Mechanical keyboards have been around for decades, but they’ve recently seen a resurgence in popularity. In fact, many people have become downright obsessive about them. But why? What is it about mechanical keyboards that makes them so appealing to so many people?
In this article, we’ll sightsee the reasons why people are so obsessive with mechanical keyboards. We’ll look at the history of mechanical keyboards, their advantages over other types of keyboards, and the unique features that make them so desirable.
A Brief History of Mechanical Keyboards
Mechanical keyboard have been around since the early days of computing. In fact, the first keyboards were all mechanical. These early keyboards used mechanical switches to register keystrokes. Each key had its own switch, which would activate when the key was pressed.
Over time, however, mechanical keyboards fell out of favor. They were replaced by other keyboards, which used a layer of rubber or silicone to register keystrokes. Membrane keyboards were cheaper to manufacture and quieter than mechanical keyboards, which made them popular with manufacturers and consumers alike.
But while other keyboard may have been cheaper and quieter, they lacked the tactile feedback and durability of mechanical keyboards. This led to a resurgence in the popularity of mechanical keyboards in recent years.
Compensations of Mechanical Keyboards
A mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses individual mechanical switches under each keycap instead of a rubber membrane or plastic dome. The mechanical switches are typically made up of a spring, stem, and housing that produce a tactile feedback and an audible click when pressed. These switches can be customized to provide different levels of tactile feedback and actuation force.
So why are people so obsessed with mechanical keyboards? One reason is that they offer several advantages over other types of keyboards.
Tactile Feedback
Mechanical keyboards provide tactile feedback when a key is pressed. This means that you can feel when a key has been pressed, which makes it easier to type accurately and quickly. This tactile feedback is also satisfying to some people, and can be one of the reasons why they prefer mechanical keyboards over membrane keyboards.
Mechanical switches are designed to withstand heavy use and can last for years without losing their tactile feedback or responsiveness. This is in contrast to rubber dome or membrane switches, which can wear out over time and become less effective. For gamers who spend hours on their keyboards each day, a durable keyboard that can withstand the rigors of intense gaming is essential.
Resilience
Mechanical keyboards are also more durable than membrane keyboards. Because each key has its own switch, mechanical keyboards can last for years or even decades without needing to be replaced. This makes them a more cost-effective option in the long run.
A mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses individual mechanical switches for each key, as opposed to a rubber dome or membrane switch found in most standard keyboards. The switch in a mechanical keyboard consists of a spring and a stem, which is pressed down when the key is activated. This type of switch provides a tactile response and a distinctive clicking sound that is absent from other types of keyboards.
Demonstrative feedback
Mechanical keyboards offer a tactile feedback that can help improve typing accuracy and speed. Each keypress provides a satisfying click or bump that lets you know the key has been actuated. This feedback can help reduce the number of typing errors and make typing more comfortable and enjoyable.
You can reduce the sound of a switch by adding an O-ring to the stem that protects it and helps it depress more smoothly. You can find a variety of O-rings that are compatible with Cherry MX switches. The diameter of the O-ring should be around 5 mm so that it’s compatible with most Cherry MX compatible keycaps.
Customizability
The significant advantage of mechanical keyboard is their customizability. Many mechanical keyboards come with removable keycaps, allowing you to replace them with keycaps of your choice. This means that you can personalize your keyboard to match your preferences or even create custom layouts for specific applications or games.
In addition to the type of material, you’ll also find a variety of production methods that influence how they look, feel, and last. The most popular methods include double-shot and dye-sublimation, but there are many others. Another factor to consider is how the legends are marked. Double-shot keycaps typically create more crisp legends than a dye-sublimated version because each key requires a mould.
Types of Mechanical Switches
One of the unique features of mechanical keyboards is that they come with different types of switches. These switches can vary in their tactile feedback, actuation force, and noise level. Some of the most popular types of mechanical switches include:
Cherry MX Blue: These switches are known for their tactile feedback and audible click. They require 50g of force to actuate and have a lifespan of around 50 million keystrokes.
Cherry MX Brown: These switches are similar to Cherry MX Blue switches, but they have a quieter tactile feedback. They require 45g of force to actuate and have a lifespan of around 50 million keystrokes.
Cherry MX Red: These switches are linear, which means that they don’t provide tactile feedback. They require 45g of force to actuate and have a lifespan of around 50 million keystrokes.
Cherry MX Black: These switches are also linear, but they require 60g of force to actuate. They have a lifespan of around 50 million keystrokes.
Gateron Yellow: These switches are similar to Cherry MX Red switches, but they require slightly less force to actuate (50g vs 45g). They have a lifespan of around 50 million keystrokes.
Zealios: These switches are known for their smooth feel and tactile feedback. They require 62g of force to actuate and have a lifespan of around 100 million keystrokes.
The variety of switches available means that you can choose a mechanical keyboard that fits your preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
Mechanical keyboards can be more expensive than standard keyboards. While the durability and performance benefits may justify the cost for serious gamers, it may not be worth it for casual gamers or those on a budget. This is an excellent option for people who want to work on multiple projects at once or who are in a situation where they need to write a lot of text and don’t have the time to change the keyboard layout.
