Specs Dictionary

Actuation Behavior

Terms such as "linear," "tactile," and "clicky" refer to how a switch feels or sounds when actuated.

Linear refers to a switch which has no behavior at the actuation point, but it should be noted that resistance increases linearly towards the bottom of the switch. A tactile switch will have a bump, which is a sudden increase in resistance, followed by a sudden decrease in resistance – similar to a speed bump – at the actuation point, but will be linear beyond that point. A clicky switch has a bump and a click sound at the actuation point, and then is linear beyond that point.

See Also

  • Hysteresis
  • Keyboard Backplate
  • Cherry MX Switches
  • Kailh Switches
  • Buckling Spring Switches

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