Top Budget-Friendly Switches

Overview

Here are some of the top budget friendly switches that will give you the best bang for your buck:

HMX Hyacinth V2 Linear

Gateron Smoothie Linear

Keygeek Keylin Linear

MMD Princess Linear/Tactile

Gateron Grayish Tactile

KTT Rose Linear

Akko Piano Linear

Wuque Brown Tactile

Outemu Cream Yellow Silent Tactile

Gateron Curry

Gateron Milky Yellow

HMX Hyacinth V2 (or any HMX switch)

Product Details

Name	HMX Hyacinth V2
Type	Linear
Top Housing Material	PC
Bottom Housing Material	Nylon
Stem Material	POM
Actuation Force	45g
Bottom Out Force	52g
Spring	22mm
Pre Travel	1.9mm
Total Travel	3.5mm
Mount	5 pin
Factory Lubed	Yes

Switch Feel

When it comes to feel, the HMX Hyacinth V2 shines just as much as any of the popular HMX switches. The actuation force is moderate, providing just the right amount of resistance for a comfortable and consistent typing experience. It's responsive enough for fast typing during office work, home use, and even for gaming, without feeling too heavy or too light. The HMX Hyacinth V2 travels smoothly through each keypress with its evenly applied factory lube. HMX Hyacinth V2 has no noticeable wobble with its tight housing tolerances, allowing for both long typing session and quick keypresses. 

Switch Sound

The sound profile of the HMX Hyacinth V2 is quite satisfying and consistent with what you would imagine a HMX switch to sound like. The HMX Hyacinth V2 has a sharp and audible "clack" when pressed, especially when you bottom out. Relative to other HMX switches, the HMX Hyacinth V2 is poppy and clacky, but it isn't overly loud which makes it a great option for those who like to enjoy a typing experience without disrupting others. The HMX Hyacinth V2 is a great entry switch to try, even among HMX switches, since it gives a one of the more balanced sound profiles for those who enjoy clacky and creamy sounds. It's noticeable enough to create a satisfying typing experience but not obnoxious which gives it the versatility for both office use and home use. 

Here is a sound test of the HMX Hyacinth V2:

Gateron Smoothie

Product Details

Name	Gateron Smoothie
Type	Linear
Top Housing Material	POM
Bottom Housing Material	POM
Stem Material	POM
Actuation Force	40±10gf
Spring	22mm double stage gold-plated
Pre Travel	2.0±0.6mm
Total Travel	3.6mm±0.2mm
Mount	5 pin
Factory Lubed	Yes

Switch Feel

The Gateron Smoothie, as well as the rest of the Gateron Smoothie series, is aptly named because they feel as smooth as a smoothie. Since the entire switch is made out of POM, it can be expected that the Gateron Smoothie feels incredibly smooth to type on with an experience that feels like the keypresses are gliding up and down. In addition, the light factory lube is also consistent and well applied so the Gateron Smoothie can be used even in its factory stock form. 

The Gateron Smoothie has the modern long pole and short travel distance feel, so it would be a good fit for those who like the shorter travel distance.  

Switch Sound

The Gateron Smoothie has a loud and creamy sounding bottom out and a soft and thocky sounding top out. POM is generally a slightly soft material, and in combination with a relatively lighter spring weight, the top out sound is on the softer side due to a less sudden spring de-actuation. The Gateron Smoothie would be perfect for those looking for a creamy sounding switch that is sharp on the bottom out and soft on the top out. 

Here is a sound test of the Gateron Smoothie:

Keygeek Keylin

Product Details

Name	Keygeek Keylin
Type	Linear
Top Housing Material	Nylon
Bottom Housing Material	Nylon
Stem Material	UPE
Actuation Force	38g
Bottom Out Force	48g
Pre Travel	2.0mm
Total Travel	3.6mm
Mount	5 pin
Factory Lubed	Yes

Switch Feel

The Keygeek Keylin is smooth with just the right amount of factory lube applied in its stock form. This makes the Keygeek Keylin an ideal switch for enthusiasts who enjoy smooth and uninterrupted keypresses. The actuation force of the Keygeek Keylin is on the lighter side, allowing for quick presses for quick typing or rapid gaming sessions without too much strain. The smoothness of the Keygeek Keylin is particuarly impressive, with a clean, consistent travel that's free of any noticeable scratch or wobble. 

