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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.

Header Clicky Switches

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 :

https://chosfox.com/jui9de

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 :

https://amzn.to/3UjZNdM

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 :

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oDVibi7

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 :

https://amzn.to/3vPBgmS

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 :

https://amzn.to/3Scvgfr

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 :

https://amzn.to/49al5ib

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 :

https://amzn.to/3BJXx8N

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 :

https://amzn.to/43Brh1e

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 :