One of those recurring questions about plurality is what it feels like when headmates switch, given that it's one of the defining parts of it for many people. Once you're aware of it happening, it's really fascinating to observe! The examples below are of the kinds of switches we tend to experience. It's important to note that no two systems are the same, and other systems are gonna experience switches differently. Don't take our experiences to be universal.
While oftentimes there are several of us conscious and likely co-fronting, sometimes we do feel it when someone switches in while we're talking or doing something that requires focus. We get foggy and things feel dull for a moment, the new fronter is disoriented for a sec before catching up on what we were doing or saying, and continues from there.
This is one of the most prominent kinds of switches we experience, and one that we noticed long before realizing we were plural even if it's more subtle. If you've ever been in the flow zone or "running on autopilot" and snap out of it and feel kinda disoriented for a second, that's exactly what it feels like and what we thought it was until we realized we were actually switching. These switches are more subtle and don't involve the brain fog that comes with "classic" switches.
Probably the most endearing types of switch, since it usually happens when someone gets really excited about something that's going on. For example, Fulgura loves thunderstorms, and will instantly front as soon as she sees the flash of lightning, no matter what we're doing. It's endearing, and we never make anyone feel bad for interrupting like this because their joy is important. They're usually not prepared to continue what we were doing though, which means getting back to it usually takes some time and probably another switch.
Excitement isn't the only strong emotino that can cause this kind of switch. Sometimes headmates will have strong emotions that they need to feel out physically, and the only way to do that is to front. Whether it's anger, sadness, anxiety, frustration, amusement, or what have you, a lot of different things will cause a very sudden switch.