba U4T
4:12 Hyperglide brown and Retool brown
5:43 Blueberries
7:14 Zelios
8:06 Akko CS Ocean Blue
9:02 Neopolitan
10:13 Mujid
11:21 TKC Kiwi & Dragonfruit
12:43 Box Royal & Violet & Brown
14:33 Aliaz
15:21 Silent Brown & Gateron Brown & Hill Brown & Milky Brown & Kailh Brown
16:11 Drop Holy Panda X
17:20 Tecsee Sapphires
17:58 Jwick T1s
18:50 Everglide Moyu Black
19:34 Blue Velvet and Night Sakura
20:59 Outemu Silent Sky
21:55 TTC Bluish White
23:00 Kono Midnight
23:27 Akko Jelly Blue
23:50 Cherry MX Clear
24:34 Ethereal Panda
25:12 SP Star Magic Girl
25:59 Naevi R1.5
25:35 Purple Panda
26:35 Everglide Oreo
28:31 Outemu Sky
29:00 Siemen
29:42 (Frankenstein Sound typing test)
Sadly they didn't review Designer Studios White Jades
25:35 Purple Pandas
damn!
@@mitchhaley5 Thanks, I miss that
20:59 "and Gazzew Boba U4 Silents"
you get a downvote for not including their actual ranking as well /s
S tier
Neapolitan Ice Creams, Boba U4.
A tier
Boba U4t, Tecsee Saphire, Night Sakura, Dark Jades, SP Star Magic Girl.
B tier
Holy Panda, Glorious Panda, Zealios, Lavender/Ocean Blues, Kiwi, Blue Velvet, Ethereal Panda, Purple Panda, Naevy 1.5, Everglide Oreo.
Thank you!!!
thank you
In my opinion coffee chip ice cream is S tiger as well. Love the deep sound and typing feel.
this is the comment i needed
@@wuachurra got you
Your ranking videos would be so much more helpful if you SHOWED the names of the switches on the screen and then put a list with their names at the end of the video. Even better, put links to the top switches in the description so that we can buy them!
This way you have to watch the whole video carefully aka help her with view time. If everyone could just skip to the ending its not good for the channel.
@@FlankyFrankie ...or alternatively, I can ignore a 30-minute no-chapter video, dislike it, and move to a different place that respects viewers, and with less clickbaity entertainment and more substance. It's not like this is the only channel on the Internet that reviews keyboard things.
It’s one of those “if you don’t like it … just click away! Don’t bash it
@@Lishtenbird wow, you are sensitive as some of these switches.
@@Lishtenbird Yo, its not that serious
My journey through switches started with really liking the feel and sound of clickies and ended up with wanting silent tactile. I started with Azalias because they were cheap and one of the first ones I could find at the time. The very next set (my current ones) are the silent boba U4T. So, it's funny you ranked them as far apart possible. I personally still liked the Azalias because they were quiet. But yeah, they're mushy. I love the silent U4T a lot more though, so I'm glad it's highly rated.
Same here. I did start on a Brown, then Blue's just to try em and ended up to Red's and probably sticking them.
by silent u4t, do you mean the u4?
@@derpsalot6853 U4T are the silent version. U4 are the regular ones. At least from what I could find from searching online.
I'm taking the same journey right now. I really enjoy blue clickys, but I want something silent with the same feel. Did you find the U4Ts didn't have any mushyness at all? My venture into tactiles with the cherry MX clears just left me disappointed with the mushy feel.
@@evotikto Just to be clear, U4T is the thocky loud one. U4 is silent.
I built my keyboard back in January and I got the silent Boba U4Ts and yes, they're amazing. It's like typing on silent crunchy leaves
Highly recommend Durock Shrimp if you like the silent U4.
@@phero6933 I doubt I'll ever make a 2nd keyboard because I already have enough expensive hobbies. Thank you though ^^
@@phero6933 they are an awesome alternative.
@@Zeldur That's what what they all say 😉
Omg ahh lol
betty: uses the switch to make an utterly beautiful sound: subtitiles: (keyboard rattling)
Tactiles are so underrated. Also, Randy was a great guest!
