Frequently Asked Questions

What is your return policy?

Returns and refunds are accepted within 30 days on products that do not contain switches. Buyer is expected to pay return shipping.

Returns are NOT accepted on custom switch testers unless there are unique circumstances like the product is broken in shipping. The reason for this is to prevent customers from ordering large testers to try switches knowing that they will return them after doing so.

Do you sell switches in larger quantities?

Currently, we only offer small quantities of switches. If you would like a duplicate or two of a switch on your tester we can accommodate that in most scenarios, but we do not sell full sets of switches. For that, check out our favorite switch vendor Milktooth

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! We ship to many countries across the globe. If you have any issues checking out, feel free to reach out.

Do you charge VAT or customs duties?

No, Clackify does not collect VAT, customs duties, or import taxes at checkout. These charges, if applicable, are the responsibility of the customer and may be collected by your country's customs office upon delivery.

When will my order ship/arrive?

Order processing time fluctuates, but generally takes about 5-7 business days. This is primarily due to the nature of custom products.

After that, delivery times vary based on the shipping method chosen at checkout. Be sure to look for the estimates provided at checkout for a more precise range :)

What is a mechanical keyboard switch tester?

A mechanical keyboard switch tester is a small board that holds a handful of mechanical keyboard switches, so you can press each one and test how it sounds, how heavy it is, and how the bump or click behaves. It saves you from buying a full pack to test a switch you may end up not liking. Our custom switch testers let you choose exactly which switches go on your board from a library of over 700 options.

What is the difference between linear, tactile, and clicky switches?

Linear switches press smoothly from top to bottom with no bump or noise, good for gaming and for people who like a clean typing feel. Tactile switches have a small bump partway through the keypress that tells you when the switch has registered, popular for typing. Clicky switches add an audible click to that tactile bump, loud and satisfying but not office-friendly.

For a deeper breakdown, see our full guide on Linear vs Tactile vs Clicky Switches.

Are silent switches worth it?

Silent switches include a dampener (generally silicone) that quiets both the down-stroke and (most of the time) up-stroke of the key. They are a good pick if you share a workspace, record audio, stream, or just prefer a quieter desk. The trade-off is that silent switches often feel slightly softer than their non-silent counterparts, though some "silent" switches attempt to strike a balance between the two. Not being quite as quiet as some other options, but also less soft/mushy feeling.

Are Cherry MX switches the best?

Not necessarily. Cherry MX is the original German brand that established the MX switch footprint used by almost every modern switch today. However, that does not make them the best. Switch choices will always boil down to preferences, but it should be known that Cherry MX switches are generally on the scratchier side, and do not maintain the same tight tolerances some of the other manufacturers do. You may love them, but you also may enjoy plenty of the other options more.

How should a beginner choose their first mechanical keyboard switches?

The right approach for most beginners is try before you buy. Start by figuring out whether you want linear (smooth), tactile (bumpy), or clicky (loud and bumpy), then try a few switches from each category you are drawn to. A switch tester is one of the cheapest ways to sample a handful of switches in person without committing to a full set, which is what our custom switch tester is built for. However, if you have the opportunity to go to a keyboard meet-up or try a friend's keyboard, that can be a fantastic way to try switches too!

How many switches should I try when picking a new set?

There is no hard rule, and this is entirely up to you. 9-25 switches is generally a great starting point, but it depends on what your preferences are and whether you've narrowed the search down at all already. For those of us looking to really dive in and try a large variety, 36-49 switches offers more breadth. Beyond that, you're looking at more serious enthusiasts who have generally already invested quite a bit into the hobby and want to truly hammer down their switch preferences.

How does the Clackify custom switch tester work?

You pick the size of the tester (anywhere from 3x3 up to 12x12), then choose exactly which switches go in each slot from our library of over 700. Each switch has full specs visible before you add it, so you can filter by type, brand, or feel. Once you place your custom switch tester, we hand-assemble it from your selections and ship it out with a printed legend showing which switch sits in each position.

