Clicky Switches
Sound Tests
Clicky switches are a love-it-or-hate-it type of switch, known for their loud, crisp sound and tactile feedback. If you're looking for that satisfying click with every keystroke, you're in the right place. I’ve tested a wide range of clicky switches—all under the same conditions—so you can hear exactly how they compare.
Why My Clicky Switches Sound Tests Are Unique
Every switch I test is mounted on the same keyboard, using the same case, plate, and keycaps. This ensures that what you’re hearing is purely the switch's sound, without other variables altering the results. Many sound tests online mix different setups, but I keep everything consistent for an accurate, side-by-side comparison.
Clicky Switches Sound Tests & Comparisons
Here, you can listen to sound tests of some of the most popular and unique clicky switches, including:
-
Cherry MX Blue
-
Kailh Box White / Jade / Navy
-
Gateron Melodic
-
NovelKeys Cream Clickie
-
Zeal Clickies
Each test includes:
✔ Typing sound tests with three different keycap sets (Cherry, MT3, and SA profiles)
✔ Slow bottom-out test (conducted with and without a keycap)
✔ Decibel meter reading for sound level comparison (measured with and without a keycap)
Are Clicky Switches Right for You?
Clicky switches provide both auditory and tactile feedback, making them great for typists who love a strong response. However, they’re not the best for shared spaces due to their noise level. If you work in an office or around others, consider tactile or silent switches instead.
FAQ: Clicky Switches
Are clicky switches good for gaming?
While some gamers enjoy clicky switches, they are generally not preferred for competitive gaming due to the loud sound and slightly slower reset time compared to linear switches.
Are clicky switches louder than other switch types?
Yes, clicky switches are among the loudest switch types, thanks to their built-in mechanism that produces a sharp click sound with every keypress.
However, due to the increasing popularity of long pole tactile and linear switches, some can be even louder than clicky switches, especially with their loud bottoming out.
What’s the best clicky switch?
That depends on what you’re looking for! If you want a sharp, crisp click, Kailh Box Jades are a favorite. If you love a vintage sound, IBM Buckling Spring keyboards are legendary. My current favorite is the Gateorn Melodic.
Can I make clicky switches quieter?
Not really. Unlike linear or tactile switches, clicky switches produce sound as part of their mechanism, so dampening them would change their function.
Clicky switches
Sound Tests Compilation
Comparison Graphs
Apes Time
Kailh BOX Bullet
Bottom-out: 60g
Activation force: 55g
Actuation point: 2mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.8mm
Spring lenght: 18mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC +POM ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 9.8/10
Noise level (no keycap): 71.6dBA
Product link :
Chosfox x Kailh
Arctic Fox
Bottom-out: 53g
Activation force: 52g
Actuation point: 1.7mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: 20mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 8/10
Noise level (no keycap): 69.7dBA
-Product link :
Cherry MX Blue
Bottom-out: 60g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 2mm
Bottom-out travel: 4mm
Spring lenght: ---
Pole lenght: ---
Material: ---
Lubed: No
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 8.2/10
Noise level (no keycap): 67.4dBA
-Product link :
Cherry MX White
Bottom-out: 80g
Activation force: 60g
Actuation point: 2.2mm
Bottom-out travel: 4mm
Spring lenght: 14mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: ---
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 5.3/10
Noise level (no keycap): 57.2dBA
-Product link :
Gateron Blue
Bottom-out: 60g
Activation force: 55g
Actuation point: 2.2mm
Bottom-out travel: 4mm
Spring lenght: ---
Pole lenght: ---
Material: ---
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 7.5/10
Noise level (no keycap): 67.6dBA
-Product link :
Gateron Green
Bottom-out: 80g
Activation force: 80g
Actuation point: 2.2mm
Bottom-out travel: 4mm
Spring lenght: ---
Pole lenght: ---
Material: ---
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 7.5/10
Noise level (no keycap): 67.8dBA
-Product link :
Gateron INK V2
Blue
Bottom-out: 70g
Activation force: 60g
Actuation point: 2mm
Bottom-out travel: 4mm
Spring lenght: 15mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: ---
