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Cherry mx switches. Mechanical keyboard: which switches to choose? Examples of modern mechanical keyboards

Mechanical keyboards: what are they used for and are they worth the money?

“Membrane, ugh,” is heard on social networks in response to the question “Should I buy such and such a keyboard?” And when asked to recommend something suitable, they almost always offer it to a mechanic. But the prices for mechanical keyboards are very high. What is the reason for this, and will it be worth investing in such a keyboard? But first, let's look at why you still don't need to buy a “membrane”.

Membrane is bad

Membrane keyboard device

The first keyboards were mechanical, but the high cost of their production clearly did not contribute to the spread of such a phenomenon as “ Personal Computer"among typewriter enthusiasts. In this regard, manufacturers switched to the production of membrane keyboards. They are indeed cheaper and easier to manufacture: a substrate with a contact grid is responsible for transmitting signals in such keyboards.

Often, such a substrate is made of a simple durable film, and current-conducting tracks are applied directly to it without any protection. The contacts are closed by pressing improvised “buttons”, bulges on the second layer of the keyboard, the membrane. This layer is a rectangular silicone sheet with domes protruding from it (therefore, in the English version, a membrane keyboard is referred to as a “rubber dome keyboard”). When you press a key, the path underneath it closes, and due to the ability of silicone to retain its shape, the key easily returns to its place.

It would seem, what could go wrong? After all, everything is so simple and easy.

Cons of membrane keyboards

One of the main disadvantages of traditional keyboards is that the key must be pressed all the way to make a contact. Only then will the click be registered. Needless to say, if you type on such a keyboard for a long time, your fingers will get tired? What if we add that over time, silicone hardens and requires more effort to change shape? Moreover, changing the physical properties of silicone does not require much time. As a rule, after a year, users notice that the keyboard does not press as easily as after purchase. For the strongest and bravest, who do not want to spare their joints, there is one more news: an increase in the rigidity of the membrane is directly proportional to the chance that it will rupture.

Here we suddenly come to the issue of reliability. In addition to the insufficient durability of the membrane, it is also worth noting the low resistance of the contact substrate to mass short circuits. Agree, every user sooner or later floods the keyboard with something. The membrane “board” is an excellent reservoir for liquid. If you flood it, it will most likely instantly go crazy and stop working. In most cases, forever, since the contact grid is a single element of the system, which, from contact with a conductive substance after the oxidation of the tracks, is completely eliminated from the game. One broken track disables an entire block of keys.

The indivisibility of the contact grid causes another problem: a membrane keyboard that operates via a USB interface is unable to transmit a signal for more than 6 simultaneous presses, unless the manufacturer has provided ways to bypass this limitation (so-called “anti-ghosting”). However, with some key combinations, even 6 presses are not always registered.

Plunger keyboards

Some manufacturers produce "robust keyboards with a mechanical feel." Don't fall for their tricks. Under the keys of plunger keyboards there are exactly the same membrane and contact substrate as on conventional membranes, which means they suffer from the same diseases. The only difference is in the sensation of pressing. At the same time, prices for plunger devices are significantly higher than for membrane devices.

Magic mechanics

Obviously, when we talk about these shortcomings, we want to say that mechanical keyboards do not have them. And indeed it is. Each mechanical key is a switch plus a keycap (a keycap with an engraving of the symbol for which the key is responsible). The switch is soldered into a printed circuit board, the tracks of which are protected by a layer of varnish. Returning to the issue of careless users, it can be noted that this keyboard layout option is much safer, and incidents often end only in a slight shock to the user and urgent procedures to remove moisture from the device’s body.

By the way, speaking about disassembling the mechanics for any purpose, including for routine cleaning, it should be said that the vast majority of mechanical keyboards are extremely simple in design. They are very easy to disassemble and reassemble, since they often consist of only two parts of the body and printed circuit board. The housing is usually held together only by screws without any of the flimsy latches typical of membranes. In addition, many manufacturers equip devices with a special device for removing keys, which makes caring for the device even easier.

