Overview
Clicky switches are a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who love the distinctive, audible "click" feedback with every keypress. They offer a satisfying tactile and auditory experience, often making typing feel more engaging and immersive. We’ll take a look at five different clicky switches that each deliver their unique combination of feel and sound. Whether you prefer something closer to a linear feel with just a hint of tactile resistance or something with a louder, punchier click, there’s a clicky switch here for every preference.
| WS BigLucky Clicky |
| Gateron Melodic |
| Kailh Box Jade Thick |
| Kailh Box Summer |
| Outemu Ocean Clicky |
WS BigLucky Clicky
Product Details
- Total Travel :4 .0±0.30mm
- Pre-Travel: 2.0±0.40mm
- Actuation Force: 40+10gf
- Tactile Force: 50+10gf
- Lifespan: 100 million keystrokes
- Spring: SUS304 Spring
- Factory Lubed: Yes
Switch Feel
The WS BigLucky Clicky feels most similar to the Kailh clicky switches. The WS BigLucky Clicky uses a similar metal bar as the Kailh clicky swithces to achieve the clicky mechanism, but instead of the box design within the housing, the WS BigLucky Clicky uses the tradiation mx style metal leaf. The WS BigLucky Clicky comes factory lubed on the rails and legs of the stem, providing one of the smoother typing experiences within clicky switches. Due to its light spring weight the WS BigLucky Clicky has a smooth typing experience that feels most like a linear switch with just a bit of resistance at the start of the keypress to activate the clicky mechanism. The WS BigLucky Clicky would be a good clicky switch option if you are looking for as close to a linear switch typing feel and want to experiment with typing on clicky switches.
Switch Sound
The WS BigLucky Clicky has the least sharpest clicky-ness in terms of typing sound compared to the rest of the clicky switches in this list. In terms of pitch, the WS BigLucky Clicky lies around the middle of the list. It is lower pitched than the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Ocean Clicky, and it is higher pitched than the Kailh Box Thick Jade and the Kailh Box Summer. The WS BigLucky Clicky would be a good option to try if you are looking for a clicky switch that provides an overall exposure to clicky switches.
Here is a sound test of the WS BigLucky Clicky:
Gateron Melodic Clicky
Product Details
- Type: Clicky
- Top Material: PC
- Bottom Material: Nylon
- Stem Material: POM
- Operating Force: 60±12gf
- Pre Travel: 2.0±0.6mm
- Total Travel: 4mm
- Mount: 5 pin
- SMD LED Support: yes
Switch Feel
Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch its own unique click leaf mechanism to produce the clicky sound. The activation feel of the Gateron Melodic can be compared to the feel of a tactile switch with the slight increase in force at the click leaf, but shortly after activation the operating force of the Gateron Melodic reverts to a lower force required to bottom out. Gateron Melodic has a sharp clicky leaf at the top of the keypress followed by linear travel after the click. Past the click leaf, Gateron Melodic feels consistent to type on with minimal stem wobble. This could be due to the dual rail stem design of the Gateron Melodic that allows for tighter tolerances and the conistent factory lube.
Switch Sound
As a clicky switch, the Gateron Melodic sound profile is dictated by its "click." Rather than sounding metallic, the Gateron Melodic clicks sound less metallic and is reminiscent of the sound of clicking a pen. The light clicks of the Gateron Melodic are isolated and tight to produce a clean clicky sound. The Gateron Melodic would be a great choice for you if you like the sound of a thinner clicky switch and the feel of a light tactile switch.
Here is a sound test of the Gateron Melodic:
Kailh Box Jade Thick Clicky
Product Details
- Type: Clicky
- Top Material: PC
- Bottom Material: Nylon PA66
- Stem Material: MX stem
- Operating Force: 50 gf
- Bottom Out Force: 60g
- Mount: 3 pin
- Total Travel: 3.6 mm
- Factory Lube: No
- SMD LED Support: Yes
Switch Feel
The Kailh Box Jade Thick Clicky does not come factory lubed, but due to its clicky mechanism design it has a very controlled typing feel that contains the stem as it actuates the clicky metal bar. Due to the metal bar for achieving the clicky sound, the Kailh Box Jade Thick Clicky has a strong and distinct tactile-like feel upon actuation. Coupled with a relatively heavier spring weight, the Kailh Box Jade Thick Clicky provides a strong feedback during typing. If you are a heavier typer and want a stronger feedback as you type, the Kailh Box Jade Thick Clicky would be a great choice to try.
Switch Sound
Just as the Kailh Box Jade Thick Clicky leaves a strong impression for its typing feel, the Kailh Box Jade Thick Clicky also leaves a strong impression for its typing sound. Due to its heavier spring weight, the Kailh Box Jade Thick Clicky produces a loud and full clicky sound that can be described as "thick." The clicky-ness sounds controlled and contained without any unnecessary rattles, possibly due to the design of the box mechanism within the switch that contains the switch. The Kailh Box Jade Thick Clicky would be a good clicky switch to try if you like an impressionable keyboard experience that lets you feel and hear each keypress.
