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A method for entering information through an optical keyboard and an optical keyboard device. Method of entering information through an optical keyboard and an optical keyboard device Optical keyboard

IN this review consider different types switches that are used in modern keyboards.

Story

In the 1980s, at the dawn of computers, all keyboards were mechanical. The Cherry company especially distinguished itself by producing mechanical switches since 1953. However, over time, competitors (including Apple and Microsoft) decided that they knew what was best for the user - and began to use sensitive membrane substrates in their keyboards.

Manufacturers tried other solutions (capacitive, reed switches), but they did not become popular. Now progress does not stand still, new technological techniques are still appearing - for example, the optical-mechanical switch from Razer.

Mechanical switches

The key difference between mechanical keyboards and others is that they have openable contacts. The bottom line is that when a person presses a button, the registration of the press (activation) occurs exactly in the middle of the stroke (usually two millimeters). In a membrane keyboard, the button must be pressed all the way for it to work.

Mechanical keyboards are more expensive due to their more complex design. A separate mechanism is responsible for pressing the button, and gold-plated contacts are often used.

Mechanical keyboard switches are durable, and even after several years of use they will feel exactly the same (while membrane switches tend to get tighter over time due to the hardening of the rubber domes). Another important plus for many is that the mechanics support an unlimited number of simultaneous presses.

The disadvantages include high noise during operation and a rather steep price.

Mechanical switches are not all the same; they have four subtypes, distinguished in the Cherry MX series:

Blue. Suitable primarily for those who type a lot. They have tactile feedback (a characteristic click when pressed). This type is the loudest and is similar to a typewriter in its sound.
Brown.They are universal switches - they also have tactile feedback, but the click is much quieter than the blue ones. Requires less pressing force to operate. This option is suitable for both those who type a lot and gamers. There is a proprietary development by Logitech Romer-G - the same Brown, but with a shortened stroke and an LED output.
Black. Purely gaming keyboard switches. There is no tactile feedback, but in games it is not required, since the player always presses the buttons all the way. There is also a plus for typing: due to the high pressing force that black switches require, there is no risk that nearby buttons will accidentally be touched.
Reds. Also considered gaming switches. They require little pressing force and have no tactile feedback. Red switches are quite quiet. Many people think that they are not suitable for printing, but this is an individual question, you need to try. Of the proprietary developments, the SteelSeries QS1 is most similar to such switches, but the latter has a shorter stroke.
RGB Black / Red/ Brown/ Blue. A special category that differs only in the ability to connect LEDs.

It's important to remember that a keyboard with mechanical switches does not improve your gaming skill or provide any advantage; however, according to most users, it increases the comfort of using the computer.

Hybrid capacitive switches

The only example of such switches on the market today is manufactured by Topre of Japan. Their design is mechanical, but a special sensor is used to register the press - it measures the capacitance of the contacts at the bottom of the switch, since it changes depending on the pressing force. The operation is registered only at a given moment and nothing else.

Such keyboards are quieter and softer than linear ones, although they are not inferior in reliability. They show good results both in typing and in games. Unfortunately, they have a high price (up to 10,000 rubles in 2019).

Examples of modern mechanical keyboards

Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum

ASUS (STRIX TACTIC PRO)

Corsair Vengeance K70

Membrane switches

This design consists of:

covers;
plastic vertical rod with a cap at the bottom;
three-layer membrane.

When a person presses a key all the way, its rod first touches the upper membrane layer, then “pushes” this first layer through the opening in the second layer, until it comes into contact with the lower one. By touching the bottom layer, the cap thereby closes the chain - the signal goes to the computer, and the key function is activated. The middle layer is needed to avoid shorting the contacts between the first and third layers if the user accidentally touches the button. Therefore, membrane switches only respond to full pressure.

The shape and thickness of the cap-tip affect tactile feedback, the level of resistance, and, in general, the characteristics of the key stroke. But still main feature The so-called “bottoming out” is considered (the need to press the button all the way for it to work).

Several operational nuances of keyboards with membrane switches:

The key travel is 3.5-4 mm. After stopping, the membrane layer independently sends it back. In rare keyboards, the travel is 2-3 mm.
Keyboards with membrane switches are definitely the quietest keyboards on the market. The fact is that the design does not contain solid elements that can knock against each other, and silicone or rubber gaskets almost completely eliminate the sound of pressing buttons.
The standard service life of devices of this type is calculated based on 1 million keystrokes. But especially high-quality, expensive models that use heavy-duty materials can withstand 10 million presses per key. However, over time, any caps become less elastic and more sensitive to touch; This factor is influenced by the degree of contamination of the keyboard, vulcanization of the rubber due to UV radiation, manufacturing defects or excessive stress on the silicone (rubber) gaskets. As a result, already in the first year of use, there is a difference in the required pressing force between frequently and rarely used keys.
The actuation force of switches ranges from 25 grams-force to 150, but most switches in modern membrane keyboards fall into the category from 60 to 80, that is, they require an average force of pressing for the signal to enter the computer.
By their architecture, most membrane switches are not tactile and return a fairly soft “feedback” to the user; In such keyboards, the emphasis is on shock absorption. Some people who are familiar with technology adjust the level of tactility on their own - however, the membrane will still never be able to compete with mechanical keys in this regard.

