Mechanical keyboards: everything you need to know
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- Опубликовано: 6 июл 2024
- Mechanical keyboards have exploded in popularity over the last few years. Chances are that if you haven't already bought one (or at least thought about it) one of your friends has.
Our mechanical keyboard expert, Jon Porter, guides us through everything from switches, Cherry types, keycaps, ABS & PBT and even his own collection.
Let us know about your keyboard setups and what advice you have for other buyers!
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You forgot to mention about different size of mechanical keyboards: fullsize, TKL, 60%, and many more.
There is a lot to explain. this is merely the tip of the iceberg. unless you want a 8+ hour vid :)
Faiq Hussain yeah haha was very confused when i saw the length of the vid.
thought he would just talk about keycaps lmao
for a video that starts saying everything you need to know about mechanical keyboards - he really failed in not mentioning this, nor mentioning that the chinese mx switch clones means you can get some good keyboards for much cheaper than you could a couple of years ago... mine cost me under $30
@@michaelxz1305 like what?
I'm still using the standard keyboard that came with my old Windows XP pc
He forgot to mention you will most likely to go broke after getting one.
How come? You will keep spending money on new keyboards or? :D
Mini Piez
Tonnes of customization, look it up or buy one to find out :)
I am on the way of going broke :(
You just have to research. A good generic keyboard will cost you between $20 to 40$. A Cherry MX keyboard will cost you between $60 to $200.
ordered a cm quickfire tk and a qisan magicforce, both mx blue, and ordered pbt vortex doubleshot keycaps, wasn't too much atleast
I've literally never had a non-mechanical keyboard fail on me over the past 30 years. That argument is such a terrible pro-mechanical argument.
Good for you. the real arguement for mechanical keyboards is "once you clack, you never go back." some people understand the Catharsis of a Good Tactile keyboard, and others just wont.
I was thinking the same thing. I mean I have replaced them, not due to them not working (present from gf) and that was 8 years ago.... I am now typing you on an 8 year old mechanical keyboard. works like a charm.
I have had rubber dome (you should say rubber dome because you can’t actually define a mechanical keyboard) keyboards that broke, but yeah it still isn’t that great of an argument.
I don't think the issue is that regular, cheap keyboards FAIL. I think they lose their sensitivity, over time. So, the experience of using one when it is brand new is okay, but over time, you have to keep pressing a little harder or deeper in order for the key to register. I'm buying my first mechanical keyboard, so I don't really know.
I know. Most of us are just excited about how different switches sound and how they look. Also sometimes I hit the enter key pretty hard (for some certain reasons) and I like the feeling of assurance that my keyboard can take that damage.
Also more travel distance and spring resistance, makes typing much more enjoyable and bearable on the fingers.
You can also build a mechanical keyboard with custom pcb, plate, case, individual switches and keycaps.
I've been using a mechanical keyboard since 1975!!
Keep in mind that those niche switches are usually used for keys you hammer more, like Enter and Space.
>Zealio
>Lower quality than Cherry MX
Bruh
@@jae6515 by gateron not kailh
@@jae6515 they are by gateron lol
I loved those IBM buckle spring keyboards. 5250 and 3270 terminals came thus equipped. The feel and feedback beats everything else in the ground.
Weird Manufacture such as Zealios, man.. As a Tactile Lovers, you should try Zealios board... you won't touch your MX Clear anymore...
that MX clear will go straight into the garbage where it belongs. Compared to Zealilos V2 or even some Kailh BOX browns Cherry are trash. The best part they make is stabilizers imo.
PREFERENCE ^^
Ergo clears all the way man
@@dylnfstr people swear by a Cherry MX Clear after modifications
Great video, thank you! I have an ergo pro split keyboard by Matias. I use it for data entry at work. My typing is fast and accurate. However, sometimes the keys, mostly the tab key, double strikes. So, if I press tab, it may tab 2 or 3 times. This is a problem for me. This is my first mechanical keyboard. Could it be the way I touch the keys, maybe too lightly or not lightly enough? Or perhaps it's defective? I have removed and re-seated the key cap from the tab key, and it worked great for a couple of days. I can't really spend a lot of time doing anything but typing, and this is totally annoying. Thank you for any feedback.
Valuable material. No nonsense, pure information. Thanks.
