If you are a PC gamer, there are a multitude of ways for you to completely enhance your gaming experience. The same goes if you are just a regular guy who’s always in front of the computer whether as a job or as a hobby. Some would enhance their PC experience by buying high-end GPUs and the latest processors available. Then there are others who choose to enhance their experience by buying peripherals that help revolutionize the way they play or work.
Keyboards are very essential for anyone that owns as PC as it is the primary way of controlling a computer. Pre-built PCs and laptops all come with a keyboard as a package but there are times when this finally breaks down. If you are one of those individuals who is currently looking for a new keyboard, then it might be time to change your PC experience buy going from regular hardware to a mechanical keyboard.
What Is A Mechanical Keyboard?
A mechanical keyboard isn’t your run-of-the-mill keyboard. It is built with high quality and most commonly, the keys are spring activated so they fill crisp to press. Gamers and just about anyone can really feel the difference of a mechanical keyboard over a standard keyboard as the keys respond better. They also pop up and down at a better rate, meaning you can get into successive presses without having to sacrifice comfortability.
This is not the only thing that makes a mechanical keyboard different from a standard keyboard. Aside from that, other improvements include framing, functionality, key constructions, customizable LED lighting, and more. Of course, these fancy enhancements come at a price as these keyboards are more expensive than regular ones.
The budget range for cheap mechanical keyboards is around $80-100. For that price, you can already buy two or three standard keyboards from top brands. If you are looking for something high-end, then you may end up spending well over $200 for one. However, the common price for a decent mechanical keyboard is right around the $150 mark.
If the price of a mechanical keyboard is enough to turn you off of buying one, then you may want to read on. A lot of gamers are wondering whether or not those pricey $120 white mechanical gaming keyboards they saw earlier is worth it. While everyone is entitled to his own preferences, there are reasons why you should go from regular to mechanical as soon as possible.
Why It Is Worth Getting
Comfortability At Its Finest
Mechanical keyboards are designed with comfort in mind above anything else. Upon pressing a key, you’ll immediately feel the difference in how the tabs handle the pressure made by your fingers. On a membrane keyboard, you may feel a few discomforts at times for a few reasons. First off, the keys are not always ergonomically designed. Those membrane keyboards with flat keys are really rough on our hands.
Secondly, membrane keyboards just don’t feel as soft and as great when being pressed. If you are in the process of writing a lengthy article, you may feel as if your fingers are starting to wear out. On a mechanical keyboard, each press feels progressively lighter which will make you keep going with your work without any discomfort.
Best Feedback Possible
When it comes to feedback, mechanical keyboards are the gold standard. Every press will immediately come through and it’s great for helping you keep focused at what you are doing. If you are one of those people that love feedback of typewriters from way back when then you’ll be glad to know that mechanical keyboards are a tribute to that era.
Durability Like No Other
The keyboard is one part of a PC or a laptop that’s the most susceptible to getting broken as it is the most commonly used hardware. Membrane keyboards are built to last but you are lucky if you go through a year or two without any issues. Its keys, in particular, become more problematic over time as more presses wear it out.
Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, are built to last. You’ll need to press a key at least 50 million times before it begins to weaken. By comparison, a membrane keyboard’s keys will begin wearing out after 15 million presses or so. It is not just the keys that are more durable, as the frames of mechanical keyboards are as well.
Stylish Aside From Functional
Aside from being more comfortable and functional than membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards are also very stylish. If you are a gamer that loves keeping an edgy and techy feel to his rig, then you’ll only achieve that by buying a mechanical keyboard. They are sleek, minimalist and most importantly, futuristic in design.
That stylishness goes beyond how it looks. Mechanical keyboards that come with LED lights look as every bit amazing as you think it would be. It’s a plus if you are allowed to customize the lights that appear in between the keys.
Crisp With Every Press
Membrane keyboards feel rather soft and bouncy when pressed. While this may seem like a trivial matter at first, this can greatly affect your work. Since the keys are too bouncy, there are times when it’ll feel like you’ve hit a key properly when in fact, you didn’t press it at all. Upon looking at whatever it was you were writing, it is already riddled with errors and typos.
That’s not a problem with mechanical keyboards as each press feels crisp and solid. You can immediately tell if you were unable to hit a key properly. This benefits gamers mostly as thanks to its feel, they can easily pull off those advanced combos in fighting games.
It’s Versatile
It’s great for writing long articles and essays and it’s also great for gaming as well. In general, regular keyboards are so-so when it comes to typing jobs and gaming. However, mechanical keyboards take things up a step further by being more versatile. Instead of being a Jack-of-all-trades and a master of none, mechanical keyboards are a master of everything.
If you are looking for something to compliment your work and your gaming habits, then a mechanical keyboard is the right one for you.
What To Look For In A Mechanical Keyboard
- Brand – Since this is a piece of tech we are talking about, the brand really matters. There are many companies that make mechanical keyboards but obviously, you should rely on ones that are already tried and tested. These brands include Corsair, HyperX, Razer, Logitech, Steel Series, and Alienware just to name a few. Do take note that with a great brand comes a great price but it will probably be worth it.
- Noise – Mechanical keyboards produce sounds when pressed. The loudness varies with each keyboard but if you aren’t fond of such noises, be sure to check out if one is too loud for your taste. Almost all mechanical keyboards produce a noisy albeit satisfying click.
- Reviews – There are plenty of user reviews about mechanical keyboards online so be sure to check at least two or three for the piece you are eyeing. Browse for pros and cons, as well as potential issues.
Mechanical keyboards are readily available over at your closest tech store. If you are still not bought into the idea of getting a keyboard that’s more expensive than regular ones, then you can simply test out how it feels at said tech stores. Trust us when we say that the difference is immediately felt and you’ll come begging for more.