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 7.5/10
Noise level (no keycap): 67.8dBA
-Product link :
Gateron Melodic
Bottom-out: ---
Activation force: 60g
Actuation point: 2mm
Bottom-out travel: 4mm
Spring lenght: 20mm
Pole lenght: 12.5mm
Material: PC + [ Nylon ]
Lubed: Yes
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 9/10
Noise level (no keycap): 68.3dBA
-Product link :
Glorious Raptor Clicky
Bottom-out: 70g
Activation force: 55g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.9mm
Spring lenght: 15mm
Pole lenght: 12.5mm
Material: PC + [ PA12 ]
Lubed: Yes
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 9/10
Noise level (no keycap): 70.0dBA
-Product link :
Greetech Green
Bottom-out: 80g
Activation force: ---
Actuation point: 2mm
Bottom-out travel: 4mm
Spring lenght: 15mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: ---
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 6.7/10
Noise level (no keycap): 67.5dBA
Product link :
Kailh BOX Autumn
Bottom-out: 55g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: 20mm
Pole lenght: 11.2mm
Material: POM + PC
Lubed: ---
Kailh BOX Jade
Bottom-out: 60g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: ---
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 9/10
Noise level (no keycap): 71.1dBA
-Product link :
Kailh BOX Crystal Jade
Bottom-out: 75g
Activation force: 55g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: 14.5mm
Pole lenght: 11mm
Material: ---
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 9.5/10
Noise level (no keycap): 74.4dBA
-Product link :
https://chosfox.com/products/kailh-box-navy-and-box-jade-switches?bg_ref=TPQYe9I8LI
Kailh BOX Navy
Bottom-out: 90g
Activation force: 60g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: ---
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 9/10
Noise level (no keycap): 71.5dBA
-Product link :
Kailh BOX
Glazed Green
Bottom-out: 50g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: 14.5mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 6/10
Noise level (no keycap): 69.8dBA
-Product link :
Kailh BOX Marshmallow Clicky
Bottom-out: 55g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: 20mm
Pole lenght: 11.2mm
Material: --- + PC
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 7/10
Noise level (no keycap): 69.5dBA
-Product link :
Kailh BOX Mute Jade
Bottom-out: 82g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: 14.5mm
Pole lenght: 11mm
Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 8/10
Noise level (no keycap): 53.8dBA
-Product link :
Kailh BOX
Noble Yellow
Bottom-out: 65g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: 14.5mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 6/10
Noise level (no keycap): 68.8dBA
-Product link :
Kailh BOX
Night Firefly
Bottom-out: 60g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: 19.8mm
Pole lenght: 11.3mm
Material: PC + PC
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 8/10
Noise level (no keycap): 69.5dBA
-Product link :
Kailh BOX Pale Blue
Bottom-out: 80g
Activation force: 60g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: ---
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 7.3/10
Noise level (no keycap): 68.9dBA
-Product link :
Kailh BOX Pink
Bottom-out: 65g
Activation force: 55g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: ---
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 8/10
Noise level (no keycap): 68.8dBA
-Product link :
Kailh BOX Summer
Bottom-out: 55g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: 20mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 6.2/10
Noise level (no keycap): 72.9dBA
-Product link :
Kailh BOX White
Bottom-out: 55g
Activation force: 45g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: ---
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 7.2/10
Noise level (no keycap): 68.4dBA
-Product link :
Kailh BOX White V2
Bottom-out: 50g
Activation force: 45g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: 20mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + Nylon ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 7.6/10
Noise level (no keycap): 68.8dBA
-Product link :
Kailh Crackle Ice
Bottom-out: 60g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: 20mm
Pole lenght: 10.5mm
Material: POM + POM
Lubed: Yes
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 8/10
Noise level (no keycap): 69.4dBA
-Product link :
Kailh Pro Light Green
