A variable filter and method of switching a resonant frequency of the variable filter from an initial frequency to a desired frequency, where the variable filter has a tunable frequency and a variable Q. With the variable filter operating at the initial frequency and an initial Q, the variable filter is Q-spoiled toward a low-Q state. The variable filter is tuned toward the desired frequency and the tunable resonator is Q-enhanced from the low-Q state to achieve a desired filter response.