What makes a Mechanical Keyboard special?
Mechanical Keyboards have been receiving a lot of attention. Partly due to the pandemic forcing everyone to work from home and invest in work-from-home setups. But, there is more to a Mechanical Keyboard that sets it apart from the other options that we have.
Keyboard enthusiasts will tell you how a Mechanical Keyboard is better in every way. There is just something about Mechanical Keyboards that makes you just want to keep on typing. For me, it’s the clicking sounds and tactile feel of every keystroke. But, that’s not all that makes it special. Let’s get into some of the reasons that set a Mechanical Keyboard apart from the rest!
It’s fun to customize a Mechanical Keyboard
The thing about a Mechanical Keyboard is you can take it apart, customize it, and make it your own. From the switches, the keycaps, the housing, and the sound dampening. You can change a lot to suit your taste.
There are even people who go further to make or seek out custom-made parts to give their Mechanical Keyboards more flare and personality!
Mechanical Keyboards are better for typing!
Customization is just the tip of the iceberg when talking about the advantages of a Mechanical Keyboard. They are also great for typing? Why? well, unlike normal keyboards where the keys rest on a membrane pad and rely on pressure to register a keystroke, a Mechanical Keyboard works differently. With a Mechanical Keyboard, each key has individual and dedicated switches that are actuated by a spring. They ensure that each press of a key is always consistent and registers lightning quick just as soon as some pressure is applied to a key. This means you don’t need to press as hard and you always get consistent typing performance out of it.
The switches also provide their specific sound and feel (depending on the switch you use). It can either be tactile, clicky, or linear. Tactile switches produce moderate noise when typing and provide a good tactile feel with each press. Clicky switches are for those who like to let the world know that they are typing up the document, because they make enough clicky noise to get you kicked out of a library, and they also have a tactile feel. Meanwhile, linear switches are the most quiet. They are also smooth and consistent which is why gamers like them so much.
These switches help to let you hear and feel that your keystroke has registered. Unlike a membrane keyboard where you don’t get much feedback, making it easier to commit typing errors.
Mechanical Keyboards also have a better Anti-Ghosting feature. Meaning you can press more than a hundred keys at once. But will you press a hundred keys at once? probably not. The Anti-Ghosting feature is good for fast typists who need a keyboard that can keep up with them.
You have size options!
There are size options to choose from with Mechanical Keyboards. You can pick one depending on your taste. If you want a compact and minimalist approach then a 40% to 60% sized keyboard will do you good. Other size options include 65%, 75%, Tenkeyless, 1800 compact, and a full-sized keyboard.
I personally go for the Tenkeyless size keyboard because I can do away with the number pad anyway. It’s also the more functional keyboard size for me. But, If I feel that I need to save on desk space, then I wouldn’t mind switching ditching the function row of a keyboard and make the switch to a 65% size keyboard layout.
They last longer than you think they do
Mechanical Keyboards have a longer lifespan compared to a normal membrane keyboards. Membrane keyboards are tested for around 5 to 10 million key presses, meanwhile, Mechanical Keyboards are tested for way more. Specifically around 100 million key presses. The switches on a Mechanical Keyboard also don’t wear out as much. The typing feel is always consistent even after a long time of using it. And even if you do manage to break a switch or two, you can always replace it instead of buying an entirely new one. This is because we now have hot swappable Mechanical Keyboards that don’t require you to solder the switches you are planning to replace.
We also mentioned that you can replace everything on a Mechanical Keyboard for customization right? Well, this just further plays into why this keyboard can last for so long. Aside from switches, you can swap cables, use an aluminum casing, and opt for PBT keycaps that further add to the robustness of your keyboard.
So, are Mechanical Keyboards the right type for you?
Pun intended. But, before you answer that question, keep in mind that all good things come with a downside. Mechanical Keyboards are pricey. If you want one with good quality, hot-swappable, can connect via Bluetooth or cable and is compatible with Mac and Windows, then prepare to shell out big bucks. They are also heavy and can be bulky. So keep that in mind when you travel to and from your workplace with a Mechanical Keyboard in your backpack. There is also the issue of the noise level. Mechanical Keyboards can get loud, and we mean loud enough to annoy a person and stab them in the ear without the need for physical contact (a special shoutout to blue switches). So, choose the type of switches you’ll be using very wisely.
But the pros outweigh the cons, so definitely give it a try! Especially if you are a PC gamer or if you spend most of your time at work typing. Mechanical Keyboards reduce typing mistakes and provide an overall better typing experience. That coupled with its customizability and durability makes for a great addition to your work-from-home setup!