As for the number of simultaneous keystrokes, thanks to the presence of a printed circuit board and, as a consequence, a lot of possibilities for implementing complex means of bypassing the limitations of the USB interface, most modern keyboards allow you to press an unlimited number of keys without any problems (usually designated as NKRO or N-Key rollover). However, a discrete connection via the PS/2 interface in itself removes all restrictions, so if you are the owner of a relict motherboard with PS/2, you can not pay attention to this issue at all. But let's get to the main thing.

Mechanical switches

A switch or switch (from the English switch) consists of a housing, a chassis with a return spring and the contact itself. To register a press, you do not need to press it all the way. The full stroke on all commonly used switch models is 4 mm, and pressing is registered already at 2 mm. This also works in reverse side. To activate the key again, you don't have to press it all the way down because the reset point is just above the activation point. This greatly simplifies and speeds up working with the keyboard.

Different types of switches have different pressing force depending on the force of the spring installed inside. It is in the range of 45-60 grams, and this force does not change over time! Considering that fur. The switches are designed for 50-60 million clicks, this guarantees trouble-free operation without changing characteristics for many years.

The design of the mechanical switch made it possible to add such an element as tactility to the pressing process. This is a slight increase in pressing force at a point before the actuation point. Many players, having become addicted to tactile switches, can no longer use any others, because they physically feel the moment the key is activated. This allows you to use the keyboard more confidently, without being distracted by checking the fact of operation. Some switches add tactility with an audible click. This, according to reviews, noticeably speeds up printing. Captain Obviousness reports that such switches are called tactile.

Switches that do not have any kickback are called linear. They press softer and more pleasantly than tactile ones, but you cannot recognize the moment the key is activated by touch.

Types and brands of switches

There are two major manufacturers of mechanical switches on the market today. These are the German company Cherry and the Chinese Kaihua. The switches themselves are called Cherry MX and Kailh, respectively. If you soberly assess the scale of the war between Apple and Samsung fans, then, let’s say, the intensity of the holiwar between fans of the above-mentioned switches is about the same. It is believed that Cherry MX is more reliable, and Kailh is cheaper. However, no demonstrative tests have yet been conducted, and current statistics show that there is no difference in reliability between brands, and Kailh is indeed cheaper. Maybe the fact is that production in China, in principle, requires less costs than in Germany, which is famous for the complexity of laws, the severity of bureaucracy and an abundance of duties?

In addition to the above, there are also “branded” switches. For example, Logitech produces keyboards with Romer-G switches, which are slightly different from all the others. Razer also produces switches under its own brand. However, they are assembled at the Kaihua factory and have similar characteristics to Kailh, so we will not focus on them. Branded QS1 switches for SteelSeries are also assembled by Kaihua, but they differ from the serial Kailh ones, and we will look at them below.

There are several main types of switches, and they are usually distinguished by color. The color of the switch is not only the color of the plastic from which its chassis is made, but also its characteristics. Both Cherry and Kaihua have the same color coding for their switches, but if you compare Cherry MX and Kailh switches of the same color, the latter will have about 10 grams higher actuation force. Kailh are tougher switches. However, their declared durability is higher. The editors, however, are inclined to believe that this is just a marketing ploy.

Below we will first look at Cherry MX switches. Using the information given above, you can independently form an idea about their analogues from the Kailh series.

Linear Switches

Black switches are the standard of mechanics. As a rule, they are the first to be cited as an example when talking about mechanical keyboards, since this type of switches appeared first, back in 1984. Cherry MX Black doesn't have any click or tactile feedback and is therefore not the best for typing, but is great for gamers who need to hit the keys frequently. The pressing force at the actuation point is 60 grams, at the end point - 80 grams.

Tactile feedback: no
Click: no
Actuation force: 60 g at actuation point, 80 g at end point
Analogs: Kailh Black, partially SteelSeries QS1

By and large, red switches are the same as black ones, but with a weaker spring. The pressing force at the actuation point is only 45 grams, and at the final point it is 60 grams. Otherwise, they repeat the design of the Cherry MX Black: no click, no tactile feedback. It is believed that red switches are the choice of professional players. This opinion, however, is often disputed by progamers themselves. Not everyone likes low force, and some have fingers so heavy that their weight makes these keys too light. Some people, on the contrary, find working with the keyboard on the “red” as pleasant as possible. As of 2015, the Cherry factory does not produce very many Red-type switches, and therefore not all Cherry MX keyboards can be represented by the corresponding modification.

