Tactile versus Linear Feel Switch

Cherry MX Low-force (Brown Stem) Tactile Switch
The standard Advantage contoured keyboard utilizes the Cherry MX low-force tactile switch (brown stem). It is a semi-custom low force tactile design created in 1992 to Kinesis’ specifications. “Tactility” is a slightly elevated force around the midpoint of the stroke of the key which lets you know the switch is about to be activated. A tactile response is preferred by many ergonomists, because it cues your fingers that activation is about to occur and is thought to reduce the likelihood or incidence or “bottoming out” the switch with a hard impact. The peak (tactile) force is ~55gm, following by an activation force of ~45 gm.

Cherry MX Low-force (Red Stem)
Linear Feel Switch
The Advantage LF (Linear Feel) utilizes the Cherry MX Red linear switch. It is virtually identical to the brown-stem switch except for the absence of a “tactile peak.” There is a consistent force throughout the full stroke of the key so there is no tactile feedback unless the switch bottoms out. Many gamers and heavy typists prefer the Cherry Red’s due to their “smoother” feel. Since there is no “peak” or tactile force, the total effort required to reach the activation force of 45 gm is slightly less than with the tactile (brown stem) switch. In tens of thousands of keystrokes per hour, those small differences can add up.