What Is a Mechanical Keyboard?

Unless technology advances to a level where thoughts or spoken words are accurately registered in a computer system, we need a keyboard to interface with our computers. There are many types and brands of keyboards, but not all are created equal. The mechanical keyboard, however, leads the pack when it comes to quality and versatility.

A mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses mechanical switches for its keys. Because of its design and features, a mechanical keyboard is often the go-to computer peripheral of gamers, writers, and typists.

Let’s learn more details about mechanical keyboards.

Definition of Mechanical Keyboard

A mechanical keyboard is a computer keyboard that uses a spring-equipped switch under each key, thus the label “mechanical.” The design allows for key presses that can be clearly felt. This makes a mechanical keyboard ideal for precise keystrokes.

Many writers, programmers, and typists prefer mechanical keyboards for their accuracy and anti-ghosting capabilities (i.e., the non-registration of one or more keystrokes when several keys are pressed at the same time). Avid gamers also prefer mechanical keyboards due to their accuracy and responsiveness, which is important when playing competitively.

The mechanical keys of most brands of mechanical keyboards come from Cherry GmbH, a leading German peripheral-device manufacturer, and Razer, a Singaporean-American technology company.

The Difference Between a Regular Keyboard and a Mechanical Keyboard

When it comes to core functionality and purpose, a mechanical keyboard is no different than a standard membrane keyboard. Pressing down a key registers a character or an action on your computer. Both are laid down in a familiar QWERTY layout. It’s the design and the components that make the difference.

A mechanical keyboard contains switches under each keycap, each key a complete system of moving parts in itself. Each time a key is pressed, two metal contacts under the key connect with each other. At the moment of contact, a tiny electric current flows from the metal to your keyboard’s circuitry then to your computer as a signal. Your computer’s processor interprets the signal and displays it on your monitor as a screen or action, depending on the app or program you’re using.

A regular keyboard, technically called a full-travel membrane keyboard, follows the same principle. However, instead of spring-loaded switches, the entire keyboard is made out of one-piece springy membrane that spreads all across the keyboard. When you press down a key, you press a corresponding plunger down on the membrane. Metal contacts beneath the membrane---strategically placed right under each key---touch an electrical switch matrix. As with mechanical keyboards, contact between the metal points sends a signal to your computer.

Types of Mechanical Keyboards

Whatever the brand, mechanical keyboards work using the same principle as discussed above. However, there are 3 main types of keyboard. Each type is determined by the variant of keys it’s equipped with.

Linear

Linear switches provide smooth keystrokes without clicks or feedback. This makes pressing the keys smooth, easy, and fast on your fingers. Fast typists and competitive gamers prefer linear switches as they’re comfortable and have a quick response time. Finally, if you prefer quiet mechanical keyboards, then go for keyboards with linear key switches.

Tactile

Tactile switches provide a satisfying bump sensation. This confirms that a mechanical key has been successfully pressed and registered without feeling the need to press the key all the way to the bottom. Tactile keyboards are beginner-friendly and are ideal for fast-touch typists.

Clicky

Clicky keyboards are not quiet mechanical keyboards. However, they’re satisfying and a lot of fun. Each keystroke produces a satisfying clicking sound each time a key contacts the actuation point. A clicky switch also provides a “bump” sensation to signal you that a keystroke is successfully registered.

Parts of the Keyboard

Each mechanical key in a mechanical keyboard is made up of a few main parts.

• a key cap
• a stem
• a spring underneath
• two metal contacts
• a housing to contain all the components

Each time a key is pressed, the stem pushes the spring down to allow the two metal contact points to connect and register the keypress. When you release the key, the spring uses kinetic pressure to push the key up back to its original position.

Depending on the brand or model, there are other parts as well such as clickbar or tactile leaf.

Standard mechanical keyboards feature a generic layout with a main typing keypad, function keys, cursor direction keys, 9 special keys, and a numeric keypad. Some models have additional media keys. Finally, compact ones may only have the main typing keypad with several keys having multiple functionalities.

