Are you planning to buy a new keyboard for your office or gaming purposes? The market is flooded with different shapes and sizes of keyboards, with or without RGB lighting. However, before you make your buying decision, we recommend that you know the types of keyboard switches while looking for a mechanical keyboard. You definitely don’t wish to invest in a keyboard that doesn’t give hassle-free gaming or typing experience.
Unlike a membrane-based keyboard, a suitable key switch can make all the difference in your utilisation. This article is a quick guide to understanding the different types of keyboard switches and how they can impact your usage.
What is a Mechanical Keyboard Switch?
There is a switch placed underneath the keys on the keyboard. Each key has its switch mechanism, comprising different parts. When the key is pressed down and hits the physical switch lying underneath, it registers as a keypress.
Although few keyboards allow for the removal of keycaps to alter switch mechanisms, it is better to choose the correct option when buying a keyboard.
This makes it even more significant for gamers and working professionals to understand the different key switches to make the correct choice that suits their needs.
Mechanical Switch Types
Mechanical keyboard switches are available in three types. Depending on their characteristics, they can either be linear, tactile, or clicky.
1. Linear Key Switch
These switches give a smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback. When you use a keyboard with a linear switch, you exert the same force from beginning to end. This also means the key presses are considerably silent without any force feedback. Since it allows for faster response times, such keyboards are highly preferred among gamers.
However, you can use Rapoo NK2000 wired keyboard if you want maximum typing accuracy. Known to have a long battery life, it is equipped with multimedia hotkeys and linear key switches, making it an ideal choice for working professionals.
2. Tactile Switches
As the name sounds, these switches offer measurable feedback to a certain extent when fully pressed. It gives a slightly bumpy feel and sound when pressed down, providing the user with a more interactive typing experience. The keypresses in keyboards with tactile switches are usually louder than linear key switches but not overly noisy.
It enables a faster typing experience since the key doesn’t have to travel all the way down to register a press. So if you type a lot and prefer reduced accidental key presses, a keyboard with these tactile keys is an ideal choice.
3. Clicky Switches
This type of switch is similar to tactile key buttons. But they are louder than tactile and linear switch keyboards. They provide an additional level of physical feedback, which is very easy to identify. They are known to give the highest amount of clicky satisfaction to users.
However, a keyboard with clicky switches can be annoying for people around you, mainly if you use it in an office environment.
Which Key Switch Should You Get?
There are no hard and fast rules for buying keyboard switches from the above mechanical switch types. It all boils down to your application preferences. For example, you can choose a linear type key switch if you want smooth gaming and typing experience. However, if you prefer a faster keystroke experience, you can use the tactile or clicky buttons.
Rapoo’s V500 pro mechanical gaming keyboard has an incredible life span of up to 60 million keystrokes. It also has a conflict-free design that allows you to press any number of keys simultaneously. In addition, it ensures every command that you enter gets registered and executed rapidly.
The most crucial factor while buying key switches is considering the shelf life of the keyboard. Avoid purchasing a keyboard with unknown mechanical switches or those that have a short shelf life span.
Invest in a keyboard that offers the appropriate force and travel distance. A more potent force while typing tends to strain your fingers.
Unlike desktop keyboards, laptop keys function through the keyboard scissor switch mechanism. It is labeled as a scissor keyboard because of its working method. There are plastic stabilizers present below each keycap that form an ‘X’ shape. Although they offer a different typing experience, scissor switches are still a form of a membrane keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Keyboard Switches Make A Difference?
It depends on your desired typing experience. A mechanical keyboard with a clicky switch will be an ideal choice if you want a clicky feeling. However, a linear switch is good enough if you want a smooth typing experience. A switch largely affects the feeling and sound of a mechanical keyboard.
Why Do Keyboard Switches Matter?
The correct type of switch that suit your needs is necessary to give you the perfect typing experience. In addition, each switch has its unique feeling and sound, which has a corresponding impact on your typing experience.
How Long Should Keyboard Switches Last?
Keyboard switches are usually rated for 50+ million keystrokes, generally lasting up to 10 years or more, depending on their use.
Why Replace Keyboard Switches?
You can replace keyboard switches if you want to have a different typing feel for some keys compared to others. Replacing the switches can give you an entirely new experience without replacing the keyboard.
How Do You Maintain Keyboard Switches?
Use compressed air to blow out dust particles and minor dirt from the keyboard and between the keys. Regularly cleaning your keyboard using this approach increases its shelf life and keeps it clean.
Conclusion
Now that you have a clear picture of the different mechanical switch types, choosing a mechanical keyboard according to your preferences will be easier. Depending on your requirements and budget, you can choose from various keyboards. They are available in wireless and wired forms, with exciting features and different built types.
