Why choose a Mechanical Keyboard?
Today, most people type on their computers using membrane keyboards, which have a rubber dome under each key and feel a bit mushy when pressed.
But an increasing number of people, especially gamers and programmers, believe that the best keyboards are mechanical keyboards. Most of the best gaming PC setups particularly suit a mechanical keyboard, and some of the best gaming laptops even offer mechanical keyboard options.
While mechanical keyboards may look similar on the outside, their operation, feel, and even sound are all different. Here's why.
What is a mechanical keyboard?
Generally speaking, all PC keyboards work the same way. You press a key, which sends a signal to your computer. The computer then decodes this signal and turns it into a letter or command. It's simple.
But membrane keyboards and mechanical keyboards send this signal in different ways.
On a membrane keyboard, all keys are connected to a rubber pad. When you press a key, the pad is pushed down to touch a printed circuit board. The keyboard sends a different signal depending on which part of the circuit board is touched.
In contrast, each key on a mechanical keyboard has its own switch to send signals. When you press a mechanical key, it engages with a physical spring-loaded switch, which then sends a specific signal to the computer.
It's this unique construction that makes mechanical keyboards so appealing. When you press one of these spring-loaded keys, you feel or hear a characteristic click. This click is physical and precise. This means you will always know when a key has been pressed - there's no doubt whether a key has actually been actuated or not.
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts claim that the tactile feedback can help you type faster and with more accuracy. The raised keys also make touch typing easier, allowing you to focus on what you're typing rather than how you're doing it. Finally, the sound is satisfying, especially if you're a fast typist.
There are 3 main types of mechanical keyboard switches, and each has its own feel.
- Linear switches do not have much resistance and can be pressed in a single smooth motion.
- Tactile switches have a bump that you hit halfway through the press, making them slightly louder and providing physical feedback when you type.
- Clicky switches have the same bump, but produce a much louder sound.
There's not much actual evidence that mechanical keyboards improve typing speed or form. However, mechanical keyboards have a large and growing following.
Mechanical keyboards vs. membrane keyboards: Which is better?
If mechanical keyboards are so good, why don't more people use them? The main advantage of membrane keyboards is their price. They are cheaper to produce and buy, which is why the majority of keyboards – whether external or built into a laptop – are membrane keyboards. You can buy a membrane keyboard starting at €50, whereas a mechanical keyboard will cost at least €100, or even more if you want a branded keyboard with higher quality keys.
Some people also don't like the noise of mechanical keyboards. A fast user of tactile or clicky mechanical keyboards can sound like they're firing a machine gun, especially if they slam their keys. This is why online video game players love this type of infinitely customizable gaming keyboard.
Even "silent" linear mechanical keyboards still make some noise when typing. This is a big change from the typing sound of a quiet membrane keyboard.
Mechanical keyboards are also easier to clean, repair, and customize. Each key on a mechanical keyboard can be removed with your fingers or, more safely, using a keycap puller, a simple tool that probably comes with your keyboard.
If a key or switch breaks, you can replace it. If dust falls between the keys, you can remove them to clean it out.
Many websites sell custom switches and keycaps with which you can decorate your keyboards.
 
While there are some cheap membrane keyboards on the market, if you're a dedicated typist or gamer, it's better to opt for a mechanical keyboard.
You might not realize it, but if you're an average typist, you're capable of logging 8,000 keystrokes per hour. Let's assume you type 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.
That's an impressive 16,640,000 keystrokes per year, and if you're using a standard membrane keyboard like those that come with most desktop computers, those keystrokes are far from as comfortable or reliable as they could be.
While there are some decent membrane keyboards on the market, there's no compelling reason to buy them other than price. Your hands spend more time on your keyboard than on the steering wheel of your car; aren't those 16 million keystrokes worth a better quality keyboard?
How keyboards work
On any keyboard, the user types a letter which activates (registers) and tells the device to send a signal to the computer. When the switch is activated for a fraction of a second, it sends a single letter to the computer. When activated longer, it sends the letter repeatedly (try holding down the "A" button and see what happens).