Switch Sound

The sound of the Keygeek Keylin is soft yet present with a pleasant "thock" when bottoming out. It doesn't have a sharp bottom out so it is an excellent choice to use in shared spaces. However, the Keygeek Keylin is still audible enough to provide a satisfying auditory typing experience. The Keygeek Keylin has a mid to lower sound profile creating a creamy or thocky sound profile. The sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin feels balanced, not too hard or too quiet.

Here is a sound test of the Keygeek Keylin:

MMD Princess

Product Details

Name	MMD Princess V2 (Linear/Tactile)
Type	Linear/Tactile
Top Housing Material	PC
Bottom Housing Material	PA66
Stem Material	POM+PTFE
Actuation Force	Linear: 28g, 38g, 45g, 53g Tactile: 48g, 62g
Bottom Out Force	Linear: 36g, 46g, 53g, 61g Tactile: 55g, 67g
Pre Travel	2.0mm
Total Travel	Linear: 3.6mm Tactile: 3.1mm
Mount	5 pin
Factory Lubed	Yes

Switch Feel

MMD Princess V2 Linear

The MMD Princess V2 Linear falls right in the middle for typing feel as well as it did for sound. The factory lube feels smooth and consistent, providing a very comfortable typing experience without fatigue. The MMD Princess V2 Linear also feels very responsive due to a combination of its short travel distance and a dual-staged spring. The short travel distance helps with faster actuations on the downstroke and the dual-staged spring helps with the snappy responsiveness on the upstroke. 

MMD Princess V2 Tactile

The MMD Princess V2 Tactile has a pronounced tactile bump with a slight linear post-travel. It feels clean and snappy to type on with no noticeable scratch or stem wobble. I would describe the MMD Princess V2 Tactile as having a large, rounded uppercase "P" shaped tactile bump. It creates a very responsive bottom out where you can feel the tactility almost throughout the entirety of the keypress. The short travel distance could play a role in how responsive and snappy the MMD Princess V2 Tactile feels. The MMD Princess V2 Tactile feels very similar in terms of feel to the Boba U4T. They have a similar feeling bump and a similar feeling snappiness to each bottom out and top out thanks to their crisp tactile bumps.

Switch Sound

MMD Princess V2 Linear

The MMD Princess V2 Linear is a creamy sounding switch that falls comfortably in the mid-tones and borders both the lows and the highs. The bottom out has a hard and creamy sound signature while the top out has a soft and crispy sound signature. Its snappy sound profile could be due to the short travel distance and the creamy sound profile could be the result of the smooth and soft POM+PFTE stem material making contact with the hard PC top and bottom housing, producing notes in both the low and high ranges.

Here is a sound test of the MMD Princess V2 Linear:

MMD Princess V2 Tactile

The MMD Princess V2 Tactile is comparable to the Boba U4T in terms of sound. They have a similar sound profile, but the MMD Princess V2 Tactile has a slightly brighter and clackier bottom out and a bolder volume. The difference in materials used and the short travel distance could be a factor in why the MMD Princess V2 Tactile has a louder and higher pitched sound. The MMD Princess V2 Tactile has a very crisp tactile bump that creates an emphasized bottom out and a very poppy top out also due to the tactile bump on the upstroke. 

Here is a sound test of the MMD Princess V2 Tactile:

Gateron Grayish

Product Details

Name	Gateron Grayish
Type	Tactile
Top Housing Material	PC
Bottom Housing Material	Nylon
Stem Material	POM
Actuation Force	59g
Pre Travel	2.0mm
Total Travel	3.4mm
Mount	5 pin
Factory Lubed	Yes

Switch Feel

The Gateron Grayish has a heavy tactile bump near the top of the keypress and a slight post-bump linear at the end of the keypress. I would compare the tactile bump to other tactile switches that have a similar "P" shaped tactile bump. Boba U4T for example has a pronounced tactile bump that I would describe as an upper case "P" while the Gateron EF Grayish has a tactile bump that is more like a lower cased "p."

