Are Mechanical Keyboards Worth it?
Are mechanical keyboards worth it? Many ask This question when you have Mechanical Keyboards at a price tag of $100 to even exceeding four figures.
Due to this, people tend to be unsure if investing in something a bit pricey is worth the money. But those who use these Keyboards can vouch for how durable these Mechanical Keyboards are. Not only they are super responsive, but also give off a tactile feeling to typing.
In this article, we will go over things you will need to keep an eye on to check their worth which is the type of switches and their brands. The main reason why mechanical keyboards have a high price is because of the type of mechanical keys used.
Quality Brands of Mechanical Keys
The main factor that will bring your Keyboard worth is the brand to which the keys might belong. Some of these brands are written below.
- Cherry MX
- Kalih Switches
- Gateron Switches
- Razor Switches
The brands you use to buy your mechanical keys from will build the worth of your keyboard. For example, Cherry MX has Keys which are a bit pricier than other brands, The reason is their premium build.
Cherry MX has been a brand in business for decades. Due to their German manufacturing standards, Cherry MX keys are more responsive and durable rated for 50 million keystrokes or more, which outlast cheaper switches.
Types of Mechanical Keys By Color
After you have selected the brand to buy from, you only need to choose the color of these switches. Most of the brands have the same color code so you don’t need to worry. The colors in question are Blue, Red, and Brown. You might find switches with more colors but I’ve only stated the commonly used ones here.
Red Switches
- Type: Linear
- Feel: Smooth with no tactile bump or click.
- Actuation Force: ~45g
- Noise: Quiet
- Use: Popular for gaming due to fast and consistent key presses without resistance.
Brown Switches
- Type: Tactile
- Feel: Has a slight tactile bump, but no click sound.
- Actuation Force: ~45g
- Noise: Moderately quiet
- Use: Great for a mix of typing and gaming, offering feedback without the noise of clicky switches.
Blue Switches
- Type: Clicky
- Feel: Noticeable tactile bump with an audible click.
- Actuation Force: ~50g-60g
- Noise: Loud and clicky
- Use: Ideal for typing enthusiasts who enjoy tactile feedback and loud sound but are less practical in quiet environments.
Are Mechanical Keyboards Worth it?
Here are some reasons why I believe mechanical keyboards are worth it compared to Regular or membrane Keyboards
1. Durability
Mechanical switches are premium built like Cherry Mx. These are typically rated at 50 million keystrokes or more which makes them more durable compared to membrane keyboards, which wear out faster.
2. Typing Experience
Mechanical keyboards provide better tactile feedback. Depending on the switch type (linear, tactile, or clicky), you can customize the feel to match your preference—whether it’s smooth, bumpy, or clicky. This can make typing more satisfying and accurate.
3. Comfort and Ergonomics
Because of the consistent feel and feedback, mechanical keyboards can reduce fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. The ability to press keys without bottoming out (hitting the keyboard deck hard) can also be gentler on your fingers.
Drawbacks to consider
While many will find Mechanical Keyboards advantageous to have, it also has its drawbacks like:
- Price: Mechanical keyboards are more expensive than membrane keyboards, sometimes costing several times more.
- Noise: Depending on the switch type, they can be loud, which might not be ideal in shared spaces.
- Weight: They are typically heavier and bulkier, which may not be great for portability
If you type a lot, game competitively, or just want a long-lasting keyboard that feels great, a mechanical keyboard is usually worth the extra cost! For more articles, consider visiting our Keyboards category.