Keyboard Builders' Digest / Review
Top switches of December, 2023
Milktooth's Kevin helps us to capture the zeitgeist and identify December's most popular switches for mechanical keyboards.
Published January 17, 2024
In this series, Kevin gives us an insight into your favorite switches based on his try-at-home switch service at Milktooth.
Thanks to the unique business model (after testing a sample of keyswitches you can buy what you like the most) it is possible to reduce or eliminate impulse buying and separate hype from conscious switch choice based on real experiences of customers.
The list below, a summary of December's numbers, is compiled based on these educated purchases. (For the November switch list check out this post.)
Best selling switches
| 1 | Wuque Studio WS Morandi | linear | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Gateron Baby Kangaroos | tactile | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Everglide Aqua Kings | linear | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
| 4 | Gateron Quinn | tactile | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
| 5 | Gateron Milky Yellow Pro | linear | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
| 6 | Wuque Studio WS Jade | linear | 1
| 7 | TTC Silent Bluish White | tactile | 1
| 8 | Gazzew U4Ts | tactile | 3
| 9 | Gazzew U4 | tactile | -
| 10 | KTT Kang White | linear | -
| |
Brief analysis
The current top 10 list of best-selling switches shows a consistent preference among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, with a few notable shifts. The Wuque Studio WS Jades are gradually climbing the ranks, reflecting a growing interest in their unique characteristics. However, the standout in this list is the WS Morandi, now securing the top spot.
Users are particularly drawn to the Morandi for its creamy feel, which, combined with a price that strikes a balance between affordability and quality, makes it a highly sought-after choice. Priced at $3.75 per 10, available exclusively at Milktooth, the Morandi switches are not the cheapest on the market but are considered very reasonable, costing around $30 for most keyboard builds.
Learn more about them here:
Despite the apparent stability in the top 10, it's important to note a significant omission that could reshape the market dynamics: the introduction of Akko switches at Milktooth.
These switches have quickly gained attention for being even more budget-friendly, with most of them starting at just $2 per 10. This pricing is impressively low and makes them a very attractive option for those looking to build or modify keyboards on a tighter budget. Akko switches tend to be bright and clacky. This addition to the Milktooth lineup represents a significant shift in the market, offering quality switches at an even more accessible price point.
My top 3 Akko switches
Diving deeper, I've selected a top Akko switch for each category based on my extensive experience and unique preferences.
Best for Gaming: Silvers
For gaming, the Silvers are my go-to choice. Their short travel distance combined with a super lightweight actuation force makes them outstanding for fast-paced gaming. The responsiveness and efficiency of the Silvers align perfectly with the needs of gamers, ensuring quick and precise keystrokes.
Most Unique: Penguins
When it comes to uniqueness, the Penguins stand out from the crowd. Having tried over 150 different types of switches, the Penguins' blend of gentle tactility and quiet operation is a remarkable find. This combination offers a typing experience that is both pleasant and distinctive, setting them apart in the vast sea of mechanical switches.
Personal Favorites: Lavender Purples
Choosing a daily driver is always a tough decision, but currently, I'm leaning towards the Lavender Purples. They strike a perfect balance between traditional and modern features. With a longer travel distance that harks back to classic switch designs and the inclusion of excellent factory lubrication found in newer switches, the Lavender Purples offer a best-of-both-worlds experience. Their unique blend of old and new attributes makes them particularly appealing to me.
Of course, those are my own top 3. If you’d like to learn more about all Akko switches and discover the one for you, watch this video here:
Published on Wed 17th Jan 2024. Featured in KBD #151.
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