Here at Keyedout, we obsess over the pursuit of the perfect typing experience. Often, that leads us to explore various switch options and create the perfect list posts for you guys. So if you’re a fan of heavy tactile switches, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll introduce you to the heaviest tactile switches.
What defines the heaviest tactile switches?
Before diving into my top picks, let’s clarify what makes a tactile switch heavy.
The amount of force required to register a keystroke is what determines how heavy a switch feels. We usually measure this force in grams (g) or centinewtons (cN).
Cherry MX Grey
$0.44 / SwitchFirst, let’s talk about the Cherry MX Grey, one of the heaviest tactile switches ever made. They can be a bit tricky to find, though, because they’re considered a “special” switch by Cherry.
These switches are super heavy, stiff, and perfect for heavy-handed typists. To give you an idea, they feel like a rougher and heavier version of the Cherry MX Browns.
As for the materials, like other Cherry switches, it uses POM for the stem and nylon for the housings. These switches have a 4mm total travel and a 2mm pre-travel, and they also have an 80g operating force.
Zealios V2
$0.82 / SwitchNext, we have the Zealios V2 switches, made by ZealPC in partnership with Gateron. They are the successors to the original Zealios, with a new and bigger tactile bump. There is a good reason these switches are so popular. They revolutionized the stale tactile switch market.
The Zealios V2 switches feel smooth and super tactile. They have a large and pronounced tactile bump at the start of the keypress that continues all the way down. Additionally, they don’t come pre-lubed, making them sound dry but super crisp.
When it comes to the weight, they come in several different variations: 62g, 65g, 67g, and 78g. The 78g version is the heaviest, with a 2mm pretravel and a bottom-out of 4mm. The materials are unknown, but like other Gateron switches, they have a POM stem and PC housings.
WS Heavy Tactile
$0.39 / SwitchNow, let’s talk about the WS Heavy Tactile switches, made by Wuque Studio. They are part of Wuque’s WS series to compete with industry leaders such as Cherry MX or Gateron.
These switches are crisp, with a heavy and pronounced tactile bump. The tactility is on par with the Boba U4T switches, but at a lower price. They produce a deep and clean sound without any annoying spring noise.
As for the construction, they have a complete nylon housing and a POM stem. The weight is pretty heavy, with a 45g bottom-out and a 70g tactile force. Also, they have a 2 mm pretravel and a 3 mm total travel.
Drop Halo True
$0.37 / SwitchNext up, we have the Drop Halo True switches. Designed with a spring that reduces resistance, these switches are quite smooth. They have little to no friction, which is lacking in many other tactile switches.
The Drop Halo Trues have a heavy, accurate, and round tactile bump with a premium feel. Most of the tactility is on the upstroke, and the bottom-out feels great. They also have a satisfying “clack” sound with an interesting pop during activation.
They come pre-lubed with a POM stem, a PC top housing, and a nylon bottom housing. They have a 1.90mm pretravel, a 4mm total travel, a 54g actuation force, and a super heavy 100g bottom-out force.
JWK Durock T1
$0.55 / SwitchFinally, we have JWK’s most popular switch to date, the Durock T1. These switches have a “stepped” tactile feel, as opposed to the classic “rounded” one.
They have a very pronounced and heavy tactile bump right at the start of the keypress. Then followed by a smooth, linear-like travel to the bottom. Their sound is clean and crisp, with the signature ”clack” sound. Also, they have no scratchiness and are very smooth.
They have a POM stem, a nylon bottom housing, and a PC top housing. They come with a 2 mm pretravel and a 4mm total travel, with a heavy 67g bottom-out feel.
Conclusion
When it comes down to the heaviest tactile switches, these five are your best options. Whether you want heaviness, quality, or unique tactile feedback, there’s a switch for you here. But always remember, choosing the right switch depends on your personal preference. So we hope this guide helps you find the ideal heavy tactile switch.