Linear switches are a fan favorite (and for good reason). Their smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes feel buttery from start to finish. No clicks. No bumps. Just pure flow. With so many affordable choices, picking the right switch can feel tricky. But don’t stress. We’ve rounded up some of the best budget linear switches on Amazon to help you find the perfect match. So, let’s not waste anymore time and get into it!
You’re likely here because you know what mechanical switches are, but just in case you don’t, here’s our article all about mechanical switches to help.
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Quick Comparison
We’ve lined up five budget linear switches to help you without the wallet sting. Check out the table below to see which one sparks your interest, then dive into our full reviews for the juicy details. Click those links to snag your favorite!
| Switch | Actuation Force | Travel Distance | Material | Unique Feature |
| Gateron Milky Yellow Pro V2 | 50g | 4.0mm | Nylon Housing, POM Stem | Milky Housing |
| Akko Rosewood | 40g | 4.0mm | Nylon House & Stem | LED Slot |
| EPOMAKER Wisteria | 45g | 3.6mm | PC/Nylon Housing, POM Stem | LED Slot |
| Wuque Studio Morandi | 50g (est.) | 3.5mm | POM Housing, UPE Stem | PMMA Light Diffuser |
| LEOBOG Reaper | 36g | 3.6mm | PC/Nylon Housing, POM Stem | Lightweight Actuation |
Gateron Milky Yellow Pro V2
Gateron Milky Yellow Pro V2 strike a comfortable balance between responsiveness and ease of use with its 50g actuation force. They’re perfect for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming.
Aesthetically, their signature milky white housings aren’t just for looks. These upper and lower housings also enhance the switches’ overall durability, making them a reliable choice for everyday use. What sets these switches apart, though, is their factory pre-lubrication. This adds a smooth (almost gliding feel) to each keystroke, reducing friction and helping to keep noise levels down. Great news if you’re working in a quiet environment or sharing space with others.
The Milky Yellow Pros are designed to go the distance with its mix of copper and soft plastic components. They’re rated for up to 50 million keystrokes. That said, keep in mind that factory lube isn’t permanent. Over time, the smoothness will fade and you’ll have to reapply the lube. Still, for their price, these switches deliver impressive value and performance.
Feeling the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro V2 switches? They’re worth a glance on Amazon!
Akko Rosewood
The Akko Rosewood have a 40g actuation force that gives you a smooth typing experience. Their nylon rosewood finish not only looks great but also contributes to the unique sound profile they offer. keep in mind that while the sound profile leans toward a nostalgic thock, it’s somewhat dependent on the keyboard material used.
The switches come pre-lubed, but many users still prefer putting their personal touch on the lubing. Hand lubing is preferred in the keyboard community and pretty much always gives you a smoother feel. These switches are also built with an LED slot that lets you have customizable lighting options.
Users have noted that some switches had a noticeable wobble, but the overall feedback was that they are generally reliable. Since there’s 45 switches in each package, you can easily upgrade your keyboard without breaking the bank.
Check out the Akko Rosewood switches on Amazon!
EPOMAKER Wisteria
The EPOMAKER Wisteria gives you a buttery-smooth typing feel without the usual scratchiness. They’re built for comfort and speed. with a POM+PTFE stem and tough PA66 bottom housing. The 45g actuation force and 3.6mm travel is a perfect balance between fast and comfy.
But these switches aren’t just about feel, they look stunning too. They’re inspired by the Wisteria plant and show off soft purples and pastel green. It’s like springtime on your keyboard. Add in the integrated LED slot, and your board glows day or night.
They come factory-lubed. The sound? Not silent, but delightfully subtle (kinda like a quiet hum). If you want style, smoothness, and value all in one switch, the EPOMAKER Wisteria is calling your name.
They’re so popular, EPOMAKER has also made them available in as tactile switches.
Pop over to Amazon to see what the EPOMAKER Wisteria switches are all about!
Wuque Studio Morandi
The Wuque Studio Morandi have an impressively smooth actuation that’s enhanced by quality factory lube. They give you a firm, satisfying keystroke with a 50g actuation force (est.) and 60g bottom-out. We consider them a solid choice for both fast typers and dedicated gamers.
One of the most distinctive features of these switches is the built-in PMMA light diffuser. The diffuser uses a honeycomb scattering surface that makes your RGB lighting shine through vibrantly. Even Better yet, the diffuser is removable without needing to open the switch (perfect for those who like to tweak and customize with ease).
Of course, no switch is without its quirks. Some users have noted a bit of stem wobble. This affected the overall typing feel for those sensitive to it. And while the activation force delivers precision, it might feel a kinda firm for fans of ultra-light switches.
Still, for anyone looking to upgrade on a budget, the Wuque Studio Morandi offers an excellent mix of thoughtful design and reliable performance. It could be just the finishing touch your keyboard build needs.
Like the Wuque Studio Morandi switches? Give them a look on Amazon!
LEOBOG Reaper
The LEOBOG Reaper makes a strong impression with their thoughtful construction and balanced performance. The light 36g actuation force and a 55g bottom-out makes each keystroke feels smooth and responsive. It’s perfect for those who want both speed and control.
These switches use a POM stem and tough PC/Nylon housing that’s built to handle serious typing and gaming. The usual POM rustle? Toned down big time. The result is a quieter, smoother sound that’s easy on the ears.
The Reaper switches are factory-lubed right out of the box and give you a slick, consistent feel when pressed. And if you’re into lighting effects, you’ll appreciate the built-in LED slots. They’re perfect for experimenting with your favorite RGB configurations.
Users often describe the sound as creamy and satisfying. The overall experience is smooth, quiet, and reliable (exactly what you want in a well-priced linear switch).
See what’s up with the LEOBOG Reaper switches on Amazon!
Choose Your Budget Switch
There are plenty of impressive options to choose from when it comes to finding the perfect linear switch without stretching your budget. Whether you prioritize smooth keystrokes, unique sound profiles, or eye-catching aesthetics, each of the top five budget linear switches we’ve explored offers a compelling blend of performance and value. From pre-lubed convenience to customizable lighting and durable construction, these switches prove that you don’t have to compromise on quality to stay within your price range. So, what are you waiting for? Grab one of our suggested options and upgrade your board today!
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