Tactile feedback: no
Click: no
Actuation force: 45 g at actuation point, 60 g at end point
Analogues: Kailh Red, partially SteelSeries QS1

SteelSeries QS1

These switches are based on one of Kailh's RGB switches and are similar in design to the Logitech Romer-G. They also register a press of 1.5 mm from the top point, and the total travel of the switch does not exceed 3 mm. The QS1s, however, are linear, with a force requirement of 45 grams, so they have a similar actuation pattern to the Cherry MX Red. There was no public data on the durability of these switches at the time of writing. The first keyboard equipped with QS1 was the SteelSeries Apex M800.

Tactile feedback: no
Click: no
Actuation force: 45 g at actuation point
Analogues: partly Cherry MX Red, partly Kailh Red

Hybrid capacitive switches

Topre

None of the above brands produces capacitive switches; currently only Japanese Topre are represented on the gaming peripherals market. They are also mechanical in their structure: a spring is installed inside, which returns the chassis to its place. However, a sensor is responsible for registering the press, measuring the capacitance of the contacts at the bottom of the switch, which changes depending on the degree of pressing. At a certain moment, an operation is registered.

These switches are softer and quieter than linear mechanical switches and are just as reliable. They are equally convenient for gaming and typing, and therefore could become the “golden choice” for any user. If it weren't for their price. At the beginning of 2016, a simple keyboard without backlight and bells and whistles cost about $200.

Tactile feedback: yes
Click: no
Pressing force: from 30 g
Analogues: no

We haven't mentioned the Greetech switches, which also copy Cherry MX, but this moment on the Russian market they are presented only on Bloody keyboards, and they cannot be considered mass-produced.

In general, there are a number of other brands, including the well-known Alps and some types of switches with a spring as a pressing mechanism, but within the Russian Federation and the CIS on the mass market it is impossible to find keyboards with them in principle, so they are not described in this article.

So should I take the manual or not?

Take. Mechanical keyboards have been on the market long enough for statistics on them to be considered indicative. They are much more reliable and durable than membrane keyboards and have much less impact on your finger joints during prolonged use. They are easy to disassemble for cleaning and are much more resistant to flooding.

Continuation for enthusiasts: keycaps

Standard keycaps

Most serial keyboards are produced with keycaps (keycaps) made of simple ABS plastic. It is cheap and lightweight, but with intensive use it steadily loses the matte coating applied to it and begins to shine. Standard keycaps usually use simple casting (double casting will be discussed below). In most cases, one of two methods of applying symbols to caps is used.

Dye

Conventional diffusion-resistant paint. A fairly reliable method that ensures good readability of characters even in low light. However, the texture of paint on keycaps is usually uneven, which contributes to the accumulation of dirt in its microcracks. Thus, letters painted with white paint quickly turn black and spoil appearance device Unfortunately, traditional methods of cleaning caps using alcohol-containing liquids are ineffective in the mentioned cases. Plus, over time, the paint still wears off.

After purchase, cunning users cover the symbols of the most frequently used keys with clear varnish. However, this increases the risk that your finger will slip off the cap at the wrong moment.

In addition, the symbol applied with paint can be felt with the fingers, which not everyone likes.

Laser engraving

This method is used when applying characters to the keycaps of light-colored keyboards without backlighting (opaque engraving) and any backlit keyboards (transparent engraving). On light-colored, non-backlit keyboards, the engraved character will be as readable as paint, but will never rub off. At the same time, it will be felt by your fingers. However, on dark keyboards it will blend in with the keycap.

When it comes to backlit keyboards, engraving is the most suitable option to make the characters transparent. However, again, on dark keyboards with the backlight turned off, in reality such symbols are practically unreadable under any lighting conditions.

Advanced keycaps

Some enthusiasts prefer to order more expensive keycaps from third-party manufacturers and replace them with standard keycaps. Their choice often falls on sets made of PBT plastic. It is stronger and heavier than ABS, but its surface is much more stable, and therefore will not wear off and will never shine and thereby spoil the appearance of the keyboard. In this regard, such keycaps look much better, since they often have a more expensive coating; manufacturers and buyers can be sure that it will not wear off with intensive use. Methods for applying characters to PBT keycaps include both paint and engraving. But there are also more expensive methods that serial models are not used.

