The Mechanical Keyboard Guide
Fact: Nearly all keyboards sold bundled with computers or at retail stores use rubber domes under their keys. This is the same technology used in cheap TV remotes. They're made to be as cheap as possible to manufacture in order to maximize profits. Yes, this even includes "high end" keyboards. So why settle for something that is made as cheap as possible?
So Why do YOU want a Mechanical Keyboard?
For most people it's all about the feel. With the keyboard you're typing on right now you've got to press the key all the way down to the bottom to get it to register. This wastes a lot of energy and causes fatigue, as most of your effort is spent pushing against a solid piece of plastic. Mechanical keyswitches are designed so that they register
before you bottom out, so you only need to apply as much force as is necessary to actuate it, not wasting any. And with as many different types of switches as there are you can pick and choose which one you're the most comfortable with, as each one has a different feel to it. And most people who try one can never go back to using rubber domes, as they realize just how "mushy" they really feel.
Index:
Credits:
Original Guide Created by
Manyak @
Mechanical Keyboard Guide
Frequent Updates done by
Tator Tot
Alps Section & Input on Buckling Springs thanks to
ch_123
Animated Pictures of Cherry MX Switches in action are thanks to
Lethal Squirrel on Geekhack
Animated Picture of the Buckling Spring Switch thanks to
Qwerter's Clinic
Pictures of Keycaps thanks to
Ripster on OCN & Geekhack