Fuck you linear is better(not being serious) but I stream and tactile switches are a non started lol
Tru
Clicky switches 👁👄👁
@@rishaansahoo haha ya, clicky is so good for typists, but the loudness is what gets me. The feel is excellent though
@@zeeMuniStacksBundles Yes I know have started to like tactile. If only there was a clicky feel but tactile sounding switch. It wold be perfect
I like the SP Star Magical Girls, they definitely have the sound signature and feel that I enjoy. They have a slight leaf crunch stock but lubing takes care of that. Glad to see a video like this as someone who enjoys tactiles.
Switch and Click regarding Browns: "It doesn't sound too bad..." 5:00
Glarses: *Arrives at your door with a desoldering gun *
Uhh glarses hates browns because of its tactility, not sound /: Browns are still a good switch, it's just that as a "tactile" switch, it isn't that desirable for tactile users.
@@bins1 it’s a joke vincente
*A New Challenger Has Arrived*
im so glad someone brought up Glarses! haha
Yay, more love for tactiles! Thanks for the comparison, Betty and Randy! I’m currently planning my next keeb project and ordered Boba U4Ts 62 g for it. Glad to see they also received some praise from you guys. With all these choices it’s really hard to keep track, so I ordered one of those 3×3 switch testers as well and let them fill it with Durock Koala 62g, Gateron Ink Black V2, Gateron Oil King, Gateron Milky Yellow, Gazzew Boba U4T 68g, Kailh Polia, Kailh Speed Copper, SP-Star Dark Magic Girl, Tecsee Purple Panda. Not all tactiles, I know, but I also want to give some linears a chance for comparison. Keep up the good work!
I recommend ordering sample kits from Hippokeys btw! It's how I found my love for SP-Star Magic Girl and Boba U4T.
Where did you order the u4t from?
@@MajesticSlinky I got a sampler from Hippokeys as well and I also loved the Magical Girl and I now have to source a set for a nice tactile but light keyboard but my surprise star are the Durock T1 Smokey. Heavy but not unpleasantly so.
@@MajesticSlinky thanks for this recommendation. I bought the tactile switch tester from hippokeys and some U4 silents as well this is gonna be awesome 🙏
Randy's a great guest! Super knowledgeable and seems like he's having a lot of fun.
I got the Boba U4 over the Zilents for a silent work office keyboard per your suggestion when I had asked before. They are most definitely worth the S tier ranking. The keyboard itself is a Meko Blink 60%; which isn't bad, but is plate mount and doesn't support standard housings.
I have 2 other keyboards for home use. A Womier K87 TKL with lubed Glorious Pandas, and a Miya Panda Pro with Cherry MX Clears. The Pandas are super nice to type on. The Cherry MX Clears can definitely get fatiguing after a while.
Just to be clear, you’re saying the Boba U4 are S tier ranking? Or were you only referring to the Zilents being S tier?
@@milkcashew The Boba U4 are definitely S tier; and cheaper
If comparing switch noise you really need to test the switches in the same spot on the keyboard. Depending on where the switch is installed on the board, the sound is going to be drastically different even with the same switch.
Curious what you think about the Mint Chocolate Chip POM switches, which are smooth with a sharp tactile bump, or my personal favorite tactiles, the Dark Amber T1 from CannonKeys…?
Loved this comparison as it added a few new ones to my radar, & looking forward to seeing your rating of all Linears soon! 💪💪
Thank you!! 😄
I could almost flip this list upside down and it would be for me! So much personal preference with switches, yet we are all so obsessed with the comparisons.
As a mechanical keyboard lover I loved this kind of videos but I also a small business owner and I would like to remind everyone that this is very subjective. Because ALL of these manufacturers are doing their best to provide the consumers all the choices in the products they are producing. I appreciated them all. Now go pick your own fav switches!
That Neapolitan sound! 🍦 thanks for sharing the comparisons
Thank you for watching!
R1 Cherry Profile keycaps probably did most of the heavy lifting to make the switch deeper and lower-pitched. I honestly doubt that the Neapolitans will thock on their own if the keyboard itself wasn't tuned for thock. Nevertheless, I did really like the sound of the Neopolitan Ice Creams and the Boba U4Ts. Both high-tier switches in my opinion.