Deep dyeing (sublimation)

This is the name of the process in which paint is applied not to the surface of the keycap, but inside a recess made in the shape of a symbol. Such paint cannot be erased during normal use, and the surface of the keycap will be absolutely smooth to the touch. Painting technology does not allow painting light letters on dark plastic. However, printing can be multi-colored (including within one key), which allows you to decorate the keyboard with colors unusual for the mass market. Sublimation is not a cheap process and one set of 104 deep dyed PBT keycaps can cost between $30 and $60.

It would be incorrect to call double casting a symbol application method. This is an advanced method of making a complete cap, during which both the cap itself and its exterior are simultaneously formed. This keycap consists of two layers. The bottom layer is made of plastic in the form of a reduced keycap with symbols protruding on it. The top layer is also made of plastic, but in full size and with slots for the protruding parts of the bottom layer. The colors of the layers are selected depending on the desired color scheme of the keycap. Double casting allows you to use any combination of cap and symbol colors, and is also suitable for making backlit keycaps, in which case the bottom layer of plastic must be transparent. The characters on these caps cannot be erased, and when using PBT plastic, they retain their beautiful appearance indefinitely. The only downside is the very high price. One high-quality set of 104 double-molded PBT keycaps from a well-known brand can cost $70-80.

Mechanical keyboards have already gained a fairly strong foothold in the gaming market and not only peripherals. Yes, they are not cheap, but they have a number of significant advantages. Also, very often manufacturers produce the same keyboard model with several types of switches - and users naturally have a question about which type of keys to choose for themselves. To clear up some of this confusion, we have prepared this material for you, and as an example we will use the HyperX Alloy FPS model, kindly provided by Kingston.

The reason for writing this article was the appearance on sale of new modifications of the HyperX Alloy FPS keyboard. As you remember, this model we really liked it (you can read the review of the keyboard). It went on sale only with Cherry MX Blue switches, which could stop those who prefer not only high-quality “mechanics”, but also silence, from purchasing. The keyboard is now also sold with Cherry MX Brown and Red switches. Structurally, the new products do not differ from the model with which we have already become acquainted; the difference lies only in the type of switches.

What is it about Cherry switches and why should you pay attention to mechanical keyboards?

Each Cherry switch is manufactured in Germany (at a factory in Bayreuth. For each of them, the manufacturer claims a resource of 50 million clicks. Thanks to this approach, Cherry MX series switches have long become a certain mark of quality for mechanical keyboards. In particular, any new type of switches , produced these days, is compared in terms of characteristics with the products of this brand.It is the place of production of switches that determines the considerable cost of ready-made solutions.

If you have only used membrane keyboards, you may have noticed that the keys over time lose their properties that they had at first after purchase. This is due to the fact that the silicone membrane that underlies such keyboards dries out over time or, conversely, stretches, which leads to a change in tactile sensations during operation. Mechanical keyboards do not have this drawback, and the moment when the mechanical switch loses its original properties will occur much later - and it is not a fact that you will be able to catch it. This is especially important for those who are involved in typing large amounts of text and intense gaming sessions.

So, there are several types of switches in the Cherry MX line, with only four main and most popular ones: Blue, Brown, Red and Black. They are named because of the color in which the base of the mechanism is painted. There are more of them, but the ones most frequently used by manufacturers are the ones listed. Each of them has its own properties that directly affect comfort during play or work.

