Are mechanical keyboards overrated, or are they really worth it? Key points to find the ideal option.
Mechanical keyboards are not suitable for everyone, but they might be ideal for you.
When it comes to choosing a keyboard, many gaming and programming enthusiasts believe that a mechanical keyboard is an essential investment. But are there really solid reasons to opt for an expensive mechanical keyboard instead of a more affordable one? Let’s explore the benefits and considerations to help you decide if it’s worth the expense.
What is a key switch?
A key switch is the mechanism found under each key that allows the keyboard to send signals to its printed circuit board (PCB) when a key is pressed. There are various types of switches, with mechanical and membrane switches being the most common, each having different sound and feel characteristics.
Among the types of switches are:
- Chiclet: Similar to membrane switches, it uses a small rubber dome to transmit the signal. Common in laptop keyboards, it generates a clicking noise and is not very customizable.
- Capacitive: Measures changes in capacitance and has a long lifespan without mechanical components. It offers a slight tactile response but is not as noisy as mechanical switches.
- Mechanical: Considered the best type, it uses a spring mechanism to complete a circuit. It offers various options like linear, tactile, and clicky, allowing for significant customization.
- Membrane: Uses a rubber layer under each key to register presses. It is quiet and generally economical, though it has limited customization options.
- Optical: Detects presses through a beam of infrared light, resulting in quick response times. It offers a light and rapid feel with some customization options.
Advantages of mechanical keyboards
Mechanical keyboards stand out in customization. Typical switches include linear (red), tactile (brown), and clicky (blue). Linear switches are quieter, while clicky switches are characterized by the distinctive sound they produce, which is popular among gamers and content creators. Tactile switches offer a good balance.
If you don’t like the switch you choose, look for "hot-swappable" keyboards, which will allow you to easily change the switches. Additionally, you can customize the keycaps and the case. This means your keyboard can maintain durability as long as you take care of the PCB and have spare parts available.
The variety in customization makes tinkering with a mechanical keyboard a creative and fun experience. You can redesign the keyboard multiple times a year and enjoy different setups.
Why not use a mechanical keyboard?
However, mechanical keyboards are not for everyone. Sometimes, it makes more sense to opt for a more affordable membrane keyboard or look for optical keyboards that offer higher performance.
If you prefer the soft and quick feel of a membrane keyboard, options like the HyperX Alloy Core or the Apple Magic Keyboard might be more suitable. On the other hand, in high-level competitions, you might benefit from an optical or Hall effect keyboard, which have slight advantages over mechanical ones.
Moreover, other types of keyboards may include additional features such as volume wheels and dedicated media keys, which are also valuable.
In conclusion, mechanical keyboards allow for unmatched customization and creativity, but if you’re looking for basic functionality and economy, there are quality options that can meet your needs without breaking the bank. If you decide to explore the world of mechanical keyboards, models like the Keychron Q6 Max, which are ideal for both work and gaming, or the Drop ALT, which combines efficiency and compact size, are great choices.
