Keyboard Builders' Digest / Switch trends

Best-selling keyboard switches of May 2026

Here are May’s top mechanical switches, the community’s favorites based on vendor sales data.

KBD.news
Published June 4, 2026

(Cover: Keygeek Crepe switches. Photo by Unikeys.)

Let’s keep the series rolling by highlighting the community’s most loved switches and diving into May’s best-selling models! Discussion over at r/mk if you'd like to share your experiences or opinion.

Summary: 19 contributors from all around the globe, representing almost 1 million switches sold, with 118 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 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

Thanks to this compilation being fairly representative — we have data coming from the US to China, Japan to France, Germany to India, and Australia to the UK –, and based on the sales volumes reported by all the participating shops, I can usually spot some interesting trends.

Yay, one of the shops hit a new in-house record! Congrats. That said, the May numbers are quite mixed, again. I'd say this was definitely a slow month with only 6/19 shops reporting gains at various levels, and with 11 reporting a clear decrease in sales. (I don't have data for the previous month from two contributors.)

Maybe RGBKeys' Rien got it right saying the warm weather is affecting the numbers. If I go by my own experience, that's a completely accurate statement.

The continued US-Israeli war against Iran and the associated high fuel prices keep the small batch import model unfeasible.

To say something positive, Keebz N Cables is now registered for VAT under the IOSS scheme, so there will be no more hidden surprises from EU customs.

The linear vs tactile ratio is 7:3 in the top 10 this time, and slightly differently 59:35 in the top 100 (with six models representing clickies). Practically unchanged from last time. The current top tactile (Gateron's Type R) and silent tactile (TTC Bluish White V2 Silent made it to #1 and #8, respectively. That said, keep in mind that the smaller variety and greater concentration of tactiles compared to linears may result in their over-representation.

Silent switches now account for 30% of the top 10 (still lower than the 40% peak in December) and exactly 20% of the top 100.

Just like in earlier months, looking into the per-shop lists may reveal the effect of stock clearances: Some old switch models appear in the individual Top 10 lists as customers snap them temporarily at huge discounts – I'm looking at you, Greetech. Keep this in mind as well while evaluating the rankings.

For first-hand insights shared by shop runners, check out the detailed lists below.

Contributors

Many thanks to all the shops that are contributing their detailed statistics to this series. Exact sales volumes (rather than mere rankings) make the aggregated list more accurate. Thank you for your trust on behalf of the community – we all know how sensitive this data is.

Welcome TTC, and welcome back Diykey!

• TTC needs no introduction, their silent tactile Bluish White and silent linear Frozen V2 have been sitting at the top of the ranking for ever since I started compiling these monthly switch market overviews.
• And Diykey returned after a six-month hiatus. They gave me some extra work – offering some rather exotic switch models I had to add to the switch database.

Clicking the links takes you to the individual top lists:

MonacoKeys (DE), InputGear (DE), DiviniKey (US), BeaverKeys (CA), UniKeys (CN), The Thocc Exchange (UK), Delta Key Co. (FR), Keebz N Cables (AU), Clackify (US), Mechboards (UK), DIYKEY (CN), AKKO EU (CN), SerpentKeys (UK), TTCswitch (CN), RGBKeys (NL), Coffeekeys (IT), Yusha Kobo (JP), DeskHero (CA), Mechanical Keyboards (US).

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 also Monacokeys (DE) and CoffeeKeys (IT) in the EU, Thocc Exchange and SerpentKeys in the UK, while Unikeys (CN) is revamping their tester page. Other shops offer more specific switch testers too, e.g. Beaverkeys (CA) or Keebz N Cables (AU).

Novelties & Database updates

Jeez… 24 switch models have recently been added to the database as a result of the incoming top lists. However, the majority of these are rather old. I'll have to ask the shops to simply skip such entries, especially if, after a clearance sale, the switch is no even available anymore.

Anyway, here are some switch news for ya':

• I put my dirty paws on a set of the TTC x PT Blacks. Wow, this switch has a strong character for sure. Mostly for those who like the recent trend of intentionally scratchy switches, definitely not for lovers of the silky smooth experience. Even the housing is rawer, edgier and pointier – true to its inspiration of the classic Cherry Black. All in all, this is something for hardcore dudes.

