Whether you’re a keyboard gamer or just a typist, there are a lot of benefits to choosing a mechanical keyboard over a membrane version.
The main advantage is that mechanical keys offer more tactile feedback, where you can tell if a key has registered or not by the clicky sound and bump halfway through the travel. This results in a comfortable typing experience that’s also precise.
Comfort
A mechanical keyboard is a lot more comfortable than your average laptop keyboard. Each key on a mechanical keyboard features a unique switch, which activates when you press down on it. This allows each key to respond to the pressure on it with more accuracy and speed than on a standard membrane keyboard, making typing more fun and less tiring.
Although many gamers have become enamored of mechanical keyboards, the popularity of this design has spread beyond the gaming community to include programmers, writers and anyone who spends a fair amount of time in front of a computer.
The most important aspect of a mechanical keyboard is the switches themselves. There are two main types: clicky and linear. The latter is the one we’ll focus on for this review, as it’s more useful to gamers and casual typists than the former.
Durability
Durability is one of the top reasons people choose to purchase a mechanical keyboard. They are usually very durable and can last for years, even decades. This is because they are typically built with high-quality materials and use heavy-duty construction techniques.
A mechanical keyboard uses individual switches lasenorita underneath each key, unlike a membrane keyboard that uses a single layer of rubber beneath all the keys. This allows each key to have its own unique feel and response when pressed.
Mechanical switches are incredibly durable and have a lifespan of 50-100 million keypresses. This means that they will rarely wear out if you take care of them and lubricate them regularly.
Moreover, choosing a mechanical keyboard that offers hot-swappable switches is also helpful to enhance the durability of your keyboard. This will allow you to replace a broken switch in a matter of seconds, instead of having to completely replace your entire keyboard.
Another important feature to look for when choosing a durable mechanical keyboard is its power cable. A detachable USB power cable will generally last longer than a non-detachable one.
A mechanical keyboard with a detachable power cable will also be much easier to repair if the power cable gets damaged in any way. If your keyboard has a non-detachable power cable, you will likely need to replace the whole keyboard in order to fix the problem.
Additionally, you should consider the type of lubricant that your mechanical keyboard uses to keep the switches in good working condition. There are oil-based as well as grease-based lubricants that can be used for different kinds of switches.
The most important thing to remember when buying a mechanical keyboard is that it needs to be properly maintained and protected from the elements. The proper care of the keyboard will enhance its lifespan and will help to extend its life by years, even decades.
Noise
A popular choice among gamers and technology savvy users, mechanical keyboards are known for their excellent design, speed response and great typing experience. However, they can be louder than regular keyboards under certain conditions. That is why they can be an issue for some people, particularly office workers and their families.
Thankfully, there are some simple ways to make your mechanical keyboard more quiet, which don’t require much skill or expensive tools. The first is by using a desk mat under your keyboard, which can help to dampen sounds and reduce the noise level.
Another way to lower the sound is by replacing the switches with quieter ones. Tactile and clicky switches are the most loud of all mechanical switches, so changing them to linear ones will significantly reduce their overall sound.
You can also lubricate the switches and stabilizers on your keyboard to reduce friction and rattle, which will make it a little less noisy overall. Amazon carries a good variety of lubricants that are designed specifically for mechanical keyboards.
Finally, you can add a layer of sound-dampening foam between the plate and the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) of your keyboard to absorb some of the clicking sounds. It’s easy to find this type of foam at most stationery stores or online.
It can be a bit more complicated than the above methods, but the results are well worth it in the end. The only drawback is that it requires some physical modification of your keyboard, which means you will need to be able to disassemble it properly and do some soldering.
Customization
Unlike non-mechanical keyboards, mechanical keyboards have multiple customization options. These include switches, keycaps, layouts and more. These features allow users to customize their board to their specific needs and preferences, which can help them get the most out of their investment.
Switches are one of the most important components that dictate what your keyboard will feel like to type on. They can vary in smoothness, depth, resistance, and noise levels. They also come in different shapes, heights, and textures. The right set of switches will provide you with multiple tactile experiences that non-mechanical keyboards don’t offer.
Many gaming enthusiasts choose to use mechanical keyboards because they can be customized to their individual needs. This allows them to reduce the number of keystrokes needed to complete in-game tasks, which can help them gain an edge in games. Some keyboards also feature programmable macro keys, which can be used to automate commands that a gamer doesn’t necessarily want to type all the time.
Some mechanical keyboards are also backlit, which can make them easier to see in dark settings. They can also be customized to fit a variety of desktops and other configurations, so they can complement your personal style and workspace.
Other features that you might want to look for in a keyboard include programmable macro keys, n-key rollover (NKRO), and a wrist rest. These features can help you reduce the number of keystrokes that you need to complete in-game tasks or to send commands to other devices.
Finally, some mechanical keyboards are designed with ergonomics in mind. This feature can be especially helpful for gamers who play for long periods of time, as it will reduce strain on the hands and wrists.
The best way to find the right set of mechanical switches for you is to try them out and see which ones are comfortable and work well with your personal preferences. You can also check out hot-swappable mechanical keyboards, which let you home in on the switch that’s going to make your typing experience the most comfortable.
Mechanical keyboards aren’t the easiest to work with, so you’ll need some soldering experience and tools if you decide to try your hand at modifying yours. However, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, they can be an excellent way to get a premium gaming experience at a fraction of the cost of a brand-name keyboard.
