What mechanical keyboard should I choose?
Mechanical keyboards have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a number of advantages over traditional membrane keyboards, including a more satisfying typing experience, greater durability, and more customization options.
But with so many different mechanical keyboards on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a mechanical keyboard:
Switch type
The most important factor to consider when choosing a mechanical keyboard is the switch type. Mechanical switches come in a variety of different types, each with its own unique feel and sound.
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Linear switches are smooth and have no tactile feedback. They are a good choice for gamers, as they allow for quick and easy key presses.
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Tactile switches have a small bump when you press the key, which provides feedback and helps to prevent typing errors. They are a good choice for both gaming and typing.
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Clicky switches have a bump and a click sound when you press the key. They are a good choice for typists who want a satisfying typing experience, but they can be loud and distracting for others.
Form factor
Mechanical keyboards come in a variety of different form factors, including full-size, tenkeyless (TKL), and 75%.
- Full-size keyboards have all of the keys that you would find on a traditional keyboard, including the number pad.
- Tenkeyless keyboards do not have the number pad, but they still have all of the other keys.
- 75% keyboards are even smaller than TKL keyboards, and they typically do not have arrow keys or function keys.
Which form factor is right for you depends on your personal preferences. If you need to use the number pad frequently, then you will want to get a full-size keyboard. If you want a more compact keyboard, then you may want to consider a TKL or 75% keyboard.
Features
Some mechanical keyboards come with additional features, such as backlighting, programmable keys, and macro keys.
- Backlighting can be useful for typing in low-light conditions.
- Programmable keys allow you to assign custom functions to certain keys.
- Macro keys allow you to record a sequence of keystrokes that can be played back with a single key press.
Which features are important to you depends on your individual needs. If you type in low-light conditions, then backlighting will be a useful feature. If you want to be able to customize your keyboard, then you may want to consider a keyboard with programmable keys. And if you use macros in your games or applications, then you may want to consider a keyboard with macro keys.
Price
Mechanical keyboards can range in price from around $50 to $500 or more. The price depends on the features, the brand, and the quality of the keyboard.
If you are on a budget, there are a number of affordable mechanical keyboards available. However, if you are looking for a high-end keyboard with all of the bells and whistles, you can expect to pay more.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which mechanical keyboard is right for you. The best keyboard for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
If you are not sure what type of keyboard to get, it is a good idea to try out a few different types of switches and form factors before you make a purchase. There are a number of mechanical keyboard retailers that allow you to try out different keyboards before you buy one.
Here is a chart that summarizes the different switch types and their characteristics:
Switch type | Feel | Sound | Pros | Cons |
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Linear | Smooth, no tactile feedback | Quiet | Fast and easy key presses | Can be difficult to get used to |
Tactile | Small bump when key is pressed | Moderate | Provides feedback and helps to prevent typing errors | Can be loud and distracting for others |
Clicky | Bump and click sound when key is pressed | Loud | Satisfying typing experience | Can be very loud and distracting for others |
Here are a few of the most popular mechanical keyboards on the market:
- Keychron Q6
- SteelSeries Apex Pro
- Ducky One 3
- Razer BlackWidow V3
- Logitech G915 TKL
These keyboards are all well-built and offer a variety of features,