Switch Sound

The Gateron EF Grayish has a soft and relatively muted bottom out due to the nylon bottom housing and a hard and poppy top out due to the PC top and the tactile bump. The Gateron EF Grayish leans towards the mid to high end in terms of pitch which I would describe as sounding "poppy." There is no noticeable scratch or spring ping, but there is some leaf ping when the tactile bump makes contact with the metal leaves which can be remedied through hand lubing the switch.

Here is a sound test of the Gateron Grayish:

KTT Rose

Product Details

Name	KTT Rose
Type	Linear
Top Housing Material	Polycarbonate
Bottom Housing Material	Nylon
Stem Material	POM
Bottom Out Force	63.5g
Pre Travel	2mm
Total Travel	4mm
Mount	3 pin / 5 pin
Factory Lubed	Yes

Switch Feel

The KTT Rose Linear is incredibly smooth throughout the entire keypress, from the top to the bottom. The actuation force is moderate, making the keypress easy and quick without being too light or heavy. This allows for rapid typing or gaming without any noticeable sluggishness or resistance. It’s a very consistent feel, with no scratch or wobble throughout the travel, ensuring a smooth experience key after key.

Switch Sound

The KTT Rose produces a soft "thock" when bottoming out, which is on the lower and bassier end. This makes the KTT Rose a perfect fit for environments where noise is a concern, like shared spaces. In comparison to another KTT switch, the KTT Strawberry, the KTT Rose sounds relatively "brighter" although both switches still lie within the mid to lower tones. KTT Rose is a great budget choice for those who want a soft and thocky typing sound. 

Here is a sound test of the KTT Rose:

Akko Piano

Product Details

Name	Akko Piano
Type	Linear
Top Housing Material	PC
Bottom Housing Material	PA
Stem Material	POM
Operating Force	45gf ± 5gf
Pre Travel	1.9 ± 0.5mm
Total Travel	3.1mm
Mount	5 pin
Factory Lubed	Yes

Switch Feel

The Akko Piano provides comfortable and consistent keypresses, allowing for an incredibly fluid typing experience through the entire actuation. The keypresses of the Akko Piano feel snappy and responsive, but with just enough resistance to provide a comfortable and controlled typing feel. The Akko Piano comes lightly pre-lubed from the factory, however there is a slight scratch that is noticeable on slow keypresses. When hand lubed the Akko Piano shines with a smooth typing experience. When hand lubed, the Akko Piano has the ability to produce a slightly deeper and creamy sound profile as well, allowing it to be a versatile budget switch. The Akko Piano doesn’t have the hollow or harsh tones that some linear switches can produce, giving it a refined, almost melodic sound reminiscent of a soft piano key press. The overall sound profile is subtle, making it great for anyone who prefers a quieter typing experience but still wants some auditory feedback from each key press.

Switch Sound

The sound of the Akko Piano is softer than sound other linear switches, which make it a good option for office work. The Akko Piano creates a soft clack in its stock form. For those that enjoy a clacky sound profile that doesn't sound too sharp then the Akko Piano would be a great budget option to try. 

Here is a sound test of the Akko Piano:

Wuque WS Brown

Product Details

Name	Wuque WS Brown
Type	Tactile
Top Housing Material	Nylon
Bottom Housing Material	Nylon
Stem Material	POM
Bottom Out Force	55g
Tactile Force	63±10g
Spring	22mm double-staged
Pre Travel	2.0±0.5mm
Total Travel	3.8±0.3mm
Mount	5 pin
Factory Lubed	Yes

Switch Feel

The Wuque WS Brown is defined by its medium, smooth tactile bump that appears early in the keystroke. The bump is noticeable and pronounced, offering a satisfying feedback to make it easy to feel when the switch has been actuated without being overly aggressive. This makes the Wuque WS Brown Tactile a great switch for those who prefer a pronounced tactile bump right at the top of each keypress, with a sharpness comparable to more premium tactile switches. The actuation force is moderate, offering just the right amount of resistance to ensure you don’t accidentally bottom out while still being easy to press. The switch feels smooth throughout the entire travel, without any noticeable wobble but with a little bit of scratch. The Wuque WS Brown Tactile switch is a great option for those that want to try a medium spring weight and sharp tactility for an entry level price. 

