There's a lot that goes into the best gaming keyboards, and switches are only part of the picture. The entire composition doesn't fall apart with a less than stellar switch in place, especially as so many boards are hot swappable. But if you're picky about typing sound, the search for your perfect key switch just got a little easier.
Switch Lab is a browser-based library of 100 switch sounds, collecting together switches from Cherry, Gateron, Outemu and more. Obviously, feel is just as important as sound, but we don't yet live in a cyberpunk dystopia that can transmit textural experiences over the net. Shame.
Anyway, after a brief introduction to how Switch Lab works, you can begin comparing and contrasting switch sounds. You can either hammer a solo switch with just your mouse, or load a full set into a virtual keyboard for a typing test where a cat pesters you. I have a pretty clacky keyboard in the office at PCG Towers, so this latter test did not give me the best sense of switch sound (and that fidgeting feline kept dragging down my accuracy score to boot).
Each switch enjoys its own detailed catalogue page, offering pointers on what sort of typist it's great for, alongside suggestions for switches in a similar ballpark if it doesn't quite hit the mark for you. There's weight, pricing information, and even links to extended sound test videos on YouTube.
As a huge fan of Be Quiet's silent switches (the Light Mount TKL remains my daily driver at home), I've disappeared down a bit of a rabbit hole on Switch Lab. I first loved the cozy vibes of the Keygeek Oat, but then stumbled upon the TTC Frozen Silent V2 which seems properly quiet. According to Switch Lab, the Leobog Silent cotton Candy is even more understated and—whups! I've just added more than 50 bucks worth of switches to my shopping cart.
The dangers to my wallet aside, this switch sound library isn't without its quirks. For one, you don't get to try out each of the 100 currently catalogued switches from the off. To unlock the first 40, you have to either review the site or share it with a friend. More switch sounds can then be unlocked as a daily login bonus.
Yeah, I wasn't expecting live service mechanics in this humble switch library of all things. Speaking of, there's a selection of lightweight games here too, including multiple speed typing tests with leaderboards and even a Taiko no Tatsujin clone. Who thought a switch sound library would be quite so extra?
1. Best overall:
Wooting 80HE
2. Best budget:
Gamakay x Naughshark NS68
3. Best 60%:
Wooting 60HE v2
4. Best 75%:
Keychron K2 HE
5. Best mechanical:
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
6. Best silent:
Be Quiet! Light Mount
7. Best ergonomic:
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
8. Best membrane:
Glorious GMBK 75%
