Keyboard Builders' Digest / Switch trends
Best-selling keyboard switches of January, 2025
In this month's overview of community-favorite mechanical switches, here are January's top picks, based on real sales data provided by vendors and manufacturers.
Published February 7, 2025
Hey fellow switch enthusiasts! Looks like some big Chinese vendors are still on holiday, but many shops have already gotten back to me with their top lists. So let's continue our series highlighting the community's favorite switch models! This time, we're diving into January's best-selling switches.
Summary: 17 contributors from all around the globe, representing about 1 million switches sold, with 112 switch models mentioned and 24 new switch models appearing first in the top lists.
The article is quite long, feel free to jump to the aggregated list, the shooting stars, the detailed results by shops, or to the disclaimer and aggregation rules used by the algorithm.
New contributors & Switch testers
Welcome our new contributors, joining for the first time: Ikasaya (US), The Thocc Exchange (UK), and Clackify (US)!
Speaking of Clackify, many of you asked for switch testers featuring the top 10 or 20 models. While I'm not a merchant myself, Clackify (US) specializes in exactly that – custom switch testers. Give them a shot. Or there's Unikeys (CN) with a huge selection, and also Monacokeys in the EU. Other shops offer more specific switch testers too, e.g. Beaverkeys (CA) or Keebz N Cables (AU).
PSA
- Check out the switch database – with more than 250 switch models mentioned in this series – with specs, photos, vendors, prices. Order, search by keyword, filter by tags. Even permalinks to custom lists like silent tactiles or light, lubed linears with dust-proof stem and light diffuser. ;)
- The archive of all the monthly switch compilations is available too, e.g. the previous, December top list as a reference.
Contributors
Many thanks to all the shops who contributed this month! All but a few vendors sent me detailed statistics this time, thank you for your confidence on behalf of the community – we all know how sensitive this data is.
By the way, I'll make sales data mandatory next month – to make life easier and the aggregated list more accurate. I believe that 10-15 shops providing comprehensive data are just as valuable as 20 shops with inconsistent or incomplete information.
Clicking the links takes you to the individual top lists:
BeaverKeys (CA), Keebz N Cables (AU), Clackify (US), The Thocc Exchange (UK), MonacoKeys (DE), Mechboards (UK), UniKeys (CN), Mechanical Keyboards (US), Kinetic Labs (US), DeskHero (CA), Lume Keebs (US), Ikasaya (US), SerpentKeys (UK), AKKO EU (CN), Akko US (CN), Coffeekeys (IT), Gateron (CN), TALPKEYBOARD (JP).
Overview
Several new-old switch models added to the database, and I had the opportunity to try some of them.
Special thanks to Gateron for offering some missing switches for my collection. The all-POM Smoothies, Baby Kangaroos, nice clicky Melodics, and the KS-33 Brown/Chocolate! I had tester pieces from some of these, but others were completely new.
In addition, I had a ton of Gateron Milky Yellow Pros already, but the Lexicon I received from WeirdLittleKeebs proved again that it's an excellent choice for the masses, especially for a pre-built soldered board.
(Sporting a KAP Generation keycap set from Monacokeys btw.)
Some notable additions to the database last month:
- The Australian community seems to have a pretty unique taste: Keygeek Blue Cheese, Gateron x Bowl L'Orange, BSUN x Punkshoo Melody Redux tactile.
- Not even mentioning the Japanese scene with all the low-pro switches: e.g. the Kailh Spring MINI and Winter MINI ChocV2s. Hmm. These names sound quite relevant due to the upcoming change of seasons.
- KineticLabs' silent tactile Turtle and tactile Salmon debut on the January list.
- Just like Haimu Heartbeat silent, Durock POM (Piano) linears, MMD Matcha Ice Cream, Lichicx Raw Big Bump, Gateron North Pole, the heavier HMX Yogurt variant, MMD Princess Ultra Thock, HMX Serene Green.