What sizes does the custom switch tester come in?

Our custom switch testers come in every square size from 3x3 (9 switches) up to 12x12 (144 switches). The 3x3 is a popular starter, the 5x5 is one of the most common sizes for comparing a handful of switches across categories, and the larger sizes are for collectors or enthusiasts who want a bigger visual display of their favorites.

Do the custom switch testers come with keycaps?

Yes. Our custom switch testers come with keycaps installed on every switch so you can press them right out of the box. If you are ordering a standalone tester base (a separate product), keycaps are offered as a variant option at checkout.

Do the switches come labeled so I know which is which?

Yes. Every custom switch tester ships with a printed legend (a small grid that matches the rows and columns of your tester, with each switch's name in its position) so you can tell each switch apart at a glance. The 20-switch packs come in labeled baggies of 4 switches each, each bag marked with the switch name. If you are ever uncertain about what switch was sent, feel free to reach out. We are happy to help.

Can I mix silent and non-silent switches in the same tester?

Absolutely. Our custom switch testers let you mix and match any switches in our library, including silent and non-silent varieties side by side. This is actually one of the best ways to feel the silencing difference firsthand.

Can I mix magnetic/Hall Effect switches and mechanical switches in my custom tester?

Yes, you can choose a mix of any of the 700+ switches we carry on the store in your tester, and we actually highly recommend a mix like this for anyone on the fence between magnetic and mechanical. Keep in mind that the mechanical switches will not register in a magnetic keyboard, and magnetic switches will not register in a mechanical keyboard, but a tester with a mix lets you compare the feel side by side.

Will your switches work with my keyboard?

Most of our switches use the standard MX footprint that fits the vast majority of modern mechanical keyboards. Some switches are 3-pin (plate mount) and some are 5-pin (PCB mount, or plate mount if you clip off the two extra plastic alignment pins before installing). Hall Effect and magnetic switches are only compatible with Hall Effect/Magnetic/TMR keyboards, not standard mechanical boards, and magnetic keyboards require a specific north or south magnet orientation, so it is worth checking your board's requirements before ordering. If you are not sure about compatibility, reach out and we can help.

Are the switches pre-lubed?

When a manufacturer offers both factory-lubed and unlubed versions of a switch, we typically carry the factory-lubed option. You can check whether a specific switch is factory-lubed in its spec details (accessible via the info icon on the switch in our configurator). We do not currently offer hand-lubing services.

What are premium switches and why do they cost extra?

Some switches in our library are more expensive for us to source, usually because they are newer releases, limited runs, or imported from smaller manufacturers. We call these premium switches, and we add a small surcharge per premium switch to cover the extra cost (visible on each switch's tile before you add it). Premium does not mean the switch is better than a standard option, just that it costs more to stock. The surcharge ranges from about $0.25 to $1.50 per switch depending on the specific switch.

What are the star icons on certain switches on the site?

These are recommended switches. Essentially, these are switches that we like and regularly recommend. Keep in mind, not having a star does not mean that we do not recommend a switch. The switches with stars are just some of our favorites.

Can I give a Clackify switch tester as a gift?

Yes, switch testers make a great gift for anyone in the mechanical keyboard hobby. The recipient can use it to discover new switches they might love, or just enjoy a physical collection piece. If you are unsure which switches to pick for them, a 5x5 tester covering a mix of linear, tactile, clicky, and silent switches is a safe bet. Our custom switch packs (20 switches in labeled baggies) are also a good gift option for anyone who plans to test switches in their own keyboard.

Can I request a switch that is not listed on your site?

Yes, absolutely. If there is a switch you are interested in that we do not currently carry, reach out and let us know. We are always looking for new switches to stock, and customer requests are one of the main ways we grow the library. You can contact us through the contact page, our Discord, or by emailing calvin@clackify.com.

Further Questions?

Feel free to reach out to us! This can be done by using the Contact page, using the chat feature, joining our Discord, or by emailing us directly.

Emails can be sent directly to clackify@gmail.com