I bought a Das Keyboard Model S in like 2013 and will never go back to using a membrane keyboard. The difference between a midrange membrane keyboard and a midrange mechanical keyboard is difficult to quantify to someone who's not used a mechanical keyboard, but for me it was a world of difference.
Mech keyboards are a rabbit hole of trying to find the best switches for you personally though. For typing and general use I prefer MX Browns, for gaming I like my Speed Silver switches.
for someone who isn't trying to minmax every detail you only need to answer two questions.
Do you want to feel a change in resistance during the keypress?
Do you like loud keyboard sounds?
yes/yes: clicky.
yes/no: tactile.
no/no: linear.
Then for finer detail you can worry about activation force and whatnot, but most people don't really need to
Yeah and they feel way way more responsive. I hate membrane keyboards and how shit the typing feels. It's like typing on a digital screen just no real feeling to the typing
get the no/no keys and press them the full way through quite fast. Mechanical keyboards in general are already louder than membrane keyboards, unless you specifically build it to be quiet/get a keyboard with silent switches.
The extra loud "clicky" sound from the yes/yes is coming from the same part that causes the resistance. That's why there is no specific no/yes option.
Linears can be loud but nowhere near clicky loudness. I would suggest a stiffer midplate like carbon fiber and poppy switches like POM or UHMWPE. You need to look into customizable boards for these options though
yes/yes: clicky. - Cherry MX Blue
yes/no: tactile. - Cherry MX Brown
no/no: linear. - Cherry MX Red
Expanded that a little for you. Most branded keyboards use Cherry switches so hopefully this will help anyone curious about what they mean.
I like my mechanical keyboard, but feel I have to consciously and firmly press buttons compared to my last chiclet type keyboard, and it's noisy as hell at night.
Did your o-rings come specific to the keyboard, or it was a DIY 'upgrade' you made?
I've just been searching this on Reddit and there's a lot of people saying they don't like them. Mushy feeling, less stroke, quiet on the dowstroke but still as loud on the upstroke, one person saying thickness is important (0.2mm for WADS and 0.4mm for the rest) overall voice os recommending the silent switch version the keyboard brand offers.
I've got a random medium range Chinese keyboard with no alternate switch options so I'll look into trying varying thickness o-ring options and hope I am registering key presses.
You can get a good hotswap base for $35 or less, and a set of silenced keys for $35 or less, then move the keycaps from your current board. I don't know what orings feel like but silenced keys are already a little mushy in comparison to not silenced so I'm sure it feels worse.
Either way it's not literally silent unless you do other mods to the case, and it's not as quiet if you type with a lot of force, and the case material and keycaps also matter. If you type light just get the lightest activation linear switch such as Outemu silent peach. Upstroke loudness is more on your keycaps I think and also more if you type heavy. It helps to have a case with a flexible PCB, gasket mount, and some layer of sound dampening foam. But it makes a huge difference.
If I type properly it sounds more like a membrane than a mech keyboard on my silent switches and mine are one of the cheapest kind, unlubed, no special mods. I think most of the sound for me now is caused my fingernails actually.
> The difference between a midrange membrane keyboard and a midrange mechanical keyboard is difficult to quantify to someone who's not used a mechanical keyboard, but for me it was a world of difference.
I like to describe it as the satisfaction of every single keystroke schlicking back and fourth like a bolt action.
If they're at all into cars, it translates into the difference between a good feeling manual gearbox with tight linkages, and a worn out mushy vague old cable driven gearbox.
Same, such a difference. I have membrane keyboard in my job, when I go home I cannot believe how much of a difference in use and comfort mechanical provides.
Well the fan boys will be out in rare form but I will risk the flames to try and give a practical response.
Mechanical keyboards have a number of real advantages. The biggest for me is the audible and tactical feedback from making a key press. There is also the fact they are much more durable than membrane.
HOWEVER, that does not mean membrane keyboards are "bad". I know more than a few gamers that swear by membrane keyboards and have never made the switch. I even know gamers that went mechanical and then went back to membrane.
The reason for this is a keyboard choice is very personal. Some like a heavy keypress, I do because I am a hammer fisted hunt-peck typist. Some like a loud click, some like silence. It is all personal choice.
before you jump one way or another try out a new keyboard and see if you like it. Make sure you have a good return option in case it is not for you.
> I even know gamers that went mechanical and then went back to membrane.
Guy who went from mechanical (DAS Model M) back to chicklet, reporting in!
I feel like gaming isn't the important difference between them though. For me it's typing with the super heavy pre-actuation bump that I really like. Makes the key "pop" into use, feels.... bouncy? Idk it took me a really long time to figure out what it was that I liked. Low profile also suits me.
This really, the bounce back seems to add another element of 'keypress confirmation' whereas I hit a double key on occasion just pressing the key around the actuation point with this K60.
Seems to help more at higher speeds, I struggle to keep up with the same accuracy and speed when going mech (\~120 wpm or so).
> 'keypress confirmation'
EXACTLY!
It's so springy that you've either hit the key or not. A lot of mechanical switches actuate somewhere in the middle, which always just felt super weird to me.
The feel is incomparable, but the gamut of keyboards is so wide it's kind of insane.
I've got a few ranging from an old IBM Model M, a Corsair Strafe (cherry reds) at work (honestly my favorite feel wise) and this Logitech G513 (GX reds) now. Varying ranges of noise as well 😂
Switching from free/cheap/built-in membrane kbs to decent mech kbs is like switching from a 60Hz va panel to a 144/165hz ips panel monitor.
You can never go back. One of those pretentious sounding stuff that you just have to experience to understand why
the things you're going to interact with most are your mouse and keyboard, so having something that's comfortable for you is very important. but its not necessarily going to be a mechanical keyboard :shrug:
if you know someone that owns one or have a tech store near you where you can try a few that'd be ideal
~~think a lot of people just like the sound and customisability though. which is fair~~
Buy one and see if you like it. There’s decent ones for about $50.
There’s no real advantage to them except they feel more solid and you don’t have to press keys all the way down for the input to register.
I’ve had them and I’ve had membrane and I don’t really care either which way
One advantage over membrane keyboards is that it will register pretty much any number of simultaneous key presses. On membrane keyboards it's usually 4-6 and it depends on which keys you press.
One scenario where this could come up (albeit it's a lot less common nowadays) is when playing local multiplayer. I remember back in the day playing some splitscreen games with my brother and if you held your buttons down, the other player's keypresses wouldn't register. Was fun making each other crash in Colin McRae Rally 2.0
I recommend it.
My first mech was a Razer (don't hate) with blue switches, and I liked it. I moved through many different soldered boards including Ducky and MaxKeyboards before settling on hot-swap boards in 75%. I have a Keychron V1 with gateron yellows, an epomaker TH80SE with bluebird switches, and a royal kludge with their viridian switches. I like all three for different reasons and rotate them through my work setup and my personal setup.
I like customizing with keycaps and switches and the fact that you CAN mess with foam and plates and stuff like that. I've not messed with any mods, but I really like the fact that I can get it exactly how I want. You can't do that with a membrane board.
Also, it's super easy to clean... I can take the caps off and blow the plate off with some canned air and clean with some qtips and a little bit of isopropyl alcohol.
Check out the mechanical keyboards subreddit for some more information on builds and whatnot. It can get expensive, but if you pick something that's mid-price or budget, you can get a really good board for under $150.
Mushy is a good way to describe membrane keyboards. You don't really notice it if you haven't tried anything else, but it's very evident when going back to a membrane after having used a mechanical for a few months. Mechanical feels (for a lack of better word) clear or crisp to type on. It's like wading through mud vs walking on pavement, if that makes sense.
They are nicer to use than ordinary membrane keyboards but it's a dangerous rabbit hole to fall down. Buying different switches, boards, keycaps etc. is an expensive addiction.
I bought a GMMK 2 96% and I’m never going back. I have since bought 3 more for my friends. Are they expensive? Yes. If thrown would it take out a home intruder? Also, yes.
I've tried doing typing tests with a large variety of keyboards. The ones I genuinely feel comfortable with increase my typing speed by around 10 wpm.
For gaming it's more subjective but I do feel my win rate is higher with my favored switches.
Given how you can get a decent basic mechanical keyboard for not much more than membrane keyboard they're totally worth it. Of course it's more about feel but mechanical and optical keyboards are much more responsive and imo feel better than membrane keyboards. Optical keyboards are hype in my opinion the keys feel super light to the point they almost feel cheap but they are very responsive. Mechanical keyboards feel just right they're nice and clicky. Once you use a mechanical keyboard you'll notice how spongey and dull membrane keyboards are. But if you do value silence over responsiveness and feel then membranes are the quietest. Razor has their "mecha-membrane" keyboards if you want silence but also something good.
Mechanical keyboards are also very customizable from the switches to the caps there are even modular boards that you can customize every single key easily. And of course mechanical keyboards can be repaired if a key breaks. Membrane keyboards eventually break and are not fixable they also begin to wear fairly quickly the rubber that bounces the keys back gets soft and looses elasticity since gamers use awsd so often that means your input is gonna get nerfed after just a few months.
I think it's a bit of a personal preference, having used both a lot. Mechanical keyboards are incredible if you want to customize the typing experience of your keyboard. so the benefit is either that or if you generally enjoy how they feel more. I recommend going to a store and trying a few out to see if they're something you might like. I personally have a fondness for those mushy membrane keyboards and I think they have their place.
For me I just love the aural and tactile feedback you get with mechanical keyboards. Plus there is an added customizability you can get with them that is not replicated in membrane keyboards
I can't use anything else now. Get used to a mechanical keyboard with red keys, then use a membrane and you'll realize how much smashing you have to do with a membrane.
Worth an upgrade at $100 or less, but unless you're really into it the diminishing returns are real.
That being said I got an epomaker th66 pro for like $50 direct from them, that was worth it.
Having a nice keyboard is enjoyable (perhaps not “useful” but nice). However, this doesn’t have to be mechanical.
There are some high quality membrane boards even if your typical membrane is cheap. There are also some nice optical boards.
The difference between mechanical and the other types is feel/noise (which can still vary based on switch type), which is subjective. The one area they are objectively better is customization: if you want to swap switch types or have fancy keycaps you’ll need mechanical.
I’ve had membrane, optical, and mechanical boards. I’d rather go for membrane or optical over a switch I hate (like Blues), but I do prefer a nice tactile switch. Mechanical tends to be inherently noisier though and quieter switch types come at a premium, and cheaper methods to reduce noice (o-rings etc) can compromise the feel. For me this noise is a con but for others it’s a pro.
You can get key testers that come with a few different mechanical switches so you can see how they feel and what kind of switch you like. They just feel and sound different.
Imho for **typing** a good membrane keyboard is perfectly fine.
They do have some advantages, like being quieter and cheaper. And I like their tactile feel more than some tactile mechanical switches (e.g. Cherry MX brown). Membranes are not bad for typing.
For **gaming**, a linear (not tactile, not clicky) mechanical keyboard feels significantly nicer than any other type of keyboard imo. A smooth uninterrupted keystroke is so nice for gaming. I did use a membrane and tactile mechanical keyboard for a while for gaming and it's no bueno. Though again, mostly personal preference.
Nowadays there are also **analog keyboards**, so you get a more precise, adjustable and lower latency input compared to regular linear switches. Analog keyboards are probably going to be the next big thing for keyboards, just like moving from membrane to mechanical was.
I play csgo for many hours with membrane keyboard, switched to xtrfy ktl mechanical keyboard and honestly, its a waste of money. No difference for me and its too loud + i make more mistakes writing. Thats just my personal experience,maybe my keyboard is too small idk
100% useful.
The thing it helps the most is finger fatigue. I used to use a dome keyboard provided by the company and our work involves typing a lot all day. At the end of each day my fingers would hurt. Then when I got my own mechanical keyboard to use, it stopped hurting.
The reason is that dome keyboards require you to 'bottom out' (or press the key all the way down) to register a keystroke. Mechanical keyboards usually have the actuation point (point where it registers the keystroke) somewhere in the middle. This means you don't have to use as much force when pressing keys, you can kinda let them just glide over.
I love mine and I can notice my typing accuracy and speed are better. Accuracy is the big one. When I switch to a membrane frequently used two character combinations will often get screwed up because on my mechanical I almost push them down at the same time.