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Thank you so much. I've been learning about switches and this is by far the most helpful video to clear my understanding. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for the content! I love your videos
Honestly, I love my blues for gaming. I love that tactile feedback.
get topre if you type for work, cherries are nice but if you want clicky get buckling spring.
who had to replace a keyboard every couple years? wf
bouncybouncy lol was confused too. I have mine for more than ten years and its not even mechanical
yeah, my cheapo 15$ logitech keyboards lasted me 5-10 years, and most of them didn't even break, they just filled up with gunk from food and I was too lazy to clean them(Cleaning membrane, low-profile keyboards is the biggest pain in the ass, basically the same as cleaning a laptop keyboard)
Nobody, that's who. People generally don't replace keyboards because they break, they replace them because they just want something new or that isn't as dirty and covered in grime. I don't blame them: keyboards are a bit hard to clean, as dirt falls beneath the keys. I've had my Logitech K740 (rubber dome keys) for over 5 years now; still going strong.
Matas Kart lol
I haven't been using computers heavily for very long, as I recently went back to school, but I've already replaced 2 in that time. One scissor (circuit died from corrosion from poor MFG) and one membrane Logitech that is only a couple years olld. It still technically works but is so frustrating as the keycaps hang up if you don't press down ONLY VERTICALLY. Infuriating! The chassis on that one also creaks like a haunted pirate ship. Couldn't stand typing on it. MK710 BTW. Common issues with those. I'd rather have my wife hate me for typing on this 2nd hand 10 year old kb with Cherry MX blues that feel Great. Now I'm falling a little down the rabbit hole looking for a quiet, good feeling, durable kb.
Just the video I need. Thanks!
Darn good video, with compact and complete info without explanatory nonsense!
Very helpful and informative video. Thank you very much.
Great video!
my a4tech standard keyboard is now 8 years and i'm still using it. his brother, a4tech mouse died last december. served me well for more than 7 years. got them both for less than 16 usd.
my a4tech keyboard served me all high school
replacing it now with a mechanical one but just happy that it lasted that long
This. Was. Perfect. Thank you 😊
now i can finally understand what my friends are talking about XD
Impressive stuff.
Great summary.
I use a late 1990's Keytronic. It has a ps/2 connector and most modern PC motherboards still have one.
I know everyone raves about cherry mx blues but I have to say I do love my razer orange switches in my blackwiddow chroma v2
Fantastic review
gonna try and make my own mechanical keyboard once i get my desktop fixed! thanks for this good intro!
thanks for this video
Hi Jon - given this (arguably best and very helpful mechanical keyboard overview!) video was a while back, would appreciate your current thoughts on your WhiteFox with Cherry MX Clear - are you still happy? I'm going to buy a WhiteFox before they're gone for good and am torn between Hako Clear and Hako Violet switches (Cherry MX CLear out of stock) options. Maybe time to do a 2019 update on latest/greatest Mech KBs?! With Thanks!
Any information or links to the keycaps shown in this video?
Thanks Porter J.
Could you please tell me if different keyboards have different Clock speeds (Like PS2 Vs DIN5 etc.,).
I have a 8051 Trainer kit that had a keyboard with din5 connector and now is gone bad and same is not available in the market.
So, I just got a new Keyboard with PS2 connecter and replaced its wire(by means of soldering) with that of a DIN5 one right at the PCB end within the Keyboard itself.
Here, I followed the VDGC schema of pin-out for the Male-Din5 connector.
Now when I connect this modified one to that 8051 Trainer kit it doesn't do anything.
When I ON the Trainer kit this keyboard flashes all LEDs (Numlock,scroll-lock,Caps-lock) at once but will not respond to any key that I press on it,
Kindly answer me PLEASE.
Thanks & Regards
I just bought a Cherry keyboard today, second hand from a computer shop because the new one that I bought from the same shop was a cheap rubbish membrane keyboard. You can tell the difference between mechanical and membrane keyboard just by feeling the weight. mechanical keyboard are solid and feels good to type on. Yeah some can be noisy but certainly does the job and last longer.
Bruh this video is so helpful!
How do 'bucking spring' switches (IBM model M) compare with the cherry switches?
You forgot to mention o-rings, very commom mod the mech keyboards. I personaly like because they limit the travel distance and reduce the noise of keycap bumping the switch. Some people hate because aproach to the bumpness of ruberdomes.
Awesome explanation, to the point, explained in simple terms, thanks!
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So then, what is my 15 year old dell keyboard that came free with my old pc? I was thinking of finally upgrading because the spacebar feels soft now...but it still works great!
How do you call the X switches like in Logitech UltraX? Are they mechanical, too? How do you compare These switches to the Cherry and compatible ones?
good to buy for gaming than normal keyboard?
i dont know which one to get, because i can't imagine how it feels to type w diff switches?
I noticed that the blue and white keyboard is 60% size but still has the arrow keys. Can you tell me what build that is?
How do u activate the Scroll lock key on the Left-hand side next to the ALT key?
Where can I get the key cap set on the das keyboard 4?
the orange and black one looks amaaaaazing!!! Where can I get those keycaps?
The Pok3r looks awesome. I want it.