@@spxctreofficial they really do i have them idk if it's just my keyboard but i did nothing to make it sound like that
Herr is a suggestion, rent a silent room, you know the soundproof with spikes on the walls where you can hear your heartbeat. Now that is the perfect place to test sound.
Do you do any post-recording tweaks to your mic quality or is your voice smacked straight through your mic? If so, what do you use to tweak your audio? I'm trying to see if I can find a way to mix my audio better or if I should just get a new mic. LOVE THE VIDS! 💪
The Electro-Voice RE20 is definitely doing 80% of the work if there's any post-processing at all, I got one for meetings and it's amazing
It might an Electro-Voice RE320 which is the cheaper version and doesn't have as good of a sound signature, then post-processing would be involved for sure
@@AstuteJoe thanks! I've got a higher, more nasally voice and it doesn't mix well with my darker-sounding mic, and mixing in audacity just makes my S's peak really bad. I'm trying to find a mic that has a really open and clear top end
@@SomeSteven I'm very nasally as well, even had sinus and septum surgery, and RE20 is amazing for that, it's MILES better than the Shure SM7B, also made in US, do your research and check it out, I love it personally
It's the standard broadcast/radio mic
I really appreciate this style of review because compares each switch relative to its closest counterparts without the marketing aspect that often switch reviews entail.. It helped me make several decisions with building my tactile keeb. Thanks for your effort and hard work!
Glad it was helpful!
As someone who uses silent switches (Zilents in my case), I wish there was some accounting for the point of them. They don't sound "thocky" yes, they are more damped in the feel yes, but that's the point. For people looking for crisp bottom out and punchy sound, look elsewhere for sure. I just wish silent switches were evaluated from a silent standpoint. I like having a tactile bump, but a quiet switch, because it works well with lots of voice chatting, I don't constantly bother all my friends. F-tier is understandable if you only think about how thocky they are and crisp the bottom out is, but comparing them for what they are, I feel like they'd have gotten a better rating. It's a to each their own thing, but yeah, a bit sad they get so much hate when compared to switches they aren't trying to compete with.
Yes, thock is a ridiculous fad.
Why do people want to hear plastic banging?
zilents are good and all, imo i don't like it because of the little pretravel. but it still holds a spot in my heart
agreed, also zilents werent included ):
The best thing about keyboards is the customisability. I liked how you chose to rank these switches. Keep it up with the regular uploads!
Thanks, will do!
Great video, Betty. I've finally given in and I'm going to see what the linear switch hype is all about. So, here I am, purposely watching my first video about tactile switches with the intent to buy. I really like the feel of the Kailh Box Crystal Navy switches, so I'm basically hoping to find something similar without the click. Heavy, with a noticeable bump. With that being said......
It's kind of sad that we live in a world that you have to make a disclaimer stating the obvious at the beginning of videos to hopefully ward off any comment trolls whose opinion may be different from yours.
My gosh, this channel has BLOWN. UP. !!! I remember when your views were like under 30k and you responded to every comment :) now I’m sure there are too many!!
😄
The tactiles I'm currently using are called Dareu Violet Gold V2. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find too many reviews/info on them but they feel pretty good for how cheap they are.
If Zealios v2s were cheaper, then what? I'd like both the "overall" and "price/performance" considerations noted for future rankings, please!
Especially since zeals have bunch of different spring configurations. I'd also like to see zilents v2 67g ranked.
Zealous I think are amazing the issue is as for as switches go they would be considered luxury.
Neapolitan ice creams are so good, extremely tactile, thocky, good spring weight for both heavy and light lovers, not too expensive, just a very versatile switch. Highly recommend
Love this video for confirming my bias that Neapolitan Switches are the best tactiles. You get that nice Halo-like bump without it feeling like too much, two-stage spring for a nice feel, plus they sound amazing.
Lol that all the tactiles I use (box royals, royal trues and halo trues) are in F tier. Obviously this all just personal preference. Love the vid!
Randy is back! Excellent excellent - I love these in-depth discussions
the jwick T1's slap, especially with a spring swap and some thin lube. my bro tested a ton of switches and landed on that one for his build.
