However, Rubber dome keys provide very low to no tactile feedback. Rubber Dome switches are popular because they are cheap to manufacture. And the actuation is transmitted through these sheets. There are several rubber sheets under the dome. The rubber dome moves down when a key is pressed and actuates the switch so that the keystroke is registered. The domes are made from a single sheet of rubber and are about 0.6 mm thick. They consist of a small rubber dome under each key. Rubber Dome Switches are the simplest switch assembly. Rubber Dome Switches The underside of a rubber dome. Now let us see the other types of keyboard switches based on their function. Typing becomes easier and more accurate with Tactile or Clicky switches. Slower, because the user bottoms out the keyįor obvious reasons, users prefer switches that provide some kind of feedback. Sound feedback (clicking) + Tactile feedback (bump) In this type of switches too, the user does not have to press the key all the way down.Ĭomparison of the three types of Switches: Feature The feedback lets the user know that they can release the key. There is a tactile feedback, too and you can feel a bump when the key is pressed. Clicky SwitchesĬlicky switches let you know that a keystroke is registered by giving out a ‘clicking’ sound. When the actuation point of the key is reached, you feel a small bump which signals that you can release the key. So, obviously, you don’t end up bottoming out the keys. Tactile SwitchesĪs the name suggests, these switches offer a tactile feedback. This means, the key is pressed all the way down till it can’t go down any further. Since there is no sound when the key is pressed, users tend to bottom out the keys when using a keyboard with linear switches. These switches do not provide any tactile feedback to the user.
They feel the same from the point you press the key till the point you release it after the keystroke is registered. They travel linearly when you press them. Let us see the details below: Linear Switches This categorization of the switches is based on the behavior of the switch when a key is pressed.