Bottom-out: 60g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 1.7mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: ---
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 7.6/10
Noise level (no keycap): 66.4dBA
-Product link :
Kailh Sherbet
Bottom-out: 83g
Activation force: 70g
Actuation point: 2mm
Bottom-out travel: 4mm
Spring lenght: ---
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 8.5/10
Noise level (no keycap): 68.5dBA
-Product link :
Kailh Speed Bronze
Bottom-out: 65g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 1.1mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.5mm
Spring lenght: ---
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 6.6/10
Noise level (no keycap): 68.2dBA
-Product link :
Kailh Speed Gold
Bottom-out: 60g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 1.4mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.5mm
Spring lenght: ---
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 7.6/10
Noise level (no keycap): 66.0dBA
-Product link :
Kailh Super
Speed Bronze
Bottom-out: 45g
Activation force: 38g
Actuation point: 1.1mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.5mm
Spring lenght: 20mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + PA66 ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 6.8/10
Noise level (no keycap): 67.7dBA
-Product link :
Kailh White Owl
Bottom-out: 70g
Activation force: 46g
Actuation point: 1.8mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.6mm
Spring lenght: 13.5mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + [ PC + POM ]
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 8.5/10
Noise level (no keycap): 69.6dBA
-Product link :
KTT Purple Sauce
Bottom-out: 55g
Activation force: 40g
Actuation point: 1.9mm
Bottom-out travel: 4mm
Spring lenght: 17.5mm
Pole lenght: 4mm
Material: POM + [ PC + Nylon ]
Lubed: Yes
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 8/10
Noise level (no keycap): 66.3dBA
Product link :
Novelkeys
Cream Clickie
Bottom-out: 75g
Activation force: 55g
Actuation point: 1.9mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.9mm
Spring lenght: ---
Pole lenght: 13.8mm
Material: ---
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 5.3/10
Noise level (no keycap): 68.7dBA
-Product link :
Outemu Cream Blue
Bottom-out: 60g
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 2.2mm
Bottom-out travel: 4mm
Spring lenght: 14mm
Pole lenght: 13mm
Material: POM + [ Nylon ]
Lubed: Yes
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 7.3/10
Noise level (no keycap): 70.0dBA
-Product link :
https://chosfox.com/products/outemu-cream-switch-series?bg_ref=TPQYe9I8LI
Outemu Phoenix
Bottom-out: 62g
Activation force: ---
Actuation point: ---
Bottom-out travel: ---
Spring lenght: 14.5mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: ---
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 8.2/10
Noise level (no keycap): 67.9dBA
-Product link :
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800671752647.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt
Outemu Spring Breeze
Bottom-out: 55g
Activation force: 40g
Actuation point: 1.5mm
Bottom-out travel: 4mm
Spring lenght: 14.5mm
Pole lenght: 13mm
Material: POM + [ Nylon ]
Lubed: Yes
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 7.3/10
Noise level (no keycap): 68.0dBA
-Product link :
TKC Blackberry
Bottom-out: 72g
Activation force: 68g
Actuation point: ---
Bottom-out travel: ---
Spring lenght: 16mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: POM + UHMWPE
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 7.5/10
Noise level (no keycap): 67.9dBA
-Product link :
TTC Golden Blue
Bottom-out: 58g
Activation force: 37g
Actuation point: 2.2mm
Bottom-out travel: 3.5mm
Spring lenght: 18.5mm
Pole lenght: 12mm
Material: ---
Lubed: Yes
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 7/10
Noise level (no keycap): 68.6dBA
-Product link :
Zeal Clickiez 40g
Bottom-out: 40g
Activation force: 32g
Actuation point: ---
Bottom-out travel: ---
Spring lenght: 19.8mm
Pole lenght: ---
Material: ---
Lubed: ---
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 10/10
Noise level (no keycap): 69.7dBA
-Product link :
Akko Creamy Cyan
Bottom-out: ---
Activation force: 50g
Actuation point: 2mm
Bottom-out travel: 4mm
Spring lenght: 14.5mm
Pole lenght: 13.1mm
Material: POM + [ PC ]
Lubed: Yes
My personal review:
Smoothness: ---
Tactility: 6/10
Noise level (with keycap): 80.7dBA
Product link :