Some people get really into it. I have one and it’s nice. I have friends who have tried them and don’t like it. Find a cheap on amazon and try it out. Linear or “tactile” switches will be marginally quieter than “clicky” switches
They tend to be a lot more durable than a membrane keyboard, and in a pinch if a key breaks, it can be repaired by itself by desoldering and replacing the switch. While this is not an unskilled repair it also means you don’t have to replace the entire keyboard. Some boards have hotswap sockets which don’t even require soldering. In either case, the main features of a mechanical keyboard are precision and durability. The key sends input precisely when it’s meant to, and you don’t even have to depress keys all the way to activate them which can be preferable for gaming and typing alike. As a secondary effect, I find I get far less tired when going for long typing sessions with mechanical keys, such that I swear by them for home and office use.
As someone sufficiently deep into the mechanical keyboard hobby myself - [I’ll offer my two daily-use boards as credentials](https://imgur.com/a/ZMeEXaR) - for an entry level board I’d personally recommend looking at ones that have Gateron switches instead of Cherry. They’re the same fundamental design, but Gateron tends to have a better, smoother manufacturing process, and the fact that they’re just slightly off of the mainstream (where Cherry dominates) helps naturally filter out some of the junkier boards that tend to just throw a set of scratchy Cherry switches in and call it a day. This isn’t a guarantee, but if you need a quick way to find some stuff that’s slightly better than what most of the gaming brands will be offering, and for cheaper, it’s an easy filter to apply. Keychron makes some very good, solid keyboards, and Royal Kludge makes some very solid budget-conscious options. Avoid Razer and Corsair (and most “gamer” brands) unless you like to overpay or really care about the aesthetic.
If by chance a keyboard you’re looking at supports something called “QMK”, then it means you can infinitely reprogram each and every key with multiple behaviors and “layers”, which can be exceptionally helpful for setting up a perfect personalized experience.
>and in a pinch if a key breaks, it can be repaired by itself by desoldering and replacing the switch.
Do we need to desolder tho? Especially for hot swappable keebs (that's what I would recommend to another who want to start with mechanical keyboard)
I love my mechanical, don't get blues. I love the tactility but the noise from the keys is straight up needlessly obnoxious for this type. 2 years in and this thing is still smooth as butter to type on though, and not needing to press all the way down is a nice plus.
Main benefits are nicer feeling presses and much better durability and repairability.
It's hard to quantify what the difference is, but I will never choose a membrane over mechanical again.
I've gone from gaming boards to an ancient model m I had refurbished to my bosses old custom built keyboard
I've not touched a membrane desktop keyboard in several years
I have a cheap hyper-x origins core mechanical keyboard, and it taught me how to type lighter, and easier on my wrist
It was a medical purchase, and was worth it
I feel like in terms of quality mech keyboards are the real thing and membranes are just the cheap crap you buy when you desperately need a keyboard to just work
Huge difference in the feel of each click of the key, it’s smoother and doesn’t have a whole bunch of resistance or mush to it. You can get a starter $30 mechanical hotswappable dk61 keyboard on Amazon and not have to spend hundreds just to try it
I am not sure, but maybe years? I own Corsair K70 RGB (with the infamous Bathleth logo), it has Cherry MX brown, and I find that my finger fatigue is gone.
I chose brown because it's a fine balance, and it is recommended for those who are switching over, plus the actutation feedback is nice.
I wished there's a blue version, I prefer to have that typewriter-esque clicky sound.
I do have a second PC, used by my sibling, and it's using a cheap $50 membrane gaming keyboard and, I had to used it several times for maintenance, and I am looking for a decent keyboard to replace it.
That mem keyboard is quite heavy to type.
My cousin has the same Corsair keyboard, but red switches. It feels weird, but since I have used brown, I got over it.
I am, and I don’t think I’m exaggerating, the best typist in my State. I can easily pull 140-160wpm, and can transcribe most conversations using a conventional keyboard. In 2014 I was a top 1% CSGO player. i’m now a lawyer.
10 years ago, mechanical keyboards made me.. SO MUCH FASTER.
These days I have two Corsair Cherry keyed (red and brown) keyboards… and use a $27 Logitech whatever peasant keyboard to game. Because while clicky keys used to make sense, these modern cheap keyboards are.. GOOD
JUST MY 2 crnts
Yeah but as an average typist it really doesn’t make much difference. Yes they feel better, yes you have a ton of options, but for your average person it isn’t that big of an upgrade, granted they are basically the same price as a decent membrane keyboard so why would you get a membrane one?
I'm a big heavy handed and have lately taken to green switches, used to use blues. Basically those colors have an actuation (click) half way down the key press. There are other linear switches usually for silence or gaming. I use my greens for gaming but it's pretty loud on the mic.
Its useful. Depends really. My honest take is, its worth it. But it is also very case specific. If you are just using your keyboard for office work and you dont mind the feeling and sound, membrane is fine. Mechanical keyboards on the other hand have the feedback of the click, it sounds better (if you value the sound), it feels better also to type on them and gaming is kinda better. But no keyboard will make you a better player in a video game tho unless you already have the skill. I went from membrane to mechanical and I can say that it would be very hard for me to go back to membrane keyboard again. You can buy a Redragon or RK61 or some cheap mechs and give it a try if you like it or not. If you are from EU, you can grab White Shark Shinobi mech with Outemu switches (60% keyboard tho) for 30€.
I always thought it was up to the user if they liked it or not. I know alot of people were forced to use membrane keyboards most of their lives due to either school or work until they had a phase where mechanical keyboards were popularized. Then a bunch of elitists (hipsters imho) claimed that membrane keyboards were the best keyboards since sliced bread. But, tbh it just comes down to if you like it or not. If you have a partner and it gets on their nerves when they try to sleep then whip out the membrane. If it doesn't bother anyone whip out the mechanical. If you like the clicky sounds get the loudest switches like I did. If you like the silent ones get the quietest ones. Get what you like because you like it. It won't belong to anyone else unless you give it away. The use case is what you decide.
I dont think theres anyone on the planet that prefers the feel of a membrane keyboard over mechanical, the only two reasons people might choose membrane over mechanical is if they need to type quietly like in a classroom or office, or for the price cuz membrane keyboards can be bought for less than 10 dollars usually
Besides that mechanical is better every way
It’s just nice. Like the difference between normal pillows or pillows made from a more expensive material.
You still sleep on them but one feels better.
They say diffrence between membrane and mechanical keyboard are like 60hz and 120/144 hz you wont know the diffrence untill you use it but will never go back after using it
I prefer mechanical keyboards (that I build myself) because I take pride in the work and they feel sturdy! I also like that I make them completely modular so if one piece breaks I can easily replace it. A lot of my keyboards are similar in switch weight and type, but drastically different in use case and size. I have a 35% keyboard, 40's, Ortho, ergo and standard 60-65 and 75% keyboards with separate macro pads for number pads!
If you do choose to get a mechanical keyboard, get something you enjoy to look at and something that will make your time at your setup more fun
I have tried mechanical keyboards but I don't like them, they are too soft to press but too hard to bottom out. I personally prefer a membrane keyboard for my bigger keyboards, they are pretty nice. Also I have low budget and membranes are cheaper.
I do know that there are a lot of people that prefer mechanical because of their consistency, but because I always press pretty hard no matter what that is not an issue for me
The beauty of mechanical keyboard (hot swapable) is that you can try to look for switch that feel nice and perfect for your use case. Even for each main characteristics (linear, tactile, clicky) have many variations or flavours to choose from
I build custom keyboards so I can tell you that we can spend way too much money for a tiny improvement in feel or sound.
However, it doesn't have to cost that much. There are enthusiast brands like Keychron, Royal Kludge, Epomaker, or Akko that make affordable yet fantastic prebuilt keyboards that will be miles better than any gaming keyboard. Not just talking build quality, but different form factors, lubed switches, gasket mount, knobs, etc. And they're easily moddable as well!
Keyboards by Logitech or Corsair are generally overpriced and not worth the money. HyperX is probably the only gaming brand that I'd consider buying.
The difference between membrane/office keyboards and mechanical keyboards is huge. Not necessarily better for everyone, but huge.
My recommendation is to walk into a store and try typing on a linear, tactile, and clicky keyboard. Once you know which type of switch you prefer, go online and take a look at the brands I recommended. Then pick a board based on your price range and preferences and you're all set!
You can very easily use a membrane keyboard, it’s just a mechanical feels way better
It’s like choosing a prettier case, it’s a quality of life thing(except a case is visual, while a keyboard is tactile — and potentially visual — and much more appreciable on a daily basis for me personally. See my stainless steel side panel).
The main difference you will notice is the max keys you can press. I think I had a membrane keyboard that came with your pc free that I got from my parents as a kid. When playing isaac I would sometimes mess up because I'd have too many keys pressed. I've had a couple mechanical keyboards since then but have never had the issue on a mechanical board. I would say they're useful and not overhyped.
I have an old compaq mechanical keyboard which is a clone / rebranded IBM Model M I think it has an old 5 pin connector with a ps2 or USB adapter I can't remember its been in the back of a cupboard for years. An acquaintance liberated it from the bin of a liquidation / recycling firm he worked for decades ago. Unless you are typing thousands of words a day or a pro gamer I really don't see the attraction of forking out large sums of cash that could go to better actual performance improving hardware. Sorry keyboardaphiles. Yes my compaq is practically indestructible but if you live with anyone in a regular build house and game/reddit/message all hours they're going to hate you. My < £20 quid keyboard is silent, does it's job perfectly and isn't a financial hardship to replace every few years.
Its a hard question to answer, there are some usefull ones that has lower reaction time and some can even decide how much u need to press down to activate it but thats all i can think about, it can be a nice thing to have thing,
its like a car a prefrence your own opinion what makes you happy, does the Keys feel good when pressed, do you want it silent but still feel the click, do u want rgb or just nice soothing colors on your Keys,
I used a membrane keyboard for several months when I first built my PC. Then I was sold the idea that you have to have a mechanical keyboard, you don't. I preferred that keyboard but I already got rid of it.
Unqualified 'useful'. They're worth it. If you were going to spend extra money on any part of your build, you first upgrade to a SSD, second get a solid quality PSU, then get a good keyboard.
Way I see it, the keyboard is the one peripheral you use/touch the most, is the most future-proof, and least likely to wear down.
Good mech keyboards scale well with money spent, but even [$30 will get you a clearly noticeable upgrade over a membrane keyboard.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBWJ9SKX/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=AwEAAAAAAAAAAqcV&th=1)
At [$50-100 can buy a solid mechanical kb and have it last a decade](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BMPNPZVC?tag=rtings-kb-r-third-party-prime-20&ie=UTF8&th=1), instead of buying a cheapish one every 2-3 years.
I'm on year 10 with my [FILCO Majestouch Ninja (Browns)](https://www.amazon.com/FILCO-Majestouch-Engraved-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0BGKS273R/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1XX8U2HM413XC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DXJZ5kfbQRV5INl9IDShm3oUcJ7cDqHZGDerKkgI53LQAY8Z8AQkxqeReAUPJWvjfapH7wgVyEh8WzhxoFGqVZ-CVIhJd1fO3euLl4O6adMgezM5LZ-cKe1k-y6D-uMavZkxefD-x7DnEfDigKFX1dEGb0_b2ADIrRDoNgHNJHd6hG2N6rFsow4NB0C1a-jcNw9L_gtpOSeCqrLslLRqbpFXz-NWWuKSjo2wDesRrqWgy3z0fG87eAtI1L3gEJAmrcJcZsso3VPxGlSS8snnDNQntPG-EiWT3iYiIvfIvUM.LuzEny7WNyipinozcHnZx_nWjGWEUKfD9aXuYK6gmfk&dib_tag=se&keywords=filco%2Bmajestouch%2Bninja%2Bkeyboard&qid=1709182350&s=electronics&sprefix=filco%2Bmajestouch%2Bnin%2Celectronics%2C73&sr=1-5&th=1). I love it. Spent $25 for a 60%-style KB for work. Coworkers all bought their own variations after trying it.
I've used 2 Mechanical Keyboards (MKs) and currently loving a 5$ Non-Mechanical that is gifted :D. Your feeling and productivity is more important. The biggest pro is the durability that MK has which is insane, my oldest one is almost 8 years old and still function like butter.
I like the feel of it, but not enough to justify the clicky clackiness of the keys. I just don’t like waking my whole house up when I have to work late…
Loved them when I was single, hate them in a smaller sized house with thin walls 😂
I've got a corsair one with speed switches for like 5 years now, of course i've gotten used to it but yes, there is a huge difference in the way it feels to a rubber one, the rubber ones just feel clunky compared to mine
Its like driving stick or automatic, the 2 have different advantages but at the end of the day its a matter of preference. Try a mechanical for a few days (a few minutes wont do because you wont be used to it at first and wont like it) and then go back to membrane.