Switch Sound

The sound of the Wuque WS Brown is relatively clacky when actuated compared to other tactile switches that sound more thocky, however it still produces a satisfying "thock" when bottoming out. The sharp tactile bump is accompanied by a short linear post-actuation to provide a comfortable cushion for each keypress. The Wuque WS Brown tactile creates a sharp yet thin sound, allowing users to have a satisfying auditory experience without having to worry about typing too loudly. 

Here is a sound test of the Wuque WS Brown:

Outemu Cream Yellow

Product Details

Name	Outemu Cream Yellow
Type	Silent Tactile
Top Housing Material	Nylon
Bottom Housing Material	Nylon
Stem Material	POM
Actuation Force	45g
Bottom Out Force	60g
Total Travel	3.3mm
Mount	5 pin
Factory Lubed	Yes

Switch Feel

Despite the silent dampening, the Outemu Cream Yellow retains the tactile feedback which allows users to feel each keystroke without disturbing those around them. The Outemu Cream Yellow has a tactile bump at the top of the keypress and has a similar crispness as the Boba switches. The Outemu Cream Yellow offers a smooth and satisfying typing feel without sacrificing the tactility for quietness, which makes them an ideal choice for shared spaces. 

Switch Sound

The Outemu Cream Yellow Silent Tactile Switch offers a respectably quiet typing experience. True to its name, the Outemu Cream Yellow creates a "creamy" silent typing sound. 

Here is a sound test of the Outemu Cream Yellow:

Gateron Curry

Product Details

Name	Gateron EF Curry
Type	Linear
Top Housing Material	PC
Bottom Housing Material	Nylon
Stem Material	POM
Operating Force	50g
Spring	15mm
Pre Travel	2.0+0.5mm
Total Travel	4.0mm
Mount	5 pin
Factory Lubed	Yes

Switch Feel

The Gateron EF Curry comes slightly factory lubed on the rails of the stems and it feels silky smooth to type on with no noticeable scratch. It feels soft when bottoming out, due to the nylon bottom housing, and when topping out the return on each keypress feels responsive and poppy. 

Switch Sound

The Gateron EF Curry has a soft and relatively muted bottom out with a solid and louder top out. Gateron EF Curry has a mixture of both deep thocky sounds and high clacky sounds. When bottoming out the Gateron EF Curry has a lower pitched sound signature, possibly due to the nylon bottom housing, and when topping out the Gateron EF Curry has a higher pitched sound signature, possibly due to the PC top housing. 

Here is a sound test of the Gateron EF Curry:

Gateron Milky Yellow

Product Details

Name	Gateron Milky Yellow
Type	Linear
Top Housing Material	Nylon PA66, milky housing
Bottom Housing Material	Nylon PA66, milky housing
Stem Material	POM
Operating Force	50±15gf
Total Travel	4.0mm
Mount	5 pin
Factory Lubed	Yes

Switch Feel

The Gateron KS-3 Milky Yellow competes with more expensive switches with how smooth and consistent each keypress is. The Gateron KS-3 Milky Yellow have a clean and solid bottom out which makes it feel more premium than is reflected in their price. 

The stem wobble on the Gateron KS-3 Milky Yellow is nothing to write about, but the are still comparable with more expensive switches. There is relatively less wobble in the E/W direction than in the N/S direction.

Switch Sound

The Gateron KS-3 Milky Yellow have a "creamy" and deep lower pitched sound profile. When bottoming out the Gateron KS-3 Milky Yellow produce a clean and solid sound without sounding hollow or plastic-y. The top out sound of the Gateron KS-3 Milky Yellow is slightly more muted and hollow, which is a common theme for lighter spring switches. 

Here is a sound test of the Gateron Milky Yellow:

Other Reading

How to Mod Your Mechanical Keyboard for Better Sound and Feel

How to Build Your First Mechanical Keyboards: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ultimate HMX Switch Showdown: Sound Test & Switch Review

Top Mechanical Keyboard Layouts: Which One is Right for You?

HMX Cheese Linear Switch Review

HMX Macchiato Linear Switch Review

Cherry MX Black Clear Top  "Nixie" Linear Switch Review