From WFH to gaming. The most important computer peripherals are arguably the keyboard. Is it the sounds it produces? Or are you looking for the comfort of typing all-day? Here’s my personal review/thoughts about mechanical keyboards from the frame itself to the keycaps.
So why use a mechanical keyboard instead of a “normal” membrane keyboard? Let us break it down for you.
The main difference between a membrane keyboard and a mechanical keyboard is how they feel. Mechanical keyboards have a special individual switch for each key and makes a distinct “click”. Typing on a mechanical keyboard activates an actual physical switch underneath that’s spring-loaded so you will know when you have pressed each key.
Membrane keyboards on the other hand has a “mushy” feel when you press the keys due to the rubber pressure pads that have only outlines and symbols printed on a flat, flexible surface. The inconsistent feel when typing with membrane makes it very unsatisfying in my opinion. With very little tactile feedback, membrane keyboards are usually cheaper to produce and more silent.
Here’s an exploded view of a mechanical keyboard:
The majority of mechanical keyboards use mass-produced keycaps, which make the keyboard look dull and generic. Thus, getting new keycaps is primarily for cosmetic reasons. Two of the main components used are ABS and PBT.
ABS which mean Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a copolymer plastic that has an easy molding process, and the keycaps won’t shrink during molding which makes it less expensive. Some cons are it produces a “greasy feel” after surface wear.
PBT means Polybutylene Terephthalate which is a much sturdier plastic compared to ABS and its much more difficult to produce. As such, pricing is more expensive, but one has to pay for quality.
One of the most crucial pieces of the keyboard is the switch. Even if two keyboards are from the same model, the switches on them can make a huge difference in how they feel.
Mechanical switches are divided into three categories: linear, tactile, and clicky. Their keystroke behaviour is what distinguishes them.
- Linear Switches are the most basic of them and usually have a smooth actuation and no tactile feedback. The smooth keystroke enables for faster action, making them the most popular switch among gamers.
- Tactile Switches, which are my favourite switches, produces a perceptible bump mid-typing to indicate that the key stroke was registered. This is a great option and the preferred choice for people who type alot.
- Clicky switches works the same way as tactile. However, each stroke is accompanied by a distinct “click.” For those who enjoy the “clicky” sounds a keyboard can produce, this one is for you.
Be it a mechanical keyboard or a membrane keyboard, we work with computers so often that it is good to know which ones work for you best. So which kind of keyboard do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below!
This article was brought to you by Han. I pretend to be broke in order to stay wealthy, yet I’m not wealthy.
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