Most of us type, game or create using a standard keyboard which primarily uses a membrane method of sending a signal to your computer when you press a key. This membrane is made of plastic and produces a slightly "mushy" feel to the key when you press it. The reason membrane keyboards have become the standard is that they are cheap and reliable (mostly).
So what is a mechanical keyboard? This type of keyboard uses an individual switch to directly input a key, there is no membrane between the key and the input. The benefit of this type of keyboard is that it makes typing easier and slightly faster. It's also faster and, according to many writers and gamers, a more enjoyable experience. Not to mention that a mechanical keyboard is more durable and will last longer than a standard keyboard using a membrane.
The primary reason mechanical keyboards are not as popular is that they are more expensive. However, prices have come down,
and more and more users and switching to the mechanical keyboard. There are also more companies competing for this keyboard market, so you have some good choices if you want to buy one.
I switched to a mechanical keyboard several years ago and now I can't imagine using a standard keyboard. Typing is easier and I enjoy the satisfying "clicks" when I type.
Top Five Mechanical Keyboards
I've researched many major tech sites and have come up with what I think are the best overall mechanical keyboards. These keyboards are priced well, have excellent warranties, and are made with quality in mind. Click the name of the keyboard to check the price and details.
- Maximum Productivity. Minimum Sound: The silent mechanical switches and sound-dampening foam on this keyboard offer a quiet, distraction-free experience when at the office or WFH, while its super durable design lasts for up to 80 million clicks.Keycaps: ABS plastic - With soft-touch coating
- Comfort with Every Keystroke: This ergonomically designed keyboard is high on comfort and features keycaps lined with a fingerprint-resistant, soft-touch coating—for a luxurious, cushioned feel that makes typing a joy
- Superior Ergonomic Support: The soft, cushioned wrist support perfectly aligns to the keyboard to relieve wrist pressure, providing superior comfort and less strain over long periods of typing
- Multi-Task with a Single Click: Connect and control up to 4 devices (desktop, laptop, Android tablet, and TV screen) while conveniently switching between them without the constant need to pair and unpair
- Efficiency at Your Fingertips: Customize the keyboard to best suit your style - remap keys, record macros, and create personal shortcuts for creative tools or office programs to maximize workflow
- Unparalleled Wireless Freedom: Powered by Razer HyperSpeed technology, keep any workspace looking clean and clutter-free by connecting this keyboard and compatible mice to the same Razer Productivity Dongle
My personal choice for a mechanical keyboard and one I am still using after five years.
- CONQUER THE MODERN WORKDAY: Das Keyboard 6 Professional is a keyboard for the modern worker. With the best materials and leading Cherry MX brown switches, this keyboard provides an exceptional typing experience.
- WHITE LED BACKLIGHTING - Clear backlight for working any time of day or night. See your keys through the laser etched shine through keycaps with a clean font.
- SOFT TACTILE CHERRY MX BROWN SWITCHES - Industry-leading Cherry MX brown switches with gold crosspoint technology. They have a high-precision electrical contact, lasting 100 million keystrokes with no loss of quality. Soft Pressure Point switch technology makes the mechanical keyboard less clicky while providing an awesome tactile experience.
- OVERSIZED VOLUME KNOB - Easily adjust the volume during your video calls, or turn the music up or down during your deep-work sessions.
- MEDIA CONTROLS - Play, pause, or skip tracks instantly with the ease of volume control all in one spot.
- ALUMINUM ENCLOSURE - With a premium, anodized aluminum top enclosure, the 6 Professional is extremely durable and will stand the test of time.
- 2-PORT USB-C HUB - Quickly charge devices or transfer data with the 2-port USB-C super speed hub.
- Get the RAPIDFIRE advantage CHERRY MX Speed mechanical key switches provide the reliability and accuracy you demand, with blistering fast 1.2mm actuation
- Aircraft grade silver anodized brushed aluminum frame, built to withstand a lifetime of gaming
- White PBT double shot keycaps for superior durability, look and feel
- 8MB profile storage with hardware macro and lighting playback allow access to up to three stored profiles on the go, independent of external software
- Per key dynamic multi color RGB backlighting offers near unlimited color customization and control. HID keyboard report rate 1000Hz
- CORSAIR iCUE software enables vivid dynamic lighting control, sophisticated macro programming and full system lighting synchronization across compatible CORSAIR peripherals, coolers, fans and more
- Wireless Gaming Gear Brand - Based on independent aggregated sales data (FEB ‘19 - FEB’20) of Wireless Gaming Keyboard, Mice, and PC Headset in units from: US, CA, CN, JP, KR, TW, TH, ID, DE, FR, RU, UK, SE, TR
- Lightspeed wireless delivers pro-grade performance with flexibility and freedom from cords. Creates a clean aesthetic for battle stations. Delivers 40 hours on a single full charge.
- Lightsync technology provides RGB lighting that synchronizes lighting with any content. Personalize each key or create custom animations from about 16.8M colors with Logitech G HUB software.
- Low Profile mechanical switches offer the speed, accuracy and performance of a mechanical switch at half the height The GL Clicky switch features a distinctive sound and tactile feedback. Comes in 3 options: GL Tactile, GL Linear or GL Clicky.
- Ten keyless design provides more room for mouse movement. Store the USB receiver in the back of the keyboard for additional portability.
- Beautifully crafted, the G915 TKL uses an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy to deliver an incredibly thin but rigid and durable design.
- Enjoy 40 hours of game time on a single charge. Low battery warnings at 15% on the keyboard battery LED and via pop-up notification in the Logitech G HUB software. Quickly recharges in 3 hours.
- HyperX Mechanical Switches rated for 80 million keystrokes
- Full aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Ultra-compact, portable design with detachable cable
- Dazzling RGB lighting with dynamic effects
- Advanced customization with HyperX Ngenuity software
If you don't see a mechanical keyboard in this list that appeals to you, do some research at sites like Tom's Hardware or Trusted Reviews to find a keyboard that fits your budget and needs. Mechanical keyboards are so much better than the standard keyboard. Once you use one you won't look back.
Comments