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Best Clicky Switches [2022]

Switches and keyboards on a desk with a planet

Are you a fan of a crisp tactile bump paired with a nice, sharp click? Clicky switches are a favorite of many but are often not talked about.

A clicky switch is a keyboard switch that produces a bump at some point in the travel, paired with a higher-pitched click. Clicky switches pair the tactility that is popular with tactile switches with additional audio feedback.

With the abundance of clicky switches in the custom keyboard market, it can get extremely confusing to find the right switches for you. Today we are going to discuss the best clicky switches from our testing.

Terminology

Whenever switches are mentioned, there are always some confusing terms involved, so let’s go through them.

Click Jacket: A system that makes a loud click sound when pressed down but no click when the upstroke. This system functions by having a collar around the stem of the switch that is pushed downward and actually causes the clicking sound and activates the switch. Click jackets are the system used in Cherry MX Blues and clones.

Click Bar: A system in which a metal bar is placed and when pushed it creates a click. The click bar plays no role in the switch actually being activated but simply makes a sound and provides a tactile feel. The stem of the switch then makes contact just under the contact from this bar to activate the switch. This system is preferred by enthusiasts who like clicky switches because it allows for a more satisfying experience with stronger tactility.

Box Switches: Although there are box switches for all types of switches, they are especially popular among clicky switches. Box switches don’t get the word box from the shape of their stem but rather a different internal mechanism for activating the switch that is surrounded by a small box within the switch. This structure allows these switches to be dust-proof.

Tactile Event: The bump in the switches travel.

Pre-Travel: Any linear or smooth uninterrupted travel before the tactile event.

Post-Travel: Post-travel is the linear travel after the tactile event.

Actuation: Actuation is when the switch activates and outputs to the device.

Bottom Out: When the switch finishes traveling and hits the bottom housing.

Leaf: The metallic contacts in a switch, these themselves actually actuate the switch. The leaf is in the bottom housing as the picture shows.

Diagram pointing to the leaf on a mechanical keyboard switch.

Ping / Spring Ping / Leaf Ping: This is a metallic reverb produced by the sound of the spring, leaf, or both. In most cases it can be fixed by lube.

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Disclaimer… Please Read!

This review is largely preference, my rankings will likely be very different from yours. Do not base your opinions solely based on mine.Use this guide to gain a general understanding of the switch and where enthusiasts like me stand on these switches. Guides like this, sound tests, and opinions of content creators like Teaha Types are good ways to find switches that you believe are interesting and worth trying. Ultimately we recommend you to just hit up your local vendor and buy a pack of whatever switch your fingers and ears desire to try them out. That way you can find the best switch for you.

Also, note we will not talk about the feel of these switches after lubing. Typically clicky switches do not require lubing and can even take the clickiness or even tactility away from the switch. If you do want to lube your clicky switch then we would suggest lubing the spring with Krytox GPL 105 oil although this truly isn’t needed.

1. Kailh x NovelKeys Box Jades: Thick Clicks, Nice Weight

The NovelKeys Box Jades are a clicky switch designed by NovelKeys and manufactured by Kailh. Box Jades feature a thick clickbar for peak tactility and a click that is probably the loudest of any switch I have tested.

The Jades activate with a force of 50g at a travel distance of 1.8mm and bottom out at 3.6mm with a force of 65g. NovelKeys states they are IP56 water and dust-resistant.

We have put them at the top of this list as they feature an extremely sharp tactile bump paired with a very crisp click. Additionally, the weight does not get too fatiguing after typing for long periods.

2. Kailh x NovelKeys Box Navys: Strong Click, Heavy Weight

Kailh Box Navy keyboard switch sitting on a plant

If you think you would like the Box Jades then NovelKeys’s Box Navy switches are the same switch except with a heavier spring.

The Box Navys have the same IP56 rating, thick clickbar, 1.8mm actuation distance, and 3.6mm total travel. The only difference is that they actuate at 75g and bottom out at 90g.

We do like the thick clickbar of the Navys and Jades but because the spring is heavier we find that they can get fatiguing more easily.