Cherry MX Blue

This type of key is characterized by the presence of a tactile response approximately in the middle of the stroke. When pressing the key, halfway through you will feel a slight stop, and after it passes, the key will make a fairly loud click. The last point will be a disadvantage for many, since when typing quickly, the keyboard will sound like a typewriter from the early 20th century, which will negatively affect acoustic comfort. But if the sound does not bother you or those around you and you need to type a lot and regularly, then pay attention to the “blue” switches. The force required to press is approximately 45 grams, which is quite a bit even for not very strong fingers. In this case, you do not have to press the key all the way to trigger; the press is registered in the middle of the stroke. This also applies to other switches considered today

Cherry MX Brown

We placed the “brown” switches next for a reason, since they are very similar in their characteristics to MX Blue. With the exception of one feature - they are almost silent in operation. The only sound they can make is the impact of the cap on the base of the keyboard, but this is not necessary, since pressing, as in the MX Blue, occurs approximately in the middle of the key stroke. The switch has a tactile response at the moment of operation, but not as pronounced as “blue switches” have. Cherry MX Brown are, in our opinion, the most balanced switches, as they are well suited for both typing and gaming, and at the same time they will not piss off others.

Cherry MX Red

This type of switch has the most significant difference from the above: it lacks tactile and sound feedback when pressed and its travel is linear along its entire length. However, it still requires 45 grams of force to press and the actuation also registers around the middle of the stroke. In the author’s personal opinion, this type of key is very well suited for games, especially active shooters, since due to the lack of tactile feedback, maximum smoothness and speed are achieved. But these switches are also quite good for typing thanks to this feature. At the same time, like MX Brown, the “red” ones are absolutely silent in operation.

Cherry MX Red has a sibling called MX Black, which has the same properties, with one exception - the force required to press is 60 grams, and personal experience It's worth noting that black switches are only good for gaming, not typing, no matter how strong your fingers are. Increased spring stiffness requires more force when pressing, and typing large amounts of text, unfortunately, is not a comfortable experience. The HyperX Alloy FPS model is not available for sale with this type of switch, but we couldn’t help but talk about it.

Results

We hope that in this material we have clarified some issues related to mechanical keyboards. Of course, “mechanics” is not a panacea for games and work, but it has its advantages. As for the question of which mechanical switches to choose, it is impossible to answer it unequivocally, but you can try. If you play more than type, pay attention to Cherry MX Red\Black. If typing is a priority, then Cherry MX Brown is worth a look. In addition to all the advantages of “blue” switches, they have one undeniable advantage - quiet operation.

Often when purchasing a keyboard, the choice is made based on external characteristics - the color of the keyboard and keys, size, height of the keys, etc. But the key mechanism installed inside is responsible for the responsiveness of the keyboard and the level of comfort when working with it. In order for you to make an informed choice in favor of a keyboard that is more convenient and suitable for your tasks, in this article we will talk about the structure and differences between mechanical and membrane keyboards.

Membrane keyboards

Membrane ones are the simplest and cheapest among the variety of types of keyboards. Such keyboards consist of three thin layers - there are conductors on the top and bottom layers, and the middle layer serves as insulation. When you press the upper membrane, it bends and closes the contact - the keyboard registers the key press. The thickness of the layers is usually within the thickness of a sheet of paper or cardboard. Thanks to this organization, membrane keyboards can be made not only cheap, but also lightweight, bendable and moisture-proof.

The design feature also determines the main disadvantages of such a keyboard: the almost complete absence of feedback, the lack of dosing of the load on the membrane (carried out by the typing fingers), which reduces the life of the keyboard. Due to the low feedback, such keyboards usually have a sound confirmation of pressing. Currently, such keyboards are used in microwave ovens, children's toys, etc.

Membrane-rubber keyboards

This is the type of keyboard you most likely have in front of your computer and is used in your laptop. It combines the lightness and low cost of membrane keyboards and complements it with feedback by pressing the rubber cap, after which the contact in the membrane is closed. The keys of such keyboards have to be pressed all the way, otherwise the contact will not close. When working on such keyboards for a long time, it may feel like you are just tapping your fingers on a piece of plastic.

Mechanical keyboards

Mechanical ones differ from their membrane counterparts in the presence of mechanically opening contacts and a clear tactile connection (depending on the type of keyboard). Such keys operate before the key reaches the travel stop, so it is not necessary to hit such keys all the way. This increases comfort when typing, and in games it gives you an understanding of exactly when the key was triggered. In addition, mechanical keyboards are much more reliable than their membrane counterparts; the number of times a mechanical key is pressed is an order of magnitude greater than the number of times a membrane key is pressed.