It is worth noting that membrane switches come in two types: dome-shaped and flat panel (“dome”/“flat panel”). The latter are not equipped with a round gasket-cap and rather resemble flat buttons used, say, in microwave ovens. The travel of such keys is minimal. This option is practically not used in computer keyboards, although it is occasionally built into specialized models (such as portable devices for travelers) or, on the contrary, stationary industrial computers.

Examples of modern membrane keyboards

Logitech G213 Prodigy

Razer DeathStalker Essential

Genius Scorpion K9

Plunger switches

There are also plunger switches - a subtype of membrane switches. In essence, they are the same membrane, only slightly improved so that the sensation of pressing is closer to mechanics.

Conventional membrane keyboards have a solid key, pressing which immediately transfers pressure to the dome. The sound depends on the softness of the dome and the shape of the key.

In the plunger type, the key cap (in the image -1) and the piston or plunger (in the image - 2) are separated. Caps are most often compatible with mechanical switches. The complete design of the plunger switch consists of:

1 – key (cap)
2 – plunger (piston)
3 – cap lock
4 – plunger stabilizer
5 – silicone or rubber dome

Due to the ambiguity of the design, this type Keyboard switches are not very popular.

Examples of modern plunger keyboards

Tesoro Lobera

Tt eSports Challenger Edge Pro RGB

Optical switches

Fresh development from Razer.

While traditional mechanisms are based on the physical contact of moving parts with each other, this type of switch uses a completely different design - optical-mechanical.

The key difference is that instead of physical contact, a light beam is used to send the signal. When the user presses a key, light from a special optical sensor penetrates the switch and transmits a signal to the computer, which serves as a command to perform the desired action.

By virtue of design features optical switches are devoid of any delays during operation. When pressed, a clicking sound is heard and tactile feedback is present.

The feel of the Razer Opto-Mechanical is reminiscent of the Razer Mechanical Switch, designed specifically for gamers and a solid competitor to the mechanical Cherry MX. However, in Opto-Mechanical, the click is triggered exactly at the moment when the click sound is heard. In all previous models this was not feasible due to the properties of the mechanisms. So, with its innovation, Razer has set a new bar in the response speed of switches.

Examples of optomechanical keyboards

A4 Tech Bloody B820R

Razer Huntsman

Conclusion

When choosing a gaming keyboard, it is most logical to focus on your personal feelings and preferences.

Mechanical keys have a minimum delay time, but at the same time they have a characteristic sound, a click when pressed, due to their mechanical design. If you like loud key presses and tactile sensations, then mechanical switches are for you. If you want to print as quietly as possible, choose membrane ones. It is unlikely that your skill will suffer from this.

However, if you simply need maximum key response speed, then the best option today is optical switches.

A4Tech's range of gaming peripherals has been supplemented by the Bloody B860 keyboard, which has Light Strike optical switches in all keys, as well as moisture protection and backlighting. Let's take a closer look at the keyboard.

Characteristics

Keyboard type: wired
Number of keys: 104
Switches: Light Strike Blue, optical-mechanical
Switch resource: 100 million clicks
Backlight: only orange
Number of simultaneous clicks: unlimited
Interface: USB 2.0
Port polling rate: 1000 Hz
Wire length: 1.8 m
Dimensions (length × width × height): 461 × 233 × 39 mm
Weight: 1170 g
Recommended retail price: 110 USD

Equipment

The A4Tech Bloody B860 comes in a simple cardboard box in dark shades. On the front, in the center, there is a bloody handprint, and to the right is the left side of the keyboard with an attached special rest for the wrist of the left hand. On the back of the package there is information about the switches used and the key characteristics of the keyboard. Package Included:

User's Manual;
replacement caps for gaming keys in orange (8 pieces QWERASDF);
tool for removing keycaps;
Left hand wrist rest with screw for fastening.

Design

The A4Tech Bloody B860 keyboard undoubtedly has an original design, the key component of which is the aluminum plate.

The edges of the plate are processed and safe, keys are placed above its surface, i.e. we have a so-called skeletal layout.

WITH reverse side The keyboard body is covered with translucent plastic. To change the angle of the keyboard relative to the table surface, conveniently reclining legs are provided. Four rubberized plates at the corners of the back of the keyboard provide good grip on the table surface and effectively prevent accidental movement.

The key mechanisms are protected by a silicone waterproof layer and a 6mm high barrier that provides protection against moisture.

This means that if you accidentally spill liquid on the keyboard, it should remain operational.

In the upper right corner of the keyboard there is a special opening that can be used as a stand for a smartphone. In this case, the smartphone is positioned vertically, and the user will always notice notifications about events on his screen in his peripheral vision, without being distracted from playing or working.

There are no additional keys on the keyboard, such as multimedia.

The fonts for Cyrillic and Latin are the same in height, but Cyrillic characters are slightly narrower than Latin. In this case, the characters are placed side by side, the distance between two adjacent ones is slightly more than 1 mm, as a result they merge, which makes it difficult for those who do not know touch typing to find the right key. The backlight LEDs are located on the top side of the keys, so the characters on the keycaps are also pressed against the top edge, which ensures their uniform illumination.

On the right side of the keyboard, just above the Ins, Hm, PgUp keys, there are NumLock, WinLock (Gaming mode), ScrollLock and CapsLock indicators.

The Enter key is one-story.

The keycaps are equipped with a cylindrical recess for the finger pads. The lower corners of the keys are cut off, apparently for the sake of an original look.