29:37 unexpected Guilty Gear
Edit: Betty, this got me thinking. have you ever tried anything related to custom arcade sticks? I feel like there are some similarities between those and keebs ss enthusiast hobbies; plus there are some customizable arcade buttons that work with mechanical keyboard switches and the entire concept of lunchboxes
I really love the feel of Neapolitans but I find them very fatiguing to type on for an extended duration compared to more mild tactiles. Did the link to the finished tier list get posted?
I ended up buying the Neapolitan switches because of the video and im really loving them thanks for the video
Not that this didn't take enough time, but here's to hoping that Randy & Betty try saving some of the C/D tier tactiles (like MX Clears and T1s) by trying a spring swap.
S-tier
9:02 Neopolitan
20:59 Outemu Silent Sky
Blueberries and Jelly Blues having two bumps could be an interesting methodology for adding tactility to the various optical or magnetic switches that have multiple 'actuation' points. With a better design and light finesse, multiple actuation points could become a lot more consistent compared to just fully finessing a full-range linear to different depths. By comparison, the only other solution to this that I can think of is a multi-rate spring, where it gets noticeably heavier beyond certain points; almost between a tactile and a linear, you don't get a sharp bump with a drop in force, but you also don't get the linearity of a single-rate spring, basically tactility via spring force alone- though looking at the components of the Jelly Blues, they look to be using a dual-rate spring. Problem is, for these kind of switches, it somewhat locks you into certain hard points, rather than having the adjustable actuation points within the range of the switch; changing the otherwise analog nature, especially on full-range magnetics, to a digital trinary or quaternary by feel.
I wish some of the mainstream switches were in on here cause I love ripping my hyper x aquas out and putting them into custom boards. Love to see what people think of them.
Will you do this for linear switches as well?
I think so
Hopefully
Thank you❤️ helps me alot in researching and find the perfect tactile switch😊
I was hoping you would talk about Kailh polias. I got a bunch on clearance from novelkeys and I really like them, but I don't see them discussed very often.
This is exactly what I needed to find my next impulse purchase. You rock a always Betty, thanks for the great video again.
You are so welcome!
Just a follow up on my tactile experience. I like them, but I ended up with a bad experience with the Boba U4T 68g switches. I figured why not just go with the "thock king" of the tactile switches. After about 2 months I started getting a lot of key chatter that was getting progressively worse. Multiple registers with a single tap. No register with a single, usually more taps. I swapped out the worst of them with the handful of extras I had and they even started doing the same thing while the other switches were getting worse yet. Probably at least 10, maybe 15 of the switches were pretty consistently just bad. I did a bit of research and found that it was not just me having the issue and the person that makes them or whatever was being pretty "it can't be my switches, it has to be you" about it even though there were several people saying the same thing. I hadn't taken them apart or anything since I bought the pre-lubed. So, I'm going to give a different switch a try and hopefully I get better results. For now, I'm back to my Kailh Box Jades (don't cringe )with no chatter whatsoever. #ClickySwitchesMatter 🤣🤣🤣
If there's one thing I hate, it's a sensitive linear. If there's one thing I love, it's a tactile with a sweet muted click with no bass and all midrange like chopsticks against a porcelain bowl.
TTC Bluish White slander!!! Thanks for the compilation though. Nice to have a list of a ton of tactiles in 1 place
In regards to the Purple Pandas and the Blue Velvet Tactiles, I'm pretty sure they're just the same switches, but recolored. There might be small miniscule differences in regards to stem design, but overall, material and stock spring are the same. I currently have Blue Velvets cuz they were in stock at the time and I like their color more. Blue Velvets are currently sold out and Dangkeebs have told me they plan on bringing them back around Q3, so I recommend getting Purple Pandas for the time being.
I personally put them in A Tier. Solid housings where you don't need to film, and unlubed, so you can lube them yourself in anyway you so choose. The 68g spring is where I do think it can be divisive. Since my finger strength isn't super strong, I switched them out with TX 57g Long Springs, and bagged lubed with Super Lube Oil. Goes from a medium tactile to a light-medium tactile, and I quite enjoy them now. If you have the fingers for them though, I think the 68g stock spring is fine.
In regards to other tactile switches I'm interested in trying:
Loobed Cotton Candies, Bolsa Supply Corsa, KTT Onyx, KTT Mallow, Ajazz Diced Banana, and Ajazz Diced Kiwi.