- Finally, Unikeys has a Uni switch now. A bold move. :D The colorway was inspired by the real boss behind the scenes – their fierce toy poodle Uni.
Results
January's Top 10 – aggregated
Beside this Top10 feel free to check out the Top 250+ list too. (About the ranking: switch models appearing in multiple shop lists are prioritized over high sales in a single shop. Basic rankings lacking hard sales numbers are also factored in, with a smaller weight.)
| 1 |  | Gateron Oil King linear | buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear | buy |
| 3 |  | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear | buy |
| 4 |  | Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 linear | buy |
| 5 |  | HMX Xinhai (light) linear | buy |
| 6 |  | Gateron Smoothie linear | buy |
| 7 |  | KTT Kang White V3 linear | buy |
| 8 |  | Akko Penguin Silent tactile | buy |
| 9 |  | Neo Oat linear | buy |
| 10 |  | Gateron Quinn tactile | buy |
As you'll see, there's not much overlapping in the individual shop lists, and because of the relatively few repetitions, it's no surprise that the well-known, widely available, recurring models made it into the aggregated list above.
Anyway, here is a more interesting list: the shooting stars.
Shooting stars
These are the switches with the highest gain in rank from December to January.
| 1 |  | Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile | 100 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Kailh Cocoa linear | 88 | buy |
| 3 |  | lowprokb Choc (V1) Ambients Nocturnal silent linear | 74 | buy |
| 4 |  | HMX Yogurt 45g linear | 73 | buy |
| 5 |  | Gateron Melodic clicky | 63 | buy |
| 6 |  | Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear | 60 | buy |
| 7 |  | Akko Creamy Purple Pro V3 tactile | 60 | buy |
| 8 |  | TTC Frozen V2 Silent (TTC Silent Glacier) linear | 55 | buy |
| 9 |  | Invokeys Matcha Latte V2 linear | 53 | buy |
| 10 |  | Akko Lavender Purple Pro V3 tactile | 52 | buy |
And now let's take a look at the individual lists.
BeaverKeys (Canada)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
HMX Yogurt designed by xllab is starting to gain popularity as customers appreciate the uncompromisingly clacky nature of the switch. Akko Mirror and Akko Stellar Rose are now available at the online store. Both of them are manufactured by HMX. The Mirror was created in the spirit of HMX' core promise which is awesome clackyness while the Stellar Rose gears towards folks who'd like to tone that down a notch – Peter.
| 1 | | HMX Xinhai (light) linear | 1 | 0.45CAD | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | KTT Kang White V3 linear | new | 0.33CAD | buy |
| 3 | | Gateron Oil King linear | - | 0.87CAD | buy |
| 4 | | Gateron Quinn tactile | -3 | 0.85CAD | buy |
| 5 |  | HMX Xinhai (heavy) linear | 2 | 0.49CAD | buy |
| 6 | | HMX Yogurt 45g linear | new | 0.49CAD | buy |
| 7 |  | Durock Ice King Tactile tactile | 2 | 0.75CAD | buy |
| 8 |  | BSUN Holy Panda V2 tactile | new | 0.60CAD | buy |
| 9 |  | HMX Yogurt 53g linear | new | 0.49CAD | buy |
| 10 |  | Gateron Mini i tactile | -4 | 0.85CAD | buy |
Keebz N Cables (Australia)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
The trend away from HMX switches continues, with people looking for unique offerings across other manufacturers. Keygeek Blue Cheese has been the standout switch for this month with many reviews pointing it to being the new "thock king" / a switch for those chasing that deep sound signature – Jason.
