Best Linear Switches for Mechanical Keyboards, 2025 Update

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When it comes to mechanical keyboards, linear switches hold a special place in my heart. I almost exclusively use them. It’s something about their sound and feeling that just makes them special to me over tactiles and clicky switches. Over the years, I’ve tried countless switches, from enthusiast favorites to underrated gems. In this article, I’ll be diving into some of the best linear switches, or at least what I’ve been using, in the last year. Let’s get into it.

EDIT: I have an updated list of some new switches for the year here in case you want to see what’s been on my desk recently!

Before we begin

Some quick history on my experience in keyboards, I have been building keyboards for nearly 4 years and my taste in switches has really evolved since then. I started off deeply in love with tactile switches and my tastes have swapped to mainly linears as of now. I plan to also cover other ‘top’ things in keyboards, so if you like this style of article, let me know!

Just like last article, setting some expectations here, there is no real order to this. I will be talking about the linear switches I like most and use the most often. And for the record, this all personal preference and switches can and will sound different depending on the keyboard you use! So please remember that!

IMPORTANT: The sound demo will be done on a single board [Mode Envoy], using GMK keycaps, an aluminum plate, and only pressing the “h” and “j” keys alongside the space bar. Also I have fully modded every switch with the exception of the LM and HMX switches.

I use a Sennheiser 416 MKH for recording sound and it’s all unedited.

By the way, none of this is sponsored but you may find some affiliate codes in this article that help support my content. Enjoy!

Keygeek Switches – The “Thock Hunters”

Keygeek is a relatively new player, but their reputation has been skyrocketing. Their first switch dates back to the Keygeek RAW, which was available for pre-order in January 2022. They are now known for their fun choice of materials and fun sound profiles, I’d say these are the perfect switch for people who are chasing deeper sound signatures from their linear switches, aka “Thock”.

Take the Keygeek Y3, for example. These switches feature a PA66 bottom housing and POM stem, creating a smooth, low-friction glide. The sound? Oh, it’s that richer, deep tone that so many people chase but sacrifice any sound on the top out. Pair them with a PC or FR4 plate for even more acoustic goodness.

Another new switch that really made me want to list them as a choice here is their new LM switch. These are out yet as of this article, but they are deep sounding in a big way. Their switches come factory lubed, meaning you don’t have to break out your Krytox 205g0 unless you want to.

If sound is your priority, Keygeek delivers in a big way. They’re the perfect choice for someone building a deeper sounding keyboard setup. Every time I use Keygeek switches I am impressed and I tried a bunch of variants over the last year.

Pros:

  • Decent range of sound signatures, typically deeper
  • Works great with light – medium coats of lubricant for those who want to apply their own lube or redo the factory lubricant
  • Consistent stock lubricant
  • No films needed for modding!

Cons:

  • Springs are good on some switches, but I’ve felt the need to swap them on others. In other words, it’s a mixed bag.
Get them here
Below is a sound demo using the LM switches on the Mode Envoy.
  • LM on Envoy

Gateron KS-3 Milky Yellow Pro Linear

These may have been my most used switch of 2024 towards the later half of the year. The Gateron Milky Yellows are just a simple, cheap and easy recommendation. They have a deeper sound signature and just seem to work at every board I throw them at. Not to mention they are fairly affordable. These have always been a staple in the hobby and if you lube these right and film them, they can make a keyboard really sing.

Specs:

  • Actuation: 50g
  • Pre-Travel: 2.0mm
  • Total Travel: 4.0mm
  • 5-Pin PCB Mount

I wrote about this in my last switch pick from last year, but these are another switch that do benefit from being filming and spring swapping, so again this does add cost and labour. But when you’re building the perfect custom keyboard that extra love and care goes a long way. The factory lube and even default stock springs have gotten much better though, so don’t be afraid to just use these without a spring swap!

Pros:

  • Cheap
  • Full and bright sound signature
  • Buttery Smooth with lube
  • Works great with light – medium coats of lubricant
  • Great for per-key RGB boards!

Cons:

  • Stock lube needs some work
  • Films help make the switch sound more full and help with some minor housing wobble (so you need to buy films)
Get them here
Below is a sound demo using the Milky Yellow switches modded with 53.5g springs lubed and filmed, on the Mode Envoy.
  • Milky Yellow on Envoy

Cherry MX2A Black Switches – The Classic, Almost Perfected?

Cherry’s been in the game forever, but with the MX2A series, they’ve made me fall back in love with their line up of switches. So what are they? Well it’s better stem geometry, better housings, and optional factory lubrication.