The height of the keys is 10 mm, the travel before actuation is 3 mm, the total travel is 5 mm. The A4Tech Bloody B860 keyboard uses Light Strike Blue optical-mechanical switches.

Traditionally, Blue mechanical switches are considered the optimal solution for typing texts: the moment of operation is accompanied by a characteristic sound, and the user tactilely feels that some resistance has been overcome. In the case of optical-mechanical switches, there is no tactile sensation because there is no corresponding mechanism; instead, an infrared beam is used, which, when a key is pressed, hits the receiver, resulting in the sending of a character. This solution provides a minimum time delay of only 0.2 ms. In the case of mechanical switches, the delay can be from 18 to 30 ms, although the user is unlikely to notice small values. As for the sound that accompanies pressing, the so-called click, it is implemented through a special mechanism for which technology is used - LK Sound Creator Tech. Speaking in simple language— there is a click here, and it sounds clear and loud.

It is promised that the click will be clear and we can hear well for a very long time.

The LK switch uses a spring to return the key to its original position. Therefore, the switches cannot be called purely optical, although if we consider only the aspect of circuit closure, then it is a purely optical solution. The LK switches have a promised lifespan of 100 million clicks.

If you look at the keyboard from the side, you will notice that the rows of keys are located at a certain angle, forming an arc. This should provide better ergonomics during use.

The eight replaceable caps included in the kit differ in color and have a silicone coating, which is well tactilely felt by the fingertips.

Using the Fn modifier in combination with function keys F1 through F7, you can control the volume level in the system and the multimedia player. The combination of Fn and F8 deactivates the Win key. The combination of Fn and up/down arrows allows you to adjust the brightness of the backlight.

The backlight here is single-color, but it doesn’t help much in distinguishing symbols from different layouts due to their almost identical sizes and close proximity.

The manufacturer separately notes that the wide spacebar key in this model was specially reinforced with two screws, which should have a positive effect on the reliability of its operation.

The left wrist rest included with the keyboard is made of rubberized plastic, pleasant to the touch and flexible. The stand is fixed in the slots on the keyboard and secured with the supplied screw. During gaming marathons, the stand provides good wrist support.

The keyboard wire is protected by a black and red textile braid, and the red plug is equipped with a raised palm print and the inscription Bloody.

A special proprietary application is used to record macros and assign them to keys.

KeyDominator software

The proprietary KeyDominator application can be downloaded from the official Bloody website (you can simply follow the link provided in the “User Instructions” book). The application provides ample opportunities for creating macros and assigning them to keys for quick launch. The interface is clear, as it is almost completely translated into Russian.

In the Button section you can assign already created macros to any keys. To make changes to the key settings, you need to click on the desired key with the mouse cursor along the keyboard projection to add the desired button to the list on the right, in which you can set the desired action or macro for each individual key. All actions are divided into categories for easy navigation.

The application is universal and works with all Bloody keyboards, so the RGB Animation section is not available in the case of the B860.

In the Oscar Macro section, using the editor of the same name, you can create macros. The interface is not the most obvious, but with due patience everything works out.

The Super-Combo section allows you to use the simplified Combo interface to create simple macros, usually consisting of one action, which, for example, should be repeated when you hold down a key. Convenient for farming.

Practice

We tested the Bloody B860 keyboard in games such as CS: GO, Dota2, WoW, Starcaft II and Arma 3. The additional wrist rest for the left hand turned out to be really convenient: during long battles the hand gets noticeably less tired. We also note that the stand is resistant to dirt.

The created macros were called and executed without any problems. During tests, it was discovered that the Fn modifier key periodically stuck, which turned out to be an unpleasant surprise. We can only hope that we were simply unlucky with a particular keyboard instance.

Tactilely, the LK keys are pressed with force, like those of Cherry MX Blue, with a clearly audible click, but without overcoming some resistance at the moment of operation. Therefore, they feel more like Cherry MX Red. At the same time, the travel before actuation of Cherry MX is 0.8 mm shorter than that of LK switches, but in real use this difference is unlikely to be noticeable by most users. In general, we have no complaints about the operation of the LK optical-mechanical switches; the keyboard is quite suitable for regular use in working with texts and for games.

Diagnosis

The A4Tech Bloody B860 gaming keyboard is notable for its appearance and the Light Strike optical-mechanical switches used in it. The fly in the ointment is the poorly implemented Cyrillic characters - they are difficult to read. But users will certainly appreciate the comfortable left wrist rest and the keyboard's protection against accidental spills. In addition, the proprietary KeyDominator application allows you to create macros of varying degrees of complexity and assign them to selected keys.

Comfortable left wrist rest
Flexible options for creating macros
Original keyboard design
There is protection against accidental spills

Contra:

Cyrillic font merges with Latin alphabet

In general, a correctly posed question is already half the answer. And this is the first question you should ask yourself: “What do you want to get from a mechanical keyboard?” Generally speaking, mechanics are chosen for two main reasons: the typing experience, that is, the pleasure of typing, and also for the durability and reliability of the keyboard. Also, some people use mechanics to develop their touch typing skills and significantly speed up the typing process, and this, by the way, is also one of the reasons why you can take a mechanic.

The first factor includes both the ease of typing and the auditory characteristics of the keyboard: on high separate keys, which have their own tactile parameters, it is much more pleasant to type text than on any membrane keyboard, which you constantly have to press all the way to the end - the keys of absolutely any mechanical keyboard are triggered before you press the key all the way down. Auditory characteristics are a more individual parameter. The sound of impacts on the substrate, the sound of the switch itself - all this is also an integral part of the keyboard, and it is often this parameter that is used to choose a brand new mechanic. “How cool it clicks!” And these sensations can also bring pleasure.

