When people look for keyboards, they usually don't consider whether it is mechanical or not. If they look underneath the keys of a mechanical keyboard, they will see switches with springs attached. This design is different and more efficient than other versions. Each switch consists of a stem and a spring attached to two metal contacts. Upon pressing the key, the stem and spring move down to the circuit board and connects the two contacts together. The key's signal is sent to the computer, and the key springs back up. Mechanical keyboards were first promoted in the 1990s with the creation of rubber dome keyboards, which are combinations of mechanical and membrane keyboards. Overall, mechanical keyboards represent the majority of styles in today's market and last longer than non-mechanical keyboards.
Benefits of a Mechanical Keyboard
Mechanical switches make typing simple and efficient. Membrane keyboards are cheap and widely distributed, but the keys wear down very quickly. After a few years of constant use, the keys start to break off or get stuck easily. The use of a mechanical switch adds a springy touch to each key. Metal is a strong, durable material that lasts longer than rubber and other weaker materials. As a result, metal-based switches wear out more slowly than rubber domes or scissor switches. The loud clicking sound that is made when pressing down on the key is the only major complaint. To make up for this minor defect, mechanical keyboards are more stable and have longer life spans. Membrane keyboards last for an average of 5 million key presses while mechanical keyboards last for 70 to 100 million key presses.
Popular Mechanical Keyboards
The Logitech G Pro keyboard provides the ideal design for gamers and typists. It's one of the most efficient designs that lasts 70 million key presses or more. Its sleek design includes colored LED back lighting that makes typing easier at night.
The Das Keyboard 4 Professional has multimedia keys and a volume dial in the corner. The soft tactile design ensures that pressing the keys is quiet and comfortable. The n-key rollover feature prevents key ghosting and jamming. On average, the keys last through 50 million strokes.
Razer is another company that creates high-performance electronics. Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 also has RGB LED lighting along with ports for USBs, headphones or microphones. These components increase the efficiency of gaming. The fully programmable keys give users more personalized control over their typing. This keyboard includes Synapse software that provides synchronization with a compatible Razer electronic.
Razer has more exceptional products, including the Huntsman keyboard that allows for fast, accurate typing and remains a bestselling gaming keyboard, according to The NPD Group. The switches use light-responsive actuation, which is a new technology that is extensively used in autonomous systems. The keys are fully programmable with remapping capabilities. Along with LED backlighting, there is a matte finish over the keys with a magnetic plush cushion for resting the wrist when not typing. Like many other Razer products, the lifespan is up to 100 million presses, which is double the amount for other bestselling keyboard competitors on the market.