Mechanical Keyboards

[Fat Elvis]

I thought this was a mechanical keyboard. What the heck is a mechanical keyboard and how are they different than your run of the mill keyboard?

[patteeu]

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

I thought this was a mechanical keyboard. What the heck is a mechanical keyboard and how are they different than your run of the mill keyboard?

.

I think the biggest difference is that mechanical keyboards have a keyswitch in every key (that registers a connection before full depression) and a spring to return the key to it's unpressed position whereas the more common membrane type keyboards have a rubber dome that depresses and then returns to it's original shape to unpress the key. Mechanical keyboards can have a tactile response (bump in the stroke) and/or an audible response (click) when the connection is made, whereas the membrane type require you to bottom out the key to make the connection. The keys on a mechanical usually pop up faster and don't wear out as fast. On the downside, they're usually louder.