The second is reliability. It's no secret that any mechanical keyboard is built on durable mechanical switches, the lifespan of which starts from 50 million times, and for some keyboards it even reaches a crazy 80 - 100 million times. Conventionally, this parameter means exactly how many times one key can be pressed until it stops working. Given such a high rate, you can continuously type on one keyboard for years! And the most important thing is that nothing will change over time - this is also one of the features of the keyboard. The fact is that mechanical switches do not have a “fatigue effect”, due to which they are almost not subject to wear, and after a few years they will be pressed exactly the same as on the day of purchase.

Well, the speed of typing: it’s easier and more convenient to type texts on a manual keyboard, since you need to apply less force when pressing each key, and the convenience of typing is much higher due to the actuation of each key approximately halfway through the total stroke of the entire key. And the tactile qualities (or, conversely, the lack thereof) of certain types of switches allow you to develop absolutely insane typing speed over time, which is very useful for those who often work a lot with texts. Well, or bombs teammates in the chat;) Are there any disadvantages to mechanical keyboards? Perhaps yes. The first drawback, as you might guess, is the price. Any mechanic, due to its switches, workmanship and capabilities, often significantly exceeds the cost of a membrane keyboard. The second drawback is the noise it makes. No matter what switches you use, almost any mechanical keyboard will be an order of magnitude louder than any membrane due to the specifics of its operation.

Form factor

The first and fundamental parameter is the keyboard form factor. Based on form factor, keyboards are usually divided into full-size and short. Each of these form factors has its own characteristics, and other form factors are extremely rare: for example, various ergonomic keyboards, often divided into two blocks - one for each hand. Or so-called keypads - small keyboards with a couple of dozen keys and some kind of joystick, designed to be controlled with one hand. The full-size form factor speaks for itself: the presence of a dial pad, a row of F-keys, the presence of arrows, a navigation block and the presence of a number pad. These keyboards most often have 104 keys. Shortened keyboards are much more variable, but in our retail the most common is the so-called TKL format, from the word TenKeyLess - without ten keys. In fact, it's just a keyboard without a number pad, which has only 87 keys.

Such keyboards are designed to save space on the desktop, and many people also use them outside the home: for example, at work or at LAN tournaments. These keyboards often have a removable cable and a complete case for easy carrying. There are also various variations of certain keyboards: for example, a full-size keyboard may have a number of additional keys on which you can record various macros or assign the launch of certain programs, and shortened keyboards may have an even more dense layout without space between the typing block and other keys for maximum compactness. But such keyboards are much less common.

Body and appearance

The next and far from the most important parameter is the type of case. And, although he relates more to appearance and keyboard design, it also affects the auditory characteristics of the keyboard, or in other words, the sound of the keys when typing. Depending on the type of case, a particular keyboard has a different backlight scattering, and the type of case also affects the difficulty of caring for and keeping the keyboard clean. It’s easy to decide: do you like the way it looks? This is what we take. Based on their design, all mechanical keyboard cases can be divided into three types: classic, frameless and gaming. The classic case, as the name suggests, is most often a regular rectangle with strict features and does not have any unnecessary details. Also, in such a case, the upper part of the keyboard covers a metal panel on which the switches are installed, due to which such a case has a closed design, and is of particular interest to people who value the aesthetic component of the keyboard.

A frameless case, also known as a “skeleton” case, is the opposite of the previous type: the switches are mounted directly on the metal base of the keyboard, and there is no cover on the outside of the keyboard. Such keyboards are much easier to clean and maintain, and they also have a more diffuse, rich and airy backlight. The gaming type of case is found in sophisticated keyboards, and they can be designed in both classic and frameless styles. These keyboards are distinguished by various prominent parts of the case, which give an unusual and often aggressive appearance (which, however, does not carry a functional load), and have many bells and whistles such as additional keys and other controls. Additional controls are also found on regular keyboards; another thing is that their presence there is reduced to the necessary minimum.

Also, the type of housing should also include the types of materials used. Most classic keyboards have durable plastic cases, inside of which there is a metal plate with switches placed on it. Plastics for the body are made from various materials: most often regular matte plastic is used, but soft-touch coating and matte painting are also found, which ultimately also affects the tactile sensations. Most edge-to-edge keyboards use a metal base, most often made of anodized aluminum or painted steel. All such keyboards have a reliable design, so the only difference will be in the tactile sensations of the materials used.

Switches

The most important part - the heart of the keyboard - are the switches. In fact, the choice of mechanics ultimately comes down to the choice of switch type. Almost every mechanical keyboard can have the same body and form factor, but be built with different types of switches that greatly affect the feel of the keyboard. Here I want to say the most important thing that no one else will tell you anywhere: there are no specific types of switches that are best suited for work or purely for games! There are only switches that you personally like. And only with such switches will it be comfortable to play, work, and generally do whatever your heart desires. Your own feelings are the best assistant when choosing the type of switches.

