Keyboard Builders' Digest / Switch trends
Best-selling keyboard switches of May 2025
In this month's overview of community-favorite mechanical switches, here are May's top picks, based on real sales data provided by vendors and manufacturers.
Published June 6, 2025
(Cover: Keygeek VC switches shot by Unikeys.)
Hey fellow switch enthusiasts! A bunch of kind vendors got back to me with their sales volumes again, so let's continue our monthly series highlighting the community's favorite switch models! This time, we're diving into May's best-selling switches. Discussion over at r/mk if you'd like to share your experiences or opinion.
Summary: 17 contributors from all around the globe, representing almost 1 million switches sold, with 112 switch models mentioned and 14 new switch models appearing first in the top lists.
The article is quite long, feel free to jump to the list of contributors, to my quick market overview, the aggregated top10 list, the shooting stars, newly added switches, the detailed results by shops, or to the disclaimer, aggregation rules used by the algorithm, and my closing thoughts with new features and developments. Finally, search and filter the mechanical switch database for your favorite switch types or specific models.
General market trends
Based on the sales volumes provided by all the shops, I can often identify some interesting trends. However, after many stores reported declining sales in April, there wasn't really a clear trend in May: results were quite mixed. Six vendors reported growth, some of them pretty significant, while another six shops showed a clear decline – up to 20-30% in some cases. The rest remained stagnant, so the overall market volume seems to be constant, but your sources of purchases are changing.
The leveling out after March's surprising dominance of tactile switches is continuing: Tactiles account for half of the top 10 aggregated list positions now – as already mentioned earlier, likely due to their smaller variety and greater concentration compared to linears. Many shops feature up to 5-6 tactile models in their top 10 lists below, while some other only 0-1. For more insight, check out the detailed lists.
Contributors
Talpkeyboard is back and the shop was reopened on May 19th – with a new website and URL! That said, due to the partial month, Japan isn’t represented this time. Anyway, I still received 17 top lists from vendors and manufacturers all around the globe.
Many thanks to all the shops who are contributing their detailed stats to this series. Exact sales volumes (rather than mere rankings) make the aggregated list more accurate. Thank you for your confidence on behalf of the community – we all know how sensitive this data is.
Clicking the links takes you to the individual top lists:
MonacoKeys (DE), BeaverKeys (CA), Lume Keebs (US), Keebz N Cables (AU), Mechboards (UK), The Thocc Exchange (UK), UniKeys (CN), Clackify (US), SerpentKeys (UK), Coffeekeys (IT), AKKO EU (CN), DIYKEY (CN), StacksKB (IN), Ikasaya (US), Mechanical Keyboards (US), YourKBD (CN), Gateron (CN).
Switch testers
Many of you asked for switch testers. 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 massive selection, and also Monacokeys (DE) and CoffeeKeys (IT) in the EU. Other shops offer more specific switch testers too, e.g. Beaverkeys (CA) or Keebz N Cables (AU).
Novelties & Database updates
14 new switch models have recently been added to the database as a result of the incoming top lists – some are brand new, others older but included below due to renewed interest.
Thanks to KiiBOOM, I had the opportunity to try their Matcha Latte 2.0s too – very well tuned setup with the LOOP65!
Here are the additions to the database:
- Gateron Magnetic Jade Ruby. The fist time the Ruby variant made it to a list (at Coffeekeys).
- BSUN Taichi V2.
- A bunch of new offers by Unikeys: Unikeys Cosmic Purple, HMX Lunar Stone, Gateron Sage, Keygeek Cera, Keygeek VC - one of my personal favorites this month, at least regarding colorway. Also the HMX Cream Latte.
- The Cream Soda by Gateron x Punkshoo is quite old, but it made it to SerpentKeys' top 10.
- Akko Astrolink – a new light Hall-effect switch from Akko.
- New top switches at Kailh: Kailh Cyan Sea, LICHICX Heavy Duty Torch V2, TTC Speed Silver V2, Kailh Box Coconut Latte, and Kailh Box Jellyfish PRO Mengling. Ugh, it took me ages to untangle this last one. There are two Jellyfish PROs: Bixia and Mengling…
- Finally, Outemu Silent Yellow Jade was one of the most sought after switch at Clackify.