Oh nice, that's a good list too!
I currently daily drive Tecsee Sapphires and they’re pretty nice. I spring lubed them as well as the housing. It’s better lubed. I can still go for heavier ones or maybe spring swap these but I’m pretty much content with these switches since I’m comfortable typing with them.
There’s a switch that I’m eyeing on though which is the Tecware Pearl Salmon. I’ve heard it’s a pretty nice tactile switch. I’m also looking at Jelly Purples from Akko which is an updated Lavender Purple and a lot of people love Lavender Purples so that’s a promising switch I think.
You still using the Sapphires? The only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger on them is they seem a little rounder/the tactile bump is longer than say the U4Ts. They sound incredible though...I'm torn between the Sapphires, U4Ts, and Durock T1s/Eberglide Oreos
Thank you for joining Randy!! Love the chill yet irreverent energy of this vid.
i just did a full swap out on k552 with akko lavender purple, definetly worth it for the price. very happy with them. tactile are the way to go, i have a razer black widow as well with linear yellows and i just dont like linear as i get to many false hits if my finger rests on the key.
I haven't tried box mute jades, but based on how it sounds as well as the description is literally sounds just like a box royal. Another great video.
I built a keyboard with TECSEE Purple Pandas, I’ve never used a tactile beyond a Cherry MX Brown so I was surprised by how much more tactile and louder they were. TECSEE just cannot miss.
Did you lube them or use stock? Lubing really help increase smoothness and deep sound.
@@IronCan88 both, they’re nice either way
Considering the price and how difficult it is to get switches in some parts of the world, I'm really happy with my glorious pandas, I cant find any of the B tier and above here (except for the pandas).
Although I came from cherry mx browns (and before that razer green(blues)) so it's night and day. No fake tactile mush any more!
Thanks for all the info! This may be just what I need to find my ideal switch. So far, the best options appear to be TTC Silent Bluish White and Boba U4. I like my non-silent TTC Bluish White board, but it could stand to be quieter, a bit softer/mushier (I'm weird), and push back a little harder on the upstroke. So I think I'll try Boba U4 next. Basically I'm looking for something which feels like a good scissor switch or rubber dome, but in hotswap MX form.
I also like my Hako True Whitefox. The extra-mushy bottom feels like I'm typing on clouds, and it lifts my fingers effortlessly after each stroke. It's where I get my highest wpm, but it makes my pinky fingers tired, and the tactile bump is pretty meh. I like it way more than a traditional blue or brown style switch though... can't stand the response curve on those; feels like using a paper hole puncher which gets stuck both ways on each stroke.
@@JimmyTulip1 Definitely check out the force curve graphs on any switches you want to try. A scissor switch has a distinct curve shape, and it's a very different shape than a blue or brown switch. So if you want something more scissory, the options are switches like: Boba U4 / U4T, Durock T1, Durock Shrimp, TTC Bluish White, Holy Panda, Glorious Panda, etc.
I thought I wanted something quiet and membrane-y after coming off a logitech K800 w/ thin scissor keycaps...turns out I don't. But for that reason I tried the U4s and yep, they're very tactile and very quiet/soft, a bit more rubber dome-y. You'd probably like them.
I have TTS Bluish white silents, theyre pretty good. What i hate about them, is they sound and feel scratchy, and the ping is pretty noticeable. Lubing helps a bit, but you lose that blubble-wrap type of feel and it doesnt completely remove other issues. Im currently looking for something else that would feel and sound similar, maybe with harder bump, but no pings and scratches
Your my favorite youtuber about keyboards
Thank you!
My first tactile is Fantasy Virus. They are quite good, I think the Virus can go to B tier in this video. But after that, I saw your video and currently, I have full 80% keyboard with Neapolitan. That's the whole new level. Same for the Dark Jade (Moyu Black). I use them for stab with Neapolitan spring. Sooo good. I'm gonna try them with TX spring to see how it sounds.
Thank you for helping me finding my favorite tactiles.
I'm confused on how things are rated here. Is it just based on sound? Why does that seem to be so important to people in the mechanical keyboard community? It just seems like nitpicking. Why would I pay way more money just for a better typing sound? Shouldn't it be based off of how it feels when you type or how it works while gaming?
