5 Reasons You Should Use Keyboard Switches In Your PC Setup

The keyboard is the most used input device in a computer setup. You use it to enter commands.  Most keyboards have the same design: function keys, letters, numbers, punctuation. You can, however, get different responses depending on the type of keyboard. With that said, let’s dive head first into keyboard switches and why you should use them.

The Keyboard Switch: What Is It?

Keyboard switches connect keys with keyboard wires under the keys. The switch beneath a key recognizes you have pressed a key every time you press it. However, Keyboard switches can vary depending on the type of keyboard. Two types of keyboards are highly popular: membrane keyboards and mechanical keyboards. Their switches differentiate them underneath the keys.

Why mechanical Keyboard Switches Are Necessary For Your PC Setup

Compared with rubber dome or scissor switch, mechanical keyboards have many advantages.

1.    Longevity

Switches made from mechanical materials last longer and seldom wear out. Mechanical switches are tested for up to 70 million key presses. The typical membrane keyboard only lasts about 5 million keystrokes.

2.    Less Wearing Out

The experience of using a mechanical keyboard is quite similar even after many years. There aren’t any clattering or jammed keys.

3.    Anti-Ghosting

A mechanical keyboard has up to 104 anti-ghosting keys, more than a membrane keyboard.

4.    A Better Typing Experience/Feedback

The possibilities of tweaking a mechanical switch are much greater than those of a rubber dome. So they have switches with different characteristics. In addition to providing additional acoustic feedback, some switches feature an actuation point that may be detected. There are switches explicitly made for typing and others made for video games.

5.    Robustness and Stability

Keycaps with mechanical switches are much heavier than keyboards with membrane switches or scissor switches. As a result, they are also more stable and are less likely to shift easily.

How Does a Mechanical Switchboard Work?

A mechanical keyboard has a dedicated switch for each key, unlike a membrane keyboard with just one pressure pad. Switches contain springs, which, when pressed, connect the metal contact leaves and register a keypress.

The switches can be divided into linear, tactile, and clicky (more details later). Since these switches are individually registered, you won’t experience Ghosting issues like you would with membrane keyboards.

Mechanical keyboards’ accuracy and pressure sensitivity make them highly popular among gamers and coders. As a result, users can type more quickly since they don’t need to bottom out every key.

Different mechanical switches have different levels of noise. The click of switches is generally louder than the click of rubber dome keyboards.

Types Of Types Mechanical Switches

While each type is better suited to specific tasks, they are not exclusive to any. Keyboard switches aren’t governed by any hard rules, but there are some qualities each should possess.

1.    Linear

Linear mechanical keyboards work the same as regular keyboards, where you push the key down to activate it. It may sound stressful, but linear switches offer a smooth and straightforward experience during use. When linear switches are used, the keypress is registered at the end – the actuation point.

The user-friendly nature of these devices makes them particularly popular among gamers. Since they are more likely to be pressed by mistake, they make typing less convenient. Eventually, this will become less of an issue, adding to the learning curve as you get used to them. The linear switch is the quietest of all switches.

2.    Clicky

Among the three main types of switches, clicky switches are the loudest. In contrast to linear switches, clicky switches produce a light clicking sound when the key is actuated. Typing with these switches is considered the best because of their increased feedback. However, their increased noise can be disruptive at work.

3.    Tactile

Mechanical switch keyboards have a noticeable difference. You only need to press shorter distances rather than pressing down. The small bumps on tactile switches provide resistance to your finger when you press the keys. Because this bump is the key actuation point, you won’t need to press the key down fully, allowing you to type faster and play games faster.

Which Specifications Are Important For A Switchboard?

Switches for mechanical keyboards should have the following three specs:

1.    Lifespan

The lifespan of a product can also be valuable. Most keyboard keys today have a lifetime rating of 50 to 100 million key presses. Some switches, though less common, have a lifetime rating of only 20 million presses. When you take good care of your keyboard, regardless of how many presses you make, you will be more likely to upgrade before a switch fails.

2.    Actuation force

The force required to activate a key is the actuation force. Actuation forces for switches usually range from 45 to 60 grams. It is easier to send a keystroke when the weight is lighter. For rapidly sending many inputs, gamers may prefer a lightweight switch. A heavier switch is probably more suitable for typewriters to ward off typos. Although some switches weigh more than 60 grams, they cause finger fatigue.

3.    Travel distance

Input is sent after a key travels a certain distance. A travel distance is the maximum distance it can travel before bottoming out. Generally, these distances are between 2mm and 4mm, respectively, with some variances between brands. Short-distance key switches are called speed switches and feel particularly sensitive.

Mechanical keyboard uses

Programmers and gamers prefer mechanical keyboards. Mechanical keyboards offer precise control and feedback that both groups appreciate. In contrast to most membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards provide more accurate and faster typing and more precise movement control in games.

Gamers will also benefit from mechanical keyboards’ rolling over feature. A rolling keyboard detects every keypress, even if multiple keys are pressed simultaneously. It is much easier for mechanical keyboards to do this than membrane keyboards, which often cancel simultaneous presses.

Summary

For those looking to spice up their PC gaming setup, it’s advisable first to determine what type of switches you want to use, as each one brings its pros and cons to the table. Novices and veterans should consider using mechanical keyboard switches in their PC setups. It’s a great way to stand out.