| 1 |  | Keebz N Cables x BSUN Taro N Sweet Potato linear | - | 0.75AUD | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Keygeek Blue Cheese linear | new | 0.60AUD | buy |
| 3 |  | Gateron x Bowl L'Orange linear | new | 0.65AUD | buy |
| 4 | | Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear | new | 0.66AUD | buy |
| 5 |  | SW X Captain Sterling SWK Dragon Ghost linear | 5 | 0.70AUD | buy |
| 6 |  | HMX YG Macchiato linear | 3 | 0.50AUD | buy |
| 7 |  | Keebz N Cables Ice Kachang V2 tactile | -4 | 0.60AUD | buy |
| 8 | | Invokeys Matcha Latte V2 linear | -2 | 1.01AUD | buy |
| 9 |  | BSUN x Punkshoo Melody Redux tactile | new | 0.70AUD | buy |
| 10 |  | Keebz N Cables Ice Kachang Linear linear | -8 | 0.60AUD | buy |
Clackify (US)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
These switches represent a number of staples, but I would encourage exploration! Lots of new releases have blown me away over the past few months. For instance, if you're a tactile lover looking for something fun and unique, try the Gateron Type R – Calvin.
| 1 |  | TTC Bluish White (V2) Silent silent tactile | buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Akko Penguin Silent tactile | buy | |
| 3 | | Gateron Oil King linear | buy | |
| 4 | | Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear | buy | |
| 5 | | TTC Frozen V2 Silent (TTC Silent Glacier) linear | buy | |
| 6 |  | Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile | buy | |
| 7 | | Gateron Quinn tactile | buy | |
| 8 |  | GAZZEW Boba U4T tactile | buy | |
| 9 |  | Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile silent tactile | buy | |
| 10 |  | Lichicx Raw Big Bump tactile | buy |
The Thocc Exchange (UK)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
Selling Akko has massively boosted growth. Clearly very popular switches though pricing is extremely competitive. Hades is gaining a lot of traction, UK exclusive to Thocc Exchange. Butterfly is the most popular silent switch I sell. Macarons are really picking up in popularity, fastest growing non-silent. MMD Holy Panda is bought by a very small number of highly loyal panda enjoyers – Matt.
| 1 |  | HMX Hades V2 linear | £0.35 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear | £0.33 | buy |
| 3 | | Akko Creamy Purple Pro V3 tactile | £0.28 | buy |
| 4 | | Akko Penguin Silent tactile | £0.38 | buy |
| 5 |  | XCJZ x JKDK Butterfly silent linear | £0.30 | buy |
| 6 | | TTC Bluish White (V2) Silent silent tactile | £0.40 | buy |
| 7 |  | BSUN x Zuoce Studio Macaron linear | £0.20 | buy |
| 8 |  | Cherry Nixie linear | £0.48 | buy |
| 9 |  | Akko x MonsGeek Green Fog linear | £0.33 | buy |
| 10 |  | MMD Holy Panda V3 tactile | £0.35 | buy |
MonacoKeys (Germany)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
In addition to providing the top list, Michael has updated the collection with his best-seller switches, so you don't have to search for the products on the website.
I'm happy with January's switch sales, most products have been in-stock or restocked around mid January – Michael.
| 1 | | Neo Oat linear | - | €0.32 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Outemu Silent Honey Peach V3 silent linear | 6 | €0.38 | buy |
| 3 |  | Outemu Cream Yellow Pro silent tactile | -1 | €0.31 | buy |
| 4 |  | Outemu Silent Lemon/Lime V3 silent tactile | 1 | €0.38 | buy |
| 5 |  | MMD Princess Ultra Thock linear | new | €0.39 | buy |
| 6 | | KTT Kang White V3 linear | - | €0.27 | buy |
| 7 | | MMD Holy Panda V3 tactile | new | €0.36 | buy |
| 8 |  | Akko Rosewood linear | new | €0.38 | buy |
| 9 | | Akko Penguin Silent tactile | new | €0.42 | buy |
| 10 |  | MMD Princess Tactile V4 tactile | -7 | €0.36 | buy |
Mechboards (UK)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
As usual our Choc switches generally dominate our top 10. Milky Yellow Pro and Oil Kings still retaining the spots for our best selling MX switches. Interesting to see them both up there as Oil King is very expensive and Milky Yellow Pro is a top budget option – Ben.
