Mechanical keyboards are often classy, sturdy, and flashy-looking. They are mostly either used by typewriters or gamers to increase the accuracy and output. They offer various features that can smoothen the typewriting; hence, they are also useful for those who want to level up their typing speed.
There are different kinds of keyboards, and choosing one can be confusing. To simplify the technicalities involved, we have everything to help you make an informed decision like the size, switches, and other additional features. Lastly, do not forget to check our unique product recommendations.
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Before making any decision, there are some factors you need to consider to make your purchasing experience flawless. This section discusses all such aspects in detail. So, let's get started.
Keyboards are generally available in four different sizes. You have to select one of them according to your requirement. The following section discusses each size in detail.
Keyboards come in different sizes. A full-size keyboard comprises all the keys, 104 in total. This keyboard is ideal for people whose work involves numbers because it includes a dedicated corner for a number pad cluster. Also, it has a similar structure to the ordinary keyboard, so it is comfortable to use.
Its main downside is its large size that will make your hands or fingers stretch a lot to reach for the keys, therefore, hampering your typing speed. Additionally, it is quite challenging to carry around as it will not easily fit in the bag, so those who go for gaming events can skip this type.
Compared to a full-size layout, a tenkeyless or TKL keyboard, also referred to as 80%, comprises only 88 keys in total, saving some space by taking away the number pad cluster. Those who do not prefer the large size can get their work done with a keyboard that offers only a limited set of keys.
Gamers and programmers mainly prefer it because it is light in weight, and unlike a full-sized keyboard, it doesn't slow the typing speed giving a larger space to type.
If you think that TKL is still quite big, 75% is much smaller and crammed up to save space and offer a more portable approach. It is pretty similar to the tenkeyless, except for a few missing keys.
The keys are placed right next to each other, with almost no extra space in between them. Also, it has the navigation key cluster and a few more keys on the far right column.
Want to go lower? Look for 60%. It is one of the most miniature-sized keyboards that are similar to laptop-size keyboards. Without the function or F keys and navigation keys, it is easier to carry and operate.
Those who strictly demand portability can choose this size as it only has 60 keys. Moreover, it improves your typing speed drastically because you won't have to move your fingers as far.
Unlike regular keyboards, mechanical keyboards come with individual switches under each key, which offers better durability, and most importantly, improved performance. They have three switches: linear, tactile, and clicky, with distinctive features. So, choose wisely based on your typing experience.
Linear or silent switches function similarly to those in the membrane keyboards and offer a smooth press. They require the least pressure or actuation force, the force needed to press the key for them to be recognized, of 45gram. They readily accept repeated and fast keystrokes, which makes them a perfect choice among gamers.
We do not recommend the linear switches to those who do a lot of typing because they are bland and smooth, causing many typing errors. Moreover, linear ones are silent compared to the tactile and clicky switches, making it hard to recognize the click's sound.
Tactile switches offer a slightly palpable bump midway while pressing the key; they make a sound, which helps the user recognize the press. You can identify the noise while clicking, but the switches don't make the sound, which might be more challenging for some to catch.
These switches are ideal for typewriters and gamers who have a balanced speed because they do make a sound but not loud enough that is comfortable to hear.
Clicky switches are similar to tactile switches, and they also offer a clicky sound that is crispy and bumpy. This clicky sound is loud enough to let you know when the keypress is registered. They can be very noisy for some, so it is better to avoid them in quieter areas like the library.
Among all three, they require the highest amount of actuation force, around 60 grams. Due to this increased pressure, these switches are not suitable for gaming. However, they make up for the best keyboards for typing, and are, therefore, a preferred choice among programmers.
Checking your operating system before purchasing a keyboard must be done to ensure that it will work fine when connected. Before buying, you must check whether your computers operating system is compatible with the keyboard you want to purchase.
Some will only work on Windows, while others will work for both Windows and Mac. Be sure to check our specifications table!
A keyboard with macro keys allows users to automate specific commands by replacing the tedious task of pressing multiple buttons to perform a particular function with one keypress. If you easily remember shortcuts, then a macro key would help boost efficiency and productivity.