Results
May's Top 10 – aggregated
Beside this Top10 feel free to check out the Top 300+ list too. (About the ranking: switch models appearing in multiple shop lists are prioritized over high sales in a single shop.)
| 1 |  | Gateron Oil King linear | buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile | buy |
| 3 |  | Sillyworks x Gateron Type R tactile | buy |
| 4 |  | Akko Rosewood linear | buy |
| 5 |  | Gateron Smoothie linear | buy |
| 6 |  | Gateron Quinn tactile | buy |
| 7 |  | TTC Bluish White (V2) Silent silent tactile | buy |
| 8 |  | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear | buy |
| 9 |  | Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile | buy |
| 10 |  | lowprokb Choc (V1) Ambients Twilight silent linear | buy |
As you'll see, there's not much overlapping in the individual shop lists, 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 April to May.
| 1 |  | Outemu Silent Honey Peach V3 silent linear | 84 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | OWlab Ti HE linear, Hall-effect | 62 | buy |
| 3 |  | Kailh Deep Sea Silent Pro Box Whale silent tactile | 50 | buy |
| 4 |  | Akko Lavender Purple Pro V3 tactile | 49 | buy |
| 5 |  | Akko Creamy Cyan clicky | 44 | buy |
| 6 |  | GAZZEW U4T tactile | 33 | buy |
| 7 |  | MMD Princess Ultra Thock linear | 33 | buy |
| 8 |  | Kailh Lunar linear | 33 | buy |
| 9 |  | Gateron Smoothie Silver linear | 32 | buy |
| 10 |  | Siliworks X HMX Sonja linear | 28 | buy |
And now let's take a look at the individual lists.
MonacoKeys (Germany)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
Here is the collection of Monaco's best sellers so you can find them all at once.
This month we added a bunch of new switches and they started mixing up our Top 10 from day 1! Siliworks x Gateron Type R are probably the hottest switches around currently, featuring new feeling for tactile switches with their "full tactile" super short travel design – they simply make fun! Siliworks is known for its good switch creations so seeing the 2nd switch from him – the HMX Sonja also directly joining into the Top10 just feels right. We also added the TTC Frozen Silent V2 and Gateron Mini i to our selection which are also both great switches, although being around for a bit longer already – Michael.
| 1 | | Sillyworks x Gateron Type R tactile | new | €0.60 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Outemu Silent Honey Peach V3 silent linear | new | €0.38 | buy |
| 3 |  | Neo Oat linear | -2 | €0.32 | buy |
| 4 |  | Outemu Cream Yellow Pro silent tactile | -2 | €0.31 | buy |
| 5 | | MMD Princess Ultra Thock linear | 4 | €0.39 | buy |
| 6 | | Siliworks X HMX Sonja linear | new | €0.39 | buy |
| 7 |  | Haimu x YG Studio Mulberry tactile | -4 | €0.49 | buy |
| 8 |  | Outemu Silent Lemon/Lime V3 silent tactile | -2 | €0.38 | buy |
| 9 |  | TTC Frozen V2 Silent (TTC Silent Glacier) silent linear | new | €0.59 | buy |
| 10 |  | Gateron Mini i tactile | new | €0.33 | buy |
BeaverKeys (Canada)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
Gateron Type R switches were an instant hit in my store. The bold design decision by Siliworks to eliminate pre-travel is really resonating with the community. The new Akko stock also caught interest immediately with Akko Cilantro and Rosewood entering the top 10 without being on the store for the full month – Peter.
| 1 | | Sillyworks x Gateron Type R tactile | 6 | 0.75CAD | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear | new | 0.35CAD | buy |
| 3 | | Gateron Quinn tactile | -2 | 0.85CAD | buy |
| 4 | | Gateron Oil King linear | -1 | 0.87CAD | buy |
| 5 | | Outemu Silent Honey Peach V3 silent linear | new | 0.37CAD | buy |
| 6 | | Akko Rosewood linear | new | 0.42CAD | buy |
| 7 | | Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile | -5 | 0.85CAD | buy |
| 8 |  | Akko x HMX Cilantro tactile | new | 0.42CAD | buy |
| 9 |  | Aflion Blue Sky linear | new | 0.70CAD | buy |
| 10 |  | Gateron KS-3X47 Pro Yellow linear | new | 0.38CAD | buy |
Lume Keebs (US)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
We're seeing a noticeable uptick in demand for Hall Effect switches, particularly from the gaming community looking for faster actuation and analog input. We’re keeping a close eye on this shift and exploring ways to expand in that direction – Emily.