Mechanical keyboards vary depending on the types of buttons they use. The most common are Chery MX switches, in various modifications. The differences between them are in the pressing force, key travel and sound when triggered. To simplify selection, switches with similar characteristics are grouped by color: MX Red, Black, and so on. Manufacturers of more budget switches also use the same designations if they are close in characteristics to Cherry products. For example, Kailh Blue is very similar to Cherry MX Blue.

Cherry MX Black

They are characterized by uniform linear pressure, no tactile connection and no click. The technology is considered one of the best for games - the actuation and release points are almost at the same level, to quickly press the key you just need to move it slightly. On the other hand, such a keyboard is not very pleasant when typing - there is no feedback, the keys still have to be pressed all the way. Pressing force – 60 g, key stroke – 2 mm before actuation, 4 mm until it stops.

Cherry MX Blue

They are characterized by uneven pressing, the presence of feedback and a click when triggered. These keys are considered the best for typing - the tactile sensation is very well expressed thanks to the floating actuator design. Such keys are also suitable for games, due to the similar pressing force and clear actuation moment, but the actuation and release points are far from each other, the key will have to be completely released to make the next press. Pressing force – 50 g (60 g at peak), key travel – 2 mm before actuation, 4 mm until it stops.

Cherry MX Red

They are characterized by uniform linear pressure, no tactile connection and no click. The technology is similar to MX Black, but the actuation force is noticeably lower. It is considered one of the best for games - the actuation and release points are almost at the same level, to quickly press the key you just need to move it slightly. On the other hand, such a keyboard is not very pleasant when typing - there is no feedback, the keys still have to be pressed all the way. Pressing force – 45 g, key stroke – 2 mm before actuation, 4 mm until it stops.

Razer Green Switch

A relatively new development by Razer, it is used in a series of mechanical keyboards. They are characterized by uneven pressing, the presence of feedback and a click when triggered. These keys are balanced - suitable for both gaming and typing. Feedback feels good, and the close proximity of actuation and release allows for quick, multiple presses. Pressing force – 45 g (50 g at peak), key travel – 1.9 mm before actuation, 4 mm until it stops.

Logitech Romer-G with haptic feedback

Thanks to their innovative design, Romer-G tactile switches provide a distinct feedback when pressed. To accurately perform the desired action, minimal effort is required, which saves the player from unnecessary worries at a crucial moment, and silent operation does not distract anyone present. Romer-G tactile switches are perfect for FPS fans and tournament players.

Switch parameters: 1.5 mm before actuation, full travel 3.5 mm, average pressing force - 45 grams, recoil force - 50 grams.

Logitech Romer-G Linear Switches

Romer-G linear switches have an exceptionally soft and smooth action. They are very convenient for performing fast double taps, smooth partial presses and sequential typing of complex combinations on the keyboard. This is the best option for online multiplayer games and action games.

Switch parameters: 1.5 mm before actuation, full travel 3.5 mm, average pressing force - 45 grams

is an essential and must-have gear on the battlefield of the latest FPS computer games, legendary MOBAs and epic MMO worlds. HyperX™ keypads are equipped with Cherry® MX switches, which provide significant benefits for responsiveness and durability. Manufactured in Germany, mechanical switches guarantee more than 50 million keystrokes, which, of course, directly affected the price of the finished product.

Whether you like the audible click of every keystroke or prefer quiet typing, Cherry has switches to suit every need. They feature minimal actuation force, meaning less wear and more comfort, whether you're crushing a competitive game or typing out a 30-page memoir.

So, below we will look at what exactly is special and which switches to choose directly for video games and typing.

Cherry MX switches are manufactured and supplied in many "colors" ranging from brown, blue, red to black, white, green. They differ not only in the color of the base of the mechanisms, but also have several other differences. Switches come in three different varieties: clicky (blue and green), tactile (brown and clear), and linear (black and red).

They were introduced only in 2008. They have the lowest actuation force of the three most common switches. Red switches are designed as gaming switches with a light click for quick action, and have become more common in gaming devices. For players who require quick double or triple key presses, this type The keyboard mechanism provides certain speed advantages.