• Keebz N Cables is about to release their first switch under the F-ROW Brand utilizing their own custom tooling: Hollow Tip. A zero pre-travel heavy tactile manufactured by BSUN. Inspired by the physics of a cupped clap, less surface area, bigger impact. The Hollow Tip stem makes contact only at the circumference of the tip, increasing impact force on bottom-out. The result: a loud, punchy sound.

• And Akko is about to launch a new upgraded series of their switches. I don't think the product pages I've seen are final yet, so I'd rather not link e.g. the new Yellow U1 switch. Basically, a brand new switch, using a new POM blend, sound-wise bridging its clackier V3 and thockier V5 predecessors.

Some highlights and oddities from the new additions:

• Wuque Studio WS Flux Heart of the Ocean – octagonal dust-proof stem.
• TTC Noble Horse – dual-led symmetrical, no polarity restrictions. Oversized circular dust-proof stem.
• Keygeek Crepe with PBT stem.
• HMX Caramel Pudding V2 – now with light diffuser.

Honorable mentions from the old ones making it to any per-shop top10:

• Kailh Crystal Jade. Actually, as a novice in this hobby, the original Jades were the second set of switches I bought around 2018-2019. This one is several years old as well.
• Ashkeebs Alexandrite. It's a bit strange seeing this switch making it to a top10 (inputgear's) for the first time when Ashkeebs isn't even around anymore.

Again, "hacking" rather old models into the top lists is a known issue. This is part of the game and shouldn't really impact the very top of the rankings.

Top switch brands

These are the top 10 brands of May, in order of all the monthly sales aggregated:

Disclaimer: This list is based on the top10 switches (not the full catalog) by vendors. That's what I get the exact sales numbers for. I also have total sums, but no manufacturer data for the total sales volume.

Results

May's Top 10 – aggregated

Beside this Top10 feel free to check out the Top 500+ list too. (About the ranking: switch models appearing in multiple shop lists are prioritized over high sales in a single shop.)

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:

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.

I'm happy to see HMX Dirty Pink made it into the Top10, those are one of my favorite switches currently and a true thock contender to the Keygeek Y2! Keygeek Y2 made a strong comeback as they have been in-stock for basically the whole month this time but we're also looking ahead to June already where we have a big amount of new switches coming up 🙂

InputGear (Germany)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

We look forward to see what Computex has to bring and if there are any cool new keyboard related things there! Follow news on our site – David.

DiviniKey (US)

Cherry MX2A Black, Gateron Siliworks Type R, and Keygeek Y3X continue to feel like the staples of the rankings. Linear switches also continued their dominance, accounting for seven of the ten spots in May. HMX remains one of the standout manufacturers of the past year, with switches like Firecracker appearing in our rankings month after month. On that note, HMX Saru V2 arrived last month and has been seeing plenty of desk time internally as we prepare launch assets and begin getting units into the hands of content creators – Veasna.

BeaverKeys (Canada)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

This month's top 10 are dominated once again by the true and tested switches. However, we added some absolute banger switches this month that might break into the top 10 in June: HMX Aperol, HMX Cthulhu, Wingtree Camellia, Wingtree Puer Tea – Peter.

UniKeys (China)
[7% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

The Thocc Exchange (UK)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

No surprises in the top 10 list this month. Though I was surprised that the Oil Kings fell out of the top 10. I think that's due to some really amazing thocky / creamy options like Keygeek SU Color, Y2, Blue Cheese, Small Wish and HMX with Toast, Bad Sweetheart and Akko all providing some great alternative options. Definitely a good time to be someone into Thocc. Clickies are also going hard this month – Matty.

Delta Key Co. (France)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

Seems like a bump of sales during May, even with a lot of products out of stock (Cherry MX2A, Geon Raptor HE, PT Black, Gateron Type R, etc.). A restock of Cherry switches is coming in June with 450 packs! Same for TTC x Phantheonkeys PT Black and Gateron Type R! – Guillaume.