Maybe I just don't understand switches enough, I'm researching, but I don't really understand these rankings. I want to know what to buy based on performance... not sound.
Moyu Blacks are my daily driver, and paired with an FR4 plate, they just hit REAL different compared to most other switches imo. But you are absolutely right, they are DEFINITELY not for something like office use LOL. Mechs on Deck actually used Moyu Black stems in an all nylon housing to make Anubis switches, which are probably some of the deepest switches on the market right now.
Thanks for the great video! Randy’s S-tier picks would be very interesting also!
My first mechanical keyboard I got a Corsair Vengeance with Cherry MX Browns. After a few years I decided to look into different switches that had a bit more weight and tactility in them and looked up the spec sheet for the Browns and the rest of the Cherry MX lineup and decided I wanted the Cherry MX Clears. I eventually got a Ducky One 2 loaded with Cherry MX Clears and I'd rate them a step above the Browns personally. So I was disheartened to see you rate the Clears so low :( But hey at the end of the day this is a very subjective thing so it doesn't bother me that much I guess.
After owning the Clears for about a year or so now, I'm looking to move to clicky tactile switches. I'm a heavy handed typer so I'm currently looking at getting either the Kaihl BOX Navy or Jade. And I'm not rich so I just got myself a GMMK to load with whatever switch I decide to end up getting.
Right? My thoughts exactly. I'm in the same boat as you. Bought a Ducky Zero with Cherry MX Browns like, 10 years ago I think. And then I swapped into different switches, tried linear with a corsair k63 with cherry red, and then another corsair with silver speed. Didn't like them both, actually, I hated them I do not know why people love linear, but hey, that's subjective.
Now I decided to build my own keyboard, but I'm in the middle of the process since some of the parts I want are out of stock atm. So I use a Varmilo Minilo with MK Holy Llama (and sometimes with MX Clears) as my main drive. So, I feel you, clears are not for everyone.
I have TTC Bluish White Silents, and i have mixed feelings about them. Unlubed the bump is amazing, feels like bubble wrap. But you have to lube them because the scratchiness and ping is atrocious. So after lubing you lose some of the amazing bump, but it still doesnt completely remove the issues. It would be a perfect switch if not for ping and scratchiness, it feels and sounds amazing, but its driving me nuts. Wish i could find something similar, but better. From what i've seen and heard online, pandas and even U4T's dont even come close to how good the TTC's are
Would be awesome if you did a ranking for stock switches. As someone new to keyboard builds, finding the best stock switch has been something I've been researching to no end for. While juggling everything else I honestly cannot be assed to lube switches as it has seen to be the most time consuming/tedious part of the hobby. From my own research I've gathered that the Aqua Kings are #1 and that's currently what's on its way to me but I would be very curious to hear your takes on the topic
cjs or oil kings
Yes epsilon and oil king if you like deep sound and CJ less deep....all great smooth switches.
Lovely tier list, definitely helped me out. Would love if the Durock Anibus tactiles where there as well.
I heard they are as good or better than the U4T
People tend to waste their time on the bad direction too many options.
I own Cherry MX Browns (CoolerMaster Quickfire TK) Blues (Corsair K95 Plat. XT) and Reds (CoolerMaster CK372).
I'm a professional programmer and using mostly my browns in my work. blues only after my gym sessions. And reds on weekends mornings.
I think that Kailh box browns are quite a lot more tactile than Gateron or Cherry browns. And they have no pre-travel, which I prefer. Especially box silent browns. They have a very sharp tactility. But I don't like their return force curve. It feels like they don't easily want to pop back up. It reminds me of rubber domes.
I daily drove the Box Browns for a few months before roughly half of the switches on my board turned clicky and inconsistent. Which is a shame since I liked the tactile characteristics a lot.
@@tunglamduong3000 Yeahh, I really like my box silent browns, even though they have practically become clicky. It's a muted click that I have come to enjoy.
I love me some U4Ts. They feel so good, sounds great too. I just built my first board and it's my first "enthusiast" switch, after only having experience with browns on gaming boards I am a completely changed man now
Clear-s are often misunderstood.
Their actual actuation force is 65g.
90g is the bottom-out force.
They ra very comfortable for people who would normally bottom-out the regular tactile switches.