Switches can be divided into three types: tactile, tactile-auditory and linear. Tactile switches are switches that, when activated, have a kind of barrier when pressed, after overcoming which the key is activated. Each press is accompanied by a tactile response, and this makes it much easier to understand whether a key has been pressed or not. Tactile-auditory switches, in addition to a tactile barrier, emit a loud click when activated, which is reminiscent of the sounds made by an old typewriter, for which they are especially loved by many users. Linear switches have neither a tactile barrier before actuation nor a click - when pressed, their resistance increases in proportion to the key stroke, and operation occurs approximately halfway through the stroke. It is very easy to adapt to this, but at first you will need to find this balance. Some will say that such switches are better suited for games, since they are much easier to control strafes and movements, but all this is complete nonsense. Since all the switches have a fairly light touch, playing and working on any switches will be easy and pleasant - it’s just a matter of getting used to the new sensations.

Based on the principle of operation, switches are divided into mechanical, optomechanical (more often referred to as “optical”) and all others. Mechanical switches are found in the vast majority of keyboards; they are reliable, pleasant to use and durable. Optomechanical switches are the latest trend in technology, and although their operating principle has been known for a long time, only in the last couple of years have keyboards based on these switches begun to be released to the masses. Such switches are also pleasant to use, but are much more durable due to the principle of their operation. This doesn't mean that conventional mechanics are worse, it's just that optomechanical switches work a little differently and are pressed a little differently. But at their core, they also have the same structure as conventional mechanical switches. Other types of switches are extremely rare, and they only have a different principle of operation, retaining their “mechanical” basis.

More specifics. Each mechanical switch has gold-plated contacts inside, which, when a key is pressed, come into contact with each other, resulting in operation. Optical switches are based on a mechanical principle of operation, but instead of closing contacts, their operation is associated with the reflection of a light beam through a lens installed inside the switch housing. And each type of switch has its own parameters for durability, stroke length, key travel before actuation, and key force before actuation. For example, one of the most popular switches - Cherry - has a service life of 50 million clicks, their total key travel length is 4 mm, and the travel before actuation is usually 2 mm. Pressure force means the force that must be applied before the key is activated; To press a key all the way down, you usually have to apply a little more force. But, since usually no one presses the keys all the way, this parameter is simply not taken into account. These characteristics are common to most switches of the most various types, so you can rely on them when choosing the type of switches.

All switches can be divided into two large groups, if we talk about their design and internal structure: Cherry (and Cherry-like) switches, as well as all others. Cherry switches have long earned their place in the market, so they can be found in a very large number of keyboards, and due to their widespread use, many companies began to produce their own switches, which almost completely replicate their structure and operating principle. They are cheaper to produce, practically equal to the original switches (and sometimes even superior to them in some ways), and most often they differ only in the sensation of pressing due to different technical features in production. Such switches are called Cherry-like, there are a lot of them, and it’s impossible to list them all. Here are just a few: Kailh, Greetech, KBT, Gateron, Razer, SteelSeries, EpicGear, Outemu and many others. A separate advantage of these switches is their interchangeability: for example, keycaps (keycaps) from one Cherry keyboard will easily fit on another keyboard with Cherry-like switches. This will be useful if you suddenly want to customize your keyboard and purchase a different set of keycaps.

Optical switches are produced by companies such as A4Tech Bloody (LK Optical) and Flaretech, the latter of which have only recently entered the market, but are perhaps the most reliable mechanical switches in nature. However, they are also Cherry-like switches in their structure, and this is also good news for fans of customization. Other types of switches usually repeat the principle of operation of mechanical switches, but they differ markedly in the internal structure (for example, backlight mounting), due to which they have different operating characteristics (shorter overall travel and travel before the key is activated), and they are pressed a little differently. It is also important that such switches almost always have other keycap mounts that will not be compatible with Cherry switches and the like - for example, Romer-G switches or Japanese Topre switches.

Switches are often very easy to identify by the color of the D-pad, and all you have to do is remove the keycap from the keyboard. Most mechanical keyboards use Cherry switches, which have their own switch markings, and we ship keyboards with 4 main types of switches (the first two are especially popular):
Cherry MX Red - Lightweight linear switches with 45 gram actuation force
Cherry MX Blue (blue) – tactile-audio switches with a pressing force of 55 grams
Cherry MX Brown – 45g tactile switches
Cherry MX Black - resilient linear switches with 60 grams of actuation force

In addition to the main four types of switches, which are found in almost all manufacturers; Cherry has a slightly larger selection in its assortment. And you won’t find analogues of these switches anywhere else. For example:
Cherry MX Silver (silver) - lightweight linear switches with 45 grams of actuation force, as well as a shorter throw of 3.4 mm (instead of 4 mm) and a travel to actuation of 1.2 mm (instead of 2 mm); sometimes these switches are referred to as Cherry MX Speed
Cherry MX Silent Red (light pink) - lightweight, linear, quiet switches with a 45 gram actuation force (dampers are installed inside the switch housing, which significantly reduces the noise level when pressed)

And, since most switches in one form or another are analogues of Cherry, for ease of marking all switches from other companies almost always have similar colors. That is, red switches are light and linear; blue – tactile and with a click. And so on. There are also companies that produce their own switches (for example, Razer, SteelSeries or Rapoo), which are based on certain types of already known switches (the same Razer are based on Greetech; in early keyboards they were based on Kailh), but may differ slightly in small ways nuances. For example, the color of the switch cross or a shorter key stroke until the moment of operation. So, Razer switches of Green, Orange and Yellow types correspond to Cherry switches of Blue, Brown and Red. Usually, all the details about the switches are indicated in the keyboard specifications.

