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If you’re unsure or new to some of the terms here, check out our full guide first: How to choose keyboard switches?

As a quick reference, here is a wrap-up of the full guide:

• Compatibility: You're most likely looking for a mechanical MX or a magnetic Hall-effect switch nowadays. Unfortunately, they are incompatible. Not even mentioning low-profile switches. Footprints and pins are crucial, so check your keyboard and PCB specifications.
• Switch types: Linear, tactile or clicky switches to begin with. These basic categories indicate the presence of tactile or auditory feedback – or the lack of them.
• Switch weight is one of the most important factors. Heavy switches may be fatiguing, light ones may trigger unwanted keypresses. 40-45gF actuation (the top end of light switches) is a common sweet spot.
• Similarly, travel distance. How deep you have to press the key for the computer to register the keypress. Pre-travel (actuation) and full travel are both important.
• Silent-silent, or just not too loud? Silent designs effectively lower volume via silicone dampeners, however, they can turn the typing feel mushy.
• RGB support: Transparent (top) housing and light guide are important to effectively diffuse light – handy for those who are into vivid lighting effects.
• Stem compatibility. A dust-proof stem may be useful in some working environments. What's more important is keycap compatibility (MX/Choc V2/Gateron low profile -> MX stem, Choc v1 -> Choc stem).
• Pins: the number of pins, usually 3 or 5 for plate vs PCB mounting, is not crucial. You can always clip off the two extra plastic pins of 5-pin (PCB-mount) switches to turn them into 3-pin (plate-mounted) ones.
• Lubing: Most switches come factory lubed these days. Just starting out with switches, you probably couldn't do a better job anyway. But feel free to select the non-lubed filter if looking for something specific.
• Sound: Keyboard sound is too complex and subjective. There's more to it than only the switch sound – it's defined by a lot of different factors from case and plate material to deskmat thickness and even desk size.
• Tolerances, stem wobble. Inspecting multiple options side by side will tell you the differences. Sorry, a quiz can't do wonders. Consider grabbing a switch tester.
• And finally: price. No need to jump into fancy or expensive switches. The best prices for the recommended switch models are indicated at the end of the quiz. You can even arrange the full switch list by price.