Keebz N Cables (Australia)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

Keygeek Blue Cheese V2 and Taro N Sweet Potato V2 continue to be crowd favourites for their deep sound profile that appeals to a wider audience. We're also seeing an uptick in silent switches with Lucy R5 making the Top 10 and a noteable mention to Gateron POM Mint Smoothie which made it to the 11th spot. The 2nd half of the year will be interesting as we are releasing the first switch under our F-ROW Brand, Hollow Tip, a heavy tactile manufactured by BSUN and utilises our own custom tooling. Inspired by the physics of a cupped clap, less surface area, bigger impact. The Hollow Tip stem makes contact only at the circumference of the tip, dramatically increasing impact force on bottom-out. The result: a loud, punchy sound and yes we left zero pre-travel for an instant hit. We are also now registered for VAT under the IOSS scheme, so there will be no more hidden surprises from EU customs for orders under €150 – Jason.

Clackify (US)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

HMX Silent Butters seem to be one of the headliners this month, and it's easy to understand why. Lots of incoming HMX, Keygeek, and Wingtree. Stay tuned! – Calvin.

Mechboards (UK)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

Oil Kings return to their place as King of switches. I wonder how long they'll keep taking this title. While they're a great switch, I always feel they're a bit overpriced compared to other factory lubed offerings – Ben.

DIYKEY (China)
[10% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

Low-profile switches, especially the Kailh Saker Mini and Taro Ice Cream Mini, continued to perform strongly in May, reflecting sustained demand for compact and portable builds. Magnetic (HE) switches gained noticeable traction this month, with the Wuque Studio Flux Heart of the Ocean and TTC Noble Horse HE both entering the top 10, signalling growing interest in rapid trigger and adjustable actuation. TTC Frozen Silent held its ground among enthusiasts, reinforcing the steady demand for high-quality silent tactile options. Behind the scenes, we're preparing a magnetic switch upgrade and refresh later this year, focused on faster actuation, improved precision, and next-gen rapid trigger performance – Tami.

AKKO EU (China)
[10% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

We're about to launch a new upgraded series of our switches! – Albert.

SerpentKeys (UK)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

We’ve got some exciting new switches on the way, including Gateron’s latest Oil King and Milky Pro variants, as well as the WingTree Jadeite linear – one of the most eye-catching switches I’ve come across recently – Ollie.

TTCswitch (China)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

Here are our top models in the TTC official retail store. Not including wholesales and the 3rd shopping mall sales volume – Vicky.

RGBKeys (The Netherlands)
[10% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

Sales decreased by 15%, with fewer exotic switches sold even though new stock arrived. It's safe to say the warm weather is affecting the numbers. The Huano Sakura V2 recently climbed the ranks, taking the number 3 spot for May. Next month, we're expecting more new switches (finally phasing out the KS-9) – Rien.

Coffeekeys (Italy)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

May's volume was lower than April, driven by a quieter catalog outside of the Keygeek Y2 restock surge. Looking ahead, we expect several restocks and new switch additions to the catalog in the coming months – Tommaso.

Yusha Kobo (Japan)

Our Japanese community really loves those silent switches especially for their office builds. Recently we added WingTree Golden Apple V2 switches to our lineup and it looks like people are enjoying these tactile friends as well. Also personally very happy to see that Gateron Lanes are being popular among our community. A great choice! – Sabrina.

DeskHero (Canada)

Same old - Y2s are the new hotness, we sold out so we had a restock late in May. Oil King and Type R still strong – Jerrold.

Mechanical Keyboards (US)
[5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code]

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 may 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 month to break ties.

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 may 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 & Developments

Hey, I hope this write-up was useful to some of you because it took me a lot of time to complete it again, despite the heavy automation wherever possible. I'm closer to 15 hours this time, due to adding many new switches to the database – more time spent with looking for missing data, proper photos, offers, etc.

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 500 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, as well as filter switches by color. Use permalinks to custom lists like silent tactiles or light, lubed linears with dust-proof stem and light diffuser. ;)
• Try the Switch Quiz to narrow down the full range of switches according to your preferences.
• 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 Thu 4th Jun 2026. Featured in KBD #212.

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