Every single professional gamer out there realizes the importance of choosing really good peripherals. This includes the perfect gaming keyboard. Choosing one that is really good for you is not at all as easy as you might think. This is because there are countless options that are available for modern gamers.
Keyboards are officially classified based on switch technology used. They are broadly separated into 2 main groups: membrane keyboards and mechanical keyboards. Choosing the best gaming keyboard for you often revolves around differentiating between these two. This is true for all the games you would play, old or new.
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The Mechanical Keyboard
The mechanical keyboard is basically exactly what you think about when you picture a keyboard. It looks classic, has sturdy keyboards and has been around ever since the eighties. Modern mechanical keyboards are made with the use of really good-quality plastic switches that are placed under every single keycap.
Keyboard switches are made out of 3 parts:
- Housing – This is the case that that holds all components.
- Stem – A part under keycaps that can move when it is pressed.
- Keycap –This is the top cap of the key, where you see the number/letter/symbol.
As you type on the mechanical keyboard, you press down the keycap. As a result, the switch under is activated thanks to a spring. The clicking sound appeared so that you know that you actually pressed the key as hard as it has to be pressed for contact to be done.
Tactile Vs Linear
Mechanical keyboard switches are usually tactile or linear. The linear ones have to be pushed until they get in the most possible down position. The tactile switches only require pressing around half that distance. This allows you to move to another key faster.
Cherry MX Switches
During the eighties, Cherry created the Cherry MX Switches. Different modern manufacturers create their own versions. This includes Logitech, Corsair and Razer, among many others.
Every single switch varies and has specific characteristics, like tactile nature, the force needed to use the key and even user preference. Many mechanical keyboards can be customized by replacing their switches and more. Even materials can be changed these days.
Is The Mechanical Keyboard Better For Gaming?
The short answer to this question is yes. This is because of two main reasons:
- The keys are really sturdy and you can easily use the keyboard for a much longer period of time without it breaking. Other keyboard types can easily get ruined by the constant pushing of keys.
- It is easier to control the gaming input because of the fast reactions of the keys.
The only situation in which the mechanical keyboard is not actually the best choice is when referring to gaming laptops. These computers have different keyboards installed since the system of the mechanical key cannot actually be incorporated in the slim designs that modern buyers want these days.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of mechanical gaming keyboards on the market right now. Many of them have various extra features you can take advantage of, like customizable backlight customization. Choose the one that is the best for you but if you are serious about gaming, the mechanical option is always the best one.