Pick a mechanical keyboard with a maximum number of buttons to perform macro functions. With this, you can easily program them to perform a specific task. Many keyboards suffer from ghosting, meaning that the unintended signal pops up on the screen when you continuously press a particular key.
If you're a highly professional gamer or a writer who loves fast tapping on the switches, then looking for an anti-ghosting feature would be a great option.
Ant Esports has made gaming equipment quite accessible for regular gamers. With this keyboard, you get all the essential features like anti-ghosting, dedicated gaming mode, and dynamic lighting effects. All these at an affordable price!
It is not a full-sized keyboard as it has an 87-key rollover, excluding the number pad, so we do not recommend this to those who deal with numbers.
Some reviewers are highly satisfied with its built quality, switches, and named it a 'rock solid' keyboard. However, some of them have complained that LED buttons stopped blinking after two months. So, if you pursue gaming as a hobby, then this low-budget keyboard is for you.
This is a 110-key high-end mechanical keyboard with a multicolor backlight and an aluminum frame. Its linear non-clicky switches offer high speed with zero noise distraction, giving a silent and smooth experience.
Additionally, it has a dedicated volume and a multimedia control section to help you adjust the audio without interrupting your game.
We do not recommend this product to professional typewriters because they function smoothly and are silent, making it hard for the writer to recognize the click. Finally, be sure to check the keys because some gamers claimed that a few keys started to fall out after using it rigorously for a month.
This comes in a well-built aluminum framed body that offers superior durability with its powerful Corsair utility engine software. One unique thing about this keyboard is its detachable soft-touch wrist, which gives enough comfort to the wrist, allowing extended gameplay. Also, it is easy to clean and customize because it has removable keycaps.
This keyboard is a popular choice not only for gamers but for writers as well. Even though it is a linear or silent keyboard, some of the typewriters have given a thumbs up for the comfortable keys because they could type faster.
If you have children at home and are worried about your keyboard's safety, this product can be one of the best purchases for you. It has a drainage hole that drains the liquids inside, making it spill-resistant, so you do not have to worry about the keyboard malfunctioning after accidental spills.
This mechanical keyboard with an ergonomic design keycap and keyboard shelf keeps your fingers and wrist relaxed. We recommend this product to those who have intense gaming marathons because the keys moderate elasticity helps avoid fatigue, making it smooth and comfortable for gamers.
If your work requires you to move a lot from one place to another, or if you are a freelancer who likes to change workplaces, this portable can be an option. This wireless keyboard is compact and handy as it carries only 63 keys and weighs 700 grams.
Another factor that makes it user friendly is its broad compatibility. It can work with Windows 2000, XP, 7,8,10, Android, MAC, and many more.
We recommend this product to typewriters because it is a tactile keyboard that makes a satisfying sound with every press, which gives a fast and comfortable writing experience.
Are you a beginner who is planning to switch to a mechanical keyboard? If so, this keyboard can be the best trial version before you choose to spend on expensive mechanical keyboards. Despite its affordable price, it does not compromise its durability. It carries quality mechanical switches with laser-etched characters on keycaps.
A significant downside of this product is that it is big, heavy, and will acquire a lot of space on your table. Lastly, it doesn't comprise any gaming functions, so gamers may be better off without this keyboard.
The most attractive thing about this keyboard is that it is two in one, so you can use it both ways, with or without wire. It also has an automatic energy-saving mode that allows the keyboard's backlight to turn off if there is no operation on it for 3 minutes. An energy-saving feature can be an excellent option for all the multi-taskers who perform various tasks while typing.
Some reviewers have expressed their concerns about the working of the keys as they become hard to press after sometime. Overall, they consider it a right product with cool colors that are easy to use and set up.
Now, you can have a complete set-up with all the other gadgets. We have covered all the essential products from wireless mouses to the monitors to enhance your productivity. You can know more from our buying guides and product recommendations from the articles below.
There is no doubt that mechanical keyboards can considerably enhance productivity. Not only are they meant for gamers, but they are becoming famous among typewriters as well. Do not let yourself slip by attractive and cool-looking keyboards; remember to get what to need the most at the moment.
Author: Nikhil Deora
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