Advances in technology are sparking renewed interest in mechanical keyboards. Whether you’re looking to buy a pre-built model or are interested in customizing your own, here are five important components to keep in mind.
Choosing a mounting plate allows you to customize your typing experience by adjusting the actuation force and travel distance of each key. This is highly subjective, however, and is based on personal preference so try to get a list of mechanical keyboards that you want. Here are some tips to look out for when choosing your own mechanical keyboard.
1. They’re more durable
Advancements in technology are sparking renewed interest in mechanical keyboards, especially among gamers and business professionals. This resurgence is due to their heightened durability, efficiency and long-term value.
Instead of using rubber domes and carbon pads to suspend the keycaps and complete the circuit each time a key is pressed (similar to how a TV remote button works), mechanical keyboards use real switches, which are often customized for their spring weight, actuation point and tactile feedback. Some are even clicky and can feel satisfying to press.
Mechanical keyboards can last longer than standard membrane models because the individual switches are designed to withstand heavy usage and repeated actuations. Cherry MX mechanical switches, for example, are rated for millions of keypresses and can stand up to years of constant use. This superior durability also allows for better key rollover, which means that multiple keys can be pressed simultaneously without causing ghosting or missed keystrokes. This is something that other types of keyboards are often unable to offer.
2. They’re more comfortable
For gamers and writers, mechanical keyboards offer a superior typing experience. Their design allows for a more satisfying tactile feedback, and some feature unique ergonomics that eliminate wrist strain and fatigue.
For example, a gamer can opt for a mechanical keyboard with a blue key switch that emits a pleasing clackety-clack sound when pressed. This tactile feedback helps players develop muscle memory and can help prevent error when performing split-second maneuvers during a gaming session.
Other features include NKRO and anti-ghosting, which ensure that every keystroke is registered and eliminate any delays. Compared to traditional membrane keyboards, this ensures accuracy and precision. These benefits make them popular with professionals who spend long hours typing, and even with gamers seeking a slight edge in their gameplay.
3. They’re more accurate
When you press a key on a mechanical keyboard, it activates a switch underneath that tells your computer that you’ve pressed a key. This not only provides a satisfying tactile feedback and distinct click sound, but it also ensures that your keystroke is accurately registered, which can help reduce typing errors.
Because each individual key has its own switch, mechanical keyboards have a feature called “key rollover,” which means that even if multiple keys are pressed at the same time, they’ll still be accurately registered. This can save valuable time for typists and gamers who rely on their keyboards to perform fast, split-second tasks.
Many mechanical keyboards also allow you to customize your experience by adjusting the actuation force of each key switch. This can minimize strain on your fingers and arms, as well as help you find a typing or gaming style that fits you best. In addition, most mechanical keyboards have programmability features that let you record macros, remap or customize keys, and adjust backlighting.
4. They’re more customizable
While some people might see this as a waste of money, others find it quite fun to customize their mechanical keyboard. They can choose from different switch types, which provide varying levels of actuation force and tactile feedback, as well as different keycaps and cases to achieve the exact look they want for their desktop setup.
This customization extends to programmability and features. Many models allow users to record macros, remap or customize individual keys, and even change the color of the backlighting. Some are designed to be hot-swappable, which means you can simply pull out the switches and snap in new ones without having to desolder them. You can try to list out a list of mechanical keyboards with the features you want and customise based on it!
This level of customization makes it possible for a single keyboard to be suitable for multiple users, which can be especially helpful in shared workspaces or schools. It also means that you can swap out the switches for a different type if yours begin to wear down or you prefer a different feel and sound.