Other switches in keyboards are much less common, but still some of their types are worth listing:
Flaretech – Cherry-like mechanical switches, but based on the optical principle of operation. There are only a few keyboards with such switches on the market, but their advantages are undeniable: compatibility with Cherry switches; reliability due to the optical principle of operation, as well as an incredibly high click life - 100 million times! There are two types: Flaretech Red and Blue, and in their other characteristics they are similar to Cherry switches
Romer-G - tactile switches that are used in almost all gaming Logitech keyboards. The resource of clicks is 70 million times, they have a completely different fastening of the keycaps and also a different placement of the LED to diffuse the backlight; total key travel – 3 mm, travel before actuation – 1.5 mm
Topre – capacitive switches. Japanese exotica for sophisticated users, extremely rare in our area. In fact, they are “analogs” of Cherry MX Brown, but “analogues” are a stretch. They are a hybrid of mechanical and membrane, and these switches get the best of both types of switches: a very soft and light “rubberized” click, like a membrane, but a smooth and tactile mechanical action.

Backlight

One of the hottest topics for discussion. Needed or not? And, if necessary, is one color enough, or is it better to have RGB backlighting, where each key glows with the entire spectrum of colors? It all depends on your wishes. If you know how to touch-type, and you don’t need “hints” at night where you need to see a symbol, then you can do without backlighting at all, and the lack of backlighting does not in any way entail a low quality keyboard. On the contrary, the lack of backlight is rather a conscious choice. You should take a single-color backlight if you need to see symbols in front of you, or if you are simply satisfied with one specific color and don’t need more. Keyboards with RGB backlighting are most often used to decorate and personalize their workspace, as well as RGB keyboards The good thing is that they have a huge number of settings and various effects, and you can choose them as you wish: you can set a dynamic effect, or you can simply set any static color you like.

One way or another, RGB backlighting gives more room for imagination, but in no way affects the basic properties of a mechanical keyboard. Typically, keyboards with a classic closed case have good character backlighting, but its light does not extend far beyond the case. So for a better visual effect, when choosing an RGB keyboard, you should consider the option with an open frameless case - at any time of the day, such backlighting looks much brighter, more interesting and effective, and also gives more individuality to your desktop. It is worth noting that a backlit keyboard is more expensive than one without it. And an RGB backlit keyboard costs more than a single-color backlit keyboard.

Additional features

Very often, many manufacturers equip their keyboards with various features and conveniences to make it easier to perform certain actions, adjust the backlight, switch music on the fly, or communicate cables. It’s worth knowing about them before buying a mechanic, since all these features make the keyboard much more friendly in everyday use, and you just need to understand whether you need all these gizmos or not.

Keycaps. A very important element of the keyboard is the keycaps, or, more simply put, keycaps. You will be in contact with them with your fingers, and therefore the sensations from working at the keyboard also come from keycaps. Usually the type of keycaps is not indicated by the manufacturer (or is indicated if they are more or less high-quality keycaps), but there are a couple of simple tricks that allow you to identify the type of keycaps in the keyboard.

ABS keycaps are made from the simplest and cheapest plastic, where grooves are made by laser engraving and filled with white paint. These keycaps are placed on non-backlit keyboards, and they have a slightly rough texture. Next come ABS keycaps, made of translucent plastic, which are coated with paint and then the symbols are laser engraved. They feel very smooth and grippy to the touch, thanks to the painting, but after a while they are polished, which is reflected more in the aesthetic side of the keyboard. Then – doubleshot ABS caps. These keycaps are soldered from two types of plastic: on the outside - from black or white plastic, which is the main keycap; inside is made of translucent, which is a symbol on the keyboard and is illuminated by the backlight. Due to the use of plastics, more High Quality, they are much nicer than ordinary ABS keycaps and also have a slightly rough texture, and they are also very reliable and durable, and practically do not wear out.

PBT caps are much less common. These are keycaps made from a completely different type of plastic, which practically does not respond to any physical, chemical or other influences, due to which these are practically eternal keycaps. PBT keycaps also have a variety - doubleshot PBT keycaps. The design principle is the same as in the case of doubleshot ABS keycaps, and in the same way, the second plastic, which is attached from the inside and protrudes outwards in the form of a symbol, is either colored plastic (black or any other color letters), or translucent plastic, which works well skips the keyboard backlight. Most often, PBT keycaps have a textured surface, but they are almost never found on regular keyboards - they are much more expensive than any ABS keycaps and they are usually purchased separately for decent money. And if suddenly the manufacturer puts these on his keyboard, he will emphasize this to everyone possible ways– it will be simply impossible not to notice.

Detachable cable. Some keyboards have the ability to remove the included cable. It’s convenient, practical and has just one advantage: if the cable breaks, you can safely buy a new one (you just need to choose the right connector for your keyboard; most often - Mini-USB or Micro-USB), it’s much easier to take a detachable cable with you when transporting the keyboard, yes and overall it is a much more flexible and mobile solution. Which, in my opinion, has no drawbacks. It is possible that you might accidentally pull out the cable during operation, but this is not at all critical. Basically, this solution is inherent in TKL keyboards, since they are the ones most often taken with them on trips and to tournaments.

