What is a Mechanical Keyboard?

What is a Mechanical Keyboard?

A mechanical keyboard is a type of computer keyboard that uses mechanical switches for each key. Mechanical keyboards are often preferred by gamers and typists for their improved typing feel and accuracy. Mechanical keyboards offer a wide variety of switch options, each with its own unique characteristics, such as actuation force, tactile feedback, and auditory feedback. These switch options allows users to pick the perfect switch that best fits their typing or gaming style.

 

Difference between a Pre-built and Custom Mechanical Keyboard

A prebuilt mechanical keyboard is a keyboard that has been manufactured and assembled by a company, and is ready to use out of the box. These keyboards are often sold at a lower price point than custom mechanical keyboards, and are a convenient option for those who want a mechanical keyboard but don't want to spend the time and effort building one themselves.

On the other hand, a custom mechanical keyboard is a keyboard that is built by the user, using individual components such as key switches, keycaps, and a PCB (printed circuit board). Custom mechanical keyboards offer the user more flexibility and options in terms of layout, switch types, and keycap designs. They also allow the user to make repairs or upgrades to the keyboard more easily.
Custom mechanical keyboards can be more expensive than prebuilt keyboards, as the user must purchase all the individual components separately and then assemble them. However, they also offer a level of customization and personalization that prebuilt keyboards cannot match.

Additionally, custom mechanical keyboard can also allow the user to have a specific layout, like split layout or ortholinear layout, which is not usually found in prebuilt mechanical keyboards.

Keyboards Parts

A mechanical keyboard is made up of mechanical switches, keycaps, a PCB, stabilizers, a frame and a cable, and some high-end models have additional features such as RGB backlighting and software customization.

 

A mechanical keyboard is composed of several key components:

  1. Mechanical Switches: These are the physical switches that register key presses and provide smooth/tactile and auditory feedback. They are typically more durable than most standard keyboards.

  2. Keycaps: These are the plastic or rubber covers that sit on top of the mechanical switches and are used to identify the keys.

  3. PCB (Printed Circuit Board): This is the board that connects all the mechanical switches and keycaps together and sends the signal to the computer.

  4. Stabilizers: These are the small plastic clips that keep larger keys (such as the spacebar) from wobbling when pressed.

  5. Frame: This is the outer housing that holds all the other components in place and gives the keyboard its shape and structure.

  6. Cable: This connects the keyboard to the computer.

  7. Optional: RGB backlighting, Software, USB pass-through ports and other features that make them more convenient and versatile to use.