A Brief Introduction to the World of Mechanical Keyboards
Programmers spend a lot of time on the computer. In fact, one could make the argument that they spend ALL of their time on the computer. And as a programmer, having good quality peripherals would generally make work a lot more enjoyable, potentially resulting in better quality of work. With that being said, there are three main peripherals used to interact with a computer: a monitor, a mouse and a keyboard. The peripheral that probably resonates most with programmers is a keyboard. The amount of time that one spends typing on keyboard makes this peripheral, in my opinion, the most important of them all. Because of this, I believe it is extremely important that one finds a suitable keyboard for use. Here is a quick introduction to the niche hobby that is mechanical keyboards.
Keyboards are generally separated into two main categories: membrane and mechanical. Mechanical keyboards will be the type discussed here (membrane keyboards are inferior to mechanical, generally speaking, and if you are going to spend significant time typing or using a keyboard in any capacity, why would you want to use an inferior product?).
Keyboard are categorized into different sizes, with their own pros and cons.
These are the three most common sizes:
- Standard/100% (full-size keyboard that you all know and love)
- Tenkeyless/80% (no number pad)
- Compact/60% (no number pad and arrow/navigation keys)
A standard size keyboard is the size that is most common. It is a full size keyboard that contains a number pad and arrow/navigation keys. The 100% indicates its size relative to other keyboard sizes (it is 100% of a standard size keyboard). If you find yourself having to use the number pad often, this will be the keyboard to use. It takes up the most amount of space (relative to the other options) so if desk space is an issue, you might want to try some of the smaller sized keyboards.
A tenkeyless keyboard is exactly like it sounds. It is a keyboard without a number pad (but with arrow/navigation keys). The 80% designates the width of the keyboard relative to the standard keyboard (it is 80% of the width of a full-size keyboard). This keyboard is a good compromise between a standard-size and compact-size. If arrow key functionality is not something you want to lose or designate to function keys, this is the keyboard of choice.
A compact keyboard is smallest of the three common sizes. It is 60% of the width of a standard size keyboard and does not include a number pad and arrow/navigation keys. If portability and small form factor is something you are looking for in your keyboard, compact is the way to go.
Mechanical keyboards use different switches, making the typing experience feel unique. Switches are differentiated by its auditory feedback, tactile feedback and actuation force. The different types of switches generally fall under these categories:
- Tactile
- Linear
- Clicky
Tactile switches have a tactile feedback when the key is activated. There is a ‘bump’ when the keystroke is registered.
Examples of tactile switches include Cherry MX Brown.
Linear switches do not have a tactile feedback when the key is activated. The keypress feels ‘smooth’.
Examples of linear switches include Cherry MX Red and Kailh Speed Silver.
Clicky switches have a tactile feedback as well as an auditory feedback when the key is activated . There is ‘bump’ feeling AND a ‘click’ sound when the keystroke is registered.
Examples of clicky switches include Cherry MX Blue and Kailh Speed Gold.
Different companies make many different switches but they will generally fall within these three categories. Many different people swear by some switches and vehemently hate others. Examples of the most popular types of switches include Cherry MX, Kailh, and Gateron.
Keycaps are also something that you can customize with your keyboard. Since it is literally the thing that your fingers will be touching as you type, it would be in your best interest to have keycaps that are durable, feel nice and somewhat resistant to oil. In terms of types of plastics used for the keycaps, the most common two are ABS and PBT.
ABS keycaps are more prone to shine and depending on the etching, the lettering may wear off over time. PBT keycaps are more shine-resistant and have a different feel to them. The manufacturing process of keycaps also factor into the quality of the keycaps themselves (single-injection or double-injection molding process aka ‘double-shot’ keycaps).
This only touches the surface of this deep, deep ocean. We have not even begun to talk about stabilizers, building your own mechanical keyboard, lube and so much more. Understand that there is more to typing than just the keyboard attached to your laptop or the one that comes with your PC. Make your typing and computing experience more enjoyable by delving into the world of mechanical keyboards.
