Unlike a membrane keyboard, which uses a layer of rubber that depresses when you press a key, mechanical keyboards use an individual switch for each key. Because the switches are actuated by each key individually, they have much faster response times than membrane keyboards. This makes mechanical keyboards great for gaming.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics studies how your body and other parts of your environment can best fit together. It’s important for your health, productivity, and job performance. Ergonomically designed keyboards can help prevent or ease repetitive strain injuries. These injuries can cause long-term discomfort and lower productivity. They also help you keep your hands and wrists in a neutral position. This can be crucial for reducing carpal tunnel syndrome and other RSI-related problems.
It would help to always talk to an ergonomic professional before purchasing a new keyboard. They will be able to recommend the most comfortable model for you and provide tips on how to use it safely. Many mechanical keyboard offers features like split or tented keyframes that can help your posture and upper back relax. Some also have pillowed wrist rests to help your hands be more comfortable while typing.
In addition, some mechanical keyboards can be customized with different switches that make the keys more responsive or tactile. This can be especially helpful if you are using your keyboard for gaming. The right switch can increase your productivity by allowing you to type longer without stopping and taking breaks. Linear switches are best for this, while clicky or tactile switches can wear you out more quickly and increase your chances of fatigue. While ergonomics isn’t for everyone, it can greatly improve your health and productivity. Besides, it’s also a good way to show your employees that you value their well-being. A recent survey found that 93 percent of people will stay with an empathetic employer.
Noise
One of the biggest advantages of using a mechanical keyboard is that they make a lot less noise than membrane keyboards. This is because the switches underneath each keycap are spring-loaded, which means that every time you press a key, you get a satisfying click. It also feels better than typing on a membrane keyboard. However, not all people can handle the clicky sound these keyboards produce. If you’re one of those people, there are a few things you can do to dampen the noise and make your mechanical keyboard a little quieter. The first thing you can do is replace your switches with quieter ones. These can be tactile or linear, and both will be much less loud than the clicky switches typical of mechanical keyboards.
Another way to reduce the noise of a keyboard is to lubricate its switches and stabilizers. Various lubricants are available, including those made specifically for a mechanical keyboard. It’s important to use a quality lubricant that won’t damage the switches or cause any other issues. A third way to dampen the sounds of your mechanical keyboard is to add a desk mat or case foam. The former will absorb the sound of your keyboard, while the latter will eliminate the bulk of space between your case and the PCB, which can cause echoing. Another way to dampen the sound of your keyboard is to install rubber O-rings around the switch stems. O-rings are inexpensive and can greatly impact the overall sound of your keyboard. The thickness of the O-ring will affect how loud it is, while thin o-rings are best for preserving the feel of your keys without dampening them too much.
Switches
Key switches are one of the most important parts of any mechanical keyboard. They are small self-contained systems that register a key press and give you feedback, letting you know when you pressed a key and how hard you pressed it. The type of switch you choose will depend on your needs. Whether you are a heavy or light typist, whether you want tactile or clicky feedback, and your preferred sound will all play a role in your decision.
If you are a heavy typist, you might prefer a heavier switch with a longer activation point to allow you to activate a key without causing your fingers to fatigue. You might also consider a light switch with a shorter activation point that doesn’t require much pressure to activate the switch, as this will help avoid misclicks and improve accuracy. You may prefer a switch with a medium activation point and medium pressure force for a light typist. This will allow you to activate a key with less force and prevent your fingers from becoming fatigued, allowing you to stay in the game longer. Another factor that can help you decide on a switch is its lifespan. Most switches are rated to last between 50 and 100 million key presses, but some higher-end ones are rated even higher.
Finally, a switch with no sound or vibration will help you get the desired results if you like quiet typing. This type of switch can be very comfortable in a quiet office or home environment. There are many different types of switches to choose from, so you should research before buying a new keyboard. It’s also a good idea to check out the reviews of other people who use that particular switch brand before making your final decision.
Keycaps
Keycaps are among the most important things to consider when using a mechanical keyboard. They define the entire board and are often your first impression of a keyboard before you start typing. Fortunately, they are easy to swap out and can add a lot of personalization. Keycap materials come in various colors and designs but are typically made from ABS or PBT plastic. The material used determines how long the keycap will last and the color and appearance of the legend markings. The most popular type of legend marking is doubleshot, which involves combining two different plastic colors to create the legend. This makes legends more durable and looks crisper than dye-sublimation, though the latter is cheaper and sometimes looks just as good.
Finally, laser etching uses a laser to mark the legends onto the keycaps. This method is mainly used for backlit keycaps, as it can allow light to shine through the legends. As you might expect, thin keycaps are easier to type on and less prone to warping. However, they can be harder to clean as they can trap dust. Generally, enthusiast mechanical keyboards have thicker keycaps than flagship-level models and are more likely to feature RGB backlighting. You can choose from four main design profiles when buying a keycap set. These are OEM, Cherry, SA, and DSA. Each has its specific shape, feel and sound.
Final Thought
Finally, selecting a power supply rated properly for the number of LEDs you want to use is important. Overloading LEDs can damage them and create a fire hazard. It’s also important to ensure your keyboard can withstand the voltage and current the RGB lighting uses. Overheating can result in the lights breaking, and it can also cause the power supply to overheat and fail prematurely.