Just got the asus rog azoth 75 in both nx blue and nx brown, will compare the two. This video is definitely going to be a reference for the switch upgrade I choose.
I enjoy typing and gaming, though I need tactile response and feedback to have a pleasant experience.
The typical brown switches that come with most boards have left me wanting, sometimes are mushy and generally have a barely existent tactile bump that make them too close to linears.
I moved to blue switches for a short time because of this frustration, but they are just too loud as a daily driver. The feedback is amazing though and would like similar feedback as blues, but with lower upsetting sound.
I pretty much want a blue without the irritation.
This tier list I feel confident will get me close.
I need advice, everybody. I am new to the hobby, and I have been thoroughly sucked into the vortex. I'm not sure if my wallet is prepared, but for my part, I am jumping in with both feet. I am focused on just one keyboard for now, but will definitely do others in the future. I grew up in the '80s and '90s, so my frame of reference for superior mechanical keyboards is the buckling springs switches of Model F and Model M fame. Not only am I nostalgic for that feel, but I can honestly remember thinking to myself as a kid, "Wow, I rarely make mistakes on these keyboards," compared to my Mom's Brother electric typewriter. And I need that back in my life. Plus, the sound of the buckling springs was absolute nirvana. I know you can get a New Model F for like $500 and that Unicomp makes the Model Ms for around $100. But I have now forayed deeply enough into the world of Cherry MX-stemmed switches (and their compatibility with everything on the market) that I went ahead and ordered a custom wood case and PCB with RGB from Crolander to create my own masterpiece. I've already sunk hundreds into this thing before even buying switches, so now I am committed. I also already have the Glorious Olive GPBT keycaps (yeah, I know they're not shine-through), and the case is being made. I first purchased a Kaihl tester on Amazon with every Box switch available. I like the clickiness of the Jades and the tactility of the Royals, but the weight of the Navies (yes, I already created a Frankenswitch before I even knew what that was). But I still came up lacking. So I ordered a tester from Brandon Hwang on Etsy with nine switches, mostly Pandas and the heavier Boba U4T. I threw in a Zeal Clickiez 40g totally on a whim and ended up loving it the most, and then I modified it to a tactile and was blown out of the water. But after pressing it repeatedly and missing some presses here and there due to the force required to actuate it, I thought that maybe it's just a little TOO tactile and heavy for daily typing in my job as a mortgage loan officer. So I ordered Zealios and was completely underwhelmed by both the V1s and V2s at EVERY weight. So that's where I am. Pandas aren't sharp enough in the tactility department, though I like the sound, particularly the sound of the Glorious Pandas. Zealios aren't sharp enough either, and I DON'T like the sound. They're also a bit wobbly. Zeal Clickiez are almost perfect on a single-switch basis, but will probably get old really fast when typing all day (though clicky mode is pretty sweet). I've ordered 8 more switches from Brandon, but there are a few on this video that I didn't order and I will likely have to place yet ANOTHER order with him to get them. So help me out please, and think thocky OR clacky sound (I just want NOISE!) with *incredibly* sharp tactility like the Zeal Clickiez modded to tactile mode, and then back it off a little. Clicky is fine too, but it has to also be thocky or clacky. Is it Neopolitan Ice Creams? Zykos? Harimaus? I REALLY don't want to spend $2/switch, but I guess if that's what it takes, I'll bite the bullet. Thanks in advance.
Switch and Click, what do YOU think?
No one told me my Box Burnt Oranges would turn clicky after a few months of use. Now they just feel scratchy and they're all really clicky and sound inconsistent (even after super lightly relubing them). I'm looking at swapping them all over to U4Ts... Just trying to decide whether I go with the 62g or the 68g, since I actually really enjoy the weight of the Burnt Orange just not the typing experience.
I love the cat just chilling behind you always
same!
Do clicky switches next plss
I already did
@@SwitchandClickOfficial ohhhh I need to watch that then Betty 🤣🤣
Just got the Boba U4T because of this video. Thank you for the recommendation!