The MX2A Black, Red or Orange switches are my stand outs here. What I love most about Cherry is their switches just sound unique. They offer that perfect amount of scratch, even with their new moulds, and a very particular fullness in sound that I haven’t been able to duplicate with other switch brands. If you’ve written off Cherry in the past, it’s time to give them another shot.

Cherry has nailed the balance between nostalgia and modern performance here. The MX2A switches feel like a love letter to their roots with their updated moulds.

However they are far from perfect. Their factory lubricant is probably the worst I’ve seen in modern switches, so if you can, get them dry / unlubed. As for the springs, they suck. They are pingy and I don’t find them consistent at all. Cherry, if you are reading this, it’s time to up your spring game.

At the end of the day, I love these switches. I much prefer the MX2A variants over their predecessors, like the hyperglides and older batches of stuff. I use these so often that these (and Nixies) are probably one of my most used switches from the entire year.

Pros:

  • Full sounding, bright (clacky) sound signature
  • Cherry quality
  • Works great with light – medium coats of lubricant

Cons:

  • Stock lube variant just isn’t good
  • Cherry springs continue to just get recycled and I wish they’d put more attention to detail here
  • Can be pricey
  • While you don’t absolutely need films, I recommend them and that can add to cost
Get them here
Below is a sound demo using the Cherry MX2A black switches modded with 53.5g springs, lubed and filmed on the Mode Envoy.
  • Cherry on Envoy

Roller Switches – Smooth as Butter

These might be the sleeper pick of the last year. Launched in 2024, the roller switches don’t have the same mainstream attention as other brands, but they should. Designed to reduce friction and create the smoothest possible keystroke, they’re all about performance.

The standout feature? Well they have ball bearings to secure stem movement and this helps to create an effortless glide, and fun typing feel. I think they are very smooth and while the sound isn’t too far off from other linears (in my opinion) I still think they lean to be more unique if you pay close enough attention.

While not as flashy as some of the other switches on this list, Roller switches are one of those hidden gems you’ll fall in love with after trying them. Trust me—they’re worth it. I used a bunch of these in both the standard release and other variants and loved these things.

As of right now these are not in stock anywhere, but I wanted to add them anyway. I do hope they return as we did see these in a collaboration with Matthew Encina in the form of X Ray Switches, which were a lot of fun. I’m crossing my fingers!

Get them here
Below is a sound demo using the Roller switches which I relubed on the Mode Envoy.
  • Roller Switches on Envoy

HMX Switches (New Moulds) – Smooth, Refined, Consistent

HMX is really stepping up their game with their new moulds. I’ve been testing their latest switches—like the HMX KD200 and FJ400—and I’m genuinely impressed. These new designs have tighter tolerances, less wobble, and a fuller, richer sound profile. Their stock lubbing also remains mostly the same and I like it!

The KD200, for example, features a POM stem and PA66 housing that combine for an incredibly smooth typing experience. One thing I noticed is how clean and consistent the sound is across all switches in a set. I also appreciate that they focused on making these new moulds since I found some of their other releases to be much too plasticy and thin sounding.

These new mould switches are a direct response to what people have been wanting in the hobby, and HMX has absolutely delivered. If you’re looking for reliable, well-tuned switches that feel high-end out of the box, this is where you should start. I’ve have been loving the FJ400 switch personally!

Pros:

  • Well priced
  • Great factory lubricant
  • Unique plastic configuration for different sound signature

Cons:

  • HMX tends to release new variants all to often, leaving some switches out of stock when they aren’t as popular
  • Too many different release that have similar specs make it confusing
Get them here
Below is a sound demo using the HMX FJ400 switches on the Mode Envoy.
  • HMX On Envoy

Here are all the sound demos again to compare. Enjoy the subtle sound differences! 

The audio gear used to record this was a Sennheiser MKH 416 into a Volt 176. There has been zero post processing done to the audio and it is recording from head height using a c-stand and shock mount. The typing is done on a desk mat in a room with minimal sound treatment (carpet and furniture).
LM Switches On The Mode Envoy by alexotos
  • LM Switches On The Mode Envoy
  • Milky Yellows On The Mode Envoy
  • Cherry MX2A On The Mode Envoy
  • Roller Switches On The Mode Envoy
  • HMX FJ400 On The Mode Envoy

Honorable Mentions

While the above switches are my top picks for the last year, there are a few others worth keeping on your radar:

Closing Thoughts

2024 was a great year for switches and so far 2025 seems like it will be more of the same great stuff. My hopes are we are going to get some new players in the game for switches and I can’t wait for the competition! So whether you’re chasing that perfect sound signature, aiming for ultimate smoothness, or just looking to upgrade your current setup, there’s something here for everyone.

Happy building, and as always, enjoy the journey!

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