| 1 | | Gateron Oil King linear | 2 | $0.65 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | HMX Violet linear | 2 | $0.29 | buy |
| 3 | | OWlab Ti HE linear, Hall-effect | new | $0.48 | buy |
| 4 |  | HMX Hibiscus linear | 1 | $0.30 | buy |
| 5 |  | MMD Matcha Ice Cream V3 linear | new | $0.30 | buy |
| 6 |  | MMD Vivian linear | - | $0.35 | buy |
| 7 | | Gateron Quinn tactile | new | $0.55 | buy |
| 8 | | Gateron Smoothie linear | new | $0.26 | buy |
| 9 |  | Invokeys Hojicha Reserve tactile | - | $0.50 | buy |
| 10 |  | Kailh Cocoa linear | - | $0.35 | buy |
Keebz N Cables (Australia)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
In May, old favourites and our in-house range continue to be best sellers. A new addition to the Top 10 is Sonja HC, a rail bottom out HMX switch with a heavier spring at 60g bottom out. A notable mention that fell just outside of our Top 10 is LICHICX x XCJZ Lucy which saw a high uptick. We are not 100% sure why but found out from the designer that the manufacturer LICHICX has gone out of business and he's working on a V3 with another manufacturer WEKT. We also sold out of Taro N Sweet Potatoes and are working on a V2 with BSUN aiming to release later this year – Jason.
| 1 |  | Keebz N Cables Ice Kachang V2 tactile | 1 | 0.45AUD | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Keebz N Cables x BSUN Taro N Sweet Potato linear | -1 | 0.67AUD | buy |
| 3 |  | Keebz N Cables Ice Kachang Linear linear | 2 | 0.30AUD | buy |
| 4 |  | HMX EVA linear | new | 0.32AUD | buy |
| 5 |  | Keebz N Cables Mountain King tactile | 3 | 0.40AUD | buy |
| 6 |  | KTT Kang White V3 linear | 1 | 0.28AUD | buy |
| 7 |  | HMX Xinhai (heavy) linear | new | 0.55AUD | buy |
| 8 |  | Siliworks X HMX Sonja HC linear | new | 0.55AUD | buy |
| 9 |  | KTT Strawberry V2 linear | new | 0.33AUD | buy |
| 10 |  | Cherry MX2A Black linear | new | 0.50AUD | buy |
Mechboards (UK)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
For the first time in a while, there is a new top MX switch on our store, with Jupiter Bananas outselling Oil Kings. It's also interesting to see Kailh (through Lowprokb) dominating choc, and Gateron dominating MX switches – Ben.
| 1 | | lowprokb Choc (V1) Ambients Twilight silent linear | - | £1.00 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | lowprokb Choc (V1) Ambients Nocturnal silent linear | - | £0.95 | buy |
| 3 | | Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile | new | £0.32 | buy |
| 4 | | Gateron Oil King linear | - | £0.65 | buy |
| 5 | | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear | new | £0.25 | buy |
| 6 |  | Kailh Choc (V1) Red linear | - | £0.55 | buy |
| 7 | | Gateron Quinn tactile | new | £0.55 | buy |
| 8 |  | Kailh Choc (V1) Brown tactile | - | £0.55 | buy |
| 9 | | Gateron Smoothie linear | -4 | £0.30 | buy |
| 10 | | Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile | - | £0.55 | buy |
The Thocc Exchange (UK)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
Unsurprisingly Keygeek Athena proving a hit with fans of Hades V2. Macarons continue to be the leading budget linear. Huano Sakura resurgent and growing quickly. Huge stock drop due in the next two weeks, expanding to over 300 switch varieties – Matt.