Availability of software and internal memory. Everything is simple here: through the software you can completely reconfigure the keyboard at will, create a bunch of macros, reassign or assign certain buttons to certain functions, and it’s also much easier to tinker with the keyboard through a visual interface than to configure something or - where worse is to record some binds and macros directly from the keyboard. Yes, in the absence of software, many manufacturers add a bunch of functions and then tell in the instructions how to use it all, but it is much more convenient when there is a clear example - the software here has an undeniable advantage. An even bigger advantage is the presence of built-in memory, which allows you to store all the settings in the keyboard memory: in these cases, you don’t have to worry about the fact that on another computer (which is especially important when traveling frequently to various tournaments) something will not work correctly, and you will have to frantically configure everything again from scratch or look for the necessary settings in the software. Simply put, a keyboard with the ability to save all settings and profiles in its memory is much more flexible in operation. Anywhere.

Availability of additional connection ports, various chips and other complete accessories. Often, in order to emphasize the class of a device, manufacturers undertake to invent the most incredible functions that will be useful to some, but are not needed at all by others. Among such things you can find various connection ports (USB and 3.5 mm inputs), which allow you to connect various devices(mice, headsets, microphones - whatever) through the keyboard body. You can also find the presence of a complete stand, which makes working at the keyboard more comfortable, or some additional accessories like textured keycaps for game keys (WASD blocks and arrows) or a tool for removing keycaps. It is also very common to find various additional function keys that allow you, either using combinations on the keyboard or using individual keys, to perform many frequently used functions, such as adjusting the volume and controlling multimedia functions.

Conclusion

As you can see, choosing a mechanical keyboard is not that difficult. If you have an idea of what you want to get from a keyboard, and what functions and capabilities it should have, the range of choices will narrow significantly, but the likelihood will also increase much more that it is among the small remaining number of options that you will find the mechanics of your dreams. When choosing a mechanic, rely on a few simple steps:
Form factor is the most important factor on which the functionality and capabilities of the keyboard will depend.
The type of switches is the basis of the keyboard, which determines your experience both from typing and games; no less important role - sound accompaniment keyboard during typing
Case type – determines the appearance; slightly affects the sound during the printing process, as well as the backlight capabilities
The presence of backlighting allows you to look at the keys at night; in the presence of RGB backlight– the ability to personalize the workplace
Additional features – the presence of various connection ports, software and internal memory, the presence of a removable cable, as well as the presence of complete accessories: a stand, a tool for removing keycaps, additional keycaps
Price – how much money are you willing to spend on a keyboard?

If you are encountering mechanical keyboards for the first time, but want to try and discover something new, then the best way will go and touch any keyboard he likes. Of course, you can try to pick up the mechanics from the descriptions of the switches, but without having an idea of the sensations, you can get something completely different from what you want. I'm sure that any of your friends (acquaintances, colleagues, gamers) probably have some kind of mechanics, and you can ask them to poke them around to get a rough idea of what you want from a keyboard. It doesn’t matter what you are going to do on it: do a lot of typing, playing or programming; It's important that you like the feel of the keyboard and the feel of a particular type of switch. And all the keyboards offered for sale presented in our online store are available in open form in our 4FRAG store. And there you can feel, click, poke and test absolutely any mechanics on a wide variety of switches. Therefore, the best advice: poke it yourself - so you will immediately understand what you want. Come and try it ;)

Interest in keyboards with mechanical switches has increased significantly in recent years, but the principle itself is several decades old. Tesoro decided to move to a new evolutionary stage by introducing optical switches of its own design. Our test laboratory just received an Excalibur SE Spectrum keyboard with new switches.

Conventional mechanical keyboards use microswitches that are activated when a key is pressed. They use a metal contact, which can oxidize or wear out over time. As a result, the switch will fail. Of course, manufacturers have long thought about improving contacts; Cherry uses Gold Crosspoint technology, which extends the life of contacts and reduces the risk of switch failure. But still the need for alternative technologies remains. Optical switches may be a possible alternative. Tesoro has just launched new Tesoro Optical Switches on the market, and our test laboratory received the Excalibur SE Spectrum keyboard based on them.

Tesoro has been developing optical switches for quite some time. For the first time they were. History repeated itself at the DreamHack conference, where. Tesoro sent our test lab an Excalibur SE Spectrum keyboard, which most likely will not be available for sale. The Tesoro Excalibur SE Spectrum with Tesoro Optical Switches appears to be a test platform. Therefore, in this article we will focus not so much on the Excalibur SE Spectrum keyboard, but on the optical switches. The new Optical Switches will be available to consumers as a keyboard upgrade option.

Technical Specifications - Excalibur SE Spectrum:

Switches: Tesoro Optical Switches, Blue
Actuation force: 60 g
Stroke to actuation: 2.2 mm
Stroke to stop: 4 mm
Lifespan: 100 million clicks
Key Rollover: 6-key/N-key
Backlight: RGB
Cable: 1.8 m, smooth braided
Benefits: New optical switches, splash proof
Dimensions: 45 x 15 x 3.4 cm
Weight: 1.24 kg
Price: no sales planned yet

Keyboard in detail

Tesoro offers several models of Excalibur keyboards. All models have a classic design, they are full-size, that is, they also contain a digital panel. The Excalibur SE Spectrum keyboard is no exception. But behind the classic façade lies innovative optical switch technology. Thanks to the built-in RGB backlighting, the keys can be illuminated in different colors of the rainbow, and various effects are available. But Tesoro does not apply software, so all settings (not just the backlight) will have to be done directly on the keyboard. As for the lighting effects, we didn't have enough traveling wave. However, most users still prefer static backlighting.

