If you’re in the market for a new keyboard, it’s important to consider your PC usage and personal preference. If you’re a power user, you may prefer a mechanical keyboard over a membrane keyboard. Mechanical switches are heavier than membrane ones and can be stable on the desk. This can make typing faster for longer periods easier without many vibrations.
Tactile Switches
There are three types of switches that you can find on a mechanical keyboard: linear, tactile, and clicky. Choosing which switch type is best depends on your preferences and what kind of feedback you prefer when typing. Linear switches offer a smooth actuation. This starkly contrasts the “button” feel of tactile or clicky switches. A smooth actuation lets you move on to the next key quicker, increasing your typing speed.
Tactile switches, on the other hand, have a bump mid-travel that lets you know when a key has been pressed. This helps prevent accidental key presses and typos, which is perfect for touch-typists who often type without looking down at their keyboard. Another advantage to tactile switches is that they are quieter than other switch types. They are also one of the more affordable switch options, so you don’t have to break the bank to get a great set of switches for your new mechanical keyboard.
If you need to figure out which type of switch is right for you, it’s worth a test run. Try out tactile and linear switches to see which feels most comfortable. You’ll also want to pay close attention to the actuation graph. This will tell you when the bump occurs and how much force it requires to register a keypress. Some heavier switches will have a bump much higher up on the graph, which shows how powerful it must be to register a keypress.
As a rule of thumb, lighter switches will have more tactility, while heavier switches will have more resistance. This is because heavier switches have more contacts and a larger spring that needs to be pressed down to activate. Tactile switches tend to be more expensive than other switch types, but they’re worth the extra money if you’re looking for a high-performance option that will give you plenty of feedback. You’ll also want to lube and film your switches, which will help them last longer and perform better over time.
Key Rollover
A mechanical keyboard may be more appealing than a membrane keyboard if you’re a fast typer or gamer. They’re more durable, come with extra features (like backlighting), and often feel better on your fingers than a membrane keyboard. But they’re also more expensive — sometimes 10x as much as a cheap membrane keyboard — and are not for everyone. In a basic mechanical keyboard, each key has a switch underneath. This switch contains a hard plastic “stem” that pushes a spring down, causing two metal contacts to register your key press. This feature distinguishes mechanical keyboards from membrane or rubber dome keyboards, which use switches like those found in most laptops and handheld controllers.
Another benefit of mechanical keyboards is their anti-ghosting feature. This prevents keys from registering when pressing multiple ones simultaneously, so it’s ideal for gamers and typists who type fast. You can test the n-key rollover of your keyboard by using an app or program that lets you press and hold down keys until they’re registered. You can start with just two keys, then increase it by one until you see how many are registering simultaneously. This can be useful if you’re typing or gaming in an unfamiliar room and want to ensure your input is correctly registered. It’s a great feature if you’re relying on your keyboard for a long time, and it will help you avoid mistakes while reducing fatigue.
Moreover, mechanical keyboards can be customized to meet your specific needs, so you can add or remove keys to change the size and layout of your keyboard. You can even have custom-made keycaps molded to fit your specific letters, shapes, or logos. The switch on a mechanical keyboard is typically rated for 50 million key presses, meaning that they can be expected to last for years under heavy use. That’s about double the amount of use you can expect from a cheap membrane keyboard, rated for 5 million key presses.
Noise Reduction
A mechanical keyboard can be a better option for people who want to reduce the noise of their keyboard. Typically, this means reducing the volume of the switches. This can be accomplished using a software program that can adjust the sound output, such as Audacity. The noise level of a keyboard can be an important factor for some users, particularly those who work in noisy environments. The loud clicking sounds of certain key switches can be distracting or even annoying if they are near other users.
Some keyboards can be made to reduce this noise, such as Kailh Box Whites that click just once on the way down and Cherry Blue MX switches that make a short click as they travel down the key. This helps reduce the noise created during a typing session, which is especially useful for gamers. Another thing that can help reduce a keyboard’s noise is the actuation point. This measures how far a key must be depressed before a switch makes contact with the circuit board on the keyboard and sends a signal to your computer.
A good mechanical keyboard will have a high actuation point that helps to reduce this noise. Some keyboards also offer a noise reduction feature to turn the clicky sounds off when a key is not pressed. This noise reduction can reduce the hum that can be heard in some places, such as office buildings and shared spaces. This can be helpful if you get your coworkers or clients to focus on the task instead of a clicking noise.
A mechanical keyboard can be a great investment for people looking for a more durable and satisfying typing experience. These keyboards tend to last longer and require less maintenance than membrane keyboards. In addition, they are less likely to miss a keypress when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously. This feature, called a key rollover, can be a huge help for those who need to type fast or have a high tolerance for error.
Wrapping It Up
This is a great feature for gaming enthusiasts as they can change the keys to suit their style of play. They can also add custom designs and colors to the keys and personalize them with their names. Mechanical keyboards are more expensive than membrane keyboards, but they offer more durable switches and a better typing experience. They’re also more customizable and easier to repair. Plus, they’re able to deliver real-time feedback when you type.