Membrane keyboards
On new membrane keyboards, the key passes through a plastic layer with electrical contacts, then through a hole to a second layer that interrupts a circuit to register the keystroke. Pressing through these layers gives the sensation of typing on a membrane.
We consider the chiclet keyboards used by Apple desktop computers to function similarly to classic membrane keyboard models. This isn't entirely true, but the technology is similar enough that the same considerations apply when comparing them to mechanical devices.
Mechanical switches
When you type on a mechanical keyboard, you press a keycap, which activates a spring-loaded switch underneath, also known as a 'switch'. Depending on the type of switch, this spring may require more or less force and it can produce a pleasant "click" or remain silent.
In all cases, mechanical switches provide tactile feedback that lets typists know they've pressed the key hard enough for it to register and that they haven't missed a letter.
Unlike membrane keys, mechanical switches do not need to be pressed all the way down to actuate, which allows users to avoid the unpleasant sensation of bottoming out the key.
One might think that new mechanical keyboards require much more force to actuate than their membrane counterparts, but this is not the case.
Some switches, like blue and green, do recall old typewriters, but others, like red switches, are almost silent and don't require more pressure than the membrane keyboards on your desk.
If you're a typist, getting a mechanical keyboard will increase your speed and accuracy. When users type faster, the risk of omission increases.
By providing physical and, in the case of clicky switches, auditory feedback with each action, mechanical keyboards allow you to adjust your keystrokes and generate the greatest possible number of words per minute. You won't get the same experience pressing two plastic keys.
Manufacturers can improve membrane keyboards by increasing the number of actuations and speeding up reset times, but these measures remain artificial solutions to a design problem.
Mechanical keyboards are rated higher
At Gameplicity, we evaluate all aspects of PC gaming accessories, and one of them is price. Let's assume you're a big fan of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs). When some of the best membrane keyboards cost less than €100 and some of the best mechanical keyboards cost over €150, we understand that this is not an insignificant difference.
However, a good mechanical keyboard can last for years – 5, 10, or even more. An extra €50, or even €100, is a lot of money upfront, but not much when you consider that it's only an extra €5 per year of use.
It is also worth considering that mechanical keyboards can last up to 50 million clicks (or more) per key, whereas membrane models tend to top out around 10 million.
That's still years of use, but a mechanical keyboard can last for decades - and even then, you can still replace the keycaps when they wear out. Once a membrane keyboard wears out, it's usually for good. A €150 keyboard is cheaper than two €100 keyboards.
Buying a mechanical keyboard instead of a membrane model is like buying a motorcycle instead of a bicycle. Sure, you're paying for the brand, but you're also paying for a vehicle that can last 25 years instead of 5.
The 5 advantages of using a mechanical keyboard
1. Very consistent typing
On a mechanical keyboard, each key contains a dedicated switch.
The switch is composed of a spring inside a housing. When pressed, the user receives a certain resistance from the spring, and once the key is fully depressed, the keyboard registers the keystroke.
Since each key has a dedicated switch, you can expect your keyboard to register each keystroke reliably and very consistently. This is why gamers and typists prefer mechanical keyboards over membrane keyboards.
 2. Custom switches for precise typing
The ultimate advantage of a mechanical keyboard is the ability to choose the type of switch you want to use. As we've seen, there are three main types of switches: clicky, linear, and tactile.
- Clicky switches are essentially what they sound like: they make a loud clicking sound with each keystroke and have a tactile feel. They are perfect for those who like to type hard and don't work with other people. To learn more about our favorite clicky switches, click here.
- Linear switches are as smooth as butter. There is no tactile impact, minimal noise, and extremely consistent typing. This type of switch is generally used by gamers due to their consistent action. Typists can also enjoy linear switches, they just need to be careful not to press the switches too hard when typing. To learn more about our favorite linear switches, click here.