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3. Kailh Box Whites: Jades Younger Cousin

Kailh’s Box Whites are a fantastic clicky switch utilizing a clickbar for a strong tactile bump and thick click. Unlike the Jades and Navys, the Box Whites do not use a thick clickbar meaning the tactility will be less sharp and they will not be as loud.

Box whites still utilize the box mechanism, hence the name, so they are rated for IP56 dust and water resistance. The switches activate at 1.8mm with a force of 45g and bottom out at 3.6mm with a force of 55g.

If you want a sharp tactile bump and a crisp click but you find that your finger gets fatigued easily, the Box Whites may be a better option for you over either the Jades or Navys.

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4. Kailh x NovelKeys Sherbet: Long Travel, Strong Bump

NovelKeys’s Sherbet switches still provide a clickbar like the previous options on this list but have a few key differences. The Sherbets feature the standard MX switch design rather than the shape of box switches.

The NovelKeys Sherbets feature a 45g actuation force at 2mm and bottom out at 4mm with a force of 85g. For those that prefer a longer travel and may be looking for a slightly quieter click. The Sherbet will provide that over the Jades, Navys, or Whites.

The clickbar allows the Sherbets to still have a very satisfying click and makes them a very solid option for clicky switches.

5. Outemu Phoenix: Solid Clickjacket

Outemu Phoenix keyboard switch by some plants

Typically we find that clicky switches with a clickbar mechanism feature the best experience but there are a few clickjackets that are quite solid. The Outemu Phoneix features a clickjacket, the same system as switches like Cherry MX Blues.

Unlike Blues, Outemu Phoenix’s have a strong tactile bump, albeit less than the Jades, and feature a click both when activating the switch and on the return. You also get two different weight options with either a 62g or 68g option.

Although there are many clicky options to consider the Outemu Phoenix’s provide a unique take on the clickjacket system that is worth trying if interested.

Conclusion

NK Jade keyboard switches on a desk.

All of these switches are great option to make your keyboard clicky. We do recommend that before you make any decisions you consider multiple different options and maybe watch some reviews or listen to some sound tests as it is hard to fully describe the experience of a switch in just a few paragraphs.

If you are also looking at tactile and linear switches, check out our best linear and best tactile switch articles. When you are ready to try or buy any of these switches then a great place to start is by looking at your local vendor. Take a look at our vendor list. A compilation of tons of keyboard vendors sorted by region.

If you enjoyed this article and you want to talk more about tech then consider joining our Discord and as always thanks for reading!

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Are Mouse Bungees Worth It?

Gaming mouse with a mouse bungee

If you use a wired mouse one of the issues that you may face is your wire dragging on your desk, getting caught on something, or ruining your flicks while gaming. This can get very annoying and even cost you a game if it happens in the midst of a final gunfight.

Luckily there is a solution to fix this issue with wired gaming mice, mouse bungees. Mouse bungees are very useful and are commonly used among competitive gamers. If you want to learn more about mouse bungees and how one could improve your gaming experience, keep reading to find out.

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Their Purpose

Mouse bungees are supposed to mitigate the snagging and dragging of a mouse cable on the desk. They achieve this by lifting the cable using an arm made from a spring. This reduces the friction and therefore drag from the cable on the surface of a desk. It can also mitigate problems like your cable feeling inconsistent because it hits things on your desk.

Mouse bungees help you almost forget about the cable and if set up well can make the mouse feel almost wireless. However, this depends on the type of cable your mouse has. If it has a nice flexible cable like most of the high-end mice, it feels great, however, a more traditional one feels better but not as good.

Additionally, if you have anything on your desk it would help it getting stuck or help the cable from falling behind the desk. For example, I used to have a monitor stand which was quite intrusive and a mouse bungee helped a lot with the cable getting stuck.

Overall a mouse bungee should help improve the experience of using a wired gaming mouse. It should make the gaming experience more consistent and make sure that you have to worry less about the mouse and more about the game.

How To Set One Up

Side view of a mouse bungee

Setting up a mouse bungee is pretty simple. You just need to route a part of the cable through the bungee. The confusing part is finding what is right for your setup.

Generally, I put my mouse bungee a couple of inches above my mousepad and fully extend the arm. Then pull the cable through the arm so that I am able to move the mouse all around my intended mouse area. I would then pull the cable a little more so that there was some wiggle room.

