Mechanical Keyboards

Why Get a Mechanical Keyboard?

Unlike standard membrane keyboards, which use printed circuit boards, mechanical keyboards feature a switch under each key. These are more similar to those used in electrical engineering. Physical switches give mechanical keyboards a better feel—you can clearly feel each keypress—making them ideal for flawlessly accurate typing.

Mechanical Keyboards—Advantages

Mechanical keyboards are extra-durable, guaranteeing a comfortable keypress and a long service life.

Mechanical Keyboards—Wired or Wireless?

Mechanical keyboards can be found in two versions. Wireless mechanical keyboards make working, gaming and general use easier and more enjoyable. However, they do need charging and have a slower response than wired mechanical keyboards.

Mechanical Keyboards—Switches

Mechanical keyboard switches are durable, ergonomic and provide pleasant feedback when pressed. In addition, they usually switch about halfway through the total stroke, which can be handy both when playing games and typing. Mechanical keyboards are generally more expensive than membrane keyboards, which is a consequence of their superior quality and design.

A Mechanical Keyboard Can Have Three Different Types of Switches

Mechanical keyboards can be equipped with one of three basic types of switches, which differ in the feel of the press, accuracy and sound.

• Linear Mechanical Switches are whisper-quiet and provide consistent resistance throughout the pressing process.
• Tactile mechanical keyboard switches are also quiet switches. They gradually increase in resistance up to their actuation point, when you will feel a definite bump. After overcoming it, a release occurs, and the end position is reached abruptly.
• Mechanical clicky switches travel in a similar way to tactile switches. However, overcoming the resistance is also accompanied by a loud click. Click-through feedback is considered the most satisfying and is also what defines a mechanical switch for many users.

Mechanical Keyboard Switches—Parameters

Mechanical keypad switches are defined by several parameters, including actuation force and actuation distance.

• Actuation force is measured in centinewton (cN). A compression force of 1cN can be thought of as a load of one gram. In simple terms, it's how hard you have to press a key for it to become activated.
• Actuation distance determines how far you have to press the switches to activate them.
• Total travel distance is the difference between the highest and lowest position of the mechanical keyboard switch.
• Lifetime indicates the number of keystrokes a mechanical keyboard can handle. When this number of presses is reached, the functionality of the individual switches may change.

Mechanical Keyboard Models by Parameters

Mechanical Keyboards—Most Common Switches

Mechanical keyboards usually have one of these types of switches.

Cherry MX Red

Cherry MX Red are probably the most widely used mechanical switch in gaming keyboards today. They have become popular among gamers mainly due to their linear travel and high quality.

Cherry MX Brown

Cherry MX Brown switches are equally popular as MX Red. Unlike the red switches, MX Brown are tactile, making them the go-to choice among frequent writers and for versatile use.

Cherry MX Blue

With their 'clicky' sound, Cherry MX Blue are a specific type of mechanical switch. However, as the click can be quite loud, they are not the best in shared workspaces.

Logitech Romer-G

Romer-G are original Logitech switches. Their development was carried out in cooperation with the Japanese company Omron, which has many years of experience in the field of electronic components.

Razer Green

Razer also produces its own switches. The most commonly used are Razer Green. With the same clicky style as Cherry MX Blue, Razer Green switches are only found in Razer mechanical keyboards.

Kailh Red

Kailh is the most famous Chinese mechanical switch manufacturer. They produce cheaper alternatives to Cherry products and are usually found in lower-end mechanical keyboards. Kailh Red is the company's flagship switch and boasts the same features as Cherry MX Red.

Mechanical Keyboards—Other Useful Functions

A mechanical keyboard can offer plenty of other useful features to make your work and play more enjoyable.

• RGB keyboards make it easy to work or play games in the dark or at dusk.
• Multimedia buttons allow you to conveniently control movies, music and editing.