The point at which a mechanical switch registers an input, and the associated resistive force just prior to that actuation, is a critical characteristic of its design and feel. This resistive force, felt at the end of the switch’s travel, determines the overall experience of using the switch. For example, a switch with a high final resistive force will feel more tactile and firm, while a switch with a lower value will feel softer and easier to press completely. This sensation is affected by the materials used within the switch.
Understanding this force is important because it directly influences typing speed, comfort, and user preference. Switches with a well-defined, high final force may improve typing accuracy, while those with minimal resistance might reduce fatigue during extended use. Historically, switch designs evolved to accommodate diverse user preferences, ranging from the clicky and resistive feel of early mechanical keyboards to the quieter and softer feel of modern, low-profile switches. The degree of that resistive force is carefully calibrated to match the switch type in question.
