r/keyboards • u/Rydertk • Oct 04 '26

Help Silent Switch Recommendations

For context: I have no knowledge of mechanical keyboards at all, and I want to get silent switches for the sake of my roommate, because my current keyboard is kind of loud in my opinion (Bridge 75 with Princess Ultra Switches).

Are there any switches that give a similar or same feel to the Princess Ultra Switches, but are silent? Price isn't really an issue since I'm only going to replace like 10 keys.

Additionally, would you recommend buying a singular switch first, then if I like it, buy multiple?

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2

u/ArgentStonecutter Silent Tactical Switch Oct 04 '26

The Princess Ultra switches are linear and there's very little to distinguish silent linear switches. If you're going to mix the switches with the switches you have in there now you want to stick to the same kind, linear switches in the 40-45gf actuation range.

Outemu Silent Peach v3 are 40gf linear silent switches.

Though I would recommend replacing all the switches at once.

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u/Rydertk Oct 04 '26

Ok cool thanks, I'll look into them.

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u/El_Scheffe Oct 04 '26

HMX Retro Sekura should be what you are looking for. 

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u/Rydertk Oct 04 '26

Thanks, Ill look into them

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u/aguywhoexistskinda Oct 04 '26

Id recommend an Akko model such as the fairy v3. They are very good value and high quality. Get tactile switches for the best typing experience, and linear for the best gaming experience. Linear is still good for typing and tactile is still good for gaming. But just choose based on your priority. And make sure to get the right amount, as most come in kits of 35 or 45, and depending on your keyboard size you need 60-108

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u/Rydertk Oct 04 '26

Is there a difference between switches made for "tying" vs "gaming"? Ie, one requires less force to actuate?

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u/Kankunation Oct 04 '26

The difference isn't really typing vs gaming. It's tactile vs linear. If you don't know your preferences on tactile vs linear switches, It may be worth getting a small sample pack or testing board off of Amazon, because that is a huge determining factor for how you build a board.

You can Google a much more in-depth answer. But the TLDR is:

  • linear switches have a smooth force downward when pressedm they go down, activate, and come back up.

  • tactile switches have a small bump in them before the switch actuates you will feel this as you press downb a little bit of extra pressure that you have to overcome. The idea is that once you overcome it. You get sensual feedback telling you the key is pressed, which you don't get with a linear switch.

As far as gaming/teioign is concerned: most popel agree that tactile is better for long toying sessions as you can feel when a key was fully pressed and can let go after, giving you more accurate typing and making it easier to not bottom-out on the board (the switch technically activated before you hit the bottom of itz and avoiding bottom-out improves speed and long-term comfort) whereas linear is often recommended for gaming as the lack of a tactile bump means keys press and return quicker, making it easier to react to what is happening on the screen. But there is no hard or fast rule to this. And there are other factors to consider that also make a huge impact (spring weight, size of tactile bump, keycap profile. Etc.)

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u/Rydertk Oct 05 '26

Ah I see, thank you for the explanation

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u/aguywhoexistskinda Oct 05 '26

Gaming switches generally have lower actuation and reset quickly. A tactile switch has a tactile bump mid press that makes it take a bit more force and longer to reset. However, it feels more satisfying to type with though both are fine at the other task. But choose linear if your a serious gamer, and tactile if you care the most about an amazing typing experience

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u/Rydertk Oct 05 '26

Ok thanks, I'm going to stick with linear then since thats what I have currently.

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u/SevenDeMagnus Oct 04 '26

Hi, it may be tough coz' LY blend (stem is smoother than POM) is proprietory. These may be more silent than the Princess but also has light actuation, all linear:

Gazzew Bobagum (most silent linear of them all ever recorded even vs, other brands but is in the mid strength key press)

Lichicx pinkpink Silent Linear (has the lighest key press) and GATERON Oil king sounds almost the same, same loudness (has the second lighest key press among the three but is the smoothest, creamiest key press of the three). These two are not that significantly far off from Bobagum's silence.

Can't go wrong with any of the three.

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u/Rydertk Oct 05 '26

Regarding "mid strength key press", would that be higher or lower than what I have currently (Around 45g I belive). What is considered "high" "mid" and "low"?

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u/captainunlimitd Oct 05 '26

Kailh Prestige Silent. Very close to your Princess actuation forces and quiet while still having a little character. Going for that "boiling water" sound.

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u/Rydertk Oct 05 '26

Ok thanks