It might seem otherwise given all the excitement, but not everyone uses a mechanical keyboard yet. Despite the massive rise in popularity, you might still rely on your trusty membrane keyboard. If you've been using membrane keyboards for years, why would you be in such a rush to switch to a mechanical keyboard? Maybe your existing keyboard meets all your needs and you don't really want to change anything.
On the other hand, if you're excited about the mechanical keyboards you keep seeing in your feed and are ready to finally get started, there are five crucial questions you need to ask yourself before you buy. I won't go into “gaming” features, keyboard designs, and software support, but will instead focus on the aspects of a mechanical keyboard that determine whether it can adequately replace your trusty membrane keyboard.
5 Do you prefer loud or quiet switches?
This is something that you simply knowledge
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, this question is easy to answer. Membrane keyboards tend to be fairly quiet thanks to the silicone or rubber membrane underneath the keys. This also makes the typing experience feel “soft,” which some people don't like. Feedback aside, however, you have some good options if you want to continue having a quiet keyboard even after switching to the mechanical camp.
If you prefer a slightly louder switch that makes a satisfying click when pressed, a clicky or tactile switch may be a better choice for you.
Linear switches are generally the quietest compared to clicky or tactile switches. The overall sound depends on many other factors (which we'll cover below), but is largely determined by the switch type. If you prefer a slightly louder switch that makes a satisfying click when pressed, a clicky or tactile switch may be better for you. A tactile switch is relatively quieter than a clicky one, but retains the satisfying feedback that many users prefer.
Another option if you want extremely quiet operation is a reverb keyboard. These keyboards feature magnetic switches that are much quieter than most mechanical switches and may appeal to users who want a subtle sound profile. Reverb keyboards have a few other advantages over mechanical keyboards, such as custom actuation points, less wear and tear, and lower input lag – these may not be important to most people, but they are a nice bonus.
4 Do you need this shock?
The switches are just the beginning
Sometimes people forget that the most important factor in determining the quality of a keyboard is the sound and feel. Everything else is secondary. If you don't enjoy typing on your keyboard every day, it's a needless tragedy. As I said above, the switches play a big role in the sound of your keyboard, but they're not the only thing that matters.
An entry-level keyboard with a tablet mount will never sound as good as a cheap or high-end mount with a gasket.
The keyboard material, the type of keycaps, the mounting method and the sound-dampening material must also be right. All of these factors determine whether your keyboard sounds more or Wow — that's essentially it. A keyboard with an ABS plastic case may sound boring compared to one made of solid aluminum or wood. An entry-level keyboard with a tablet mount will never sound as good as a budget or high-end gasket mount.
In addition to a good seal mount, sound-dampening material is also required to sufficiently minimize annoying pings that create this signature thocky or creamy Typing sound. Even the material of the keycaps can change the sound of your keystrokes, from ABS keycaps that sound hollow to PBT keycaps that sound deep and punchy. Many keyboards come with additional weights inside or outside the chassis to increase the weight and sound of the keyboard even further.
Luckily, you don't have to spend hundreds to get a keyboard that sounds heavenly. These days, a $100 keyboard has all the features you need for a great premium experience.
3 Do you want to become a keyboard tinkerer?
To modify or not to modify?
The great thing about mechanical keyboards is that you can make small or large changes to tailor the experience to your preferences. At least if you choose wisely. If your very first mechanical keyboard has hot-swappable switches, you can always buy different switches and swap them out for the standard ones in a matter of minutes. But you have to ask yourself if you even want to do that.
When purchasing your first mechanical keyboard, make sure that the circuit board is hot-swappable and easy to open and reassemble.
Many users simply want a pre-built mechanical keyboard that sounds and feels great right out of the box. They have no plans to make any changes to it – not even to the keycaps. In such cases, disassembling the keyboard and making advanced modifications is out of the question. But the point is that the option to do so is always there if you want it. So when you buy your first mechanical keyboard, make sure to buy one that has a hot-swappable circuit board and is easy to open and reassemble.
Let's say you're not sure which switch you like, so you pick one, order the keyboard, and then realize you don't actually like the switches. With a hot-swappable PCB, you can remove and replace the switches immediately without the need for any tools or accessories. All you need is a switch puller, which most likely came in the box with your keyboard. Other modifications (mods) you could make later include adding or removing foam, taping the PCB, lubricating the switches and stabilizers, etc. If this idea appeals to you, here's the answer to that question.
2 Do you want a keyboard that can do it all?
A keyboard for all occasions?
You may only use your existing membrane keyboard at your desk, but you no longer have to do that with your new mechanical keyboard. Depending on the size and features of the keyboard you buy, you can take it anywhere and enjoy a comfortable typing experience when you need it.
Of course, a keyboard doesn't have to be mechanical to offer features like wireless connectivity and compact layouts. However, mechanical keyboards offer the most variety in terms of keyboard sizes and features. Perhaps you're looking for a well-designed keyboard with a compact layout and Bluetooth connectivity for on-the-go use. You have tons of options for mechanical keyboards with TKL, 75% and 65% technology that feature wired, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity.
If you don't plan on using the same keyboard on your desktop and portable devices, you can always opt for a full-size layout, heavier but high-quality materials, great aftermarket cables, and more.
Many of these keyboards are lightweight, portable, and support multiple operating systems to make your life as a “traveling professional” easier. On the other hand, if you don’t plan on using the same keyboard on your desktop as a portable device, you can always opt for a full-size layout, heavier but quality materials, beautiful aftermarket cables, and more. If you don’t plan on moving your keyboard an inch away from your desk, you can make completely different choices.
1 Do you value ergonomic form factors?
Function versus form
Ergonomic keyboards prioritize wrist and hand comfort over fancy designs and enthusiast features. If you've used an ergonomic membrane keyboard before, you may want to stick with the same form factor when switching to a mechanical keyboard. Ergonomic keyboards can have a variety of layouts, and if you've never used one before, you may need to spend some time figuring out which one works best for you.
With some models, you can even adjust the pitch and angle of the tent directly when you buy it or later using the included kits.
Some of them have a wavy and raised surface that better adapts to the natural position of your hands when typing. Others have split layouts that allow you to position the two halves as you wish for maximum comfort. Some models allow you to adjust the tilt and incline angles both when you buy them and later using the kits that come with them.
Many users are not happy with the look or learning curve of these keyboards. If you belong to this club, you can choose a regular, non-ergonomic option as your first mechanical keyboard and consider ergonomic models later if you really need them.
Mechanical keyboards are all about choice and customization
If you've decided to enter the world of mechanical keyboards, you're probably intrigued by the endless options out there. From the size and feel of your keyboard to the sound, typing experience, and upgradeability features, there's nothing quite like mechanical keyboards. But choosing your first keyboard can be daunting, so these questions can help you narrow down the list to a few top options.