| 1 | | TTC Bluish White (V2) Silent silent tactile | 7 | £0.43 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Keygeek x Moyu Athena (40g) linear | new | £0.30 | buy |
| 3 |  | BSUN x Zuoce Studio Macaron linear | new | £0.15 | buy |
| 4 | | Akko Creamy Cyan clicky | new | £0.30 | buy |
| 5 |  | Cherry MX2A "Hirose" Orange linear | -4 | £0.33 | buy |
| 6 |  | Cherry Nixie linear | new | £0.35 | buy |
| 7 | | Akko Rosewood linear | new | £0.30 | buy |
| 8 |  | Huano Sakura linear | 1 | £0.45 | buy |
| 9 |  | Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear | -2 | £0.33 | buy |
| 10 |  | Keygeek Blue Cheese linear | new | £0.45 | buy |
UniKeys (China)
[7% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
Unikeys will be releasing HMX's first-ever light tactile switch in June. It will have a similar tactile bump as Cherry brown, but the bump will be slightly bigger. The new top housing mold will make them feel scratchy. Basically, the idea behind this switch is similar to Sonja; The designer was trying to re-create the classic Cherry brown switch with HMX's modern molding and factory lubing – Dashan.
| 1 |  | HMX Cosmic Purple linear | new | $0.35 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | HMX Lunar Stone linear | new | $0.35 | buy |
| 3 | | OWlab Ti HE linear, Hall-effect | 5 | $0.48 | buy |
| 4 |  | Gateron Sage linear | new | $0.35 | buy |
| 5 |  | Keygeek Cera linear | new | $0.35 | buy |
| 6 | | Sillyworks x Gateron Type R tactile | -5 | $0.50 | buy |
| 7 | | Cherry MX2A Black linear | -1 | $0.30 | buy |
| 8 |  | KEYGEEK X MZ Y3 linear | -5 | $0.23 | buy |
| 9 |  | Keygeek VC linear | new | $0.30 | buy |
| 10 | | Siliworks X HMX Sonja HC linear | -6 | $0.35 | buy |
| 11 |  | HMX Cream Latte linear | new | $0.35 | buy |
Gateron (China)
[10% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
| 1 |  | Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro Hall-effect | 1 | $0.80 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear | 2 | $0.24 | buy |
| 3 | | Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile | -2 | $0.60 | buy |
| 4 |  | Gateron KS-33 Silent Red 2.0 silent linear | 1 | $0.38 | buy |
| 5 | | Gateron Smoothie Silver linear | 2 | $0.30 | buy |
| 6 |  | Gateron Green Apple tactile | new | $0.60 | buy |
| 7 |  | Gateron KS-33 Low Profile 2.0 Banana tactile | new | $0.28 | buy |
| 8 | | Gateron Quinn tactile | new | $0.60 | buy |
| 9 | | Gateron Oil King linear | new | $0.64 | buy |
| 10 | | Gateron Smoothie linear | -4 | $0.30 | buy |
Clackify (US)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
Most popular options largely remain the same this month, but there are lots of amazing new switches hitting the market. Linear fans, come try out some of the newer Keygeek and HMX options and I promise you'll be impressed! - Calvin.
| 1 | | Gateron Oil King linear | 2 | buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | TTC Bluish White (V2) Silent silent tactile | -1 | buy | |
| 3 | | Sillyworks x Gateron Type R tactile | 4 | buy | |
| 4 | | TTC Frozen V2 Silent (TTC Silent Glacier) silent linear | 2 | buy | |
| 5 | | GAZZEW U4T tactile | 4 | buy | |
| 6 |  | Everglide Aqua King (V3) 62g linear | -1 | buy | |
| 7 | | Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile | 1 | buy | |
| 8 |  | Gateron Zero Degree 0° silent linear | new | buy | |
| 9 |  | Durock Silent T1 - Shrimp silent tactile | new | buy | |
| 10 |  | Outemu Silent Yellow Jade silent tactile | new | buy |
SerpentKeys (UK)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
Having restocked Gateron switches towards the end of last month, it’s no surprise to see a few fan favourites make it straight back into the top 10 list! – Ollie.
