Advantages of Mechanical Keyboards - Gaming and Typing Style

 

What exactly is a mechanical keyboard? Mechanical keyboards are typically the old-style keyboards that we all picture when we think of old-fashioned keyboards; they're the thick, classic-looking, heavy keyboards from the '80s. But what's more interesting than their look is their sound and how it feels on the hands. A better definition would be that mechanical keyboards are generally made with good-quality, durable plastic key switches under each of the keys. In some models, you can change the amount of available key-switches by purchasing extra ones and placing them in key-switch slots on the keyboard.

These days, however, modern key-switch combinations come in a variety of exciting new designs, some with additional features, such as macro and programming capacity. You can also purchase some high-end mechanical keyboards which are covered with rubber dome technology for an increased feel in your hands. Rubber dome keyboards use a rubber layer underneath the keys to provide a responsive and solid feeling while typing. This is different from the cheap membrane-type key-switches, which can feel very wobbly after some time. Because of this, many high-end membrane-type keyboards suffer from poor ergonomic design, and some have even been banned in certain workplaces due to their bad-feel performance.

If you're looking for a good-feeling keystroke, you should definitely consider using a mechanical keyboard, especially if you like typing on the lowest key-switch rated keys (at the top and bottom). While it's true that some membrane keyboards do have higher key-switch ratings than others, a good mechanical keyboard will still give you very comfortable and reliable tactile feedback allowing you to get the feel of a real physical key-switch. In fact, some membrane keyboards even come with special "enter" and "return" keys which are operated via a tactile switch rather than a pressure-sensitive switch, giving you another very important feature for comfort. You'll also find that while some people favor membrane keyboards, many others absolutely love their tactile-over-pressure-sensory experience when dealing with mechanical keyboards.

In addition to the aforementioned comfort and convenience features, there are also some other benefits to consider. With so many different makes and models of mechanical keyboards available, it's easy to find one that meets your exact requirements. Many are made of rubber domes, which provide a firm, medium-hard feel with the ability to act as a fingerprint magnet. Others use rubber dome key-switches, but combine these with LED backlit keys and extremely long USB cables for an ultra-portable and easy to use setup. Finally, many of today's more popular mechanical keyboards also use Bluetooth for wireless internet compatibility, allowing you to quickly get up to speed with your keyboard without wasting time setting up a wired connection. With so many options, it's easy to find the perfect keyboard for your lifestyle.

The biggest downside to owning a mechanical keyboard is that they are very expensive. Thankfully, they are starting to make a come back in the popularity stakes. Mechanical key-switches are much more reliable than their rubber dome brethren, which means that they are a far more stable choice for users who need a durable key-switch. However, if you are in the market for a cheap mechanical keyboard - especially if it's likely that you won't use it for extended time - rubber dome key-switches are still a better choice. After all, why pay more for less?

Also, while most mechanical keyboards have fully-articulated key-switches, some have some form of rubber dome built in. It's not a huge problem for most, but if you are using a lot of complicated macros or need extra macro functionality, this is not usually a great thing. If you have certain keys you don't want to be pressed, having a rubber dome on them will eliminate this issue.

But overall, the advantages of owning a mechanical keyboards far outweigh their negative points. While they are more expensive than their rubber-dome cousins, they are still a great buy. They provide a better typing experience, provide a greater tactile feedback from your key-switches, and are generally a better value overall. All in all, they are definitely worth the investment if you plan on using them for many years.Know more about Best Mechanical Keyboards here.

Despite the negatives mentioned above, I have never personally used a Mechanical Keyboard that did not come with a full set of macros. If you are going to be typing heavily during gaming, you might as well go with a keyboard that provides these functions. I've found that most of my favorite typing techniques and functions come from full mechanical keyboards. In short, Mechanical Keyboards provide a better experience than their rubber-dome or clicky-clacky alternatives.