Mechanical Keyboard; a Possible Alternative to Rubber Dome or Membrane Keyboard
Mechanical keyboards are probably the first keyboards that
people picture when they first think about mechanical keyboards; they are the
old, sturdy, vintage-looking keyboards from the late 1980s. But there's more to
these types of keyboards than a vintage look, and many of them offer a wide
range of features that will satisfy even the most ardent gaming fan. A
mechanical keyboard uses mechanical key-switches underneath each of the keys on
the keyboard. Instead of using keys that respond mechanically to touch, these
keyboards use touch-sensitive keys that respond through an LED light beneath
each key.
One of the main differences between a rubber-dome-shaped
keyboard and a mechanical keyboard is the amount of key-press force that can be
exerted on the keys. On a mechanical keyboard, because the switch is housed in
the case, key-presses are much more centered in relation to the distance from
each key. While this feature can be found in rubber-dome-shaped keyboards, it is
not nearly as common in mechanical keyboards. This makes for a much more
uniform keystroke and more tactile control.
Most mechanical
keyboard switches are either tactile or linear. Linear keyboard switches
need to be pushed all the way down, while tactile keyboard switches need to be
pushed only halfway down, so one can move to the next key more easily and
quickly. Another advantage that these switches have over membrane-based or
LED-based alternatives is the increased durability; mechanical keyboards last
longer than their more lightweight competitors. However, they are a little more
expensive than their alternatives.
Most gamers prefer mechanical keyboards because they are
faster, durable, and tactile. While, some gamers appreciate the low price
points, portability, and small footprint of the membrane keyboard. Cost, durability/lifespan,
noise level, tactility, actuation distance, are actuation force are some of the
features to think about when selecting a mechanical keyboard. However, there
are some drawbacks of mechanical keyboard, such as harder to clean, more
expensive, heavier, and louder, than rubber dome or membrane keyboards.
Mechanical keyboards need to increase reliability and
functionality based on the technology hidden under the key caps. The CHERRY MX
is one of the leading key switch technologies and the CHERRY MX switches developed
and manufactured in Germany are the perfect industry standard.
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