Klikklank

Klikklank is a Dutch term describing the audible result of a button or switch being actuated. The word combines klik (click) and klank (sound) and is used as an onomatopoeic descriptor in Dutch-language writing and media to signal a brief, sharp sound.

In everyday use, klikklank can refer to the noise produced by mechanical switches, keyboard keys, or touchscreens; the exact timbre varies with hardware and design. In comics, prose, and other media, the term helps convey feedback and realism in scenes involving interaction with devices or controls.

In sound design and production, klikklank is treated as a practical sound element. It can be recorded from real switches or synthesized to achieve a desired duration and impact. Sound libraries may categorize klikklank under short, percussive “button press” or “UI feedback” patches. In user interface design, the audible click provides a sense of confirmation that an input has been received, contributing to perceived responsiveness and usability.

Etymology and usage patterns are predominantly Dutch, though the concept has parallels in other languages, such as the English “click.” Related terms include other onomatopoeic cues for tactile feedback and general descriptions of sound effects used in interfaces and media. See also onomatopoeia, sound effect, and user interface sound.