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EnglishWhat mechanical switch brands are available at NovelKeys?
Updated
NovelKeys stocks mechanical switches from Cherry, Gateron, TTC, and KTT, among others, according to the site's own description. That means you can buy switches from several well-known manufacturers in one order, rather than sourcing each brand separately. The exact in-stock lineup changes over time, so treat the brand list as a starting point and check current product pages for specific models.
Brands the site says it carries
NovelKeys describes its switch selection as including:
- Cherry — the long-standing German manufacturer behind the original MX switch design.
- Gateron — a widely used alternative known for smooth travel and a broad range of variants.
- TTC — a manufacturer that produces a large family of linear, tactile, and clicky switches.
- KTT — another switch maker whose models appear in the custom keyboard space.
- And more — the site's wording leaves room for additional brands beyond this list.
Because the description says "and more," the safest way to confirm a specific brand or model is available is to browse the switch category on the site itself.
What actually differs between these brands
Brand name alone doesn't determine how a switch feels. Within each brand there are usually multiple lines, and the differences that matter to a buyer are:
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Switch type | Linear, tactile, or clicky changes the feel and sound fundamentally |
| Actuation force | Heavier or lighter springs affect typing fatigue and preference |
| Travel distance | Total and pre-travel affect how the switch responds |
| Housing and stem material | Can influence smoothness and sound signature |
| Mount style | Must match your keyboard's PCB or hot-swap socket |
So "Cherry vs. Gateron" is less useful than comparing the specific models you're considering.
Compatibility is the first thing to check
Before choosing a brand, confirm the switch fits your keyboard:
- Hot-swap sockets accept switches with the matching pin layout (typically 3-pin or 5-pin). Many switches can be used in either, but 5-pin switches may need the two extra plastic legs clipped for a 3-pin socket.
- Soldered builds require desoldering to change switches, so the choice is more permanent.
- Plate and PCB clearance matters for some switch designs.
If you're unsure what your board supports, that constraint narrows your options more than brand preference does.
How to decide
- Identify your keyboard's switch mount (3-pin vs. 5-pin, hot-swap vs. soldered).
- Pick a switch type — linear, tactile, or clicky — based on the feel you want.
- Compare specific models across the brands NovelKeys carries, looking at force and travel numbers rather than brand reputation alone.
- Buy a small quantity first if you're trying an unfamiliar brand or model, since feel is subjective.
- Check current availability, because the site's stock and preorder status change frequently.
A note on preorders
Some NovelKeys listings are preorders rather than in-stock items. The site's own preorder text states that preordered products do not currently exist in inventory, that placing a preorder commits you to purchasing, and that there are no refunds or order cancellations. It also notes that timelines are estimates and can change without notice. If you need switches soon, filter for in-stock items rather than preorders.