Electro-capacitive (EC) switches are a type of keyboard switch that use changes in electrical signals (specifically, capacitance) to register a key press. Unlike traditional mechanical switches that rely on metal contacts, EC switches don’t have any direct electrical contact inside, which can make them feel smoother, more consistent, and longer-lasting. If you’ve ever heard people rave about Topre® switches, that is EC. DynaCap™ brings that experience into the modern custom keyboard world.

EC stands for Electro-Capacitive. It refers to how the switch detects key presses, which uses changes in electrical capacitance rather than physical contact.

An EC switch is a type of keyboard switch that uses non-contact sensing to detect key presses. It typically combines a slider (the moving part you press), a rubber dome, and a printed circuit board (PCB) to register input. The switch actuates when the slider compresses the dome and changes the capacitance between the dome and the PCB underneath.

An EC switch is made up 4 main parts.

1. Slider
2. Housing
3. Rubber Dome
4. Spring

When you press a key, the slider pushes down on a rubber dome. As the dome (and the spring underneath it) compress, it changes the distance between two conductive surfaces on the PCB, which alters the electrical capacitance at that point. The keyboard detects this change and registers the keystroke, with no metal-to-metal contact required.

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• No electrical contacts: MX-style switches actuate when two metal parts physically touch. EC switches actuate through changes in capacitance, with no direct contact.
• More consistent feel: EC switches tend to have a smoother press and return, especially over time.
• Dome-based force curve: The feel is often described as snappy or cushioned, depending on the dome.
• No debounce delay: Since there’s no physical contact bounce, they can respond faster.
• Not MX-compatible by default: EC sliders don’t work in MX sockets without a compatible EC board.

Yes, but not in the way people often think. Unlike traditional mechanical switches that rely on metal contacts, EC switches don’t have any direct electrical contact inside. The PCB underneath uses electricity to detect changes in capacitance, but the switches themselves are passive components.

Definitely. EC switches still use moving parts, springs, and tactile feedback, much like mechanical switches. In fact, many enthusiasts say EC switches feel even better, smoother and more refined, than traditional mechanical switches.

• Smooth and consistent feel
• No metal contact = less wear
• No debounce delay
• Durable over long-term use
• Customizable force curves with different domes
• Quieter options for office use

No. EC switches are made up of multiple stand-alone pieces instead of a fully enclosed switch like MX. The components are all compressed between the PCB and plate to hold them together.

With DynaCap, more boards than ever have the opportunity to be converted to EC. Our platform is made to eliminate many of the interference issues EC switches have long been plagued with and allow keyboard designers a pain-free way to offer EC offerings, as well as enthusiasts to convert boards on their own!

However, there will always be boards that just cannot fit an OEM-style EC switch in them at all, if the internals either don't have enough room, have cutouts or screws in conflicting areas, or other reasons.

Other EC platforms have many more restrictions on how they can be used in different boards.

DynaCap sliders do support MX keycaps! However, not all EC sliders support MX keycap stems.

Yes! The feel of an EC switch is primarily controlled by the dome. You can choose from different dome types for light, heavy, tactile, or linear-like feel.

Like many things in the keyboard world, that’s subjective. However, many people love EC switches for typing due to the satisfying tactility and smooth return. For gaming, some EC switches (DynaCap™ included) offer ofer the ability to adjust where along the travel the actuation/release happens (same as Hall Effect switches), making them viable for competitive play too.