| 1 |  | lowprokb Choc (V1) Ambients Twilight silent linear | - | £1.00 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | lowprokb Choc (V1) Ambients Nocturnal silent linear | 6 | £0.95 | buy |
| 3 | | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear | new | £0.25 | buy |
| 4 |  | lowprokb Choc (V1) Sunset tactile | -2 | £0.85 | buy |
| 5 | | Gateron Oil King linear | -2 | £0.65 | buy |
| 6 |  | Kailh Choc (V1) Red linear | -2 | £0.55 | buy |
| 7 |  | Kailh Choc (V1) White clicky | new | £0.55 | buy |
| 8 |  | Kailh Choc (V1) Brown tactile | 1 | £0.55 | buy |
| 9 |  | Alpaca V2 linear | -2 | £0.55 | buy |
| 10 |  | Durock POM Piano linear | new | £0.60 | buy |
UniKeys (China)
[7% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
Surprisingly, we are seeing more switches this month from other manufacturers other than HMX. Gateron Type R tactile switches climbed up to the second place on the list, and a few other new Keygeek switches are now on the top ten list as well. That is something we'd love to see – Dashan.
| 1 |  | UNIKEYS x HMX Sugar Rush linear | - | $0.38 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Sillyworks x Gateron Type R tactile | 1 | $0.54 | buy |
| 3 |  | KEYGEEK X MZ Y3 linear | 5 | $0.25 | buy |
| 4 |  | HMX Serene Green linear | new | $0.38 | buy |
| 5 |  | HMX Snow Crash linear | -3 | $0.38 | buy |
| 6 | | HMX Xinhai (light) linear | - | $0.38 | buy |
| 7 | | HMX Yogurt 45g linear | - | $0.38 | buy |
| 8 |  | Unikeys x Keygeek Uni linear | new | $0.30 | buy |
| 9 | | Neo Oat linear | new | $0.30 | buy |
| 10 |  | KEYGEEK X UNIKEYS PURPLE DAWN linear | -1 | $0.27 | buy |
Mechanical Keyboards (US)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
| 1 | | Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile | 7 | $0.28 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Gateron Oil King linear | 1 | $0.65 | buy |
| 3 |  | Cherry MX2A Silent Red (PCB-mount RGB) silent linear | -1 | $0.40 | buy |
| 4 |  | Cherry MX2A Blue clicky | - | $0.40 | buy |
| 5 | | Cherry Nixie linear | new | $0.42 | buy |
| 6 |  | Cherry MX2A Brown tactile | -5 | $0.40 | buy |
| 7 |  | Cherry MX Silent Red linear | -1 | $0.40 | buy |
| 8 |  | Cherry MX Ergo Clear tactile | new | $0.57 | buy |
| 9 |  | Cherry MX2A Blue RGB clicky | new | $0.50 | buy |
| 10 |  | Cherry MX2A Silent Red (plate-mount RGB) linear | new | $0.50 | buy |
Kinetic Labs (US)
Last month we launched Turtle Silent Tactile switches and re-stocked Salmon switches, which both made the list of top 10! HMX continues to gravitate at the top with HMX Latte and Butter. Butter will surely sell out in February as well as Moon V2 with re-stocks planned in next few months – Christian.