Special Features

We know that mechanical keyboards are made up of mechanical keys rather than membrane keyboards. However, many mechanical keyboards may also have several features such as:

• Decorative LED lights that can be single color or RGB
• Backlit LED lights that light up the keys
• An app or built-in function that allows you to change the lighting pattern, functions of certain keys, and more
• Media keys where you can adjust media settings such as volumes, brightness, playlist selection, and more
• Special programmable keys which you can program sequences

More details and features can be found in the product description of the keyboard that you’re interested in. Check out the best wireless mechanical keyboards, the most ergonomic keyboards, products with the most features, and so on.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Mechanical keyboards have several advantages:

They have a significantly longer lifespan than most keyboard types. Each key can withstand anywhere between 30 to 100 million key presses. The keys of standard membrane keyboards only last about 5 million key presses.

• Due to their design, mechanical switches hardly wear out. Typing on the keys feels as if your keyboard is brand new even after several years.
• Mechanical key switches are incredibly responsive. Thus, each keystroke is registered accurately. Most mechanical keyboards also have an anti-ghosting feature, which means that all keystrokes are registered even if several keys are pressed all at once.
• The keyboard itself is heavy and robust. Not only does it last longer, but it’s also more stable than lighter membrane keyboards.
• Many mechanical keyboards are programmable, whether through an app or as a built-in function. Thus, you can program certain keys to do certain functions or sequences.
• Because the keycaps are removable, it’s easy to clean the keyboard for easy maintenance. You can also replace damaged keycaps. Some users even 3d-print their own keycap designs to customize their keyboards.
• Some mechanical keyboards have media keys and programmable sequence keys, allowing you to control several computer functionalities right on your keyboard. No need to point and click the mouse.
• Aesthetics are integral in most mechanical keyboards, which makes using them a more pleasant experience. Thus, mechanical keyboards are often characterized by changing LED lights, sleek designs, ergonomic features, futuristic finishes, and more.

However, not everything is a bed of roses for mechanical keyboards. Here are some of its disadvantages

• Mechanical keyboards are often noisier than most keyboards even those that are labeled as quiet mechanical keyboards. You can alleviate this by placing rubber O-rings around the keys although this may affect the responsiveness and depth of the keystroke.
• Mechanical keyboards are heavier than normal ones. So it might be a tad inconvenient if you’re planning to bring yours around, say, to a gaming convention.
• Mechanical keyboards are costlier than normal keyboards. However, with all the features and advantages they offer, buying one is totally worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about mechanical keyboards.

Are mechanical keyboards really better?

It depends on what you’re going to use the keyboard for. If your task isn’t heavy on typing, if accuracy isn’t a priority (i.e., graphic design, programming, or video editing where using a mouse or graphic tablet is more important), or if aesthetics isn’t important, then you can do away with a mechanical keyboard and opt for a standard one.

As a rule of thumb though, mechanical keyboards often beat other keyboards in almost all aspects.

Why is a mechanical keyboard better?

There are lots of reasons why investing in a mechanical keyboard is worthwhile. As mentioned above, it’s more robust, the keys are more responsive, it has extra functionalities, and it has a lot of features. Most mechanical keyboards look great too with RGB lighting, media keys, and more.

What’s so special about mechanical keyboards?

In addition to the design of the keys, toughness, functionality, and aesthetics, many models of mechanical keyboards are programmable. Using an app or, in some cases, a built-in functionality, you can program keys to do specific functions and sequences. For example, you can program and set the P1 programmable key to do a complex set of keystrokes so you can execute a difficult maneuver in a PC game.

Conclusion

It’s easy to see why many people like using mechanical keyboards. Sure, it may be expensive, but it’s all worth it. Take a look at your workstation or game station: it may be time to replace your old computer keyboard, and get yourself a sparkling, glowing, beautiful mechanical keyboard.