| 1 | | Gateron Smoothie linear | new | £0.28 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Gateron Cream Soda linear | new | £0.65 | buy |
| 3 | | Invokeys Hojicha Reserve tactile | -1 | £0.47 | buy |
| 4 |  | SW X Captain Sterling SWK Dragon Ghost linear | 2 | £0.43 | buy |
| 5 | | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear | - | £0.23 | buy |
| 6 |  | Invokeys Matcha Reserve linear | -5 | £0.47 | buy |
| 7 |  | DK Creamery - Blueberry Swirl linear | new | £0.43 | buy |
| 8 | | Gateron Oil King linear | -4 | £0.60 | buy |
| 9 |  | HMX Ice Cendol linear | new | £0.35 | buy |
| 10 |  | HMX Canglan V3 linear | new | £0.33 | buy |
Coffeekeys (Italy)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
After many months at the top, the Morandi switch has finally been surpassed by the Gateron Baby Kangaroo. In May, the Coffeekeys team attended the Prague meetup, where we had the opportunity to talk with many enthusiasts. We brought along some switch testers and noticed a growing interest in tactile and heavy tactile switches within the community. It’ll be interesting to see if this trend impacts our sales in the coming months – Riccardo.
| 1 | | Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile | 1 | €0.49 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Gateron Magnetic Jade Ruby HE Hall-effect | new | €0.55 | buy |
| 3 | | Gateron Quinn tactile | - | €0.52 | buy |
| 4 | | Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear | -3 | €0.39 | buy |
| 5 |  | Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear | new | €0.32 | buy |
| 6 | | Gateron Oil King linear | 3 | €0.65 | buy |
| 7 |  | BSUN Taichi V2 linear | new | €0.40 | buy |
| 8 | | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear | -3 | €0.25 | buy |
| 9 |  | Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile silent tactile | -1 | €0.32 | buy |
| 10 |  | Gateron KS-33 Low Profile Red linear | new | €0.20 | buy |
AKKO EU (China)
[10% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
We started selling our custom magnetic switches, the Akko Astrolink magnetic switch, available in various pack sizes – Albert.
| 1 | | Akko Rosewood linear | - | €0.37 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Akko Penguin Silent silent tactile | - | €0.37 | buy |
| 3 |  | Akko Fairy (silent) silent linear | - | €0.37 | buy |
| 4 |  | Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 linear | 2 | €0.24 | buy |
| 5 |  | Akko Creamy Purple Pro V3 tactile | -1 | €0.26 | buy |
| 6 |  | Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 tactile | -1 | €0.24 | buy |
| 7 | | Akko Lavender Purple Pro V3 tactile | - | €0.26 | buy |
| 8 |  | Akko x MonsGeek Green Fog linear | - | €0.32 | buy |
| 9 |  | Akko Starlit linear | new | €0.34 | buy |
| 10 |  | Akko Dracula linear | new | €0.34 | buy |
DIYKEY (China)
[10% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
We saw continued strong demand for our Kailh CROSS STEM BOX Lunar switch lineup in May. We officially launched the new LICHICX Heavy Duty Torch V2 in late May, and initial customer feedback on its smoothness, sound profile has been very positive. Behind the scenes, we're excited to be working on the Mini Low-Profile Magnetic switch expected later this year – Tami.
| 1 | | Kailh Lunar linear | 2 | $0.85 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Kailh Deep Sea Silent MINI Pink Island silent linear | - | $0.58 | buy |
| 3 |  | Kailh Cyan Sea linear | new | $0.38 | buy |
| 4 |  | LICHICX Heavy Duty Torch V2 linear | new | $0.58 | buy |
| 5 |  | Vertex V1 linear | - | $0.60 | buy |
| 6 |  | Kailh BOX Aurora Ice Cream linear | new | $0.60 | buy |
| 7 |  | Kailh Box Jellyfish PRO Mengling linear | new | $0.60 | buy |
| 8 |  | TTC Speed Silver V2 linear | new | $0.54 | buy |
| 9 |  | Kailh Box Coconut Latte silent linear | new | $0.60 | buy |
| 10 |  | TTC RGB Magneto King of Magnetic Switch Hall-effect | -4 | $0.99 | buy |
StacksKB (India)
Dry month in terms of switches – our focus was more on getting local assembly for keyboards set up. Teasers are being posted on Instagram and Discord – Aditya.