| 1 |  | HMX Latte linear | 2 | $0.45 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | HMX Butter linear | -1 | $0.45 | buy |
| 3 | | Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear | 2 | $0.43 | buy |
| 4 |  | Kinetic Labs Gecko Silent silent linear | -2 | $0.60 | buy |
| 5 |  | Kinetic Labs Turtle silent tactile | new | $0.60 | buy |
| 6 | | Gateron Oil King linear | 1 | $0.65 | buy |
| 7 | | Gateron Smoothie linear | 3 | $0.30 | buy |
| 8 | | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear | -2 | $0.23 | buy |
| 9 |  | Kinetic Labs Moon V2 linear | -5 | $0.62 | buy |
| 10 |  | Kinetic Labs Salmon tactile | new | $0.52 | buy |
DeskHero (Canada)
| 1 | | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear | 1 | 0.35CAD | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Gateron Oil King linear | -1 | 0.90CAD | buy |
| 3 | | HMX Yogurt 45g linear | new | 0.48CAD | buy |
| 4 |  | Haimu Heartbeat silent linear | new | 0.45CAD | buy |
| 5 |  | HMX Sakura silent linear | new | 0.45CAD | buy |
| 6 |  | HMX Jelly linear | new | 0.46CAD | buy |
| 7 | | HMX Xinhai (light) linear | new | 0.45CAD | buy |
| 8 | | Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear | new | 0.63CAD | buy |
| 9 | | Cherry Nixie linear | -1 | 0.90CAD | buy |
| 10 |  | HMX Hibiscus linear | -4 | 0.45CAD | buy |
Lume Keebs (US)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
One trend we’re seeing is the increasing demand for ultra-smooth stock switches with unique sound profiles. Enthusiasts are looking for high-quality materials and minimal wobble right out of the box, and manufacturers are stepping up with innovative stem and housing blends. On the new switch front, the Keygeek Keylin Linear Switch is one to watch. Designed by YG—the creator behind the popular HMX Macchiato switches—and manufactured by Keygeek, this switch features a strengthened UPE blend stem and a PA66 bottom housing with fiberglass, delivering a thocky yet medium-clack sound profile. Combined with its smoothness, it’s built for a premium typing experience. It’s an exciting time in the switch market, with more brands experimenting with materials and acoustics to cater to both casual users and enthusiasts who want the perfect feel and sound – Emily.
| 1 |  | HMX Cheese linear | - | $0.40 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Kailh Cocoa linear | 6 | $0.35 | buy |
| 3 | | Gateron Smoothie linear | new | $0.26 | buy |
| 4 | | Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear | 6 | $0.39 | buy |
| 5 |  | MMD Matcha Ice Cream V3 linear | new | $0.30 | buy |
| 6 |  | HMX Violet linear | -4 | $0.29 | buy |
| 7 | | Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile | new | $0.55 | buy |
| 8 | | TTC Frozen V2 Silent (TTC Silent Glacier) linear | new | $0.53 | buy |
| 9 |  | Invokeys Hojicha Reserve tactile | -3 | $0.50 | buy |
| 10 | | GAZZEW Boba U4T tactile | -7 | $0.65 | buy |
Ikasaya (US)
[10% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
| 1 | | KTT Kang White V3 linear | $0.26 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Gateron Smoothie linear | $0.30 | buy |
| 3 |  | KTT Rose linear | $0.26 | buy |
| 4 |  | Gateron Lunar Probe linear | $0.54 | buy |
| 5 | | Gateron Oil King linear | $0.65 | buy |
| 6 | | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear | $0.25 | buy |
| 7 | | Gateron Quinn tactile | $0.59 | buy |
| 8 |  | KTT Cream Yellow Pro linear | $0.32 | buy |
SerpentKeys (UK)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
| 1 |  | XCJZ Lucy Silent Linear V2 silent linear | £0.50 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Gateron Smoothie linear | £0.28 | buy |
| 3 | | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear | £0.23 | buy |
| 4 | | Invokeys Matcha Latte V2 linear | £0.60 | buy |
| 5 | | Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear | £0.28 | buy |
| 6 | | HMX Xinhai (light) linear | £0.33 | buy |
| 7 | | Gateron Oil King linear | £0.60 | buy |
| 8 |  | Invokeys Matcha Reserve linear | £0.47 | buy |
| 9 |  | DK Creamery - Blueberry Swirl linear | £0.43 | buy |
| 10 | | Invokeys Hojicha Reserve tactile | £0.47 | buy |
AKKO EU (China)
[10% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
| 1 | | Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 linear | - | €0.24 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Akko Fairy (silent) silent linear | 2 | €0.37 | buy |
| 3 | | Akko Penguin Silent tactile | - | €0.37 | buy |
| 4 |  | Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 tactile | 1 | €0.24 | buy |
| 5 | | Akko Rosewood linear | -3 | €0.37 | buy |
| 6 | | Akko Creamy Purple Pro V3 tactile | 1 | €0.26 | buy |
| 7 | | Akko Lavender Purple Pro V3 tactile | -1 | €0.26 | buy |
| 8 |  | Akko Piano Pro linear | new | €0.37 | buy |
| 9 |  | Akko Dracula linear | -1 | €0.34 | buy |
| 10 |  | Akko Starlit linear | - | €0.34 | buy |
Akko US (China)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
Actually, these are global numbers, including all distribution channels – probably including the EU numbers above. Lacking a better idea, I ended up linking to the US store.
