Mechanical keyboard switches are the heart of every keystroke, and understanding their differences is essential for both enthusiasts and procurement teams. Linear switches (like Cherry Red clones) offer smooth, uninterrupted travel — ideal for fast typists and gamers. Tactile switches (Cherry Brown family) provide a subtle bump at the actuation point, giving feedback without the click, perfect for office environments. Clicky switches (Cherry Blue style) deliver both tactile feedback and an audible click, favored by writers who want confirmation of each press. Beyond switch type, actuation force ranges from 35g (light) to 80g (heavy), and travel distance typically falls between 3.0mm and 4.0mm. Hot-swappable PCBs let users experiment without soldering. For B2B buyers, offering a switch sampler kit alongside your keyboard line reduces return rates and increases customer satisfaction. jianpan produces over 20 switch variants in-house, with custom spring tuning and lubrication services available for OEM clients.