What Is A Mechanical Keyboard? The Keyboard For Gamers!

What Is A Mechanical Keyboard?

Okay, so you’ve probably heard of the term “Mechanical Keyboard.” But what is it, exactly?

If you’ve ever used a mechanical keyboard, you know that it’s a special beast. Not only does it look cool, but it feels cool too (yes, it really does.) Mechanical keyboards are all the rage right now, and for a good reason: they’re durable, stylish, customizable, and incredibly responsive. 

A mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses mechanical switches. Mechanical keyboards are known for their superior performance and durability when compared to regular keyboards. However, they also tend to be more expensive than other types of keyboards and don’t come with all the extra features that may be found on some other keyboards. Before you buy your next keyboard, it’s important to understand what makes them different from other models so you can make an informed decision about whether or not this type of keyboard is best for your needs.

How Does A Mechanical Keyboard Work?

A mechanical keyboard has a keycap that moves a switch when you press it instead of relying on pressure from rubber domes or capacitive sensors to register a keypress. The classic IBM Model M is an excellent example of this kind of keyboard—it uses buckling springs to bounce back and forth, giving them an incredibly satisfying click as you type.

Mechanical keyboards are a bit different than the membrane and rubber dome keyboards that most people use. They have several parts working together to create each keystroke, which results in a satisfying feeling of clicking.

Mechanical keys have switches that are built into the keyboard itself, not just on top or under the keycap like with other types of keyboards. These switches can be either tactile or linear, depending on how they feel when you press them down and what kinds of noises they make when you do so. The mechanical switch requires an actuator (or spring), metal contacts inside the switch body, and some form of housing that holds everything together—and when you press down on a key, it bends down and creates an electrical contact that connects with a trace on a PCB (printed circuit board). This then sends a signal to your computer telling it which key has been pressed.

Advantages Of A Mechanical Keyboard

There are a lot of advantages to using a mechanical keyboard. First and foremost, the typing experience is simply better than with other types of keyboards. Mechanical keys are more responsive than rubber dome keyboards, which makes them great for gaming as well as typing. Your fingers will feel like they’re flying across the board when you type on an MX-style mechanical keyboard!

Another advantage is that mechanical switches tend to last longer than other kinds of switches. This means that you’ll have fewer problems with your keyboard failing on your mid-game or mid-documentation, and it also means that replacing your keys won’t be as expensive should one break off from normal wear and tear over time.

Disadvantages Of A Mechanical Keyboard

Of course, there are some disadvantages to mechanical keyboards because they’re more expensive, heavier, and louder than their rubber-dome counterparts, and many people find them less appealing for travel or shared office space use. In addition, because of the way they function mechanically (and the fact that you can easily remove and replace each keycap), these keyboards are more delicate than their rubber-dome counterparts. This means that if you want to throw one of these puppies around in anger while playing a game (or just typing), it’s not going to last long before breaking down on you.

Additionally, the mechanical keyboard tends to cost more than regular ones and weigh about the same amount as having two laptops stacked atop one another. So if weight isn’t important for your needs, then maybe buying something cheaper would make sense. 

Lastly, they’re heavier and louder than membrane alternatives — but this depends on the model. Most people expect mechanical keyboards to be loud and heavy because they make all sorts of racket while clicking away beneath your fingertips. But newer designs are more comfortable on your hands and quieter than previous generations were, which should appeal especially if you want a quiet office environment without sacrificing performance. So it’s better to look for reviews on YouTube before buying one!

Uses Of A Mechanical Keyboard

A mechanical keyboard is ideal for all sorts of typing so that you can use it for work and school, and of course,  for gaming.

Great gaming keyboards are designed to provide the most responsive experience possible. The keys are also very “arcade feel”, so you would really feel the actual game on your fingers like you are playing in an arcade. 

A good keyboard is also used in programming because they’re more durable than standard rubber dome keyboards; mechanical keyboards are ideal for programmers who love to code and don’t want their keyboard to break easily when using it for long periods of time (like at a hackathon).

Typists often use mechanical keyboards because they allow you to type faster without sacrificing comfort or accuracy. People also prefer a mechanical keyboard due to its sound being satisfying as you type.

Average Price For A Mechanical Keyboard

You can find mechanical keyboards in all shapes, sizes, and prices. You’ll need to do a little research to get the best value for your money. 

To start with, consider how much you’re willing to spend on a new peripheral. Because good mechanical keyboards are made by companies that have been around for years—and because it takes time and skill to build one of these things—they often cost more than regular membrane models. But if you want something that will last longer and work better than most mass-produced options, it may be worth paying more upfront for your keyboard.

There are a number of entry-level mechanical keyboards available for less than $100, but as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. A premium keyboard can cost upwards of $200 or more—an investment that may be worth it if you spend a lot of time typing or have trouble with repetitive strain injury (RSI) from using other kinds of keyboards.

Typically, an average price of a mechanical keyboard is around $100. But again, those are only for the average end. If you really want a good mechanical keyboard, go for the more costly ones (and the good brands!) 

Wrap Up

Mechanical keyboards are an upgrade from standard rubber dome keyboards that most people use today. They have a more responsive feel and increased durability, making them the perfect choice for gamers or anyone looking for a better typing experience than what you can get with a rubber dome keyboard.

We hope this article has given you some insight into how mechanical keyboards work and why they’re so popular among gamers. If you have any questions about mechanical keyboards, feel free to reach out — I’d love to talk to you about them!