Mechanical Key Boards 101

Introduction

I was asked by Kopta to do a write up on mechanical keyboards so, here goes nothing. Mechanical keyboards can be part of some what of a serious hobby, input peripherals. Much like the audiophiles, these input device enthusiasts spend large amounts of time, money and effort sourcing modifying and repairing devices. I am NOT one of these people. I mealy appreciate a mechanical keyboard for gaming and typing.

General Info

Mechanical keyboards differ from regular keyboards via one main factor. Rather then using a rubber dome or a membrane under each key, they use a physical switch mechanism. For a regular keyboard to register a key press you much completely bottom out the key, that is push the down on the key until it has zero travel left. The amount of force required will differ from key to key, which to a person who has not felt a mechanical keyboard is not really noticed, but is none the less a factor.

On mechanical keyboard, with its presciently made switches, there is no need to bottom out each key and force required for each and every key is exactly the same. The overall build quality is far above that of other keyboards. Now that's not to say that other expensive are cheaply made, just that as rule of thumb mechanical keyboards are very well made. But by far the biggest advantage is being able to choose the right switch for you.

The feel of regular switches when compared to a mechanical switches can only be described as 'mushy'.

On a side note, mechanical keyboards come in many different form factors. Some are full size (104 key), some lack thee numpad, know as a tenkeyless (87 key) and some are just the most basic keys, usually around 60 keys.

Switch Info

The standard mechanical switches are MX Cherry. They are differentiated by colour. For instance, I own two keyboards, one with cherry backs and one with cherry browns. There are other types such as buckling spring and torpe switches but I wont be covering them as I doubt anyone would bother sourcing these nor paying the astronomical price price.

Before diving into the details on each colour switch, I will explain some of the aspects of mechanical switches.

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Tactile vs Non Tactile

Tactile switches have physical response as the point of activation. So the moment the key is activated, which is NOT the point the key bottoms out, you can feel it in the key. Hard to explain but take my word for it. Obviously non tactile does not have this response.

​Clicky vs Non Clicky

Clicky means there is an audible high pitched click at the point of activation. Once again this is not at the bottom out point.

Actuation Force

Simply the force required to move the key.

Linear vs Non Linear

This refers to the force diagram of the switch. For some switches the force required to actuate the key changes based on the travel, this is a non linear switch. If the force required is constant, the switch is linear. As a general rule linear is better for gaming.

The switch colours are as follows. I did not write this section its taken from another website.

Cherry MX Black

Type: Linear Switch

Data Sheet: http://docs-europe.e...66b8014611b.pdf
Tactile: No
Clicky: No
Actuation Force: 60g (40g-80g overall)
Force Diagram: http://www.overclock...pictureid=22302
Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom

Cherry MX-Black switches are linear (non-tactile) switches, these are considered one of the best switch types for gaming. When gaming, having a tactile bump does absolutely nothing because you're going to be bottoming out anyway. So these give you a very smooth feel. The actuation and release points are at the exact same position as well. So games that require a lot of double tapping become easier than on any other keyswitch. However, most people don't enjoy typing on them that much do in part, to their linear nature.
If you're a person who tends to hit a wrong key every so often while gaming, these will be beneficial in that the high actuation force will help prevent many of those accidental presses.

Cherry MX Brown

Type: Tactile Switch

Data Sheet: http://docs-europe.e...66b8014611b.pdf
Tactile: Yes
Clicky: No
Actuation Force: 45g (55g Peak Force)
Force Diagram: http://www.overclock...pictureid=22307
Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom

Cherry MX Brown switches are considered a middle ground between typing and "gaming" switches. They have a light, tactile feel half way through the key press that lets you know the switch has activated. This gives you an indication of what you can release the switch. The switch is considered a middle ground because the reset point & actuation point are close enough together than you can "float" at that point, enabling you to double tap faster.

As a note: this switch actually has a peak force of 55G, it is 45G at the point of actuation. This is due to the design of the Cherry switch itself.

Cherry MX Red

Type: Linear Switch

Link: http://docs-europe.e...66b8014611b.pdf
Tactile: No
Clicky: No
Actuation Force: 45g
Force Diagram: http://www.overclock...pictureid=22309
Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom

Cherry MX-Red's are another switch that can be considered a "gaming" switch. It's essentially a lighter version of the MX Black, requiring less force to actuate. Some people do not find this switch that good for typing or gaming because it is so light, but others rave for this fact. Light or Stiff is always a matter of preference. This switch was hard to find; and was reported as EOL, but it is still in limited production with a higher than average MOQ leading to higher cost to board makers. Marketed with high demand, boards with this switch are becoming more common, but are generally more expensive as well.

Cherry MX Blue

Type: Tactile & Clicky Switch

Link: http://docs-europe.e...66b8014611b.pdf
Tactile: Yes, precise
Clicky: Yes
Actuation Force: 50g (60g Peak Force)
Force Diagram: http://www.overclock...pictureid=22305
Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom

Cherry MX Blue switches are the best cherry switch for typing. The tactile bump can easily be felt, and the resistance is similar to your average keyboard.

Although many people find them just fine for gaming, some don't like the fact that the release point is above the actuation point. This can cause some trouble with double-tapping. This is usually the case with someone who has experienced other mechanical switches before hand.

As a note: this switch actually has a peak force of 60g, it is 50g at the point of actuation. This is due to the design of the Cherry switch itself.

Cherry MX Clear

Type: Tactile Switch

Link: http://docs-europe.e...66b8014611b.pdf
Tactile: Yes
Clicky: No
Actuation Force: 55g (65G peak force)
Force Diagram: http://www.overclock...pictureid=22308
Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom

Cherry MX Clear switches have often been called "stiffer browns" though some users note that they have more of a tactile feel than browns do. This really can be a subjective topic, though this is another switch that could be considered "ballanced." The force required is comparable to most rubber dome keyboards, with a nice tactile feedback to tell you the key has actuated. These switches are harder to find on keyboards.

As a note: this switch actually has a peak force of 65g, it is 55g at the point of actuation. This is due to the design of the Cherry switch itself.

My Keyboards

I own two mechanical key boards, both i am very happy with.

Flico Majestouch (Cherry MX Brown)

http://www.auspcmark...N104MC-AI/1838/

(Currently they only sell it with cherry blues, but it was browns when I bought it)

Filco Majestouch Ninja (Cherry MX Black)

http://www.auspcmark...87ML-EFB2/1838/

Impressions

I am currently typing on the ninja, however i prefer typing on the on my regular majesttouch. When it comes to gaming, each keyboard has its own advantages. My ninja has slightly stiffer keys but are linear and non tactile, meaning double tapping and rapid key presses are easier. My majestouch requires less force to actuate the keys but is tactile and has a release point.

I generally interchange between the two depending on the game i'm playing and how i'm feeling at the time.

Further Reading & Links

The keyboard section at www.overclock.net is good place to get some info and advice.

http://www.overclock...tml#post6069310

This thread in particular.

The ultimate forum for any input device,

http://geekhack.org/

This where i got both my keyboards since finding some of the rarer keyboards in Australia can be challenging.

http://www.auspcmarket.com.au/

I could cover more but don't feel it necessary. I also haven't listed any keyboards other the ones I own since there are so many. I can however recommend some if people ask. Any further questions feel free to ask!