What types of mechanical keyboard switches are there? What are their properties?
Mechanical keyboards are popular among gamers, programmers, and anyone who types for extended periods. These keyboards use mechanical switches instead of the rubber domes used in traditional keyboards. Mechanical switches provide tactile feedback, which results in a more satisfying typing experience. There are several types of mechanical keyboard switches, including:

1. Cherry MX switches: These are some of the most popular mechanical switches and are used in many high-end keyboards. They come in different colors, each with different properties.
    - Cherry MX Red switches have a linear feel and require less force to actuate. They are preferred by gamers for their fast response time.
    - Cherry MX Brown switches have a tactile bump and are quieter than other switches. They are preferred by typists for their tactile feedback.
    - Cherry MX Blue switches have a tactile bump and an audible click, making them the loudest switches. They are also preferred by typists for their tactile feedback.

2. Kailh switches: These are Chinese-made switches that are similar to Cherry MX switches. They are cheaper than Cherrie MX switches and are becoming more popular.
    - Kailh Red switches are linear and require less force to actuate.
    - Kailh Brown switches have a tactile bump and are quieter than other switches.
    - Kailh Blue switches have a tactile bump and an audible click, making them similar to Cherry MX Blue switches.

3. Gateron switches: These are similar to Cherry MX switches but are made by a Chinese company. They are cheaper than     - Cherry MX switches and are becoming more popular.
    - Gateron Red switches are linear and require less force to actuate.
    - Gateron Brown switches have a tactile bump and are quieter than other switches.
    - Gateron Blue switches have a tactile bump and an audible click, making them similar to Cherry MX Blue switches.

4. Topre switches: These are electrostatic capacitive switches that provide a different typing experience. They are quieter and require less force to actuate.
    - Topre switches have a tactile bump and are preferred by typists for their typing experience.

5. Buckling Spring switches: These switches use a spring and a plastic cylinder to provide tactile feedback. They are the loudest and heaviest switches.
    - Buckling Spring switches have a tactile bump and an audible click. They are preferred by typists for their tactile feedback.
Youtubers keep recommending I try a switch before I buy one but how do I try a switch when shopping online, I'm not super picky but switches are too expensive to make a mistake when shopping.
Choosing a key switch when limited to online resources can at first seem intimidating. The choice to use a specific switch is highly individual and based on the specific wants / needs of a user.
If you aren't super picky and a new user, a common recommendation are Cherry MX Brown or equivalent switches. They offer both the benefits of a mechanical key switch (more precise and reliable) as well as a familiar tactile bump and actuation force common on most membrane keyboards.

However, if you would like to do more research, there are a couple ways you can accomplish this online only.

1. The official website: A brands official website (https://www.gateron.com/ and https://www.cherrymx.de/en) will often describe the switch using common language and terms (actuation force, tactility, sound, etc.), this can be helpful for comparing the details of different brands and their individual switch types. 

2. Individual reviewers: Keyboards are often both a gamer and pc enthusiasts favourite accessory, as such there are a plethora of different reviews for all types of keyboards, keyswitches, and even different mods such as rubber dampers and keycap weight. Keyboard content is truly endless.

3. In person: I understand you would like to shop online, however keyboards are frequently on display at different stores which can give you a feel for what you could be getting yourself into before purchasing a keyboard elsewhere.

While trying out switches in person is ideal, these alternative methods can help you make a more informed decision when purchasing a keyboard online. It's also worth noting that many mechanical keyboards offer hot-swappable switches, which allow you to easily swap out switch types without having to purchase a new keyboard.