The most popular type of non-click tactile switch is the . This switch was introduced in 1994 as a special “ergo-soft” switch, but quickly became the most popular. Today, most keypads come with Brown switches, as this type is a good average all-around option, suitable for both frequent typing and gaming. They are also ideal for office work, where the clicking of the switch will not irritate employees who prefer to work in silence.

So, Cherry MX Brown is considered the best all-around switch. Its tactile impact, silent movement and actuation force make it versatile. Because the tactile shock is generated by a ridge in the discontinuous fin, the hysteresis is less pronounced than with blue switches. Additionally, they are often used in environments where blue switches are too loud, but are required speed dial text.

It is the most common type of mechanical key and was first released on Filco keyboard models in 2007. Blue switches are preferred primarily by those who type a lot because of their tactile impact and audible click. However, they are less suitable for video games as the actuation force is relatively high at 50 grams and is a little more difficult to double press as the release point is higher than the actuation point. Blue switches are noticeably louder than other “mechanics”.

The blue mechanism is recommended mainly for typing as it has a great click sound making it the loudest switch. Therefore, if you want your device to sound like a typewriter, you can safely buy a keyboard with blue switches.

The separate slider design also provides the most significant sensitivity feedback, unlike all switches of the German company. The two-piece slider design presents a very pronounced hysteresis, making quick shots in video games more difficult than in line switches.

So what is a mechanical keyboard? While most keyboards use soft silicone parts, mechanical models are equipped with springs and metal and have a much more complex design compared to membrane ones.

The latter type of design is based on 3 thin layers of film located under the keys. The top and bottom layers are equipped with conductors, and the middle one plays the role of an insulating link. Features of this design caused the main disadvantages of the membrane keypad. After all, in order for the contact to close, the keys must be pressed all the way. The mechanics, in comparison, look much more complicated. They contain:

mechanical opening contacts;
clear sensitive communication depending on the types of keypad.

The key works before it reaches the stop. Thanks to this, there is no need to knock on the keys at all until you feel the travel stop. This makes typing text more comfortable, and in a video game it makes it possible to understand when a key was triggered.

At the same time, mechanical keypads are more reliable than membrane ones. This mechanism includes LED backlighting, which provides better visibility at night, and also has a much higher number of clicks, several times higher than the membrane one.

Another advantage of mechanics is durability. They will work for many years, and the key travel and tactile feedback will not change: they will be pressed with the same ease as on the day of purchase. They support an infinite number of keystroke logging. However, this is individual and depends on the type of keypad.

Cherry MX BLUE is a lightweight switch. Unlike most other switches, the plunger in this one consists not of one, but of two parts:

blue plunger (which is connected to the key);
white inner slider (which opens and closes the outline).

These switches emit a characteristic click, which does not depend in any way on the presence of a keycap. The answer to the question of how blue switches differ from red ones is extremely simple - blue ones have higher rigidity than red ones, as well as a slightly longer stroke. Therefore, for the mechanism to work, a force of 60 grams must be applied.

MX BLUE allows you to clearly feel and also hear the moment when the mechanism worked, however, you will not have the same control in games as with red and brown switches. In general, these switches are still great for gaming, because the gamer will clearly understand whether the press worked or not. Blue switch type – perfect option for those whose priority is not gaming, but typing.

Cherry MX BROWN - refers to tactile switches that do not have a characteristic click. The switch is not pressed evenly and has a characteristic cutoff, that is, you can feel it when you press the switch. The approximate pressing force is 45 grams, which is the most optimal. These switches are used to produce Extra RGB and other brethren. Cherry MX BROWN is one of the most optimal switches for video games and text printing, because they:

quiet, as they do not have any clicks or clicks;
very comfortable due to their tactile sensations and feedback.

Cherry MX RED are linear switches that have no click, making them unusually quiet. At the same time, they lack tactile feedback, so they are also very smooth.

This type allows you to instantly respond to events in games. This is the highlight of the mechanics: the ability to easily control the process and response speed. The pressing force to activate this switch is about 40 grams. In principle, these are very light switches, and you can play them for quite a long time without getting your fingers tired.

One of the disadvantages is the sound, that is, the reproduced volume. How can they be loud if they are linear and have no click? Everything is very simple! Due to the fact that the pressing force is very small, when the keycap is bent onto the switch, it comes into contact with the plastic of the switch itself and produces a characteristic sound. It follows from this that red switches without a keycap are quite quiet, but as soon as you put on a keycap, the sound turns out to be two or even three times louder.

