Find Your Perfect Switch for Your NocFree Lite

The right switch can transform your keyboard experience. We offer four options, each with its own features. Watch the videos and review the specs to help you decide. If you’re new to mechanical keyboards, a detailed guide follows the videos to walk you through everything you need to know.

Linear

Tactile

Silent

Gateron G Pro 2.0 White

In this guide, we'll walk through the selection process together. We'll cover the different types of switches, explain important details, and provide useful tips. Let's get started.

Types of Switches

  • Linear Switches: Linear switches provide a smooth keypress without tactile feedback or noise. They are a silent option, ideal for quiet environments or fast-paced gaming.
  • Tactile Switches: Tactile switches offer a light bump during actuation, giving physical feedback for accuracy. They present a balanced choice for typing and gaming without a loud click.
  • Clicky Switches: Clicky switches are recognized for their tactile bump and distinctive audible click when activated. They suit users who prefer sound feedback with each keystroke, even though they are louder.

Key Parameters Explained

  • Operation Force: Operation force refers to the required force to depress a key until it registers an input on the computer. Measured in grams (g), this force influences the keyboard's feel—higher actuation forces create a heavier keypress, minimizing accidental strokes but potentially increasing finger fatigue during extended use. For instance, switches are often categorized into light (45g), medium (60g), and heavy (75g or more), catering to different user preferences.
  • Pre-travel Distance: Pre-travel distance measures how far a key must travel before actuating and sending a signal to the computer, quantified in millimeters (mm). Shorter pre-travel distances lead to quicker response times, advantageous for gaming. In contrast, longer distances ensure more deliberate keystrokes, beneficial for reducing typos in typing tasks. Typical pre-travel distances range from 1.2mm to 2mm for fast actuation and up to 4mm for those who prefer a deeper press.
  • Total Travel Distance: Total travel distance is the full extent a key moves from its resting position to being fully depressed, also in millimeters (mm). Longer distances can enhance the typing experience by providing a complete keypress motion, while shorter distances may be favored for their speed and efficiency. This parameter, in conjunction with operation force and pre-travel distance, significantly shapes the keyboard's overall feel. Switches might vary widely, from short travel distances around 3.5mm to longer ones up to 4mm or more, accommodating various typing styles and preferences.