Whether you want to invest in a mechanical keyboard or if you are currently using one, you might have questions about its benefits. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common reasons why you might prefer to use a keyboard that uses mechanical switches. You’ll find that there are plenty of advantages to having a keyboard that uses these switches.
Cheaper than regular keyboards
Mechanical keyboards offer a variety of benefits. They are more durable, last for years and are easier to maintain. This is why more and more people are choosing them over their traditional keyboards.
Some of the more affordable mechanical keyboards are made by companies such as and Cooler Master. These models are great for gaming, but they do not have the features that other more expensive keyboards do.
One of the major advantages of mechanical keyboard is that they support key rollover. This means that you can replace keys without having to detach the whole keyboard. You can also customize the most frequently pressed keys on the keyboard.
Another advantage of mechanical keyboards is that they are more customizable. You can use different switches or replace them with keys that you prefer. For instance, you can use Cherry MX switches. It may cost a little more to buy these switches, but you’ll get a much more comfortable typing experience.
A good mechanical keyboard is still worth the money. They are more durable, last for many years and offer a superior feel and touch.
If you want to upgrade from a rubber dome or scissor switch keyboard, a cheap mechanical keyboard is a great place to start.
Ergonomic
Ergonomic keyboards are designed to help alleviate pain and discomfort in the wrist, hand, and upper limb. Using an ergonomic keyboard helps reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
An ergonomic keyboard uses keys that follow your natural arm position and wrist angle. This allows your fingers to move naturally and reduces muscle strain and fatigue.
Ergonomic keyboards also have keycaps that are placed in certain positions and are at a specified height. Some mechanical keyboards come with a wrist rest. However, not all models offer this feature.
The Viper V765 from Patriot is an excellent example of an ergonomic mechanical keyboard. It comes with a removable magnetic palm rest, dedicated multimedia keys, and N-key rollover with anti-ghosting.
An ergonomic keyboard helps to prevent CTS/RSI by reducing lateral and side-to-side movement. It also helps to promote a neutral typing posture, which helps to keep your hands in line with your forearms.
Quieter switches
Quieter switches on a mechanical keyboard can make a difference to your typing experience. These types of switches can help cut down on the noise from your keyboard and help reduce the chances of having unwanted vibrations.
There are several factors to consider before choosing quieter switches for your keyboard. These include the actuation force, trigger travel, and other specifications of the switch. Knowing these will allow you to select a better option for your needs.
Keyboard switches come in three main categories: Linear, Tactile, and Click. Linear switches are considered to be the best option. They produce a much quieter sound than click or tactile switches.
The actuation point of a linear switch is usually 1.2 mm. This is a good amount to work with for most users. To help cut down on the sound, you can install O-rings on your keycaps. You can also use a dampener or a desk mat to absorb noise.
Easy to clean
The keys on a mechanical keyboard are usually removable, making it easier to clean. However, it is important to follow proper maintenance and cleaning procedures. This will ensure that your keys will last as long as possible.
Whether you have a mechanical keyboard or a membrane keyboard, it is important to regularly clean your keyboard to keep it in good condition. During the initial cleaning process, you may also want to remove any keycaps.
You should try to clean your keyboard outside, in a dry location. This will help to prevent the formation of sticky residue. Also, you should make sure to test any cleaning products on one key first.
A cotton swab can be dipped in water or isopropyl alcohol to remove any sticky residue on the keys. You can also use a trip to wipe away any excess moisture.
Using compressed air can be another effective way to remove debris from your mechanical keyboard. You can purchase a can at a hardware store. If your keyboard has a textured top plate, you may want to avoid using anti-bacterial wipes.
Mechanical keyboards require special care. They have gaps between the keys that can trap dirt, dust, and even hair. These gaps can become sticky over time and can ruin the feel and click sounds of the keyboard. To keep your keyboard in good condition, you should clean it every month.
For a deeper cleaning, you can also use a brush. The best brushes for this job are those that are long enough to reach the deck of your keyboard.
After you’ve cleaned your keyboard, be sure to re-plug it. This will allow you to resume typing. Having your keyboard properly maintained will mean that your keys will last longer and work more efficiently.
Anti-ghosting functionality
If you play games on your computer, you may have noticed that ghosting is a problem. Ghosting is when the keyboard doesn’t register the key you press. This can be a big deal, especially for those who like to type fast.
Fortunately, there are solutions for the issue. One solution is to invest in an anti-ghosting keyboard. While not 100% effective, these keyboards can prevent ghosting from occurring on simultaneous key presses.
The other option is to install a custom reporting protocol. In this case, you will be able to tell your keyboard to report more simultaneous keys. You’ll also be able to determine whether or not your keys are responding to each other.
In fact, you can even conduct a ghosting test. It can be done in a text editor. Try combining three keys at a time, and check which one is the most responsive.
Another alternative is to go for a mechanical keyboard. These devices are designed to give you superior precision and responsiveness. Anti-ghosting, or N-key rollover, is an important feature.
While an anti-ghosting feature may not be available on all keyboards, a lot of them do have them. Some anti-ghosting features may be found on gaming keyboards and FPS (first person shooter) keyboards.
Conclusion
Several of the best mechanical keyboards will have anti-ghosting features as part of their design. They include backlighting and anti-key windows.
However, a standard keyboard doesn’t have the capability to interpret multiple key presses at once. In fact, some keyboards will only support three keys at a time. But a keyboard that supports more than this can be a great choice.
There are many different types of anti-ghosting keyboards on the market today. Check out the SideWinder X4 keyboard, which boasts a powerful anti-ghosting technology.