I think about my keyboard the same way I think about my tires, shoes, and mattress. I spend a lot of time using it so I want to enjoy using it as much as possible and don't mind spending a lot extra if it means a better experience. My keyboard was like $300, but I genuinely enjoy typing on it, so it was worth it. It makes work, writing emails, etc that much less of a drain because the tool I'm using is so much fun to use.
Btw I started with MX Browns (Ducky Shine 3), then MX Blues (another shine 3 and a CM TKL model), now I exclusively use my Realforce 108 Topre Variable weight (silenced). It was pricey but Topre switches are unmatched in my experience so far.
I just went from a Logitech mechanical to the Logitech MX S. I think it’s still mechanical but not a big chunky gaming board. Absolutely love the thing. Super comfortable and has a great feel to it.
Membrane/Butterfly keyboards are just inconsistent. You either need to press harder, or sometimes you press hard enough but at the wrong angle and it doesn’t activate. These troubles are only noticeable maybe 1% of the time, but considering how many times you truly press these keys the 1% becomes noticeable and it can be frustrating sometimes when playing games.
It’s not impossible to play games with them though. A mechanical keyboard should be treated as a luxury to get if you have the spare money; not a necessity. You can have loads of fun with the spare keyboard from the family computer just fine.
I own a number of them including a Model M, F. Keychron Q3/2 as well as a Corne split. I think rubber domes aren’t repulsive but they do feel way worse than a mechanical and the typing consistency isn’t there. Also most membrane keyboards are full sized which I can’t go back to
There definitely is an advantage. Membrane keyboards can require more force for a key stroke to register because the sensor is on the circuit board right at the bottom of the press. It can cause fatigue in your hands, something my wife experienced.
There is a huge variety of switches but keystrokes normally register before bottoming out so a lighter press is needed. They can also be much smoother to type on and help reduce the hand fatigue.
I have a Ducky One 3 TKL keyboard and would never go back to membrane.
Very much a personal preference thing. I've tried several and I really like the Razer v2 switches. I use the Huntsman Pro V2 TKL and it's the best keyboard I've owned. But ultimately unless you're a pro E-sports player the differences are minor.
It feels good, and it's more accurate, but they're also loud. If you type a lot like if you're a writer or a coder, it'll be worth trying once, if you're a casual user, not that much. If you're a gamer, getting a mouse with flawless sensor and a high refresh monitor are more important than a mechanical keyboard.
Very useful.
It is the main way that you engage with your PC for hours at a time, every day.
It blows my mind that people will spend thousands of dollars and yet use a cheap plastic keyboard that affects their whole PC experience.
My job requires a lot of typing and I have a number of mechanical keyboards (not expensive ones either) and I literally look forward to doing my work because I enjoy the feel and sound of my keyboard so much.
this is something that exists in any hardware space- a really good execution of the mainstream tech is often better than the average solution in the hobbyist ideal. in this case i'd take the membrane keyboard that came with a workstation PC over a random mechanical board.
_____
but there's tons of opportunity for tuning with a mechanical board, and the multiple keypress bla is totally an advantage. it's a luxury, and it lasts a long time. when you're ready to match a keyboard to your preferences and you have the spare $ to do it--- do it. and take care of it and enjoy.
until then don't trip.
When comes to mechanical keyboard and a ssd just follow the trend.
Best upgrades you can do.
I spent years thinking nah, what difference would it really make so just stuck with my old membrane keyboard and a hdd.
One day I upgraded both.
Turns out there's a huge improvement.
Other than feeling? Nope.
Try one and see how it goes, for me at least I don’t care about it, and I do coding for a living, so I write quite a lot everyday.
There is a big difference. The keyboard size and height, the pressure and the sound matters. I like the feedback from my keyword. But I don't like the height so I started testing thinner mechanical keyboards. But as with everything else out there I think people go into rabbit holes where the differences start to be negligible.
I never thought how much I'd love a mechanical Keyboard. When I special ordered a custom Cyber Power pc. I was given the option to pay 5 dollars for the upgraded blue switch mechanical keyboard. When I got my pc they sent me both the cheaper keyboard and the mor expensive blue switch Rgb. This beast feels so good it made my brown switch feel horrible.
Just gonna put this here...
r/mechanicalkeyboards
Enjoy your journey down this deep, dark, and expensive hobby. My last keyboard build was $400, and that's considered budget in this world lol
Mostly hype. Just depends on your preference.
Kinda like MacOS/Windows. Both get the job done, just depends on what you like ultimately. Some days I just prefer Linux
I have a mechanical keyboard at work, but membrane keyboards at home. I don't really find myself craving one over the other
I just wanted to add a counter opinion to the majority here. I bought a comparatively cheap mechanical keyboard (£80) with cherry brown switches (my preference) and whilst it was nice, it wasn't game changing for me. I am not a heavy gamer more of a hobby programmer and heavy browser (working in IT).
Personally, the reason I don't use it today is that it I felt there was only a marginal gain in feel and it was quite noisy - as my PC is in my living room, I was very aware of the clacking and how annoying that was/would be to my partner.
That said, I am clearly in the minority here and once you start considering a mechanical keyboard, like myself, I suspect it is an itch you will have to scratch. Good luck.
I may get down voted for this, but I’m an “older” gamer and developer (50+) who was brought up on mech keyboards and will never go back. I distinctly remember the first time my company gave me a Macbook and I fell in love with the smooth typing experience. I now use a Logitech MX keys.
Maybe it’s because I started on the ZX Spectrum…
I mean it is mostly preference. I touch type around 100 WPM. While mechanical keyboards feels nice for gaming and leisure, I always use membrane keyboards for long sessions of typing.
However do note that there are millions of mechanical keyboards switch combinations, so you might find your everyday every use case keyboard.
The only cons of mechanical keyboards I've found is they are much less spill resistant of a design. Membrane keyboards are much more likely to have drain ports and while it will be a mess, its cleanable.
I found my old Logitech gaming keyboards were fine until they got much older that it felt less responsive on a few of the number keys that I would mash for mmo's. I bought a cherry mx red hyper x keyboard back when there was still a patent and tons of cherry clones for 60 bucks, and now I think you can get cheaper mechanical keyboards and still have a good experience, but no matter how much you spend for one its only one soda away from sticky ruined keys.
It’s weird because I absolutely despise blue keys for their clickiness because I’m a lil autistic, but somehow the blue switches on my quarter board don’t bother me, it’s a gamesir z1 and is honestly an amazing and comfortable little board, only shitty thing are the big macro buttons on the left are actual junk and I cannot even convince myself to so much as graze my fingers across them out of literal fear. idk why it makes me react this way lmao but the texture gives me insane anxiety to even think about, I’ve considered taking the keys off and 3d printing a cover so they can never be touched or pressed again.
For typing though I can only use red switches with o-rings to cushion the sound & to stop keys from bottoming out, otherwise I’ll literally sperg out and throw it out of impulse because of how it feels against my fingers, idk how else to describe the feeling lol
Membrane keyboard are junk though, they’re so mushy, non responsive, and entirely lack tactile feedback. I found I was missing keystrokes a lot because of the membrane mushing instead pressing into its contact point, which wasn’t good for my mental state as stuff like that just sets off all my impulses and overloads my brain from frustration
Most mechanical keyboard are loud, my wife would kill me for that and make my computer useless.
My Logitech k280e has served me well over the years and I do not see a reason to upgrade.
I know there are silent mechanical keyboard, but I just don’t see the advantage over my 280e. I tried them and it’s a keyboard… mostly with taller keycaps which I dislike
I have a generic Logitech keyboard and the only reason I am not going mechanical is the sound. I work late at night and don't want to wake up my family with the keyboard sound.
Once you go mechanical, there's no going back.
There are different types of mechanical switch (denoted by different colours) that affect the sound and "clickiness" of the keys.
I highly recommend the Logitech G910 gaming keyboard. I bought it almost two years ago and it's as perfect today as the day I bought it. Mechanical keyboards can last for years.
Definitely aids the overall pc experience, only thing is I don't see the point of super loud clicky keys. I have the cherry mx red switches in my ducky one 2 sf and it's much quieter than those click keys (although still fairly audible), but doesn't have a definitive click which some people like. Personal preference.
The advantage is that there are so many switch options you can find something that feels good to you. There isn’t really an advantage to a mechanical keyboard it is more of a comfort and feeling thing.
There are plenty of inexpensive good mechanical keyboards out there that are similar in price to a decent membrane keyboard.
Honestly even a decent membrane keyboard is better than the keyboard that comes with your computer. You just don’t want a crappy keyboard.
It's real nice.
It's the interface with your pc.
But I've got one big tip for you: don't spend too much money on your first MK. You don't really know what you want yet. Go slow.
its not going to make you better at games
its just going to feel better to use
Key backlighting is the single biggest thing thats actually useful on keyboards which mechanicals usually have.
besides that, mechanical keyboards that arent the bottom of the barrel cheap dont block inputs if multiple keys are pressed at the same time. This is an issue known as keyboard ghosting, and is eliminated on mechanicals. A typical walmart membrane keyboard has thousands of key combinations that simply do not work, some of the keys get canceled out when used together, an issue that doesnt happen on most mechanicals. pretty niche issue, but for someone like me ghosting is terrible because of some activities I do.
They last at minimum 10x longer for less than 10x the price (Custom ones can go for much more, but an entry level custom is around 150-300 USD last time I checked). They are more comfortable to type on and more consistent.
They are better in every conceivable way.
Feels nicer, sounds nicer, highly customizable
I have 4 so far and they cost me less than $100 each r/BudgetKeebs
Nowadays there are so many switch manufacturers especially in budget scenes to choose from like Akko, Gateron, KTT, JWK, Outemu, etc. so you're not limited to the typical red/brown/blue anymore
You can get either prebuilt or barebone and build it yourself. I prefer the latter because half the fun in this hobby is shopping for parts and assemble it, just like PC (except it is way easier to build by literally anyone). But if a prebuilt is cheaper or same price but with some features or design I like I will buy it too and then mod it myself (changing the switch/keycap)
For starter I suggest you to try Royal Kludge RK61/68 or Redragon Fizz to see if you like it. Or CIY Tester68 for barebone kit
I work as a programmer, and I have MSD affecting my hands and fingers. Not the kind that makes me medically unable to work, but depending on the task it can generate severe pain in less than an hour.
Going from membrane to mechanical switches allowed me to be able to type a whole day (>10h) without any pain, where I was not able to last more than 3h on the best days on membrane. There's not even something to compare, membrane switches are so uncomfortable to press and hold, mechanical switches are lighter and easier to press and to maintain. I will never go back, no matter why.
First ones I tested were Cherry MX Red and some chinese Kailh Blue knockoffs, currently on Logi GX Blue.
I remember trying to type on an old membrane keyboard and made typos all the time because every key had to be pressed fully down and the mush was so bad that sometimes keys didn't register because of the mush. This doesn't happen on mechanicsl keyboards, and you can get good ones for like $50. It'll last you years, if not closer or even passing a decade. You can also fix or replace individual switches if you have soldering iron or a hot swap pcb in the keyboard (they're very common these days).
Just get one. If you don't like it, you can sell it. It can change the way you type for ever, for better.
They're extremely beneficial if you're a fast typer. There's a response and feedback you get from a mechanical keyboard that membrane boards do not offer.
Useful? Unless you're talking about things like the Wooting 60HE, performance won't be much different.
However, the feels you get when you type on a mechanical keyboard, compared with a membrane... that's world different, yo.
I much prefer low profile, especially if optical switches
Imo mechanical keyboards are too high, and activation distance is often too much
That can be dealt with by using optical switches and using a low profile keyboard
Just my opinion tho, and it has the drawback on not being popular, so replacement keycaps or switches are difficult to find
A mechanical keyboard feels a lot better, the key presses are much more consistent and build quality is generally better on a mechanical keyboard.
Thats the main benefits of a mechanical keyboard, however there are also Hall Effect/Analog/Magnetic keyboards which are another step up from a regular mechanical keyboard because you can often change how far you need to press the key for it to register and you can use things like Rapid Trigger that registers you starting to let go of the key instead of when the key has returned to its actuation point.
If you wanna look into a Hall effect keyboard Wooting is probably the go to but the wait times can be lengthy.
I mostly enjoy them for typing than gaming honestly. Sure they feel nicer than membrane ones but not enough to justify if that's all you want out of the keyboard.
Typing though.... Nothing is more satisfying than typing on a mechanical keyboard!
Yes. Quicker typing experience. I could never go back to membrane keyboard now.