- Tactile switches are the best recommendation for typists. The switches are moderately noisy and have a pleasant tactile effect that can help increase typing accuracy and enjoyment. To learn more about our favorite tactile switches, click here.
It's up to you whether you want a keyboard that makes loud clicks, has bumps, or is quiet and smooth. Some people type better on a noisy keyboard to wake the neighbors at night, while others prefer a discreet keyboard.
The main thing is that you can choose the type of feel and sound that will make you the most effective typist possible.
3. Easily customizable layouts
Another great advantage of mechanical keyboards is the large number of keyboard sizes available. Whether it's a full-size keyboard, a 60% keyboard, or a miniature keyboard, there are tons of different sizes. You can check out our mechanical keyboard sizes collection here.
Whether you need a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad for lots of data entry or just a keyboard with alphanumeric keys, there's an option.
Finding the perfect balance between keyboard size and comfort can help you save valuable desk space and make your workspace less cluttered and more efficient.
Choosing a smaller keyboard is also ideal for typists who need to take their keyboard on the go, whether from home to the office or to a cafe from time to time. Mechanical keyboards are your best asset for choosing the perfect size for a compact keyboard.
Our favorite size is the 65% mechanical keyboard, as it offers a perfect balance of size and efficiency.
4. Anti-ghosting technology
If you've never heard of anti-ghosting, at some point, you've experienced the negative effects of not having N-key rollover.
If you're in front of a keyboard right now, try typing 4 to 5 keys at the same time. If only 1 or 2 keys register, it means you need a new keyboard.
N-key rollover allows you to press multiple keys at the same time and register them in the order they were pressed.
If you're a fast typist, then you've probably already experienced a key not registering even though you swore you pressed it. The problem wasn't you, but the fact that your old keyboard wasn't fast enough to keep up with your typing speed.
Anti-ghosting is an essential feature for typists and gamers, and for this reason alone, you should buy a mechanical keyboard.
5. Long-term durability
Mechanical keyboards last a long, long time. Most of the first mechanical keyboards released in the 80s are still working today, like IBM's Model M.
The switches on a mechanical keyboard have a much longer lifespan than those on a membrane keyboard. The main manufacturer of Cherry MX switches boasts a durability of 100 million keystrokes.
If you manage to press one of your keys 100 million times, the switch won't break, it will just be a little more worn out. In fact, many keyboard enthusiasts prefer the feel of a worn switch. So, even after 100 million keystrokes, your keyboard will still feel great, sometimes even better than new.
For reference, a membrane keyboard is only designed for 10 million keystrokes, which is one-tenth of the number of keystrokes. That's another good reason to buy a mechanical keyboard.
Additionally, some mechanical keyboards have features that make them even better in the long run. Features like PBT keycaps, an aluminum metal casing, and removable power cables allow mechanical keyboards to last so long that you might die before it does.
Does a mechanical keyboard make you type faster?
Now that we've covered all the main benefits of using a mechanical keyboard, you might be wondering if a mechanical keyboard will help you type faster.
At first, the answer is probably no. There's a short adjustment period for typing on a mechanical keyboard because the feel is different and your fingers need to get used to the new typing sensation.
After a while, you'll regain your usual speed and you might notice a decrease in the number of errors you used to make, which in turn can increase your words per minute.
But in reality, the best way to increase your typing speed is to practice diligently and spend many hours typing on your keyboard. Switching to a mechanical keyboard isn't an instant pill to double your typing speed, although you might see an increase after some time due to fewer typing errors.
There are many benefits to using a mechanical keyboard for typing, such as more consistent keystrokes, customizable switches, various size layouts, anti-ghosting technology, and long-term durability.
The possibilities are virtually endless, which is why it was very difficult to try to group them into just 5 tips.
Although using a mechanical keyboard won't instantly improve typing speed, its benefits largely justify its cost and we recommend everyone try one at some point.
You should notice a decrease in the number of errors you make, which can lead to an increase in typing speed.
Happy typing!