I'm so jelous of that whitefox, it's extremely hard and expensive to get in Mexico. I just recieved a pok3r and it's awesome, also the Novatouch with pbt keycaps it's great.
diegomireles same boat man 😞
Any recommendations on getting a decent /high quality mechanical keyboard with Spanish layout?
Very helpful!
LOL this must be the most technerdiest things ive seen.. I loved it. The nerdier the better.👍🏻
It's nice video, plz make video about mouse
everything you need to know
whats the keyboard on the thumbnail? The white blue one?
Forgot Cherry MX Silvers Personally my favorite
Informative, thanks!
So how fast is your typing?
Mechanical switches have a contact point while membrane boards have two PCBs that have to be depressed all the way to close the circuit. Mechanical switches are a lot more responsive since their actuation distance is shorter but you still get a lot of full travel distance.
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I have a question, oh keyboard master: Where can I find a tkl membrane keyboard which is backlit? preferably in one color, not perma-rainbow mode. Does it exist, or am I chasing a unicorn? I'm also not going to cave for one of those "capacitive" keyboards; I want an old-school membrane. Where have they all gone? Must be tkl and must be membrane. backlit isn't a must; but I really do want the functionality.
Instruction unclear: File for bankruptcy after getting one.
What are kboards w/o f keys are xalled? Is there a term? (Like tkl)
Great introduction
Reddit had me lost
if it offers a better typing experience then it's golden.
Opinions on Kailh and Gateron vs Cherry aren't divided at all lol. Kailh and Gateron have beaten Cherry at their own game, because Cherry got complacent.
What about razor? I don’t know much here, but he mentioned them
@@benc.3128 People tend to say Razor isn't as good
atm i have a razer blackwidow chroma keyboard with green switches. when i typ i dont have like any issues, but when i play a verry tactical shooter like cs go, it lately realy feels like my movement is not registred correctly and it really starts to drive me mental! is it the keys??is it the keyboard that breaks down ?? is it my pc..... its driving me nuts!
I know its 2019 and this video was posted back in 2016, nonetheless, I just re-discovered my lost passion on back I the late 90s old school mechanical keyboards and how fun it once used to be. That being said, I honestly thought all those years (1996 to 2018) they disappeared. So thank you for the awesome educational video about these crazy Cherry Red MX insane keyboards. 🍒 am ready to buy me one!
cherry was a common type of switch in the 90s, i guess the design of those has influenced many of the keyboard switches we see today. Kind of crazy. My personal favorite is the cherry mx red switch, not really a clicky type of person and the cherry mx brown are basically linear as they are a bad designed switch.
@@Nuka_Gaming 1 year later still agreed
Forgot to mention ALPS / Matias.
He could have at least said "...and many more"
are there any oldschool designed keyboards out there? which are mechanical keyboards
What is the name of the orange and black keyboard at 4:34
Where can I buy these keyboards in the UK / online? Thanks
U didn't mention actuation points in the mx red
Is there any ducky mechanical kdyboards
Which switch is in the intro
Did you ever discover if the keyboard you evaluated had buffering, known as n-key rollover. I own an American mechanical keyboard that was a design used by IBM (buckling spring action). This keyboard only had 2 key rollover, which resulted in keyboard lockup, if you tried to use the keyboard while the system was booting. The lockup remedey, remove keyboard power temporarily.
Hey {{3}}! Thanks for commenting. I recently came across the HOTO Compressed Air Capsule and it seems like a game-changer for keeping your desk clean. It offers powerful vacuuming and blowing capabilities, making it perfect for keyboard cleaning and maintaining a spotless environment. The versatile accessories and durable build make it a reliable choice. Check it out!
I hope someone can please assist me. I'm partially blind and want to get a mechanical keyboard with brown switches. I have to type for work, mostly on Excel. After researching, I'd like to find something like the Ducky 2 with black keycaps and white RGB letters. But for the love of God I'm having the hardest time finding something similar. The Ducky 2 had a great look, where the backlighting didn't bleed through around the keycaps. Can anyone help me with a recommendation? BTW the Craft keyboard would be perfect but I need a black keyboard with white letters, as I can see it better.
At 1:45, I like the disappearing key effect. :-)
Wat abaut the size of keybor meny keybord dot hav num pud
Damn, I missed my orange-black tai-hao keycaps
whats the white blue silver one from the video called
good video!
on point, not boring and filled with actual relevant information.
Thank you.