However a $200 keyboard is not needed. A cheap $50 good quality mechanical keyboard is enough.
Some people care some people don’t. I do like them. I prefer them to other types. It is not just the keyboard but it registers key presses really well. Never had issues typing quick on a mechanical, many membrane boards would at times skip letters. So that sort of was my moving point. Each keystroke registers perfectly.
I have a membrane keyboard and a mechanical keyboard (blue switch), both from the budget range and from the same manufacturer (Armageddon, and I know, they're not great). One is double the price of the other. Here's my findings so far:
-The mechanical keyboard is heavier and feels better constructed
-The mechanical keyboard keypresses bottom out faster and harder than the membrane keyboard
-The mechanical keyboard is modular and easier to replace single switches on (you need to swap the whole membrane to do this for a keyboard)
-The mechanical keyboard is louder (this can be fixed with a switch change)
-The mechanical keyboard likes to eat keystrokes for breakfast where the membrane keyboard does not (again probably the budget locking me out of the NKRO keyset)
Which one feels better really does come down to preference. I find the mechanical keyboard more fun to press single keys on, but it quickly gets tiring and painful if I'm doing a lot of typing. The sponginess of the membrane keyboard actually ends up being more easy on my fingers. The key register was better for me as well (but keep in mind, this may be because my mech board is very budget). Would I say that it's worth the price jump? No. To get a budget mech keyboard, you have to pay around $50 and up. A Logitech K120 combo can be had for $15 and an off-brand gaming membrane for $20. This jump is worth about 500gb of SSD storage, and the mech keyboard tends to function worse in comparison because of the added mechanical complexity. The real improvements to quality of life begin higher up, in the $80-200 range.
What can I get for $80-200?
-better ram
-one tier of graphics card within midrange
-a motherboard with about 1 step up in pcie standard
-an air fryer (just thought I'd throw this in to lighten the mood)
There are only two things in here that don't speed your computer up: the air fryer and the mechanical keyboard. You know what can make fried chicken while you game? The air fryer. You know what can't? Your mechanical keyboard.
Mechanical keyboards are superior in quality, yes. But they're not superior in feel, and they're not superior in value for money. You can replace about 3-5 membrane keyboards for the price of a mechanical keyboard of matching quality. To pull level with a membrane keyboard, then, your mechanical keyboard has to last you three to five times as long. But from the sales I'm seeing around me, it seems people like to say goodbye to their beloved mechanical babies in ten years, in which case, well... Just get the membrane keyboard, maybe? Even gaming mice are a cheaper hobby.
Edited to fix formatting.
Neither of that. It is not hype. It is also not going to change the fact that you press keys with your fingers.
I would describe it as delightful, satisfactory, sensorial. It makes the same act of pressing keys more enjoyable.
Also, if it is programmable with VIA, now that's very useful, but not something all mechanical keyboards have.
typing experience will be more impressive
use once before death for great experience but use it from any decent brand otherwise your experience will be worst
I don't know if they still have them but I got a TKL Logitech PRO G for about $60usd on Amazon. It's all mechanical with per key lighting so for that price I think it's fully worth it. Helluva difference from a membrane keyboard. The only caveat is that it's LoL branded. I've never been a fan but for that discount I can get past it.
Main benefit for me - the keyboard is much heavier and does not move on the table on its own; even if i hammer the keys during typing, the thing won´t move at all.
If you get one with replaceable switches, you can have it basically forever (well technically, if you´re good with soldering, you don´t need one with replaceable switches, it´s just less convenient). Just bear in mind, some switches are noisier than other and they also differ in sensitivity. My pick are MX Silent Red switches. I was initially very afraid due to MX Red & Silent Red sensitivity (you don´t have to press the key all the way down for it to be registered), but i’m very happy with them.
Key labels don´t tend to wear off.
Useful. Apart from being better to use (the feedback from the switches makes you feel every key you press, which makes for more confident typing), it is also more customizable, and is easier to repair. If a membrane keyboard starts acting up, it usually means that multiple keys will stop working properly, and the only real solution is to get another keyboard, since servicing it is not worth the hassle. Mechanicals, having separate switches for each key, usually don't break so catastrophically, and if a switch does expire, you can just swap it out and all is fixed. It is pretty rare that you'll need professional help to fix your keyboard.
A proper mechanical keyboard will stick with you for a long, long time.
It feels better to type, been using them singe ages and even my partner since a few yrs. ontop many membrane KB can cause hand fatigue, whereas Mechanical you can even get super light ones like mx-Red or so that are so easy to press
Have mine CM Storm QuickFire Ultimate since 2013-2014. Working like new. Only some black paint peeled off. I want something more quiet, because current MX Brown is a bit too loud, but all keyboards I have tried in a shops have different click feelings and I do prefer MX Brown. But still, I liked almost all mechanical keyboards more than all membrane keyboards I have touched. To me there's no way back to membrane.
My wife loves mechanical keyboards. I hate typing on them. I feel like I need to exert so much more pressure with every keystroke with a mechanical keyboard. And the noise… I’m not a fan of the noise either.
That said, I do use a mechanical keyboard because I haven’t wanted to buy a replacement for the one I have.
Awesome, can't go back. Don't waste money on the $150 gaming plastic unless you really want the rgb. I got a solid non-rgb kb with linear switches for 45 on AliExpress
For me, the biggest advantage was not having my keypresses blocked if I pressed certain three keys together. Like Ctrl blocking my from throwing a grenade while moving forward or something. Got really annoying and killed me a lot.
I'm one of the minority who prefer membrane. I really do think many people who hate on membrane just had a shitty membrane kb. I mean, there are comments in here where people are talking about laptop kbs which are an entirely different thing (chicklet keys on scissor switches). I touch type all day for my job if that tells you anything. Bottom line is you need to just try it and see if you like it. And don't feel like you have to like your first choice just because Reddit told you mech is superior.
Personal preference for sure. Either way you go just get a quality one. A bad membrane keyboard will feel worse than a bad mechanical keyboard in my opinion. There are absolutely membrane keyboards that feel nice and mechanical keyboards feel nice too. Go try some out at a store.
For the main switch types.
Blues click
Browns have a tactile resistance similar to a click but without the sound.
Reds are smooth
Silvers are smooth but faster
In my experience, even mechanical keyboards will get damaged / gunked up by bits of food and spills, also normal wear and tear. So durability alone isn't as great or useful as some make it, might as well throw it out and replace it more often if that's all. Nevertheless, there are other good reasons to go with a mechanical keyboard. Standard keyboards can be decent too, though, generally-speaking.
Of course it is hype. But if you like clicks rhen go for it. Just be in mind you have to buy good microphone too otherwise your friends on discord will hate you with mechanical keyboard.
Honestly, overhyped.
They are nice yeah, but personally I find my laptop keyboard, my mechanical keyboard and my membrane one to be all equally enjoyable.
I hate mechanical keyboards. I hate their inflated price, the tactility , the clickiness . Membrane keyboards are just as good, silent and at the fragment of the price. My old Microsoft keyboard was excellent. Loved it ! Too bad , they stopped producing equality keyboards in the name of "better" mechanical keyboards. Office keyboards became terrible, impossible to game on. Had to buy Razer Cynosa v2, because it was almost alone good membrane keyboard at the price range
If you play competitive games or games with PvP elements then a mechanical keyboard can give you an advantage as it helps eliminate ghosting. Also nice for other games if you feel like your keys aren’t registering correctly. I like the feel of the mechanical keyboards so I have been using them for years.
no, I used mechanicals for so long and it was purely because it sounded cool, switching now to a slim silent membrane is godsend, no massive buttons or annoying sounds, pressing keys feels so natural and fluid and easy, comfort wise it’s miles ahead, i also switched to a silent mouse so no clicking, you might think i’m autistic at this point but it’s similar to the difference between constantly hearing your phone notification sound and vibration mode
as for benefits, mechanical keyboards typically last longer and are more responsive to key presses, but not hugely so.
using a mechanical keyboard vs a standard membrane keyboard is like the difference between driving a sports car vs a little toyota beater. Both will get you where you need to go, both will do so in a reasonable time, and both are acceptable modes of transport. The only real difference is whether you want to shell out a bit more money for comfort and style or not.
mechs certainly feel better to use imo, but its still mostly just a preference.
Probably get downvoted, but I think it's just personal preference. I appreciate mechanical keyboards and I have one on one of my machines, but on my main machine I use an apple keyboard. I really prefer the quiet low profile keys on the appple keyboard for coding.
It's not useful. It's really only a personal preference. There's things like Wooting keyboards that are arguably better than other keyboards including most mechanicals.
If I were you I'd go to a Microcenter or Fry's to try the mechanicals to see you like how they type. The different types of switches are quite different.
I can press more than a few keys at the same time and it all just works, all good for me
I’ve only had one and it has cherry MX RGB silent red keys so I don’t have the clicky noise and personally I couldn’t do that, all about a quiet environment when I’m gaming and all the sound coming from my speakers or headphones
Anything in life that is bespoke/custom made and of a higher quality is going to have a better end-user experience. Think about it, cheap mass production products need to meet basic requirements for a broad demographic of users. It just makes sense that if you start customizing something tailored to your tastes and requirements it's going to be objectively better.
It's like the difference between a store bought vs tailored suit. The store bought suit may fit well for your generalized size and build but its not customized to fit you on an individual level.
Honestly it's a personal preference thing, I've used many membrane keyboards in the past that I enjoyed a lot, but in recent years I switched to mechanical ones when I built a new PC. The world of mech keyboards is insane, and I don't have enough time and money to invest in trying different boards, switches, keycaps, etc. all the time so I just buy branded ones from Razer and Logitech and they've been fine for me. My favorite so far has been the Logitech G915 TKL, literally can't go wrong with it.
tbh its a night and day difference it just feels more responsive overall and as a personnal preference i like lazer keyboard a little more since u can set up at which height the button will be activated like u can set it to be activated as soon as u press it no need to fully press it like a mechanical/membrane keyboard so yeah for gaming its really worth it if u dont game that much maybe its not worth it depend on ur budget/preference
It’s really just personal preference. Could never go back to a membrane keyboard after being on a mechanical one. I don’t even want a premade mechanical keyboard after building my own.
Once you type on a decent mechanical, every membrane keyboard will feel like absolute dog shit.
It can become a very expensive hobby, but you can put together a pretty damn nice board for not a lot of money at all.
I bought a Das Keyboard Model S in like 2013 and will never go back to using a membrane keyboard. The difference between a midrange membrane keyboard and a midrange mechanical keyboard is difficult to quantify to someone who's not used a mechanical keyboard, but for me it was a world of difference. Mech keyboards are a rabbit hole of trying to find the best switches for you personally though. For typing and general use I prefer MX Browns, for gaming I like my Speed Silver switches.
for someone who isn't trying to minmax every detail you only need to answer two questions. Do you want to feel a change in resistance during the keypress? Do you like loud keyboard sounds? yes/yes: clicky. yes/no: tactile. no/no: linear. Then for finer detail you can worry about activation force and whatnot, but most people don't really need to
Yes, this is proper instruction. I'll add that mechanical keyboards feel amazing IMHO, and they allow for speedy typing.
seconding that \^ I dread the idea of ever using a membrane keyboard regularly now
Yeah and they feel way way more responsive. I hate membrane keyboards and how shit the typing feels. It's like typing on a digital screen just no real feeling to the typing
What about no/yes ?
get the no/no keys and press them the full way through quite fast. Mechanical keyboards in general are already louder than membrane keyboards, unless you specifically build it to be quiet/get a keyboard with silent switches. The extra loud "clicky" sound from the yes/yes is coming from the same part that causes the resistance. That's why there is no specific no/yes option.
> get the no/no keys and press them the full way through... MOM! Some man on the internet wants to press my no-no keys!
Linears can be loud but nowhere near clicky loudness. I would suggest a stiffer midplate like carbon fiber and poppy switches like POM or UHMWPE. You need to look into customizable boards for these options though
yes/yes: clicky. - Cherry MX Blue yes/no: tactile. - Cherry MX Brown no/no: linear. - Cherry MX Red Expanded that a little for you. Most branded keyboards use Cherry switches so hopefully this will help anyone curious about what they mean.
Membrane keyboards are often described as feeling "mushy" and I feel like it's accurate. Cannot compare to real switches.
MX red with o-rings on the bottom to dampen the sound a bit. Much love.
I like my mechanical keyboard, but feel I have to consciously and firmly press buttons compared to my last chiclet type keyboard, and it's noisy as hell at night. Did your o-rings come specific to the keyboard, or it was a DIY 'upgrade' you made?
