How to Choose Mechanical Keyboard Springs: Our Guide to Spring Weight, Length and Type

Introduction: Springs are as confusing as you make them

Mechanical keyboard switch springs can be palaces of technicality and confusion for the average enthusiast depending on what you type into which search engine and where. On the one hand there are people who claim a specific brand or variety of spring is ideal, and on the other some who will argue that no spring maker ever works to tight enough tolerances. Whatever you believe, there is a spring out there suited to your tastes. That's why we have worked to assemble a version of almost every possible spring type in almost every single weight variant manufactured. 

I think the reality behind springs is far simpler. If you have a use case - such as stenography, then the spring you need is very clear. If you have an existing switch you love, you can work from the spring inside that switch and explore nearby types. And if you have a condition such as RSI you are trying to manage, you can identify the adjustment needed for yourself by either reading this article or contacting us with your specific situation. We cannot offer medical advice but we can guide you on what should alleviate discomfort. 

A Practical Decision Tree for Springs (not exhaustive, but pretty close)

I've created the below graphic to illustrate the basic decisions one might need to make when picking the type of spring they need. It should get you a decent bit of the way there to picking a spring that really suits your needs. 

Remember to start at a spring weight you know you like - our switch testers can help you get to that point, and then add weight or remove it based on if you feel you could do with a little more or less resistance. 

As we update the switch catalogue and filters over the coming months, we will be adding filters to search for spring length and also spring type. So there will be plenty of ways in which you can access the springs that suit you.

We are also happy to spring swap your favourite springs into the switches you have bought. Prices quoted per job and dispatch time depends on backlog, so contact us. 

Hope this helps and if you need more guidance, let us know.