| 1 | | Akko Rosewood linear | 2 | ₹31 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Akko Creamy Purple Pro V3 tactile | - | ₹22 | buy |
| 3 | | Akko Lavender Purple Pro V3 tactile | new | ₹22 | buy |
| 4 | | Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 linear | 2 | ₹20 | buy |
| 5 | | Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 tactile | -4 | ₹20 | buy |
| 6 | | Gateron Quinn tactile | -1 | ₹46 | buy |
| 7 | | Akko Penguin Silent silent tactile | 3 | ₹31 | buy |
| 8 | | Gateron Smoothie linear | -4 | ₹23 | buy |
| 9 |  | Akko Cream Black Pro V3 linear | new | ₹27 | buy |
| 10 |  | HMX x 80Retros Game 1989 Classic linear | new | ₹34 | buy |
Ikasaya (US)
[10% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
| 1 | | Gateron Oil King linear | - | $0.65 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Gateron Smoothie linear | new | $0.30 | buy |
| 3 | | Gateron Mini i tactile | new | $0.55 | buy |
| 4 | | KTT Kang White V3 linear | -2 | $0.26 | buy |
| 5 |  | Durock Blue Lotus T1 tactile | new | $0.86 | buy |
| 6 |  | Gateron Lunar Probe linear | 3 | $0.54 | buy |
| 7 | | Gateron Quinn tactile | -3 | $0.59 | buy |
Mechanical Keyboards (US)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
| 1 | | Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile | 6 | $0.28 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | | Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile | new | $0.60 | buy |
| 3 | | Gateron Oil King linear | -2 | $0.65 | buy |
| 4 |  | Cherry MX2A Silent Red (PCB-mount RGB) silent linear | -2 | $0.40 | buy |
| 5 |  | Cherry MX2A Brown tactile | 4 | $0.40 | buy |
| 6 | | Neo Oat linear | -2 | $0.28 | buy |
| 7 | | Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear | new | $0.30 | buy |
| 8 |  | Cherry MX2A Silent Red (plate-mount RGB) linear | new | $0.50 | buy |
| 9 | | Cherry MX2A Black linear | new | $0.40 | buy |
| 10 | | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear | - | $0.26 | buy |
YourKBD (China)
[7% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]
| 1 |  | Kailh Deep Sea Silent Mini White/Islet Low-Profile silent linear | - | $0.59 | buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | Kailh Choc (V1) Pro Pink linear | - | $0.55 | buy |
| 3 | | Kailh Deep Sea Silent Pro Box Whale silent tactile | 6 | $0.50 | buy |
| 4 | | TTC Frozen V2 Silent (TTC Silent Glacier) silent linear | 4 | $0.68 | buy |
| 5 |  | Chosfox x Kailh Arctic Fox clicky | 2 | $0.55 | buy |
| 6 |  | Chosfox & HMX Hanami Dango V2 linear | -2 | $0.36 | buy |
| 7 |  | Chosfox White Fox V2 linear | -4 | $0.30 | buy |
| 8 | | Siliworks X HMX Sonja linear | new | $0.28 | buy |
| 9 |  | Chosfox Voyager V2 tactile | -3 | $0.50 | buy |
| 10 | | Outemu Silent Lemon/Lime V3 silent tactile | new | $0.23 | 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
While contributors provide exact numbers, standardization, normalization, and other techniques remain essential to come up with a ranked list due to some remaining inconsistencies, unfortunately.
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 the 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 17 hours to complete. Yep, all this despite the heavy automation wherever possible.
Some of these hours were spent with coding though. Nothing too revolutionary: a bunch of tweaks to the switch pages – e.g. how to handle some missing data. Many thanks to Ratb33 for pointing out some erroneous metadata. (I still haven't fixed the Swift v2, which by the way does have a plain and an RGB version – with light diffuser.)
Again, the new switch models were both the best and most challenging part of the process: researching these new switches, adding them to the database, tagging, and often diving into desperate investigations about missing actuation forces, pre-travels and whatnot. (I still don't get why manufacturers don't indicate the tactile force of tactile switches, where operation weight is pretty irrelevant.) 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.
I'm working on adding even more attributes, but this is still in the tagging phase, nothing shown in the inner pages or filter interface. Hopefully coming later this month.
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.
- Check out the switch database – with more than 300 switch models – with specs, photos, vendors, prices, typing tests.
- Some features: Search by keyword, filter by tags. You can order the list by price and release date now. Use permalinks to custom lists like silent tactiles or light, lubed linears with dust-proof stem and light diffuser. ;)
- Finally, the archive of all the monthly switch compilations is available too, e.g. the previous, April top list as a reference.
Thanks for reading this far, see you next month!
Published on Fri 6th Jun 2025. Featured in KBD #192.
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