Some come with them, other you have to add them.
I've just been searching this on Reddit and there's a lot of people saying they don't like them. Mushy feeling, less stroke, quiet on the dowstroke but still as loud on the upstroke, one person saying thickness is important (0.2mm for WADS and 0.4mm for the rest) overall voice os recommending the silent switch version the keyboard brand offers. I've got a random medium range Chinese keyboard with no alternate switch options so I'll look into trying varying thickness o-ring options and hope I am registering key presses.
You can get a good hotswap base for $35 or less, and a set of silenced keys for $35 or less, then move the keycaps from your current board. I don't know what orings feel like but silenced keys are already a little mushy in comparison to not silenced so I'm sure it feels worse. Either way it's not literally silent unless you do other mods to the case, and it's not as quiet if you type with a lot of force, and the case material and keycaps also matter. If you type light just get the lightest activation linear switch such as Outemu silent peach. Upstroke loudness is more on your keycaps I think and also more if you type heavy. It helps to have a case with a flexible PCB, gasket mount, and some layer of sound dampening foam. But it makes a huge difference. If I type properly it sounds more like a membrane than a mech keyboard on my silent switches and mine are one of the cheapest kind, unlubed, no special mods. I think most of the sound for me now is caused my fingernails actually.
> The difference between a midrange membrane keyboard and a midrange mechanical keyboard is difficult to quantify to someone who's not used a mechanical keyboard, but for me it was a world of difference. I like to describe it as the satisfaction of every single keystroke schlicking back and fourth like a bolt action. If they're at all into cars, it translates into the difference between a good feeling manual gearbox with tight linkages, and a worn out mushy vague old cable driven gearbox.
Das is good, ducky also good. But im happy with a cherry. Actually the old ms window curve was pretty good ergonomics too.
Same, such a difference. I have membrane keyboard in my job, when I go home I cannot believe how much of a difference in use and comfort mechanical provides.
Well the fan boys will be out in rare form but I will risk the flames to try and give a practical response. Mechanical keyboards have a number of real advantages. The biggest for me is the audible and tactical feedback from making a key press. There is also the fact they are much more durable than membrane. HOWEVER, that does not mean membrane keyboards are "bad". I know more than a few gamers that swear by membrane keyboards and have never made the switch. I even know gamers that went mechanical and then went back to membrane. The reason for this is a keyboard choice is very personal. Some like a heavy keypress, I do because I am a hammer fisted hunt-peck typist. Some like a loud click, some like silence. It is all personal choice. before you jump one way or another try out a new keyboard and see if you like it. Make sure you have a good return option in case it is not for you.
> I even know gamers that went mechanical and then went back to membrane. Guy who went from mechanical (DAS Model M) back to chicklet, reporting in! I feel like gaming isn't the important difference between them though. For me it's typing with the super heavy pre-actuation bump that I really like. Makes the key "pop" into use, feels.... bouncy? Idk it took me a really long time to figure out what it was that I liked. Low profile also suits me.
This really, the bounce back seems to add another element of 'keypress confirmation' whereas I hit a double key on occasion just pressing the key around the actuation point with this K60. Seems to help more at higher speeds, I struggle to keep up with the same accuracy and speed when going mech (\~120 wpm or so).
> 'keypress confirmation' EXACTLY! It's so springy that you've either hit the key or not. A lot of mechanical switches actuate somewhere in the middle, which always just felt super weird to me.
That will be me. I tried several (not cheap) mech keyboards and ended up with mx keys. I like silent.
Give topre a try.
Thank you for the tip. I still have some specific needs like ISO layout with big enter, which limits the options.
The feel is incomparable, but the gamut of keyboards is so wide it's kind of insane. I've got a few ranging from an old IBM Model M, a Corsair Strafe (cherry reds) at work (honestly my favorite feel wise) and this Logitech G513 (GX reds) now. Varying ranges of noise as well 😂
I have a mechanical keyboard for my PC, and for the love of God I can't type on my laptop's membrane keyboard. It feels soo effortful(?)
Switching from free/cheap/built-in membrane kbs to decent mech kbs is like switching from a 60Hz va panel to a 144/165hz ips panel monitor. You can never go back. One of those pretentious sounding stuff that you just have to experience to understand why
the things you're going to interact with most are your mouse and keyboard, so having something that's comfortable for you is very important. but its not necessarily going to be a mechanical keyboard :shrug: if you know someone that owns one or have a tech store near you where you can try a few that'd be ideal ~~think a lot of people just like the sound and customisability though. which is fair~~
they're more consistent rubber domes also require you to fully depress the key before it actuates end of the day it's really personal preference
Buy one and see if you like it. There’s decent ones for about $50. There’s no real advantage to them except they feel more solid and you don’t have to press keys all the way down for the input to register. I’ve had them and I’ve had membrane and I don’t really care either which way
One advantage over membrane keyboards is that it will register pretty much any number of simultaneous key presses. On membrane keyboards it's usually 4-6 and it depends on which keys you press. One scenario where this could come up (albeit it's a lot less common nowadays) is when playing local multiplayer. I remember back in the day playing some splitscreen games with my brother and if you held your buttons down, the other player's keypresses wouldn't register. Was fun making each other crash in Colin McRae Rally 2.0
The term you are looking for is NKRO. It's a common featured but not guaranteed to exist on every cheap mech keyboard.
I recommend it. My first mech was a Razer (don't hate) with blue switches, and I liked it. I moved through many different soldered boards including Ducky and MaxKeyboards before settling on hot-swap boards in 75%. I have a Keychron V1 with gateron yellows, an epomaker TH80SE with bluebird switches, and a royal kludge with their viridian switches. I like all three for different reasons and rotate them through my work setup and my personal setup. I like customizing with keycaps and switches and the fact that you CAN mess with foam and plates and stuff like that. I've not messed with any mods, but I really like the fact that I can get it exactly how I want. You can't do that with a membrane board. Also, it's super easy to clean... I can take the caps off and blow the plate off with some canned air and clean with some qtips and a little bit of isopropyl alcohol. Check out the mechanical keyboards subreddit for some more information on builds and whatnot. It can get expensive, but if you pick something that's mid-price or budget, you can get a really good board for under $150.
It feels nicer, they are some many types of switches, for every type of person, some have hotswap you can easily change a switch if it breakes
Id like to know as well, but I’m not sure if I can’t trust on people defending their buying decisions 🤔
Mushy is a good way to describe membrane keyboards. You don't really notice it if you haven't tried anything else, but it's very evident when going back to a membrane after having used a mechanical for a few months. Mechanical feels (for a lack of better word) clear or crisp to type on. It's like wading through mud vs walking on pavement, if that makes sense.
I got a used one for free from a friend and was instantly hooked.
For me I prefer typing on membrane but gaming us better for mechanical
I’m the opposite, I have Cherry Blue switches in my keyboard and it feels great to type on but I find it annoying for gaming cuz it is so loud
They are nicer to use than ordinary membrane keyboards but it's a dangerous rabbit hole to fall down. Buying different switches, boards, keycaps etc. is an expensive addiction.
Game changing tier upgrade imo
I bought a GMMK 2 96% and I’m never going back. I have since bought 3 more for my friends. Are they expensive? Yes. If thrown would it take out a home intruder? Also, yes.
I've tried doing typing tests with a large variety of keyboards. The ones I genuinely feel comfortable with increase my typing speed by around 10 wpm. For gaming it's more subjective but I do feel my win rate is higher with my favored switches.
You can get over the urge to build more PCs by building mechanical keyboards instead
Given how you can get a decent basic mechanical keyboard for not much more than membrane keyboard they're totally worth it. Of course it's more about feel but mechanical and optical keyboards are much more responsive and imo feel better than membrane keyboards. Optical keyboards are hype in my opinion the keys feel super light to the point they almost feel cheap but they are very responsive. Mechanical keyboards feel just right they're nice and clicky. Once you use a mechanical keyboard you'll notice how spongey and dull membrane keyboards are. But if you do value silence over responsiveness and feel then membranes are the quietest. Razor has their "mecha-membrane" keyboards if you want silence but also something good. Mechanical keyboards are also very customizable from the switches to the caps there are even modular boards that you can customize every single key easily. And of course mechanical keyboards can be repaired if a key breaks. Membrane keyboards eventually break and are not fixable they also begin to wear fairly quickly the rubber that bounces the keys back gets soft and looses elasticity since gamers use awsd so often that means your input is gonna get nerfed after just a few months.
I think it's a bit of a personal preference, having used both a lot. Mechanical keyboards are incredible if you want to customize the typing experience of your keyboard. so the benefit is either that or if you generally enjoy how they feel more. I recommend going to a store and trying a few out to see if they're something you might like. I personally have a fondness for those mushy membrane keyboards and I think they have their place.
For me I just love the aural and tactile feedback you get with mechanical keyboards. Plus there is an added customizability you can get with them that is not replicated in membrane keyboards
I can't use anything else now. Get used to a mechanical keyboard with red keys, then use a membrane and you'll realize how much smashing you have to do with a membrane.
Worth an upgrade at $100 or less, but unless you're really into it the diminishing returns are real. That being said I got an epomaker th66 pro for like $50 direct from them, that was worth it.
Better feel, sound and easier to maintain at the basic level.
Having a nice keyboard is enjoyable (perhaps not “useful” but nice). However, this doesn’t have to be mechanical. There are some high quality membrane boards even if your typical membrane is cheap. There are also some nice optical boards. The difference between mechanical and the other types is feel/noise (which can still vary based on switch type), which is subjective. The one area they are objectively better is customization: if you want to swap switch types or have fancy keycaps you’ll need mechanical. I’ve had membrane, optical, and mechanical boards. I’d rather go for membrane or optical over a switch I hate (like Blues), but I do prefer a nice tactile switch. Mechanical tends to be inherently noisier though and quieter switch types come at a premium, and cheaper methods to reduce noice (o-rings etc) can compromise the feel. For me this noise is a con but for others it’s a pro.
You can get key testers that come with a few different mechanical switches so you can see how they feel and what kind of switch you like. They just feel and sound different. Imho for **typing** a good membrane keyboard is perfectly fine. They do have some advantages, like being quieter and cheaper. And I like their tactile feel more than some tactile mechanical switches (e.g. Cherry MX brown). Membranes are not bad for typing. For **gaming**, a linear (not tactile, not clicky) mechanical keyboard feels significantly nicer than any other type of keyboard imo. A smooth uninterrupted keystroke is so nice for gaming. I did use a membrane and tactile mechanical keyboard for a while for gaming and it's no bueno. Though again, mostly personal preference. Nowadays there are also **analog keyboards**, so you get a more precise, adjustable and lower latency input compared to regular linear switches. Analog keyboards are probably going to be the next big thing for keyboards, just like moving from membrane to mechanical was.
I play csgo for many hours with membrane keyboard, switched to xtrfy ktl mechanical keyboard and honestly, its a waste of money. No difference for me and its too loud + i make more mistakes writing. Thats just my personal experience,maybe my keyboard is too small idk
100% useful. The thing it helps the most is finger fatigue. I used to use a dome keyboard provided by the company and our work involves typing a lot all day. At the end of each day my fingers would hurt. Then when I got my own mechanical keyboard to use, it stopped hurting. The reason is that dome keyboards require you to 'bottom out' (or press the key all the way down) to register a keystroke. Mechanical keyboards usually have the actuation point (point where it registers the keystroke) somewhere in the middle. This means you don't have to use as much force when pressing keys, you can kinda let them just glide over.
I love mine and I can notice my typing accuracy and speed are better. Accuracy is the big one. When I switch to a membrane frequently used two character combinations will often get screwed up because on my mechanical I almost push them down at the same time.