Of course, the usual gaming functions are supported, such as Full N-Key/6 Key Rollover, and it is possible to block the Windows key. You can even record macros; recording starts when you press the Fn+Home combination. You can use the secondary function of the F1 to F4 keys to call macros. Tesoro has added a sticker with available keyboard shortcuts to help users avoid confusion.

The Excalibur SE Spectrum keyboard is connected to the system with a 1.8 m USB cable. The keyboard is mounted on four rubber feet, the two rear legs fold out, which allows you to give the keyboard an additional tilt. From the outside you can't tell that the Excalibur SE Spectrum uses any special microswitches.

And in appearance the switches differ little from other models. Tesoro used the familiar cross mount for the keycaps, familiar to us from Cherry switches. And the switches themselves are made in a transparent case, through which the RGB LEDs installed above the mounts shine through. Unless you can guess from the Tesoro inscription on the switches that this is a special model.

To show the principle of operation of the switches, below we provide a cross-sectional diagram of the structure of the switches. At first glance, Tesoro Optical Switches have many similarities with conventional switches. The keycaps fit onto the cross mount. The latter, in turn, is supported from below by a spring. When pressing a key, it is necessary to overcome the resistance of the spring. But optical switches do not have mechanical contacts. Instead, when pressed, the infrared ray is blocked.

When pressed, the beam of infrared light is interrupted and the key is activated. Tesoro showed the operation of the switches not only in the diagram, but also in the video:

The absence of mechanical contacts offers several advantages. The problem of mechanical contact wear is a thing of the past. And the IR beam cannot rust. It’s not for nothing that Tesoro indicates a very decent service life of 100 million clicks. For popular Cherry MX switches, it is “only” 50 million clicks. However, this amount is more than enough for intensive use of the keyboard over many years. In addition, such statements from manufacturers are difficult to verify. But it is quite logical that optical switches wear less than mechanical switches. Finally, the optical switches are protected from dust and water droplets. Therefore, a keyboard with such switches will withstand not only intensive use, but also “accidents” with liquid spills.

Gamers will be interested in one more advantage. Using a light barrier for key actuation results in less delay than with mechanical switches. Tesoro specifies a response time of 0.1ms for the switches. Unfortunately, there are no specifications for competing switches, for example from Cherry. In addition, the response time of the keyboard itself may be longer.

Practice tests

We admit, we expected a slightly different tactile sensation from the Optical Switches Blue switches. As one might expect, replacing mechanics with optics should reduce tactile feedback. But Blue switches neutralize this effect. As with the Cherry MX Blue, Tesoro has opted for clicky and tactile switches with a 60g actuation force. The actuation point is palpable and the keys produce a loud "click" so typing errors are unlikely to occur. The travel to the 2.2mm actuation point is slightly greater than the Cherry MX Blue switches, but this is not noticeable in practice. The switches are comparable in noise level to MX Blue. The keyboard is unlikely to be used in an office environment, or if you have neighbors in the room, otherwise it will quickly begin to irritate those around you.

As with the MX Blue, clicky and tactile switches are not the best option for gamers. Still, gamers prefer linear switches. Tesoro plans to introduce other optical switch options in the future that will better suit gamers. Additionally, with the new variants, it will be possible to change the optical switches on the keyboard. As a result, you can use different types of switches on your keyboard, allowing you to create custom layouts. And the service life of the keyboard can be increased. If the switch breaks, it can be simply replaced.

Conclusion

The operating principle of optical switches is very different from traditional mechanical models. But in practice, we didn’t notice much of a difference – at least in the case of the Blue switches used. Switch latency is lower, but in games we were unable to detect any difference from typical gaming keyboard on mechanical switches (the same Cherry MX).

On the other hand, it’s good that in terms of tactile sensations the difference with conventional mechanical switches is small. You won't have to get used to them. If you feel comfortable with Cherry MX Blue switches, then switching to Optical Switches Blue will be easy. If you type long texts, you can take advantage of less wear on the optical switches - the keyboard will last longer. Another plus is protection from dust and water droplets.

The bottom line is that optical switches are unlikely to make traditional mechanical switches obsolete. But Tesoro microswitches will invigorate the market. Blue optical switches will be a very worthy alternative to the clicky and tactile switches from other manufacturers. We won't get revolutionary changes, but some may well like the advantages of optical switches.

Advantages of Tesoro Optical Switches:

Less wear on switches, longer life
Claimed faster switch response times
Protection against dust and water droplets
Replacement switches

Disadvantages of Tesoro Optical Switches:

Blue switches are quite noisy, as are Cherry MX Blue, so they are unlikely to be suitable for office environments

The Razer Huntsman keyboard uses Razer's new optical-mechanical switches. These switches feature optical technology for unmatched speed and key stabilizer to ensure every keystroke is timely and precise. This is the first type of click switch with a new design that operates and resets at the same point for high speed performance. You can store parameter settings in the hybrid built-in memory or in cloud storage

The Razer Huntsman Elite keyboard uses Razer's new optical-mechanical switches. These switches feature optical technology for unmatched speed and key stabilizer to ensure every keystroke is timely and precise. This is the first type of click switch with a new design that operates and resets at the same point for high speed performance. The keyboard also features a programmable digital click wheel that allows you to fast access to various functions. You can store parameter settings in the hybrid built-in memory or in cloud storage. The keyboard comes with an ergonomic wrist rest for comfort during long periods of work.