Loving them saucin key switches, but what is the name of that magical microphone? ✨
Moyu black is my favorite tactile by far so smooth and clacky sounding I don’t mind the loudness ofc because I’m a clicky enjoyer
As a moyu black user, a plastic cased keyboard could make the sound a bit more bassy, KBD67 lite is my choice and is my current daily driver
nice video helpt me choose a switch thx alot
Not sure if I missed it but kailh pro purples are a great budget option in my opinion
i got the tactile sample pack from cannonkeys and i love he anubis switches and the ttc bluish whites. great video!
What i learned: Akko is cheap and good enough until i am ready to spend hundreds on switches. In EU its a nightmare to get all those fancy switches and Akko actually is available, cheap and solid. Tactile and Linear switches seem to be pretty good from Akko which is weird since they cost sooo much less compared to worse options.
Lavender Purple then Jelly Blues. Honestly the Jelly Blue were great stock unlubed. Purple honestly needed the lube.
I've been waiting so long for this!!!! This video is awesome!
Thank you!
@@SwitchandClickOfficial you might even be better then Hipyo Tech... maybe
good vid keep up the good work, been watching you for half a year and enjoy the content!(:
Thanks, will do!
You forgot the Kailh Speed Copper. I use them in my Epomaker GK96S build.
Can you do one for linear switches?
Thank you for the great content!
Why don’t anyone use the old “buckling spring” technology in their switches?
Could you post time stamps or a link to the chart?
I really do love Tactiles! My first keyboard was Cherry MX brown when mechanical keyboard were new! Still using it from the day I bought it! I used to love it a lot, but by time I hear bad reviews I started to lose interest in them, by time I started to feel they are really bad as a tactile switch. Although it is a nice switch not going to lie. Now building my first keyboard bought everything, waiting for the keyboards to go stock to buy them! Was planning to go with KBDFANS ODIN V2 but they removed the LED and it got better with flex cuts, but can’t sacrifice LED.
Now deciding to get AKKO MOD 007
I bought drop Panda and I feel guilty, because when I read it is Panda and it looks so good, I prefer natural color switches so my LED doesn’t turn something weird and I do like if the switch is shin through. In hope I can find original holy panda stems to replace them with the drop panda.
thank you so much for the video! I'm really interested in the naevy 1.5 and salmons, but on other videos they sound worse. Do you mind telling me about the keyboard itself? Looking at your other videos you mentioned how sound is really affected by the case and keycaps. Thanks :D
The Durock Shrimps are better than the Bobas for a silent switch once they’re lubed. Seriously. I swapped out the 68g spring for a 62g but that’s just me. Seriously, better than the Bobas. Just lube them. I also found that lubIng the Bobas ruined them.
ooo might have to get sapphires for my next build! they look so gorgeous and sound really nice, plus light switches always good
You need to try JWK white jades. It's basically the same as the everglide dark jade, but deeper and generally better.
Many many keyboards later and a lot of money I learned linears are not my thing even for gaming. Tactiles are the way to go at least for me. Thank you for this list!
I was buying a new keyboard to replace my disgusting, food encrusted 5yo keyboard and I know absolutely NOTHING about keyboards. Found a pretty decent looking one on Amazon that was a mechanical and I chose it simply because it reminded me of the old computer I used in my childhood that was really clicky sounding. They gave me three TTC options and like I mentioned before, I know zilch. Then I discover there are like 50 different types and several videos like this one about it. I would have never thought something so mundane (to my uneducated mind) like keyboard switches would be so extensively vast and customized 😯 This was both unhelpful to manage my decision and surprisingly entertaining 😅
I have always been into building things but I have never built a keyboard at all, I have seen a lot keyboard builds and they sound amazing🔥🔥🔥
Go for it!
The thing is I can’t afford it
Can you do this video for linear switches?
Also what is the best budget oriented tactile and linear switch?
Do people like Akko switches?
Strange
The Cherry website says clears have a 65g spring. MX grey is the one with the 80g operating force
Oh, they do bottom out at 100
So wait, if mx browns are almost linear, gaterons are even less tactile, assuming ergo clears feel the way the force curve looks and pandas being as much of a wall as they are, what _should_ I get?
This makes me think of the video you made when you purchased all those unusual switches (fried egg, azure dragons). Are you still gonna do a video comparing those?
would love if you put the link to the tier list so that we can download it and use it when deciding on switches :)
Very helpful alltogether! Keep em coming!
thank you, will do!