What is a mechanical keyboard and is it more convenient for work and play

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Find out how the mechanic works, why it has a whole army of fans and whether it is worth buying it for you.

UPD. Updated on August 22, 2019.

What is a mechanical keyboard

Some consider it a newfangled curiosity, although in reality such variants are much older than the currently widespread membrane ones. The progenitor of mechanical keyboards was typewriters, from which they took many of the design features.

For the operation of each button, separate switches are responsible with a special mechanism that emits those very characteristic clicks. Mechanical keyboards are much more complex and, as a result, are much more expensive.

For their high reliability, clear response and convenience, they were appreciated and continued to be used by professionals working with texts and code. With the advancement of professional gaming, a large new audience has been added to mechanical keyboard fans.

How mechanics work

Membrane keyboards have a rather primitive design: above the contact pads of the common board, there is a rubber membrane with bulges-domes, which are recessed when pressed and close the contacts. In mechanical modifications, everything is much more complex and subtle. There are no contact pads on the board, and instead of them there are many physical switches (switches) - one for each of the keys.

The contacts inside the switches open mechanically, and due to the metal spring, the button gently returns to its original position. At the same time, the switches react quickly and work before the key is completely "pushed through". The moment of activation is well felt tactile, which gives better control and requires less effort when typing.

As you might guess, the most important component of mechanical keyboards, which distinguishes them from all others, are switches. They are of three types: linear, tactile, and clicky.

• Soft linear pushes with the same and even force along the entire stroke and are appreciated by gamers.
• In tactile ones, the pressure increases closer to the moment of actuation and is clearly felt, so everyone who works with texts loves them.
• Flickers have not only a tactile but also an audible response, which makes the keyboard more like a typewriter.

In addition, all switches vary in pressure, stroke length, tactile response, and sound. Due to the wide variety of characteristics, you can fine-tune the keyboard parameters and achieve its specific behavior. For even greater customization, you can even combine switches of different types in one keyboard.

But that's not all. The last detail of the design is the caps (keycaps) that are worn over the switches. It is on them that we press with our fingers. They are different in height, profile, method of applying symbols and type of layout. Based on your preferences, you can choose thin, straight, beveled or rounded caps, and the characters in them can be laser cut, extruded from plastic or painted. If desired, boring keycaps can be easily changed by purchasing a set of others.

What are the advantages and disadvantages

Mechanical keyboards allow you to type faster, more accurately, and are more suitable for long-term work. But, like any other device, they have both strengths and weaknesses.

Advantages

• Tactile feedback. The main plus of mechanical keyboards. Keystrokes are clearly felt and effortless. This property is difficult to overestimate when typing and during games, when you have to press the keys quickly and often.
• Softness and smoothness. When entering, you do not need to completely recessed the buttons, just press them a little, and with some switches, barely touch them at all. This relieves stress on the hands and reduces fatigue.
• Registration of parallel clicks. All mechanical keyboards support the simultaneous pressing of six keys, and some models are capable of recording an unlimited number of keystrokes. For ordinary users, this is not necessary, but for gamers it is very important.
• Durability. Mechanical keyboards are not subject to wear due to their design and quality materials. Even after decades, the keys will be pressed as easily and clearly as on the day of purchase.
• Great weight. The use of metal frames and a large number of parts make mechanical keyboards quite heavy, so accidental movements during operation are practically impossible.
• Easy to care for. Removable keycaps make the keyboard very easy to disassemble and clean.

disadvantages

• High price. Mechanical keyboards are generally not cheap due to expensive switches and quality materials. The cost of basic models of famous brands starts at 6,000 rubles, more advanced versions will cost 15,000 rubles and more.
• Key noise. Depending on the switches used, the volume of sounds emitted by the keyboard varies, but even the quietest switches will be louder than membrane counterparts.
• Great weight. It can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the one hand, it is good that the keyboard does not travel on the table, on the other hand, it will be problematic to carry it with you.

Do you need a mechanical keyboard

Only you yourself will answer this question. It may seem that mechanical keyboards are a panacea, but in reality everything is quite subjective. Cheap diaphragms are definitely inferior to mechanical ones, but more expensive branded models provide almost the same user experience. Perhaps, changing from a good membrane keyboard to a mechanical one, you won't even feel any difference.

Who is it for

Mechanical options will be appreciated by developers, editors, gamers and anyone who spends a lot of time at the computer. They are also worth paying attention to for those who do not have conventional keyboards for a long time.

Who is not suitable

There is absolutely no need to buy such a keyboard for ordinary users who mainly surf the Internet and watch TV series. If your work is not text-based and you don't play professionally, the mechanics are likely to be a waste of money.