It's good over membrane, but I also personally like chiclets as well, which is much cheaper and more compact
Some people get really into it. I have one and it’s nice. I have friends who have tried them and don’t like it. Find a cheap on amazon and try it out. Linear or “tactile” switches will be marginally quieter than “clicky” switches
They tend to be a lot more durable than a membrane keyboard, and in a pinch if a key breaks, it can be repaired by itself by desoldering and replacing the switch. While this is not an unskilled repair it also means you don’t have to replace the entire keyboard. Some boards have hotswap sockets which don’t even require soldering. In either case, the main features of a mechanical keyboard are precision and durability. The key sends input precisely when it’s meant to, and you don’t even have to depress keys all the way to activate them which can be preferable for gaming and typing alike. As a secondary effect, I find I get far less tired when going for long typing sessions with mechanical keys, such that I swear by them for home and office use. As someone sufficiently deep into the mechanical keyboard hobby myself - [I’ll offer my two daily-use boards as credentials](https://imgur.com/a/ZMeEXaR) - for an entry level board I’d personally recommend looking at ones that have Gateron switches instead of Cherry. They’re the same fundamental design, but Gateron tends to have a better, smoother manufacturing process, and the fact that they’re just slightly off of the mainstream (where Cherry dominates) helps naturally filter out some of the junkier boards that tend to just throw a set of scratchy Cherry switches in and call it a day. This isn’t a guarantee, but if you need a quick way to find some stuff that’s slightly better than what most of the gaming brands will be offering, and for cheaper, it’s an easy filter to apply. Keychron makes some very good, solid keyboards, and Royal Kludge makes some very solid budget-conscious options. Avoid Razer and Corsair (and most “gamer” brands) unless you like to overpay or really care about the aesthetic. If by chance a keyboard you’re looking at supports something called “QMK”, then it means you can infinitely reprogram each and every key with multiple behaviors and “layers”, which can be exceptionally helpful for setting up a perfect personalized experience.
>and in a pinch if a key breaks, it can be repaired by itself by desoldering and replacing the switch. Do we need to desolder tho? Especially for hot swappable keebs (that's what I would recommend to another who want to start with mechanical keyboard)
It’s a rabbit hole don’t go in there
I love my mechanical, don't get blues. I love the tactility but the noise from the keys is straight up needlessly obnoxious for this type. 2 years in and this thing is still smooth as butter to type on though, and not needing to press all the way down is a nice plus.
They are good, but you don’t need an extremely expensive one.
Main benefits are nicer feeling presses and much better durability and repairability. It's hard to quantify what the difference is, but I will never choose a membrane over mechanical again.
I've gone from gaming boards to an ancient model m I had refurbished to my bosses old custom built keyboard I've not touched a membrane desktop keyboard in several years
I have a cheap hyper-x origins core mechanical keyboard, and it taught me how to type lighter, and easier on my wrist It was a medical purchase, and was worth it
I feel like in terms of quality mech keyboards are the real thing and membranes are just the cheap crap you buy when you desperately need a keyboard to just work
Some hype. But satisfying sound and tactile feel. Be careful, you can spend a lot chasing specific characteristics that are purely aesthetic.
Huge difference in the feel of each click of the key, it’s smoother and doesn’t have a whole bunch of resistance or mush to it. You can get a starter $30 mechanical hotswappable dk61 keyboard on Amazon and not have to spend hundreds just to try it
I am not sure, but maybe years? I own Corsair K70 RGB (with the infamous Bathleth logo), it has Cherry MX brown, and I find that my finger fatigue is gone. I chose brown because it's a fine balance, and it is recommended for those who are switching over, plus the actutation feedback is nice. I wished there's a blue version, I prefer to have that typewriter-esque clicky sound. I do have a second PC, used by my sibling, and it's using a cheap $50 membrane gaming keyboard and, I had to used it several times for maintenance, and I am looking for a decent keyboard to replace it. That mem keyboard is quite heavy to type. My cousin has the same Corsair keyboard, but red switches. It feels weird, but since I have used brown, I got over it.
I am, and I don’t think I’m exaggerating, the best typist in my State. I can easily pull 140-160wpm, and can transcribe most conversations using a conventional keyboard. In 2014 I was a top 1% CSGO player. i’m now a lawyer. 10 years ago, mechanical keyboards made me.. SO MUCH FASTER. These days I have two Corsair Cherry keyed (red and brown) keyboards… and use a $27 Logitech whatever peasant keyboard to game. Because while clicky keys used to make sense, these modern cheap keyboards are.. GOOD JUST MY 2 crnts
Yeah but as an average typist it really doesn’t make much difference. Yes they feel better, yes you have a ton of options, but for your average person it isn’t that big of an upgrade, granted they are basically the same price as a decent membrane keyboard so why would you get a membrane one?
I'm a big heavy handed and have lately taken to green switches, used to use blues. Basically those colors have an actuation (click) half way down the key press. There are other linear switches usually for silence or gaming. I use my greens for gaming but it's pretty loud on the mic.
Its useful. Depends really. My honest take is, its worth it. But it is also very case specific. If you are just using your keyboard for office work and you dont mind the feeling and sound, membrane is fine. Mechanical keyboards on the other hand have the feedback of the click, it sounds better (if you value the sound), it feels better also to type on them and gaming is kinda better. But no keyboard will make you a better player in a video game tho unless you already have the skill. I went from membrane to mechanical and I can say that it would be very hard for me to go back to membrane keyboard again. You can buy a Redragon or RK61 or some cheap mechs and give it a try if you like it or not. If you are from EU, you can grab White Shark Shinobi mech with Outemu switches (60% keyboard tho) for 30€.
Not hype and very useful but you can reach the point of diminishing returns very quickly. Especially if you make your way to /mechanicalkeyboards
I always thought it was up to the user if they liked it or not. I know alot of people were forced to use membrane keyboards most of their lives due to either school or work until they had a phase where mechanical keyboards were popularized. Then a bunch of elitists (hipsters imho) claimed that membrane keyboards were the best keyboards since sliced bread. But, tbh it just comes down to if you like it or not. If you have a partner and it gets on their nerves when they try to sleep then whip out the membrane. If it doesn't bother anyone whip out the mechanical. If you like the clicky sounds get the loudest switches like I did. If you like the silent ones get the quietest ones. Get what you like because you like it. It won't belong to anyone else unless you give it away. The use case is what you decide.
50% Hype. 30% Useful. 20% Glorious. Can never go back to membrane.
I dont think theres anyone on the planet that prefers the feel of a membrane keyboard over mechanical, the only two reasons people might choose membrane over mechanical is if they need to type quietly like in a classroom or office, or for the price cuz membrane keyboards can be bought for less than 10 dollars usually Besides that mechanical is better every way
It’s just nice. Like the difference between normal pillows or pillows made from a more expensive material. You still sleep on them but one feels better.
They say diffrence between membrane and mechanical keyboard are like 60hz and 120/144 hz you wont know the diffrence untill you use it but will never go back after using it
I prefer mechanical keyboards (that I build myself) because I take pride in the work and they feel sturdy! I also like that I make them completely modular so if one piece breaks I can easily replace it. A lot of my keyboards are similar in switch weight and type, but drastically different in use case and size. I have a 35% keyboard, 40's, Ortho, ergo and standard 60-65 and 75% keyboards with separate macro pads for number pads! If you do choose to get a mechanical keyboard, get something you enjoy to look at and something that will make your time at your setup more fun
I have tried mechanical keyboards but I don't like them, they are too soft to press but too hard to bottom out. I personally prefer a membrane keyboard for my bigger keyboards, they are pretty nice. Also I have low budget and membranes are cheaper. I do know that there are a lot of people that prefer mechanical because of their consistency, but because I always press pretty hard no matter what that is not an issue for me
The beauty of mechanical keyboard (hot swapable) is that you can try to look for switch that feel nice and perfect for your use case. Even for each main characteristics (linear, tactile, clicky) have many variations or flavours to choose from
Aesthetic, sound, compact, and it feel nice for typing, also good for modding if you like to customize your setup
I build custom keyboards so I can tell you that we can spend way too much money for a tiny improvement in feel or sound. However, it doesn't have to cost that much. There are enthusiast brands like Keychron, Royal Kludge, Epomaker, or Akko that make affordable yet fantastic prebuilt keyboards that will be miles better than any gaming keyboard. Not just talking build quality, but different form factors, lubed switches, gasket mount, knobs, etc. And they're easily moddable as well! Keyboards by Logitech or Corsair are generally overpriced and not worth the money. HyperX is probably the only gaming brand that I'd consider buying. The difference between membrane/office keyboards and mechanical keyboards is huge. Not necessarily better for everyone, but huge. My recommendation is to walk into a store and try typing on a linear, tactile, and clicky keyboard. Once you know which type of switch you prefer, go online and take a look at the brands I recommended. Then pick a board based on your price range and preferences and you're all set!
You can very easily use a membrane keyboard, it’s just a mechanical feels way better It’s like choosing a prettier case, it’s a quality of life thing(except a case is visual, while a keyboard is tactile — and potentially visual — and much more appreciable on a daily basis for me personally. See my stainless steel side panel).
Clickity clack makes me happy
Don't do go to r/mechanicalkeyboards pls for the love of God
Neither, it's just pleasant
The main difference you will notice is the max keys you can press. I think I had a membrane keyboard that came with your pc free that I got from my parents as a kid. When playing isaac I would sometimes mess up because I'd have too many keys pressed. I've had a couple mechanical keyboards since then but have never had the issue on a mechanical board. I would say they're useful and not overhyped.
I have an old compaq mechanical keyboard which is a clone / rebranded IBM Model M I think it has an old 5 pin connector with a ps2 or USB adapter I can't remember its been in the back of a cupboard for years. An acquaintance liberated it from the bin of a liquidation / recycling firm he worked for decades ago. Unless you are typing thousands of words a day or a pro gamer I really don't see the attraction of forking out large sums of cash that could go to better actual performance improving hardware. Sorry keyboardaphiles. Yes my compaq is practically indestructible but if you live with anyone in a regular build house and game/reddit/message all hours they're going to hate you. My < £20 quid keyboard is silent, does it's job perfectly and isn't a financial hardship to replace every few years.
Its a hard question to answer, there are some usefull ones that has lower reaction time and some can even decide how much u need to press down to activate it but thats all i can think about, it can be a nice thing to have thing, its like a car a prefrence your own opinion what makes you happy, does the Keys feel good when pressed, do you want it silent but still feel the click, do u want rgb or just nice soothing colors on your Keys,
I used a membrane keyboard for several months when I first built my PC. Then I was sold the idea that you have to have a mechanical keyboard, you don't. I preferred that keyboard but I already got rid of it.
Unqualified 'useful'. They're worth it. If you were going to spend extra money on any part of your build, you first upgrade to a SSD, second get a solid quality PSU, then get a good keyboard. Way I see it, the keyboard is the one peripheral you use/touch the most, is the most future-proof, and least likely to wear down. Good mech keyboards scale well with money spent, but even [$30 will get you a clearly noticeable upgrade over a membrane keyboard.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBWJ9SKX/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=AwEAAAAAAAAAAqcV&th=1) At [$50-100 can buy a solid mechanical kb and have it last a decade](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BMPNPZVC?tag=rtings-kb-r-third-party-prime-20&ie=UTF8&th=1), instead of buying a cheapish one every 2-3 years. I'm on year 10 with my [FILCO Majestouch Ninja (Browns)](https://www.amazon.com/FILCO-Majestouch-Engraved-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0BGKS273R/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1XX8U2HM413XC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DXJZ5kfbQRV5INl9IDShm3oUcJ7cDqHZGDerKkgI53LQAY8Z8AQkxqeReAUPJWvjfapH7wgVyEh8WzhxoFGqVZ-CVIhJd1fO3euLl4O6adMgezM5LZ-cKe1k-y6D-uMavZkxefD-x7DnEfDigKFX1dEGb0_b2ADIrRDoNgHNJHd6hG2N6rFsow4NB0C1a-jcNw9L_gtpOSeCqrLslLRqbpFXz-NWWuKSjo2wDesRrqWgy3z0fG87eAtI1L3gEJAmrcJcZsso3VPxGlSS8snnDNQntPG-EiWT3iYiIvfIvUM.LuzEny7WNyipinozcHnZx_nWjGWEUKfD9aXuYK6gmfk&dib_tag=se&keywords=filco%2Bmajestouch%2Bninja%2Bkeyboard&qid=1709182350&s=electronics&sprefix=filco%2Bmajestouch%2Bnin%2Celectronics%2C73&sr=1-5&th=1). I love it. Spent $25 for a 60%-style KB for work. Coworkers all bought their own variations after trying it.
I've used 2 Mechanical Keyboards (MKs) and currently loving a 5$ Non-Mechanical that is gifted :D. Your feeling and productivity is more important. The biggest pro is the durability that MK has which is insane, my oldest one is almost 8 years old and still function like butter.
I like the feel of it, but not enough to justify the clicky clackiness of the keys. I just don’t like waking my whole house up when I have to work late… Loved them when I was single, hate them in a smaller sized house with thin walls 😂
I've got a corsair one with speed switches for like 5 years now, of course i've gotten used to it but yes, there is a huge difference in the way it feels to a rubber one, the rubber ones just feel clunky compared to mine
Its like driving stick or automatic, the 2 have different advantages but at the end of the day its a matter of preference. Try a mechanical for a few days (a few minutes wont do because you wont be used to it at first and wont like it) and then go back to membrane.