I have the Filco Majestouch 2 Ninja Tenkeyless Cherry Brown and I thoroughly recommend it. I recommend the Ninja keycaps more generally too. I sit at a lower angle to the keyboard, so they're more visible against the glare of my monitor, and the typography doesn't wear because the print is on the side of the key, as opposed to the top.
make a video to update note 3 to note 7, but choose a good custom rom
Yesterday, I watched a RUclips video on this subject and got all excited and started looking for a replacement for my current (silent) board. I am not a gamer so am not interested in all the extras they are looking for, so that any board which included the word "gamer" or the like, I ignored. I was unable to locate a board which was USB and included multimedia keys. Note: I have found wireless ones temperamental and have given up on those especially as I have never had any problems with wired ones. True, I only spent an hour looking. Any suggestions?
Many thanks. I browsed Amazon and found just what you suggested. I was also lucky enough to find a minimally used second hand one.
I have one of the razer keyboards with their proprietary switches, and I prefer the cherry mx.
Buckling springs will always feel the best to me
2:27 So why do other article say that browns are the most tactile switches?
Currently use the Cherry MX blacks, would like to build a custom keyboard with the best switches available for typing, which would those be? Talking absolute best here.
Subjective. Check out Alps SKCM switches.
good vid
Zealios are lower quality than Cherry MX??? I disagree
As he said its different for everybody. I havent tried them tho but it looks quite good
@Matt Insett no you uninformed dumbass
Ok so I have a question hopefully someone can give me a bit of advice. I am a Starcraft 2 player and I currently use a Razer Cynosa Pro keyboard and honestly it works perfectly fine as any decent mechanical keyboard. BUT I kinda feel maybe is a bit too large and sometimes my fingers cannot reach the desired hotkeys during gameplay. So I was wondering if there is a good mechanical keyboard you can recommend that might be smaller. Specially I have trouble reaching fast with my left hand between the F1 and F4 hotkeys. Like I can obviously do it but not as fast as I was used to when I used a laptop. Thanks in advance
Maybe a 65% keyboard. I know you made this comment 4 years ago but someone's got to answer lol. 65% are pretty small and the F keys are actually integrated into the number keys
I didn't really know that two types of keyboards existed. We some membrane keyboards in our dad's store. But there was TVS gold which was mechanical and only office people bought it. I didn't give af. It was years ago. But once I went to my bank for a student loan and saw that keyboard there. The employee typed on it, my ears were extremely satisfied. And now I think it's okay to spend a ton on keyboards if you like it.
What about ROMER G switches, in my experience, they are pretty good, but they have a really low lifespan, and the connector between the switch and the keycap is extremely brittle, composed of 4 small pieces of plastic, if one of them breaks you can A, just use it as is, or B replace both the switch and the keycap. The plastic is stuck inside the switch its self and the keycap can no longer attach.
Hello! Good information. I'm quite the typist at my job and miss my old mechanical Dell keyboard - I have it at work and bought an adapter so I could plug it into my new desktop with a USB. I do hope that works. If not - I'll be wanting to buy something: my question is - are the newer manufactured mechanical keyboards wireless? Thanks.
Diana Verhulst There are wireless mechanical keyboards! If i’m correct the Corsair k65 is one.
@@chrono8966 The corsair k65 is not a very good wireless keyboard for the price point. It's poorly constructed and has really bad build quality all around. If you need a wireless mechanical keyboard, I believe das keyboard sells some and a really good option would be an anne pro.
I have an old mechanical keyboard from my former machine that was working on Win XP, and I can't find a driver update for using it on Win 7. Even the brand name is not written on the keyboard. Only the model KB-9966 is written underneath.
It only took about two seconds with Google to find out the KB-9966 is a Compaq keyboard.
i need that IBM
I mostly care about switching caps. Do I have to look for words like ‘hot-swappable’ ? There are so many 60% boards out there but I'm confused on which ones can switch caps or compatibility
hotswappable means that it can take out the switches not the key caps. Any keyboard can take out the key caps.
Just love how many choices there are when it comes to this stuff. Can buy multiple boards and have different set ups. Change the boards out during the week like you do with shoes and clothes! lmfao. Thats what I tell myself to make it okay to buy all this different stuff :D.
Would be great if there was a chromeos vwrsion
How much is the White Fox and where can I buy it beside Massdrop?
You can buy it from people willing to sell theirs but people who buy them are probably not willing to sell them. I think on their blog the Whitefox expected to re launch sometime in Q4 2016.
Gateron master race, mod some clears with 62g gold springs and lube, thick pbt keycaps and you're in heaven
sip socketed zealiostotles reporting in, can't hear you over the clicks
Gateron are already so smooth though. why would you need to lube them?
Gateron has so much fuckin wobble, Kailh masterrace
Sorry but the Model M is not from 1985, there is a timestamp just at the left of the P/N, timestamp saying : 1989-11-02
The Model M started being produced around 1984 actually.
@@iProgramInCpp
He meant that the particular model m in the video wasn't from 1985.
Nice review and the info you shared are very reliable. You forgot to mention sizes though.