Top 5 Linear Switches

Hey y’all. Short intro today, these are just my absolute favourite switches that are on the market right now. Nothing more to say, let’s start with a nice cup o’ joe…

HMX Macchiato

This one feels like a morning espresso: smooth, fast, and full of character. The HMX Macchiato delivers a satisfying bottom-out that blends speed with a punchy feel. If you love a snappy actuation with zero wobble, this switch is your cup of coffee. I do have to note that basically all of HMX’s offerings are extremely standout (and pretty similar), but I included this switch specifically as I felt it is one of the most balanced out of all of HMX’s switches, with full travel and a mid-range sound. If you’re into clack, look into the HMX Xinhai, Sunset Gleam, or Cloud.

• Feel: Lightweight and precise—perfect for gaming or rapid typing. Very smooth out of the box with zero wobble. Best performance in terms of wobble.
• Sound: A full-bodied mid range "clack". Very satisfying.
• Why it’s here: Balanced sound and extreme build quality make it stand out.

BSUN Aniya

The BSUN Aniya is a hidden gem. This switch brings excellent performance at an excellent price. If you love smooth switches that glide effortlessly without noise, this one's got your back. It has minimal wobble, and a shorter travel distance. If you like long-poles, this switch is guaranteed to be a heavy hitter.

• Feel: Silky-smooth travel with a stable stem.
• Sound: A mid to deep thock with minimal spring ping.
• Why it’s here: It’s a switch that’s reliable and performs well out of the box—a budget beast.

Get em here:

TTC Neptune

Here’s a switch that combines aesthetics with performance. The TTC Neptune brings that sweet blend of performance and RGB compatibility with its innovative top housing. Plus, it doesn’t just help your setup look good—it feels amazing too, with a balanced bottom-out force. It’s also insanely smooth out of the box with a deep thock. Step aside oil kings, a new ruler has taken the throne.

• Feel: Super premium feel: insanely smooth and lightweight, great for both gaming and general use. Minimal wobble. Best performance in terms of smoothness.
• Sound: A satisfying deep thock.
• Why it’s here: A perfect pick for those who love flashy builds and smooth operation.

Get em here:

Cherry Hyperglide MX Black

The MX Black is like that reliable friend who's always there when you need them. It's not flashy, but it’s dependable. This switch has been around for ages, setting the standard for linear switches with its consistent actuation and durability. It’s not the top performer in terms of smoothness or wobble (quite poor performance without films), but just has that “je ne sais quoi”. It seems that nobody can replicate that distinct cherry sound and beloved cherry scratch. A top choice amongst hardcore enthusiasts.

P.S. Don't fall for the hype, the Hyperglides are super similar to Nixies at half the price. 

• Feel: Slightly heavier, offering a more well-rounded typing experience, but slightly more fatiguing gaming performance.
• Sound: A lower-pitched thud with some graininess (the source of its cult classic status).
• Why it’s here: The OG linear switch that never goes out of style.

TTC Silent Frozen

If you want to type without waking the neighbors, the TTC Silent Frozen is your best bet. This switch offers smooth, quiet operation without sacrificing performance. Perfect for late-night gaming or office use. Out of all the silent switches, this one undoubtedly tops them in terms of feel due to its long spring. Even with its snappiness, the unique silencing gaskets also make this switch the most silent out of all switches I’ve tried, while still maintaining some rigidness to avoid a very mushy feel.

• Feel: Super smooth and snappy with soft but not mushy landings, thanks to its unique silencing mechanism.
• Sound: Whisper-quiet—ideal if you need absolute silence.
• Why it’s here: It’s one of the best silent switches on the market with top-notch consistency.

Get em here:

Final Thoughts

As you can probably tell, I really wanted to capture a broad range of preferences with this top five. I do want to note that although each one brings its own charm, they all excel in smoothness and performance. Whether you’re here for the thock, the clack, or no sound at all, there’s something on this list that’ll elevate your typing experience. If you end up trying any of these switches, I hope that you will get the same enjoyment that I have, and do let me know if you have thoughts! Always happy to chat about keebs :)