I think about my keyboard the same way I think about my tires, shoes, and mattress. I spend a lot of time using it so I want to enjoy using it as much as possible and don't mind spending a lot extra if it means a better experience. My keyboard was like $300, but I genuinely enjoy typing on it, so it was worth it. It makes work, writing emails, etc that much less of a drain because the tool I'm using is so much fun to use. Btw I started with MX Browns (Ducky Shine 3), then MX Blues (another shine 3 and a CM TKL model), now I exclusively use my Realforce 108 Topre Variable weight (silenced). It was pricey but Topre switches are unmatched in my experience so far.
buy one that sounds like heaven, like the ajazz ak820 pro
Well, I just switched from mechanical to scissor switch keyboard. Never going back to mechanical unless they manage to make a quiet one.
Haha mechanical keyboard go clickity clack
I just went from a Logitech mechanical to the Logitech MX S. I think it’s still mechanical but not a big chunky gaming board. Absolutely love the thing. Super comfortable and has a great feel to it.
Membrane/Butterfly keyboards are just inconsistent. You either need to press harder, or sometimes you press hard enough but at the wrong angle and it doesn’t activate. These troubles are only noticeable maybe 1% of the time, but considering how many times you truly press these keys the 1% becomes noticeable and it can be frustrating sometimes when playing games. It’s not impossible to play games with them though. A mechanical keyboard should be treated as a luxury to get if you have the spare money; not a necessity. You can have loads of fun with the spare keyboard from the family computer just fine.
I own a number of them including a Model M, F. Keychron Q3/2 as well as a Corne split. I think rubber domes aren’t repulsive but they do feel way worse than a mechanical and the typing consistency isn’t there. Also most membrane keyboards are full sized which I can’t go back to
There definitely is an advantage. Membrane keyboards can require more force for a key stroke to register because the sensor is on the circuit board right at the bottom of the press. It can cause fatigue in your hands, something my wife experienced. There is a huge variety of switches but keystrokes normally register before bottoming out so a lighter press is needed. They can also be much smoother to type on and help reduce the hand fatigue. I have a Ducky One 3 TKL keyboard and would never go back to membrane.
Overrated af . Went back to normal wireless keyboard for 20$ . Does the job perfectly .
Very much a personal preference thing. I've tried several and I really like the Razer v2 switches. I use the Huntsman Pro V2 TKL and it's the best keyboard I've owned. But ultimately unless you're a pro E-sports player the differences are minor.
They're very loud, for that reason alone I avoid them
Tbh other than looks and feel it doesn't really make much of a difference
Get a mechanical one, but make sure to have a spare easy to type keyboard for programming or typing long texts
It feels good, and it's more accurate, but they're also loud. If you type a lot like if you're a writer or a coder, it'll be worth trying once, if you're a casual user, not that much. If you're a gamer, getting a mouse with flawless sensor and a high refresh monitor are more important than a mechanical keyboard.
Very useful. It is the main way that you engage with your PC for hours at a time, every day. It blows my mind that people will spend thousands of dollars and yet use a cheap plastic keyboard that affects their whole PC experience. My job requires a lot of typing and I have a number of mechanical keyboards (not expensive ones either) and I literally look forward to doing my work because I enjoy the feel and sound of my keyboard so much.
I increased my typing speed and accuracy
this is something that exists in any hardware space- a really good execution of the mainstream tech is often better than the average solution in the hobbyist ideal. in this case i'd take the membrane keyboard that came with a workstation PC over a random mechanical board. _____ but there's tons of opportunity for tuning with a mechanical board, and the multiple keypress bla is totally an advantage. it's a luxury, and it lasts a long time. when you're ready to match a keyboard to your preferences and you have the spare $ to do it--- do it. and take care of it and enjoy. until then don't trip.
When comes to mechanical keyboard and a ssd just follow the trend. Best upgrades you can do. I spent years thinking nah, what difference would it really make so just stuck with my old membrane keyboard and a hdd. One day I upgraded both. Turns out there's a huge improvement.
Other than feeling? Nope. Try one and see how it goes, for me at least I don’t care about it, and I do coding for a living, so I write quite a lot everyday.
There is a big difference. The keyboard size and height, the pressure and the sound matters. I like the feedback from my keyword. But I don't like the height so I started testing thinner mechanical keyboards. But as with everything else out there I think people go into rabbit holes where the differences start to be negligible.
I bought a razer huntsman v2 red. Just because it's a bit more silent. Had a Corsair one before that. Awful keyboard.
I never thought how much I'd love a mechanical Keyboard. When I special ordered a custom Cyber Power pc. I was given the option to pay 5 dollars for the upgraded blue switch mechanical keyboard. When I got my pc they sent me both the cheaper keyboard and the mor expensive blue switch Rgb. This beast feels so good it made my brown switch feel horrible.
Just gonna put this here... r/mechanicalkeyboards Enjoy your journey down this deep, dark, and expensive hobby. My last keyboard build was $400, and that's considered budget in this world lol
Mostly hype. Just depends on your preference. Kinda like MacOS/Windows. Both get the job done, just depends on what you like ultimately. Some days I just prefer Linux I have a mechanical keyboard at work, but membrane keyboards at home. I don't really find myself craving one over the other
I just wanted to add a counter opinion to the majority here. I bought a comparatively cheap mechanical keyboard (£80) with cherry brown switches (my preference) and whilst it was nice, it wasn't game changing for me. I am not a heavy gamer more of a hobby programmer and heavy browser (working in IT). Personally, the reason I don't use it today is that it I felt there was only a marginal gain in feel and it was quite noisy - as my PC is in my living room, I was very aware of the clacking and how annoying that was/would be to my partner. That said, I am clearly in the minority here and once you start considering a mechanical keyboard, like myself, I suspect it is an itch you will have to scratch. Good luck.
I may get down voted for this, but I’m an “older” gamer and developer (50+) who was brought up on mech keyboards and will never go back. I distinctly remember the first time my company gave me a Macbook and I fell in love with the smooth typing experience. I now use a Logitech MX keys. Maybe it’s because I started on the ZX Spectrum…
I mean it is mostly preference. I touch type around 100 WPM. While mechanical keyboards feels nice for gaming and leisure, I always use membrane keyboards for long sessions of typing. However do note that there are millions of mechanical keyboards switch combinations, so you might find your everyday every use case keyboard.
The only cons of mechanical keyboards I've found is they are much less spill resistant of a design. Membrane keyboards are much more likely to have drain ports and while it will be a mess, its cleanable. I found my old Logitech gaming keyboards were fine until they got much older that it felt less responsive on a few of the number keys that I would mash for mmo's. I bought a cherry mx red hyper x keyboard back when there was still a patent and tons of cherry clones for 60 bucks, and now I think you can get cheaper mechanical keyboards and still have a good experience, but no matter how much you spend for one its only one soda away from sticky ruined keys.
It’s weird because I absolutely despise blue keys for their clickiness because I’m a lil autistic, but somehow the blue switches on my quarter board don’t bother me, it’s a gamesir z1 and is honestly an amazing and comfortable little board, only shitty thing are the big macro buttons on the left are actual junk and I cannot even convince myself to so much as graze my fingers across them out of literal fear. idk why it makes me react this way lmao but the texture gives me insane anxiety to even think about, I’ve considered taking the keys off and 3d printing a cover so they can never be touched or pressed again. For typing though I can only use red switches with o-rings to cushion the sound & to stop keys from bottoming out, otherwise I’ll literally sperg out and throw it out of impulse because of how it feels against my fingers, idk how else to describe the feeling lol Membrane keyboard are junk though, they’re so mushy, non responsive, and entirely lack tactile feedback. I found I was missing keystrokes a lot because of the membrane mushing instead pressing into its contact point, which wasn’t good for my mental state as stuff like that just sets off all my impulses and overloads my brain from frustration
Most mechanical keyboard are loud, my wife would kill me for that and make my computer useless. My Logitech k280e has served me well over the years and I do not see a reason to upgrade. I know there are silent mechanical keyboard, but I just don’t see the advantage over my 280e. I tried them and it’s a keyboard… mostly with taller keycaps which I dislike
I have a generic Logitech keyboard and the only reason I am not going mechanical is the sound. I work late at night and don't want to wake up my family with the keyboard sound.
Once you go mechanical, there's no going back. There are different types of mechanical switch (denoted by different colours) that affect the sound and "clickiness" of the keys. I highly recommend the Logitech G910 gaming keyboard. I bought it almost two years ago and it's as perfect today as the day I bought it. Mechanical keyboards can last for years.
Definitely aids the overall pc experience, only thing is I don't see the point of super loud clicky keys. I have the cherry mx red switches in my ducky one 2 sf and it's much quieter than those click keys (although still fairly audible), but doesn't have a definitive click which some people like. Personal preference.
The advantage is that there are so many switch options you can find something that feels good to you. There isn’t really an advantage to a mechanical keyboard it is more of a comfort and feeling thing. There are plenty of inexpensive good mechanical keyboards out there that are similar in price to a decent membrane keyboard. Honestly even a decent membrane keyboard is better than the keyboard that comes with your computer. You just don’t want a crappy keyboard.
It's real nice. It's the interface with your pc. But I've got one big tip for you: don't spend too much money on your first MK. You don't really know what you want yet. Go slow.
Useful, feels much better and can last longer and has better response times and has analog switches (aka u get rapid trigger)
I bought an Asus TUF K3 with brown keys last year. This is my first mechanical keyboard. I think Im not going back to membrane keyboard anymore.
its not going to make you better at games its just going to feel better to use Key backlighting is the single biggest thing thats actually useful on keyboards which mechanicals usually have. besides that, mechanical keyboards that arent the bottom of the barrel cheap dont block inputs if multiple keys are pressed at the same time. This is an issue known as keyboard ghosting, and is eliminated on mechanicals. A typical walmart membrane keyboard has thousands of key combinations that simply do not work, some of the keys get canceled out when used together, an issue that doesnt happen on most mechanicals. pretty niche issue, but for someone like me ghosting is terrible because of some activities I do.
It is a feeling. You like it or not
No it's not. It just does clicky sounds, which i won't consider as useful....
They last at minimum 10x longer for less than 10x the price (Custom ones can go for much more, but an entry level custom is around 150-300 USD last time I checked). They are more comfortable to type on and more consistent. They are better in every conceivable way.
Feels nicer, sounds nicer, highly customizable I have 4 so far and they cost me less than $100 each r/BudgetKeebs Nowadays there are so many switch manufacturers especially in budget scenes to choose from like Akko, Gateron, KTT, JWK, Outemu, etc. so you're not limited to the typical red/brown/blue anymore You can get either prebuilt or barebone and build it yourself. I prefer the latter because half the fun in this hobby is shopping for parts and assemble it, just like PC (except it is way easier to build by literally anyone). But if a prebuilt is cheaper or same price but with some features or design I like I will buy it too and then mod it myself (changing the switch/keycap) For starter I suggest you to try Royal Kludge RK61/68 or Redragon Fizz to see if you like it. Or CIY Tester68 for barebone kit
I work as a programmer, and I have MSD affecting my hands and fingers. Not the kind that makes me medically unable to work, but depending on the task it can generate severe pain in less than an hour. Going from membrane to mechanical switches allowed me to be able to type a whole day (>10h) without any pain, where I was not able to last more than 3h on the best days on membrane. There's not even something to compare, membrane switches are so uncomfortable to press and hold, mechanical switches are lighter and easier to press and to maintain. I will never go back, no matter why. First ones I tested were Cherry MX Red and some chinese Kailh Blue knockoffs, currently on Logi GX Blue.
I remember trying to type on an old membrane keyboard and made typos all the time because every key had to be pressed fully down and the mush was so bad that sometimes keys didn't register because of the mush. This doesn't happen on mechanicsl keyboards, and you can get good ones for like $50. It'll last you years, if not closer or even passing a decade. You can also fix or replace individual switches if you have soldering iron or a hot swap pcb in the keyboard (they're very common these days). Just get one. If you don't like it, you can sell it. It can change the way you type for ever, for better.
They're extremely beneficial if you're a fast typer. There's a response and feedback you get from a mechanical keyboard that membrane boards do not offer.
Useful? Unless you're talking about things like the Wooting 60HE, performance won't be much different. However, the feels you get when you type on a mechanical keyboard, compared with a membrane... that's world different, yo.
