[Official] Mechanical Keyboard Guide
Fact: Nearly all keyboards sold bundled with computers or at retail stores use rubber domes under their keys. This is the same technology used in cheap TV remotes. They're made to be as cheap as possible to manufacture in order to maximize profits. Yes, this even includes "high end" keyboards. So why settle for something that is made as cheap as possible?
So why should you get a mechanical keyboard?
There are a few advantages offered by mechanical keyboards over your typical rubber dome keyboard.
Index:
Fact: Nearly all keyboards sold bundled with computers or at retail stores use rubber domes under their keys. This is the same technology used in cheap TV remotes. They're made to be as cheap as possible to manufacture in order to maximize profits. Yes, this even includes "high end" keyboards. So why settle for something that is made as cheap as possible?
So why should you get a mechanical keyboard?
There are a few advantages offered by mechanical keyboards over your typical rubber dome keyboard.
- The feel: With a rubber dome keyboard you've got to press the key all the way down to the bottom to get it to register. This wastes a lot of energy and causes fatigue, as most of your effort is spent pushing against a solid piece of plastic. Mechanical keyswitches are designed so that they register before you bottom out, so you only need to apply as much force as is necessary to actuate it, not wasting any.
- The choice: Mechanical keyboards are available with many different types of switches. Each different type of switch, whether it be one of the many Cherry MX options, Topre or Buckling Spring (among others) have unique characteristics that set them apart. As such, there are a multitude of options for you to choose from, to make your typing experience that much easier.
- The durability: Modern mechanical switches such as Cherry MX varieties and Topre switches are built to withstand millions of keypresses, this combined with the modularity of switches like Cherry MX varieties mean that mechanical keyboards can last you far longer than their rubber dome counterparts.
- The customizability: Due to the use of discrete switches with a common stem, mechanical keyboards are great for customizing, whether it be changing the keycaps, modifying switches, or even putting in a whole new set of different switches into the board. This allows the user to tailor their keyboard to make it perfect for them, if they're willing to put in the work.
Index:
- Terminology and Inputs
- Common Switch Types
- Keycap Plastic and Shape
- Keycap Printing Methods
- Frequently Asked Questions and Recommended Mechanical Keyboards
- Keycap Layouts and Where To Buy Keycaps
- Maintenance and Removing Keycaps
- Miscellaneous Resources
- Credits and Thanks
