Mechanical Keyboards
Okay, I know you’re probably asking, “aren’t all keyboards mechanical?” While the key mechanism in keyboards are, the “mechanical” aspect is referring to the actual switch mechanism underneath the keys. If you’re an old-school computer user like me, you may remember the old IBM Model ‘M’ keyboard which is what I learned to type on. This brute of a unit was durable, reliable and extremely heavy weighing in at over 3 pounds. More than some modern laptops! It was loud and clicky, the keys would spring back to attention in milliseconds of pressing them and if you could type even remotely fast you’d sound that much more impressive.
Over the years keyboards have evolved to be more compact, lighter and use less materials. While this is great for most users, there is a growing subculture of people who prefer the clicky keyboard days of old. To understand mechanical keyboards you need to learn a bit about keyboards in general. Most modern keyboards are referred to in the mechanical keyboard community as “rubber domes”. These keyboards have a sheet of flexible plastic or rubber under the actual keys which provides both the contact point for the underlying circuit board and little domes molded in which provide both the suspension point for each key and the contact point for the circuit board underneath.
Mechanical keyboards operate on the same basic principle, but a different mechanism is used to reach the connection and rebound the key back up. There is an individual mechanical mechanism under each key, the design of which can vary depending on the keyboard. These units are known as ‘switches’. They usually have some kind of spring. Mechanical switches come in a number of varieties and therein lies the appeal. Some have a tactile bump, some an audible click, while others are completely smooth and linear.
Pros to the mechanical keyboard
Build Quality Mechanical keyboards are more expensive to make, so they are usually higher quality in general than a standard keyboard. This also relates to how they last longer than standard keyboards. Rubber domes are capable of lasting a long time, but they will have a change in feel. They will become mushier and less responsive over time. Mechanical keyboards are know to feel like the day they were bought for many years.
Aesthetics Mechanical keyboards tend to be more “old school” and simple in looks, which many enthusiasts prefer. However, there is an increasing popularity of mechanical keyboards marketed towards gamers and those keyboards have the gaming look. There is also a world of custom key caps of all designs and colors. These custom items are most commonly made for mechanical keyboards because there is a market for them.
Feel Combining the characteristics of mechanical switches and the higher build quality of the keyboard, mechanical keyboards are preferred by many because they just feel better. The keystrokes feel crisp, deliberate and satisfying. The rubber domes in standard keyboards contribute to a feeling of mushiness, while mechanical keyboards have a visceral mechanical feel.
Customizability Mechanical keyboards are a favorite among hardware tinkerers as you can swap in and out components of different switches to make a different feeling keystroke. There are a number of other hardware changes you can make as well such as a custom keycaps, bushings to adjust key rebound and more.
Cons for mechanical Keyboards
Price Mechanical keyboards are expensive and are often over $100
Niche Market While these are popular keyboards for those who use them and there are not a lot of companies who have them out on the market. Often folks might purchase these and then not realize how loud they can be as well.
Weight This may not matter to most people, but mechanical keyboards, on average, can be heavier than standard keyboards. Some users prefer this as it implies a higher standard and build quality.
Sound As mentioned earlier, mechanical keyboards are often loud. Some switches make an audible click, but even those that don’t have a harsh plastic on plastic CLACK at the bottom of the keystroke. Some people love the click and clack sound, but it can drive others crazy.
Generally mechanical keyboards are the best fit for enthusiasts or gamers. I personally prefer the feel of mechanical switches, but there is a good deal of nostalgia baked in as well. If you’ve never tried one, or like me you long for the days of old, it’s worth taking a look at mechanical keyboards to see what you think.