do you know what type of keyboard you often use to play games? Yes, a mechanical keyboard or also known as a mechanical keyboard. Mechanical keyboards are now increasingly gaining a place in the hearts of computer users. Not only for gamers, mechanical keyboards are also recommended for professionals.
Unlike the development of computer technology, both hardware and software, the development of keyboard technology is not fast. Until now, we have only known two types of keyboard technology, namely membrane technology (Membrane Dome) and mechanical technology.
Membrane Technology Keyboard
Do you remember the manual typewriter? Yes, that’s the sensation of typing on a mechanical keyboard, feels a little hard but steady. Mechanical keyboard technology is actually almost the same as a typewriter, only the technology is developed using electrical components or circuits. In the 1980s, computer manufacturers often used mechanical technology in their keyboards, such as IBM products.
The existence of mechanical technology keyboards began to be displaced when membrane keyboard technology began to emerge. In a membrane technology keyboard, there are three layers that are placed just below the keyboard keys. The membrane is made of silicon with a layer of granite underneath. The function of the membrane is to transmit a knock signal to activate the circuit layer below it.
The shift from early mechanical keyboard technology to membrane keyboard technology was due to the following reasons:
- The typing sound sounds softer.
Because the keystrokes of the keyboard are coated by a layer of silicone before hitting the electrical circuits below, the sound that comes out is softer. This certainly will not cause noise when used at work, especially offices.
- Lighter.
Membrane technology keyboards are usually made of plastic material, making them lighter and easier to carry anywhere.
- Cheaper.
Because the material is mostly made of plastic, membrane keyboards are cheaper than mechanical keyboards. For computer manufacturers who usually sell PCs in packages, the use of membrane keyboards is far more profitable.
Mechanical Tech Keyboard
Now, mechanical keyboard technology is an improvement over mechanical keyboard technology before being replaced by membrane keyboards. These improvements include the use of solid materials (metal) to various other technologies that make this type of keyboard more attractive, especially for gamers.
Unlike membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards place individual switches on each key. So, each key on the keyboard has its own mechanic which is equipped with a spring so that the keys can bounce perfectly.
When viewed globally, mechanical keyboards are much more durable and tough than their predecessors. For example, a mechanical keyboard can endure 50 million clicks or more, while a membrane keyboard averages only 10 million times. Do you know? Currently, there are still many old mechanical keyboards that are approximately 30 years old that can still be used, one example is the IBM Model M with PS/2 connector.
Here are some reasons why many people are starting to look back at mechanical keyboards.
- More durable.
Mechanical keyboards use metal and plastic mechanical switches. The mechanical keyboard also feels heavier and stronger, because the switches used are high-quality switches.
- The sensation of typing is more stable.
Most mechanical switches on the market have a working mechanism where the switch will receive input from the keycaps you press even if only half-press, and after reaching the midpoint of the switch. Then, a “click” sound will be heard. For gamers, the pressing sensation as well as a steady “clicky” sound will add to the sensation when playing games. Moreover, you choose a mechanical keyboard that uses blue or black mechanical keys.
- More accurate and reduce RSI risk,
Because there is a distance of a few millimeters between keys on a mechanical keyboard, pressing keys is more accurate – not straying to other keys. This is different from a membrane keyboard where the distance between the keys is very tight. Some sources reveal that the risk of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury), a disease that occurs when you type too much, will be much reduced if you use a mechanical keyboard.
- Easy to maintain.
You can remove all the keycaps on the keyboard, so it will be easier for you to clean the dust that is stuck between the keycaps or on the keyboard body.
- Can be modified according to taste.
Are you one of those people who like to be different? You can change each of the keyboard keys according to taste.
- More style.
Some mechanical keyboards on the market have very attractive LED backlights. But don’t worry, if you’re one of those people who don’t really like LED backlights, there are also plain mechanical keyboards that don’t have LEDs.
- Anti-Ghosting Ability
Have you ever tried pressing multiple buttons on your computer at the same time and not all of them appeared on the screen? That’s called ghosting. Due to the simple circuitry on the keyboard, the membrane dome based keyboard is unable to accept multiple inputs simultaneously. We will not find this on a mechanical keyboard because each key has an individual switch.
We will get more advantages by using a mechanical keyboard, but it cannot be denied that the price for this keyboard is still quite high, especially for the gamers market, most of whom are still teenagers.
In addition, the loud noise produced by the mechanical keyboard is also something that makes some people still not interested in using it because they prefer the quiet atmosphere when doing typing work.
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