All about the inner workings, mechanisms, and typing prowess of mechanical keyboards

So, what's the real deal inside a mechanical keyboard? And how does it elevate our typing and gaming experiences? Let's explore in this article.

Differences Between Mechanical and Membrane Keyboards

Membrane keyboards, more common and cost-effective, operate with a rubber dome under each key. When you press a key, the rubber compresses, and the key makes an electrical connection with the keyboard's circuit board. It creates a somewhat dull and spongy feel - a bit challenging to describe verbally, but anyone who has tried both keyboard types will understand the sensation Mytour is referring to here.

Mechanical keyboards have a significantly different structure - instead of rubber, they feature a switch composed of various components beneath each key, enabling seamless connections. It's no coincidence that enthusiasts favor this type: it profoundly influences typing and genuinely 'pleases' users.

How is the Structure of Mechanical Keyboards?

In principle, a keyboard switch is a simple device. It consists of a stem attached to the keycap (the button you directly press when typing), held by a spring. When you press the keycap down, this stem will be pushed down, allowing two electrical contact points to touch, creating an electrical signal indicating that you've pressed the button.

This is what creates the difference in the pressing sensation between membrane and mechanical keyboards. Because each mechanical key is controlled by a spring, you achieve uniform force across all keys. You never have to guess whether your key press 'registered' or not.

Beyond linear switches that only produce sound when the keycap hits the bottom out, there are switches designed for users to confirm key presses more easily. These include switches creating tactile feedback (tactile), producing sound within the key travel (clicky), or providing both tactile feedback and sound (tactile clicky).

Currently, the most favored switch manufacturer for mechanical keyboards globally is Cherry from Germany, offering various types such as red (linear), blue (tactile clicky), and brown (tactile). Many Chinese brands have imitated Cherry's switches for their budget mechanical keyboards, like Kailh (also used by Razer).

Additionally, there are other types of mechanical switches. Topre switches, renowned for their unique design, have gained popularity among a significant user base. Some recent developments include switches using magnetic fields to allow adjustment of the actuation point, low-profile switches designed for sleek setups, and optical switches with a similar structure activated by light, reducing wear and tear.

But no matter the switch type, their fundamental purpose remains the same: mechanical keyboards enhance typing speed by accurately registering key presses.

What Sizes Do Mechanical Keyboards Come In?

Unlike membrane keyboards that often come in limited sizes, mechanical keyboards offer a wide range of sizes for gamers to choose from. Those with ample desk space may opt for standard or larger keyboards with additional features like a dedicated numeric keypad and macro keys.

Gamers with multiple peripherals on their desk might choose compact (with keys closely arranged, sometimes called 96%) or tenkeyless keyboards. Meanwhile, travel enthusiasts may prefer the compact 60% size, perfect for packing into a backpack and hitting the road.

Are Notable Keycaps Essential for a Mechanical Keyboard?

For newcomers, paying attention to keycaps (the individual keys) is unnecessary – the pre-installed keycaps on a keyboard are more than sufficient for your needs. However, as mentioned in a previous Mytour article, investing in a mechanical keyboard might just be the beginning. True enthusiasts who immerse themselves in the world of tactile keyboard pleasures will tell you that keycaps often cost several times more than the keyboard itself.

Initially, mechanical keyboard users may find satisfaction in purchasing a set of pre-printed keycaps in bulk from Taobao, replacing common keys like WSAD, space, Enter, Esc, etc. Then, they will discover doubleshot keycaps, which are crafted from two layers of plastic, offering superior durability compared to regular printed keycaps. Delving deeper, we encounter custom keysets, produced in limited quantities and purchased as a group. Lastly, at the extreme end, we have artisan keycaps crafted by skilled artisans – each keycap can cost from tens to... thousands of dollars.

The quality and material of keycaps are also noteworthy. Cheap keycaps are often thin and made from ABS plastic, featuring diverse designs but lacking durability – after some use, the key surfaces become shiny and odd-looking. On the other hand, higher-quality keycaps are made from PBT plastic, with a textured surface, better resistance to wear and tear, and resistance to dust. However, PBT is more brittle than ABS, challenging to mold, and difficult to dye, resulting in fewer choices.

Beyond keycaps, there are various other ways to customize a mechanical keyboard, from using rubber dampening rings under keycaps to reduce key travel and noise to building an entirely unique keyboard from scratch.

Conclusion

Thus, Mytour has delved deeper with you into the intricacies of mechanical keyboards, exploring the components that make it unique – the switches and keycaps – distinguishing it from membrane keyboards. Beneath the surface, manufacturers may employ their own software and hardware to create distinctions, but ultimately, the 'soul' of a mechanical keyboard lies solely in its switches.