You really just have to play around with it until it feels good. However, make sure not to use too little of the cable, or else the mouse bungee could pull on the cable. Just play around with the positioning until it works well for you.

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Do You Need A Mouse Bungee

Needing a mouse bungee really depends on your situation and your priorities. Ultimately it is up to you and how much the wire bothers you. If you find that the cable is snagging or dragging too much then definitely consider one. However, if it doesn’t annoy you, it might be better to save money.

A mouse bungee could help you while gaming to play better and more consistently. I’ve found that when using different setups, having a mouse bungee makes me more consistent. If you game on different setups then a mouse bungee could be very useful.

If you have a very messy setup and you find that your wire gets caught on things often, then a mouse bungee could be very useful for you.

Who Uses Mouse Bungees

Many people who want the best out of their mice use a bungee, such as pros. Mouse bungees are very common among competitive gamers that use wired mice. Although wireless mice have become very popular recently in the gaming scene, they still are very expensive.

Professional gamers need a smooth experience so they use bungees. Also, when they go from tournament to tournament they need to play consistently and a mouse bungee allows them to do so.

Many competitive gamers that are not even pros still use mouse bungees because of the benefits they can provide. Those who play games where sudden flicks of the mouse are common often utilize mouse bungees and benefit from them.

Buying one won’t make you a pro but it could help depending on your setup.

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Solid Options

There are many great options for mouse bungees on the market that all compete with each other. Since there aren’t really features in bungees getting one that works properly and reliably is the main goal.

Some good options are the mouse bungees from Razor, Zowie, and Glorious. All of these are great, more traditional options, with hefty bases to avoid them from moving about. There are cheaper options that still provide the same experience but may not have as nice of a build.

Our Favorite

Zowie has been known for making some of the best equipment for esports and competitive gamers. Their CAMADE II gaming mouse bungee is no different.

The CAMADE II is well built with good materials, it supports most mice, and features two height options. You can’t go wrong with this bungee because it is tried and tested by many streamers and pros. Personally, this is the mouse bungee that I use and I have no complaints about it.

RGB Option

If you love RGB then Razer has you covered with their Gaming Mouse Bungee V3 Chroma. Like the Zowie option, it uses strong materials and it is also a great option that you can’t go wrong with. RGB peripherals are often a great way to add more to the look of your setup and its theme. The lighting works with Razer’s Synapse software.

This bungee is exactly like the non-chroma version of Razer’s Mouse Bungee V3 but adds vibrant RGB lighting. If you still want the great performance of this bungee but you don’t want RGB then you can save money and go with the non-RGB version.

White Option

If you want a white mouse bungee that matches your setup then Glorious’ Gaming Mouse Bungee is the one for you. Like the other two options, it delivers great performance and you should have no complaints about it.

Glorious gives you basically everything you could want is a mouse bungee with the option to get it in white in addition to black.

Alternatives

Tape Mod

Mouse wire tied to a monitor

If you don’t have to money to buy one but still get bothered by the cable getting dragged there is still an option. You can tape the cable up to your monitor which lifts the cable over the desk.

This would reduce the drag however is, of course, less effective. This method also won’t look as nice as using a bungee with it is an easy way to save $10 to $20.

Wireless Mice

A wireless gaming mouse

Additionally, if a cable really bothers you, and your budget permits, it is possible to buy a wireless mouse. This completely gets rid of the cable and makes a mouse bungee obsolete, however, it is not a cheap alternative.

We wouldn’t recommend getting a wireless mouse over a wired mouse and a bungee if all you care about is performance. If you also care about the looks of your setup and you want a clean, simple solution then a wireless mouse is great, assuming your budget permits.

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Conclusion

Side view of a mouse bungee

Mouse bungees are very useful if you have a wired mouse since they prevent the cable from snagging and dragging across the desk. They lift up the cable above the desk preventing it from touching the desk causing unnecessary friction. This should hopefully improve your gaming experience.

A mouse bungee won’t instantaneously make you a pro but it could help you play better, more consistently, and also improve the overall experience. They are a great way to improve the experience of a wired mouse without paying the premium for a wireless mouse.

Thanks for reading and if you enjoyed this article then consider checking out some of our other mouse content.

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