New Akko switches getting popular would be Rosewood (muted switches), Creamy Purple (strong tactile switches) and Green Fog (heavy linear).
| 1 | | Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 linear | $0.20 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 tactile | $0.20 | buy |
| 3 | | Akko Rosewood linear | $0.31 | buy |
| 4 | | Akko Lavender Purple Pro V3 tactile | $0.22 | buy |
| 5 | | Akko Fairy (silent) silent linear | $0.31 | buy |
| 6 | | Akko Creamy Purple Pro V3 tactile | $0.22 | buy |
| 7 | | Akko Penguin Silent tactile | $0.31 | buy |
| 8 |  | Akko Cream Black Pro V3 linear | $0.27 | buy |
| 9 |  | Akko Silver Pro V3 linear | $0.31 | buy |
| 10 |  | Akko Matcha Green Pro V3 linear | $0.22 | buy |
Coffeekeys (Italy)
[10% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
The numbers are quite similar to December, but last month, Akko switches joined the family. We are working on improving our switch catalog and introducing new brands. In February, we will also start conducting switch sound tests on our social media and comparing the best-selling items.
| 1 | | Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear | - | €0.39 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Gateron Oil King linear | 3 | €0.59 | buy |
| 3 | | Gateron Quinn tactile | 1 | €0.50 | buy |
| 4 |  | Gateron EF EverFree Curry linear | 4 | €0.15 | buy |
| 5 |  | Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro Hall-effect | 2 | €0.59 | buy |
| 6 |  | Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear | -4 | €0.34 | buy |
| 7 |  | Gateron North Pole linear | new | €0.37 | buy |
| 8 | | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear | 2 | €0.29 | buy |
| 9 | | Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile silent tactile | new | €0.34 | buy |
| 10 |  | Wuque Studio WS Red linear | new | €0.36 | buy |
Gateron (China)
[10% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
| 1 | | Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro Hall-effect | - | $0.80 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Gateron Melodic clicky | 6 | $0.65 | buy |
| 3 |  | Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall-effect | -1 | $0.80 | buy |
| 4 | | Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile | -1 | $0.60 | buy |
| 5 |  | Gateron Magnetic Jade Max Hall-effect | -1 | $1.00 | buy |
| 6 |  | Gateron Zero Degree 0° silent linear | -1 | $0.65 | buy |
| 7 | | Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear | -1 | $0.24 | buy |
| 8 | | Gateron Oil King linear | -1 | $0.64 | buy |
TALPKEYBOARD (Japan)
As in the past few months, the rankings have been dominated by silent and low-profile switches. Non-silent switches have been ranked 11th or lower since last month. Starting at the end of January, new arrivals will include the DUROCK Full POK series, Sillyworks x Gateron Type-R, Kailh Deep Sea Mini Pink Island, and new products from PH Studio. Stay tuned! – Yousuke.
