Mechanical keyboards: everything you need to know

Mechanical keyboards have exploded in popularity over the last few years. Chances are that if you haven't already bought one (or at least thought about it) one of your friends has.

Our mechanical keyboard expert, Jon Porter, guides us through everything from switches, Cherry types, keycaps, ABS & PBT and even his own collection.

Let us know about your keyboard setups and what advice you have for other buyers!

[galihprabasidi]

You forgot to mention about different size of mechanical keyboards: fullsize, TKL, 60%, and many more.

[ejsl]

I'm still using the standard keyboard that came with my old Windows XP pc

[jayorn]

He forgot to mention you will most likely to go broke after getting one.

[selachian]

I've literally never had a non-mechanical keyboard fail on me over the past 30 years. That argument is such a terrible pro-mechanical argument.

[impaque]

Keep in mind that those niche switches are usually used for keys you hammer more, like Enter and Space.

[swampfox]

>Zealio
>Lower quality than Cherry MX

Bruh

[ROQ]

Weird Manufacture such as Zealios, man.. As a Tactile Lovers, you should try Zealios board... you won't touch your MX Clear anymore...

[MrBedhad]

You can also build a mechanical keyboard with custom pcb, plate, case, individual switches and keycaps.

[al-lgqd]

my a4tech standard keyboard is now 8 years and i'm still using it. his brother, a4tech mouse died last december. served me well for more than 7 years. got them both for less than 16 usd.

[BrokebackBob]

I've been using a mechanical keyboard since 1975!!

[Yoyomanmanholla]

who had to replace a keyboard every couple years? wf

[bobbybenny]

Mechanical switches have a contact point while membrane boards have two PCBs that have to be depressed all the way to close the circuit. Mechanical switches are a lot more responsive since their actuation distance is shorter but you still get a lot of full travel distance.

[Playfulcook]

I just bought a Cherry keyboard today, second hand from a computer shop because the new one that I bought from the same shop was a cheap rubbish membrane keyboard. You can tell the difference between mechanical and membrane keyboard just by feeling the weight. mechanical keyboard are solid and feels good to type on. Yeah some can be noisy but certainly does the job and last longer.

[paulanderson]

I loved those IBM buckle spring keyboards. 5250 and 3270 terminals came thus equipped. The feel and feedback beats everything else in the ground.

[xxxplode]

Zealios are lower quality than Cherry MX??? I disagree

[josephine.]

Valuable material. No nonsense, pure information. Thanks.

[DJDiarrhea]

Opinions on Kailh and Gateron vs Cherry aren't divided at all lol. Kailh and Gateron have beaten Cherry at their own game, because Cherry got complacent.

[emanuelantunes]

I've never used a mechanical keyboard in over 25 years of heavy computer use. Never had a membrane keyboard fail on me, I don't understand how the heck can durability be a factor here... Can someone tell their personal testimony on such occurrence?
The feel and customization of mech vs membrane..., now that's the only reasonable criteria for spending the extra money on these....

[diegomireles]

I'm so jelous of that whitefox, it's extremely hard and expensive to get in Mexico. I just recieved a pok3r and it's awesome, also the Novatouch with pbt keycaps it's great.

[jaakkooksa]

I use a late 1990's Keytronic. It has a ps/2 connector and most modern PC motherboards still have one.