History of Mechanical Keyboards

Mechanical keyboards have been around since the late 19th century when the first typewriter machines were invented. These early typewriters used individual mechanical components beneath each key that produced the distinctive typing sound. As personal computers became mainstream in the 1980s, the first keyboard designs migrated the typewriter mechanism to be used as an input device for computers. However, the more cost-effective membrane keyboards soon took over the consumer market in the 1990s.

While mainstream adoption shifted to cheaper keyboards, mechanical keyboards found a dedicated following among typing enthusiasts and specialists. Several niche keyboard manufacturers kept producing customizable mechanical keyboards targeted at professional users and hobbyists. In recent years, mechanical keyboards have witnessed surging interest from gamers and programming communities who seek precision, customization and longevity from their input devices. Major PC peripheral brands have also released their lines of mechanical gaming keyboards, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Key Differences from Membrane Keyboards

Unlike Mechanical Keyboards that use thin flexible plastic sheets beneath each key, mechanical keyboards house individual mechanical switches below each keycap. The most common switch types are Cherry MX, Gateron and Kailh switches that operate using a spring-loaded plastic or metal stem that pops back up when the key is released.

This mechanical design offers audible and tactile feedback when keys are pressed compared to the mushy feel of membrane keyboards. It allows each keypress to be registered instantly without debouncing delays. Mechanical switches are also rated for 50-100 million keystrokes which is significantly more durable than membrane keyboards rated at as low as 10 million presses.

The modular design of mechanical switches also enables users to modify or replace individual keys compared to replacing entire sections in membrane keyboards. There is a huge selection of aftermarket keycap sets, switches and customization accessories available to configure mechanical keyboards according to preferences.

Popular Switch Types

Some of the most popular switch types found in mechanical keyboards include:

Cherry MX Red - Linear and lightweight switches without tactile bump but produce consistent feedback. Preferred for gaming due to fast actuation.

Cherry MX Brown - Tactile bump offers physical confirmation of actuation without audible click. Balanced for both typing and gaming use.

Cherry MX Blue - Tactile and clicky switches with audible click sound. Preferred for typing tasks demanding precise feedback.

Gateron Yellow - Budget option often hailed as smoother than Cherry MX Red or Black switches for gaming.

Kailh Speed Copper - Linear gold-plated switches designed for very short actuation travel of just 1.1mm. Highly responsive choice for competitive gaming.

The choice of switches deeply impacts the typing experience on mechanical keyboards. Switch testers allow users to try different switch types before investing in a full-sized mechanical keyboard. It is recommended to choose based on primary use case and typing style preference.

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