A Guide to Mechanical Keyboard Switches
0A Guide to Mechanical Keyboard Switches.
A few years ago, a "gaming keyboard" consisted of a regular old membrane keyboard with a few fancy lights slapped on it for good measure. Now, mechanical keyboards are all the rage. Gamers have come to appreciate the responsiveness, durability and versatility that only mechanical switches can offer.
Still, having more options on the market also means more potential for confusion. How many different kinds of mechanical switches are there, and what are the differences among them? Which brands should you look at? Consult this handy guide to find out.
Just in case you're one of the few holdouts who insist that a membrane keyboard is just fine, and you'd rather not spend so much money on your keyboard, take a few minutes to read our guide to mechanical keyboards. The short version: Membrane keyboards work by sending an electrical signal between two plastic membranes.
Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, work via a discrete switch underneath each key cap, like at typewriter has. This makes the keyboard not only more rugged and less prone to failure, but also more responsive and comfortable. If you're a PC gamer or accomplished typist and you don't own a mechanical keyboard, getting one could change your life in a small but significant way.