As a powerful gaming gear, it is important to consider not only the attractive appearance and durability, but also the type of switches that are used. The quietest switches are those with the highest pressing force. However, they all have a negative impact on fingers and fatigue. It turns out that with prolonged typing or gaming, your fingers will get tired, but the device will work very quietly.

Red and brown mechanisms are the most best option for a gaming keyboard and at the same time for typing. That is, if you want moderately optimal switches in terms of sound, tactile sensations and, in fact, price, the Cherry MX BROWN and RED brands are the best switches for computer games, and MX BLUE is most suitable for typing. When playing or typing on these switches for a long time, your fingers will not get tired, and the sound will be average: not very quiet, but not very loud either.

Naturally, “mechanics” will not give you 100% victory in gaming competitions, but its advantages will significantly increase your chances.

Mechanical keyboards: what are they used for and are they worth the money?

Membrane is bad

Membrane keyboard device

The first keyboards were mechanical, but the high cost of their production clearly did not contribute to the spread of such a phenomenon as a “personal computer” among typewriter lovers. In this regard, manufacturers switched to the production of membrane keyboards. They are indeed cheaper and easier to manufacture: a substrate with a contact grid is responsible for transmitting signals in such keyboards.

It would seem, what could go wrong? After all, everything is so simple and easy.

Cons of membrane keyboards

Plunger keyboards

Magic mechanics

By the way, speaking about disassembling the mechanics for any purpose, including for routine cleaning, it should be said that the vast majority of mechanical keyboards are extremely simple in design. They are very easy to disassemble and reassemble, since they often consist of only two parts: a housing and a printed circuit board. The housing is usually held together only by screws without any of the flimsy latches typical of membranes. In addition, many manufacturers equip devices with a special device for removing keys, which makes caring for the device even easier.

Mechanical switches

A switch or switch (from the English switch) consists of a housing, a chassis with a return spring and the contact itself. To register a press, you do not need to press it all the way. The full stroke on all commonly used switch models is 4 mm, and pressing is registered already at 2 mm. This also works in the opposite direction. To activate the key again, you don't have to press it all the way down because the reset point is just above the activation point. This greatly simplifies and speeds up working with the keyboard.

Switches that do not have any kickback are called linear. They press softer and more pleasantly than tactile ones, but you cannot recognize the moment the key is activated by touch.

Types and brands of switches

Below we will first look at Cherry MX switches. Using the information given above, you can independently form an idea about their analogues from the Kailh series.

Linear Switches

Tactile feedback: no
Click: no
Actuation force: 60 g at actuation point, 80 g at end point
Analogs: Kailh Black, partially SteelSeries QS1

Tactile feedback: no
Click: no
Actuation force: 45 g at actuation point, 60 g at end point
Analogues: Kailh Red, partially SteelSeries QS1

SteelSeries QS1

Tactile feedback: no
Click: no
Actuation force: 45 g at actuation point
Analogues: partly Cherry MX Red, partly Kailh Red

Hybrid capacitive switches

Topre

Tactile feedback: yes
Click: no
Pressing force: from 30 g
Analogues: no

We did not mention Greetech switches, which also copy Cherry MX, but at the moment they are presented on the Russian market only on Bloody keyboards and cannot be considered mass-produced.

So should I take the manual or not?

Continuation for enthusiasts: keycaps

Standard keycaps

Dye

Conventional diffusion-resistant paint. A fairly reliable method that ensures good readability of characters even in low light. However, the texture of paint on keycaps is usually uneven, which contributes to the accumulation of dirt in its microcracks. Thus, letters painted with white paint quickly turn black and spoil the appearance of the device. Unfortunately, traditional methods of cleaning caps using alcohol-containing liquids are ineffective in the mentioned cases. Plus, over time, the paint still wears off.

After purchase, cunning users cover the symbols of the most frequently used keys with clear varnish. However, this increases the risk that your finger will slip off the cap at the wrong moment.

In addition, the symbol applied with paint can be felt with the fingers, which not everyone likes.