When people think of mechanical keyboards, they often envision the click-clacking noisy desktops of the past. But the truth is that modern mechanical keyboards offer a lot more customization than the simple clacks of membrane switches. They’re ideal for those who need a slight edge in gaming, or the writer who loses sleep over things like key travel. They’re also very efficient and have excellent key rollover capabilities, which helps them work faster than their membrane counterparts.

Keyboard switches are a mechanical device that contains a plastic or metal spring with metal electrical connectors inside. When you press down a key, it compresses the spring and presses the electrical connectors together. This closes an electrical circuit and tells the computer that a key has been pressed.

The main types of mechanical keyboard switches are buckling, tactile, and linear. They differ in the way they feel when you press down a key, the amount of force required to actuate them, and the noise that they make.

Some people find that the click-clacking of a clicky switch gives them a more satisfying typing experience. Others say that they’re more comfortable with the linear switches, which use less energy and can help you type longer without feeling tired. If you’re shopping for a new mechanical keyboard, I would recommend visiting a brick-and-mortar retailer with a few different types of switches on display and testing them out to see what feels best. You can even purchase a small switch tester for less than $20, which is perfect for testing out a few different switches and finding the one that’s right for you. mechanical keyboard