| 1 |  | Kailh Deep Sea Silent Mini White/Islet Low-Profile silent linear | 2 | ¥96 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Kailh Deep Sea Silent Pro Box Islet silent linear | -1 | ¥96 | buy |
| 3 |  | Tecsee Pudding Medium linear | -1 | ¥64 | buy |
| 4 |  | Kailh Deep Sea Silent Pro Box Whale silent tactile | 3 | ¥96 | buy |
| 5 |  | Durock Ice King Linear linear | - | ¥80 | buy |
| 6 |  | Kailh Deep Sea Silent Mini Brown/Whale Low-Profile silent tactile | -2 | ¥90 | buy |
| 7 |  | Kailh Deep Sea PRO Pink Islet Silent silent linear | 1 | ¥96 | buy |
| 8 | | Gateron Zero Degree 0° silent linear | 1 | ¥120 | buy |
| 9 |  | Kailh Spring MINI ChocV2 linear | new | ¥100 | buy |
| 10 |  | Kailh Winter MINI ChocV2 tactile | new | ¥100 | buy |
Disclaimer
Keep in mind that most of the time I'm not in a position to verify the validity and accuracy of the data provided by shop runners. Some of these lists come automatically from their databases, with screenshots, however, some were put together manually. I asked for the numbers of the previous month, but some shops query the past 30 days, etc.
That said, take everything with a grain of salt, but I hope this compilation will still hold some value, highlighting trends, giving you some tips, and as a snapshot of the zeitgeist it will be also interesting to look back at on the long run.
About the algorithm
Standardization, normalization, and other techniques are essential to come up with a ranked list – until every single contributor provides exact numbers. The first ideas for standardization came from Pupsino and ProfNugget, thank you guys.
The current system:
- incorporates sales volume as a percentage – to mitigate the dominance of a single huge vendor
- rewards switches present in multiple lists – to compensate the effect of some switches being offered in a single shop only, thus reflecting availability
- incorporates lists without sales data, the score deducted from the rank (with a smaller weight)
- incorporates previous months with decaying weights – to rank the products that are in a tie.
As with all such statistical methods, if we were to tamper with the algorithm, it would produce completely different results.
Another source of confusion and inconsistency is the arrival of belated lists. When such datasets come in, I update the database but often not the already published article. While I add the specific list to the database, I don’t update the overall rankings in the write-up.
Final thoughts
Hey, I hope this write-up was useful to some of you because, again, it took me about 20 hours to complete. Yep, all this despite the heavy automation wherever possible. (I'm getting better at this though!)
Again, the new models were both the best and most challenging part of the process: researching these new switches, adding them to the database, and often diving into detailed investigations about missing actuation forces, pre-travels and whatnot. It's time-consuming but also the most exciting aspect – discovering all the fresh, shiny, and innovative releases.
Once again, I learned a lot about vendors, switches, and managing the ever-evolving switch database while compiling this article.
For example, I just realized that the name of the Akko x MonsGeen switch I've been reading and using as Green Frog for months is actually Green Fog. :D
I hope you enjoyed reading this piece as much as I enjoyed putting it together! Feel free to use and reference this post and the switch database. Spread the word so it makes sense for me to invest all this time and effort.
Thanks for reading this far, see you next month!
Published on Fri 7th Feb 2025. Featured in KBD #186.
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EZ MX switch opener. No more sore fingers? Posted by fnu_lnu_.
A brief history of keyboard encoding
Daniel shares with us some of the fruits of research into computer keyboard history conducted over recent years. In this case, the surprising variety of methods by which keyboards determined which keys are being pressed.
Momoka FROG linears review
Momoka FROG Linear switch review by Reimu64 (video).Some switch sounds
Sound test of some switches by TheHapaLens.
NK Cream+ with inserts
The NK Cream+ switches from NovelKeys come with different inserts that alter the sound profile.