by A mechanical keyboard differs from a regular keyboard in its key switching mechanism. At the heart of every mechanical keyboard are mechanical switches placed underneath each key that are responsible for registered key presses. These switches feature metal components that make contact when a key is pressed down and provide feedback through their spring mechanism.
Some common components found in mechanical switches include:
– Steel or metal spring: Provides resistance when pressing down keys and brings them back up.
– Metal or plastic stem: Attached to the keycap and makes contact when the key is pressed.
– Contacts: Complete the circuit when the stem makes contact, registering the key press.
Popular Switch Types
There are different types of mechanical switches used in Mechanical Keyboards with varying force requirements and tactile sensations. Some of the most popular switch types include:
– Cherry MX Blue: Click jacket switch with audible click sound and bump. Requires 55cN actuation force. Great for typing.
– Cherry MX Brown: Tactile but non-clicky switch with gentle bump. Requires 45cN force. Good balance for typing and gaming.
– Cherry MX Red: Linear and silent switch without bump or click. Requires 45cN force. Best suited for gaming.
– Cherry MX Black: Similar to Red but requires increased 60cN actuation force.
– Cherry MX Clear: Stiffer tactile switch with 65cN force needed. Provides louder clack than other switches.
Key Advantages of Mechanical Keyboards
The key benefits mechanical keyboards offer over regular keyboards include:
– Durability: Mechanical switches last 50 million key presses on average vs 5-10 million for rubber domes.
– Tactile feedback: Distinct tactile bump and audible click for Blues/Clears aid in touch typing accuracy.
– Customization: Switches, keycaps and even full programmable PCBs allow complete custom builds.
– Longevity: With replaceable switches and parts, mechanical keyboards can last a lifetime with proper care.
– Personalization: Wide range of unique clicky, tactile and linear switches to suit different needs.
– Build quality: Sturdier aluminum/steel frames and overall craftsmanship ensures longevity.
Choosing the Right Mechanical Keyboard
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a mechanical keyboard:
– Switch type: Choose between clicky, tactile or linear based on intended use and personal preference.
– Form factor: 60%, TKL, full-size or even 40% mini boards depending on available desk space.
– Build quality: Anodized aluminum frames last longer than plastic.
– Budget: Can range from $50 to over $300 for premium custom models.
– Additional features: RGB lighting, programmability, multimedia keys etc.
– Wired vs wireless: While wired is preferable for minimal latency, wireless is convenient.
Popular Mechanical Keyboard Brands
Some of the most reputed brands in the mechanical keyboard space include:
– Ducky: Renowned for quality stock keyboards in all sizes with standard layouts.
– Varmilo: Elegantly designed aluminum frame boards with wide switch choices.
– Leopold: Affordable Full-size and TKL boards with sturdy build quality.
– Keychron: Popular brand for wireless mechanical keyboards in 60%, TKL and full layouts.
– Das Keyboard: Dependable boards targeted at professionals with dedicated media controls.
– Razer: Premium gaming keyboards with customizable RGB lighting and programmable macros.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
