Why do you like mechanical keyboards?

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otacon1

otacon1

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Feb 18, 2016
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Why do you prefer mechanical keyboards? I've been thinking about buying a Das Keyboard for several years now, but I can't rationalize spending that much money on a keyboard. Of course, all I've used are common keyboards. I've never used an expensive keyboard, so maybe they feel way different.

Please explain why you prefer mechanical keyboards over cheap keyboards, even if it's a very detailed post. I want to know all about your preference and reason, and how they feel, etc.

Also, please explain why the high prices >$100 are justified.

Thank you

Edit: the reason I'm asking is because I'm trying to see if I want to shell out the money to buy one, and to see whether it's worth it. Thanks again
 
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ssddx
its hard to have an opinion on something you have never used... also its not what the keyboard looks like, its how it works and how ergonomic it is.

why do people like them?

the feel. they have a very precise action which gives a quite different feel than rubber dome switches. some of them even can increase typing speed and accuracy with things such as tactile and audible feedback.

with that said, are they required? no. a good high quality soft-touch membrane keyboard will work fine. you want to stay away from the very stiff gummy feeling ones (often cheap models) but a good membrane keyboard can be just as nice as a mechanical.

i've used everything from a 1985 ibm model m keyboard (the clickiest of all mechanicals) to the wasd...
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ssddx

ssddx

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May 27, 2009
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its hard to have an opinion on something you have never used... also its not what the keyboard looks like, its how it works and how ergonomic it is.

why do people like them?

the feel. they have a very precise action which gives a quite different feel than rubber dome switches. some of them even can increase typing speed and accuracy with things such as tactile and audible feedback.

with that said, are they required? no. a good high quality soft-touch membrane keyboard will work fine. you want to stay away from the very stiff gummy feeling ones (often cheap models) but a good membrane keyboard can be just as nice as a mechanical.

i've used everything from a 1985 ibm model m keyboard (the clickiest of all mechanicals) to the wasd cherry blue (mid ranged mechanical) to a $100+ logitech mx (mid to high ranged membrane quiet touch) to various other products ranging from $5-30. i've demoed various other products whenever i can on location to get a feel for them.

i have a soft spot for the old model m buckling springs but my fingers are so used to low profile keys its hard to get back into the swing of things with them. cherry switches are not bad (blue or brown are best for typing) but i felt they didnt have the same smooth feel of the old spring type. high end membrane keyboards are perfectly fine to type on and very comfortable as well as being quiet. i can make do on any of them although i will say high end membrane boards are certainly going to be less noisy if that bothers you.
 
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toddybody

toddybody

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Dec 13, 2010
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Preference for a keyboard (even mech) is rather subjective. I personally like using them for their physical/tactile feedback...depending on the switch that's used. Regarding feel, it varies widely depending on the keycap and switch involved...which is the core of their value and distinction.

Objectively, mech keyboards also have longer lifespans than rubber domed counterparts. Now, you can get a decent domed keyboard for 15.00...and if it lasts you 4 years than the argument above is less profound; I still prefer the higher quality than a more frequent replacement cycle.

IMO, you can wax at length about the virtues of mech keyboards...but as with other tech (i.e., 120hz vs 60hz), seeing (in this case "feeling") is believing. I'd recommend a visit to a local retailer (Best Buy of all places carries one or two models) to try for yourself. IF you want to "jump blindly" (something I did) into a mech keyboard, I'd recommend a model with Cherry MX Brown switches. Dont worry, the color switch doesnt imply some garish keyboard color, but rather the feedback (and actual) color of the hidden switch.

Why do they cost more? More engineering, more moving parts, higher quality...

Overall, I'd recommend purchasing a less expensive mech keyboard than DAS. Although great, you can get better value from others under 100.00. You wont regret it friend.

 
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Gam3r01

Gam3r01

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Jan 12, 2013
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ssddx hit it pretty spot on, nobody can tell you what you are going to end up liking.
I personally dont like mechanical keyboards. They keys are too tall, and too loud for my taste (and I dont really like the silent versions).
If they werent as expensive, I might consider getting one, but Im sticking with my Chiclet style for now.
 
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