Here is a sound test of the Kailh Box Jade Thick Clicky:
Kailh Box Summer Clicky
Product Details
- Type: Clicky
- Housing Material: PC
- Stem Material: POM
- Operating Force: 50±15 gf
- Tactile Force: 55±15 gf
- Mount: 5 pin
- Total Travel: 3.6±0.3 mm
- Factory Lube: No
Switch Feel
The feel of the Kailh Box Summer Clicky is most similar to the Kailh Box Thick Jade Clicky, since they both use the same mechanism for achieving the clicky sound and fee. The most noticeable biggest difference between the two is the difference in bottom out force. The Kailh Box Summer Clicky is slightly lighter in bottom out force, meaning that it requires less force to press for those who are lighter typers. Similar to the Kailh Box Thick Jade, the Kailh Box Summer Clicky has a unique "click box" design that uses a metal bar to achieve the clicky feel. This clicky design not only produces the clicky sound but it provides a distinct tactile like feel upon activating the clicky mechanism. Although, the Kailh Box Summer Clicky does not come with factory lube it still provides a controlled typing experience due to the clicky mechanism containing the stem during actuation. The Kailh Box Summer Clicky would be a good option for those who like the clicky mechanism in the Kailh Box Thick Jade but want a slightly ligther typing experience.
Switch Sound
Just as the Kailh Box Summer Clicky was similar to the Kailh Box Thick Jade in terms of feel, they are also similar, although not exactly the same, in typing sound due to similar materials and design. The Kailh Box Summer Clicky sounds slightly less loud, thinner, and slightly higher pitched than the Kailh Box Thick Jade due to the lighter spring weight while still retaining the same clicky acoustics as the Kailh Box Thick Jade.
Here is a sound test of the Kailh Box Summer Clicky:
Outemu Ocean Clicky
Product Details
- Type: Clicky
- Top Material: Polycarbonate
- Bottom Material: Nylon
- Stem Construction: Box
- Operating Force: 55g
- Pre Travel: 2.2 mm
- Travel: 4mm
- Mount: 3 pin
Typing Feel
The Outemu Ocean Clicky feels relatively smooth for clicky switch, since most clicky switches have a moving part to them to achieve the clicky sound. It comes very lightly lubed that is hardly visible, most likely to maximize the clicky-ness of the switch. There is quite a bit of stem wobble in the E/W direction, and slightly less in the N/S direction. Overall, the Outemu Clicky feels pretty well contained for a clicky switch and would be a good option for those looking for a medium weight clicky switch.
Typing Sound
The Outemu Ocean Clicky uses a stem design with a similar idea to that of a Cherry MX Blue Clicky to achieve the clicky mechanism. There are two parts to the stem, the top part of the stem for the keycaps and the bottom part for the stem rails and stem legs. This allows for the bottom part of the stem to freely move up and down as the switch is actuated, which creates the clicky mechanism. Similar to other clicky switches, the Outemu Ocean Click produces a clicky sound when actuating. The Outemu Ocean Click would be a good option to try if you are looking for clicky switch with a transparent housing for RGB and 3 pin mounting.
Here is a sound test of the Outemu Ocean Clicky:
Conclusion
These five clicky switches provide mechanical keyboard users with a wide range of clicky typing feel and sound experiences. Whether you're looking for a light, almost linear feel or a strong, distinct click, there's something here for everyone. From the smoother typing experience of the WS BigLucky Clicky to the deep, thick sound of the Kailh Box Jade Thick, each switch brings a unique personality to your keyboard. Let’s break down what makes each switch stand out:
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WS BigLucky Clicky: A smooth, light typing feel with a subtle tactile resistance, great for those who want a near-linear experience with a clicky sound.
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Gateron Melodic Clicky: Features a pen-like click sound and a click that gives a lighter, cleaner feedback, perfect for fans of a gentle click with minimal wobble.
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Kailh Box Jade Thick Clicky: Known for its strong tactile-like feedback and loud, controlled click, ideal for heavier typers or those who want a more forceful typing experience.
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Kailh Box Summer Clicky: Offers a slightly lighter typing experience than the Box Jade, with a thinner, higher-pitched click while retaining that signature “click box” design.
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Outemu Ocean Clicky: Provides a satisfying click with a transparent housing for better RGB visibility, ideal for those who want a balanced typing feel and aesthetic appeal.
Each switch brings its own vibe, ensuring that no matter your preference, you’ll find a clicky switch that’s perfect for your setup.
👉 You can buy these switches on our site:
Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you have any questions!
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