Mechanical Key Switch Chatter & Bounce Database
Mechanical switch chatter (key bounce) occurs when physical copper contacts vibrate upon impact, triggering redundant keypress dispatches within 1ms to 30ms. Display Test Online's switch directory maps exact manufacturer actuation forces, travel distances, and debounce thresholds across 120+ switches to diagnose double-typing faults.
Cataloged Mechanical Switches (10 Models)
Chatter & Force TelemetryCherryLinear
Cherry MX Red
Force45g
Travel2.0mm
Debounce5ms
CherryClicky
Cherry MX Blue
Force60g
Travel2.2mm
Debounce5ms
CherryTactile
Cherry MX Brown
Force55g
Travel2.0mm
Debounce5ms
CherryLinear
Cherry MX Black
Force60g
Travel2.0mm
Debounce5ms
GateronLinear
Gateron Yellow
Force50g
Travel2.0mm
Debounce3ms
GateronLinear
Gateron Oil King
Force55g
Travel2.0mm
Debounce2ms
KailhClicky
Kailh Box White
Force50g
Travel1.8mm
Debounce2ms
WootingHall Effect Magnetic
Wooting Lekker L60
Force60g
Travel0.1-4.0mm
Debounce0ms
CustomTactile
Drop + Invyr Holy Panda
Force67g
Travel2.0mm
Debounce4ms
DurockLinear
Durock V2 Linear
Force62g
Travel2.0mm
Debounce3ms
Technical FAQs & Helpful Content
Mechanical Switch FAQs
Everything you need to know about this diagnostic instrument, calibration procedures, and display technical standards.
01.What is mechanical key switch chatter?
Switch chatter occurs when damaged electrical contacts inside a mechanical switch bounce rapidly during a single press, causing the keyboard controller to dispatch multiple identical keypresses (double-typing) within under 30 milliseconds.
02.How do I test my mechanical switches for double typing?
Use Display Test Online’s Switch Chatter Analyzer. Press each key repeatedly while our high-resolution performance timers measure inter-keypress intervals. Any interval under 30ms highlights potential switch bounce.
03.What is debouncing in mechanical keyboards?
Debouncing is a software or hardware delay (typically 5ms to 20ms) implemented by keyboard firmware like QMK/VIA to ignore rapid contact bounces before dispatching a keycode to the OS.
04.What is the difference between Linear, Tactile, and Clicky mechanical switches?
Linear switches provide a smooth keypress with no tactile bump. Tactile switches feature a noticeable bump at the actuation point. Clicky switches provide both a tactile bump and an audible click sound.
05.What is actuation force vs bottom-out force?
Actuation force is the physical force required to register a keypress (typically 45g–60g). Bottom-out force is the higher force required to press the stem all the way down.
06.What are Hall Effect magnetic switches (e.g. Wooting Lekker)?
Hall Effect switches use magnetic sensors rather than physical metal leaf contacts to measure actuation depth continuously, enabling 0ms debounce time and rapid trigger reset.
07.How does switch lubrication (Lube) affect key switch performance?
Applying synthetic lubricant (like Krytox 205g0) reduces stem friction, smooths key stroke travel, eliminates spring ping sound, and lowers wear on internal contacts.
08.Can dust or liquid spill cause switch chatter?
Yes, dust or liquid ingress inside metallic contact leaves creates intermittent electrical resistance, causing erratic double-typing.
09.What is hot-swappable keyboard switch replacement?
Hot-swappable PCBs feature specialized sockets allowing switches to be pulled out and replaced without soldering.
10.How do I filter mechanical switches by brand or actuation type?
Use the directory to filter by Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Wooting, or custom mechanical switches.
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