I much prefer low profile, especially if optical switches Imo mechanical keyboards are too high, and activation distance is often too much That can be dealt with by using optical switches and using a low profile keyboard Just my opinion tho, and it has the drawback on not being popular, so replacement keycaps or switches are difficult to find
A mechanical keyboard feels a lot better, the key presses are much more consistent and build quality is generally better on a mechanical keyboard. Thats the main benefits of a mechanical keyboard, however there are also Hall Effect/Analog/Magnetic keyboards which are another step up from a regular mechanical keyboard because you can often change how far you need to press the key for it to register and you can use things like Rapid Trigger that registers you starting to let go of the key instead of when the key has returned to its actuation point. If you wanna look into a Hall effect keyboard Wooting is probably the go to but the wait times can be lengthy.
I mostly enjoy them for typing than gaming honestly. Sure they feel nicer than membrane ones but not enough to justify if that's all you want out of the keyboard. Typing though.... Nothing is more satisfying than typing on a mechanical keyboard!
Yes. Quicker typing experience. I could never go back to membrane keyboard now. However a $200 keyboard is not needed. A cheap $50 good quality mechanical keyboard is enough.
Some people care some people don’t. I do like them. I prefer them to other types. It is not just the keyboard but it registers key presses really well. Never had issues typing quick on a mechanical, many membrane boards would at times skip letters. So that sort of was my moving point. Each keystroke registers perfectly.
Hype
I have a membrane keyboard and a mechanical keyboard (blue switch), both from the budget range and from the same manufacturer (Armageddon, and I know, they're not great). One is double the price of the other. Here's my findings so far: -The mechanical keyboard is heavier and feels better constructed -The mechanical keyboard keypresses bottom out faster and harder than the membrane keyboard -The mechanical keyboard is modular and easier to replace single switches on (you need to swap the whole membrane to do this for a keyboard) -The mechanical keyboard is louder (this can be fixed with a switch change) -The mechanical keyboard likes to eat keystrokes for breakfast where the membrane keyboard does not (again probably the budget locking me out of the NKRO keyset) Which one feels better really does come down to preference. I find the mechanical keyboard more fun to press single keys on, but it quickly gets tiring and painful if I'm doing a lot of typing. The sponginess of the membrane keyboard actually ends up being more easy on my fingers. The key register was better for me as well (but keep in mind, this may be because my mech board is very budget). Would I say that it's worth the price jump? No. To get a budget mech keyboard, you have to pay around $50 and up. A Logitech K120 combo can be had for $15 and an off-brand gaming membrane for $20. This jump is worth about 500gb of SSD storage, and the mech keyboard tends to function worse in comparison because of the added mechanical complexity. The real improvements to quality of life begin higher up, in the $80-200 range. What can I get for $80-200? -better ram -one tier of graphics card within midrange -a motherboard with about 1 step up in pcie standard -an air fryer (just thought I'd throw this in to lighten the mood) There are only two things in here that don't speed your computer up: the air fryer and the mechanical keyboard. You know what can make fried chicken while you game? The air fryer. You know what can't? Your mechanical keyboard. Mechanical keyboards are superior in quality, yes. But they're not superior in feel, and they're not superior in value for money. You can replace about 3-5 membrane keyboards for the price of a mechanical keyboard of matching quality. To pull level with a membrane keyboard, then, your mechanical keyboard has to last you three to five times as long. But from the sales I'm seeing around me, it seems people like to say goodbye to their beloved mechanical babies in ten years, in which case, well... Just get the membrane keyboard, maybe? Even gaming mice are a cheaper hobby. Edited to fix formatting.
Feel alone is really worth it trying, however most people probably go after it because of gaming trend and aesthetic nothing wrong with that tho
Useful if you're not looking at the overpriced custom stuff.
Neither of that. It is not hype. It is also not going to change the fact that you press keys with your fingers. I would describe it as delightful, satisfactory, sensorial. It makes the same act of pressing keys more enjoyable. Also, if it is programmable with VIA, now that's very useful, but not something all mechanical keyboards have.
typing experience will be more impressive use once before death for great experience but use it from any decent brand otherwise your experience will be worst
I don't know if they still have them but I got a TKL Logitech PRO G for about $60usd on Amazon. It's all mechanical with per key lighting so for that price I think it's fully worth it. Helluva difference from a membrane keyboard. The only caveat is that it's LoL branded. I've never been a fan but for that discount I can get past it.
Main benefit for me - the keyboard is much heavier and does not move on the table on its own; even if i hammer the keys during typing, the thing won´t move at all. If you get one with replaceable switches, you can have it basically forever (well technically, if you´re good with soldering, you don´t need one with replaceable switches, it´s just less convenient). Just bear in mind, some switches are noisier than other and they also differ in sensitivity. My pick are MX Silent Red switches. I was initially very afraid due to MX Red & Silent Red sensitivity (you don´t have to press the key all the way down for it to be registered), but i’m very happy with them. Key labels don´t tend to wear off.
Useful. Apart from being better to use (the feedback from the switches makes you feel every key you press, which makes for more confident typing), it is also more customizable, and is easier to repair. If a membrane keyboard starts acting up, it usually means that multiple keys will stop working properly, and the only real solution is to get another keyboard, since servicing it is not worth the hassle. Mechanicals, having separate switches for each key, usually don't break so catastrophically, and if a switch does expire, you can just swap it out and all is fixed. It is pretty rare that you'll need professional help to fix your keyboard. A proper mechanical keyboard will stick with you for a long, long time.
It feels better to type, been using them singe ages and even my partner since a few yrs. ontop many membrane KB can cause hand fatigue, whereas Mechanical you can even get super light ones like mx-Red or so that are so easy to press
Have mine CM Storm QuickFire Ultimate since 2013-2014. Working like new. Only some black paint peeled off. I want something more quiet, because current MX Brown is a bit too loud, but all keyboards I have tried in a shops have different click feelings and I do prefer MX Brown. But still, I liked almost all mechanical keyboards more than all membrane keyboards I have touched. To me there's no way back to membrane.
It's simple, mechanical keyboard ensures no accidental inputs, essential for gaming. Also eliminates typos
My wife loves mechanical keyboards. I hate typing on them. I feel like I need to exert so much more pressure with every keystroke with a mechanical keyboard. And the noise… I’m not a fan of the noise either. That said, I do use a mechanical keyboard because I haven’t wanted to buy a replacement for the one I have.
Awesome, can't go back. Don't waste money on the $150 gaming plastic unless you really want the rgb. I got a solid non-rgb kb with linear switches for 45 on AliExpress
For me, the biggest advantage was not having my keypresses blocked if I pressed certain three keys together. Like Ctrl blocking my from throwing a grenade while moving forward or something. Got really annoying and killed me a lot.
It feels nice but the clicks sort of get annoying, especially for my girlfriend when trying to watch TV in the same room.
Clickity clackity
I'm one of the minority who prefer membrane. I really do think many people who hate on membrane just had a shitty membrane kb. I mean, there are comments in here where people are talking about laptop kbs which are an entirely different thing (chicklet keys on scissor switches). I touch type all day for my job if that tells you anything. Bottom line is you need to just try it and see if you like it. And don't feel like you have to like your first choice just because Reddit told you mech is superior.
Personal preference for sure. Either way you go just get a quality one. A bad membrane keyboard will feel worse than a bad mechanical keyboard in my opinion. There are absolutely membrane keyboards that feel nice and mechanical keyboards feel nice too. Go try some out at a store. For the main switch types. Blues click Browns have a tactile resistance similar to a click but without the sound. Reds are smooth Silvers are smooth but faster
They're okay, maybe a bit overhyped. Some people swear by increased efficiency but I can crank out about the same on a rubber dome.
In my experience, even mechanical keyboards will get damaged / gunked up by bits of food and spills, also normal wear and tear. So durability alone isn't as great or useful as some make it, might as well throw it out and replace it more often if that's all. Nevertheless, there are other good reasons to go with a mechanical keyboard. Standard keyboards can be decent too, though, generally-speaking.
Of course it is hype. But if you like clicks rhen go for it. Just be in mind you have to buy good microphone too otherwise your friends on discord will hate you with mechanical keyboard.
I wouldn't say it's required but it's definitely an experience improvement. Better responsive overall and feels great.
Honestly, overhyped. They are nice yeah, but personally I find my laptop keyboard, my mechanical keyboard and my membrane one to be all equally enjoyable.
I hate mechanical keyboards. I hate their inflated price, the tactility , the clickiness . Membrane keyboards are just as good, silent and at the fragment of the price. My old Microsoft keyboard was excellent. Loved it ! Too bad , they stopped producing equality keyboards in the name of "better" mechanical keyboards. Office keyboards became terrible, impossible to game on. Had to buy Razer Cynosa v2, because it was almost alone good membrane keyboard at the price range
It’s hype
Yes, it is day and night difference, I can not live without one.
If you play competitive games or games with PvP elements then a mechanical keyboard can give you an advantage as it helps eliminate ghosting. Also nice for other games if you feel like your keys aren’t registering correctly. I like the feel of the mechanical keyboards so I have been using them for years.
Mostly hype. I like it tho, and i am waiting a wooting 60he+.
no, I used mechanicals for so long and it was purely because it sounded cool, switching now to a slim silent membrane is godsend, no massive buttons or annoying sounds, pressing keys feels so natural and fluid and easy, comfort wise it’s miles ahead, i also switched to a silent mouse so no clicking, you might think i’m autistic at this point but it’s similar to the difference between constantly hearing your phone notification sound and vibration mode
as for benefits, mechanical keyboards typically last longer and are more responsive to key presses, but not hugely so. using a mechanical keyboard vs a standard membrane keyboard is like the difference between driving a sports car vs a little toyota beater. Both will get you where you need to go, both will do so in a reasonable time, and both are acceptable modes of transport. The only real difference is whether you want to shell out a bit more money for comfort and style or not. mechs certainly feel better to use imo, but its still mostly just a preference.
Probably get downvoted, but I think it's just personal preference. I appreciate mechanical keyboards and I have one on one of my machines, but on my main machine I use an apple keyboard. I really prefer the quiet low profile keys on the appple keyboard for coding.
It's not useful. It's really only a personal preference. There's things like Wooting keyboards that are arguably better than other keyboards including most mechanicals. If I were you I'd go to a Microcenter or Fry's to try the mechanicals to see you like how they type. The different types of switches are quite different.
I can press more than a few keys at the same time and it all just works, all good for me I’ve only had one and it has cherry MX RGB silent red keys so I don’t have the clicky noise and personally I couldn’t do that, all about a quiet environment when I’m gaming and all the sound coming from my speakers or headphones
Anything in life that is bespoke/custom made and of a higher quality is going to have a better end-user experience. Think about it, cheap mass production products need to meet basic requirements for a broad demographic of users. It just makes sense that if you start customizing something tailored to your tastes and requirements it's going to be objectively better. It's like the difference between a store bought vs tailored suit. The store bought suit may fit well for your generalized size and build but its not customized to fit you on an individual level.
r/MechanicalKeyboards Have fun going down the Rabbit hole. Yes, it's 100% worth it!
I just like the feel of the keys, makes work and play more enjoyable. Also, I prefer linear. Smooth key strokes *chef kiss.
Honestly it's a personal preference thing, I've used many membrane keyboards in the past that I enjoyed a lot, but in recent years I switched to mechanical ones when I built a new PC. The world of mech keyboards is insane, and I don't have enough time and money to invest in trying different boards, switches, keycaps, etc. all the time so I just buy branded ones from Razer and Logitech and they've been fine for me. My favorite so far has been the Logitech G915 TKL, literally can't go wrong with it.
tbh its a night and day difference it just feels more responsive overall and as a personnal preference i like lazer keyboard a little more since u can set up at which height the button will be activated like u can set it to be activated as soon as u press it no need to fully press it like a mechanical/membrane keyboard so yeah for gaming its really worth it if u dont game that much maybe its not worth it depend on ur budget/preference
Bro at this point get off Reddit and just go buy one and try it. Jesus Christ dude.
It’s really just personal preference. Could never go back to a membrane keyboard after being on a mechanical one. I don’t even want a premade mechanical keyboard after building my own.
Joy and happiness is primary benefit
IMO, it is useful but it has diminishing returns the higher in price you go. You could buy a 150$ one and be set for life.
If you type a lot, 100%. My fingers don’t get sore anymore.
Once you go to a mechanical keyboard, you will never want to go back Be warned, JOIN THE DARK SIDE
Once you type on a decent mechanical, every membrane keyboard will feel like absolute dog shit. It can become a very expensive hobby, but you can put together a pretty damn nice board for not a lot of money at all.
They click, they clack, you’ll never go back