Switch Options Info

Summary

PMK PCBs are built with MX-style hotswap sockets. This means users can easily install any MX style switch into the keyboard. 

We stock and source several switch brands and styles. If you want something that is not listed, customers can choose custom options for us to source and install for a small fee.

Here's a list of what we stock:

For more information on an individual switch, take a look at the product page for each switch by scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Note: All switches listed are factory lubed or self-lubricating.

Choosing a Switch

There are hundreds of great guides on choosing switches, but here you'll find a quick guide to selecting a switch for your fully-built keyboard using our stock offerings.

First, decide if you want a Linear, Tactile, or Clicky switch. 

Linear switches feel smooth as you press and release the switch. The only sensory feedback you'll get is when the switch bottoms or tops out, even though most switches actuate about halfway down their press.

In contrast, you'll feel a bump as you push and release a Tactile switch. Typically the bump feel corresponds to the actuation of the switch.

Clicky switches feel like Tactile switches, but they also produce an audible click through an added mechanism. 

Linear Options

We stock Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, Yellow, White, and Silver linear switches. These are great value and come pre-lubed so they feel very smooth out of the box. The Main difference is the weight of the spring. Reds are the most common spring weight at 45gf. Yellows are slightly heavier (50gf), and Whites are slightly lighter (38gf). Silvers are a little special: they are speed switches. Their actuation point is at 1.2mm instead of the typical 2mm, so they feel more responsive. 

If you'd like a unique, premium linear switch, we can also install IQUNIX Moonstones (linear) and Moonstone Turbos (speed linear). Again, the main difference here is the actuation point. The Turbos actuate at 1.0mm instead of the standard 2.0mm. The turbos are also a little heavier (45gf) than the standard moonstones (37gf). 

Tactile Options

We stock Gateron G Pro 3.0 Browns and Akko Lavender Pros as our value pick choices, as well as Glorious Pandas as a premium choice. All come pre-lubed, but they all feel quite different. In order of weight, Glorious Pandas are the heaviest, followed by the Gateron Browns, and then the Akko Lavenders. All three come pre-lubed.

Clicky Option

We only stock Gateron Melodics. They use a unique mechanism to generate the click sound that makes it our only recommendation for Clicky switches. Our fully-built keyboards include on Melodic for the layer switching key. 

Does Lube Matter?

Yes. The sound and feel of a keyboard are dramatically improved by using lubed switches. Lube reduces the friction and it also softens the the impact of the plastic when the switch bottoms and tops out. This typically deepens the sound.

The real question is: are the benefits of hand-lubed switches worth the time or money investment compared to factory-lubed switches?

This is much more subjective. Hand-lubing switches will result in a slightly smoother feel and it will typically dampen and deepen the sound of the switch. If you value those properties, it may be worth your time (or money) to lube your switches further.