Precision Play: How Mechanical Keyboards Are Changing the Gaming Industry
Introduction
Hi, I’m Fred, a gaming enthusiast and a tech journalist. I’ve been writing about the latest trends and innovations in the gaming industry for over five years. In this article, I’m going to share with you my insights on one of the most fascinating and influential technological shifts in the gaming world: the mechanical keyboard revolution.
If you’re a gamer, you probably know how important it is to have a reliable and comfortable keyboard that can handle your fast and precise keystrokes. Whether you’re playing a competitive shooter, a strategy game, or a casual puzzle, you want a keyboard that can enhance your gaming performance and experience. And that’s where mechanical keyboards come in.
Mechanical keyboards are different from the standard membrane keyboards that most people use. They have individual switches under each key that provide a distinct tactile and audible feedback when pressed. They also have a longer lifespan, a higher durability, and a greater customization potential than membrane keyboards.
But what makes mechanical keyboards so special for gamers? How do they differ from each other? And what are the current and future trends of mechanical keyboards in the gaming industry? In this article, I’ll answer these questions and more, and show you why mechanical keyboards are the ultimate choice for gamers who want to play with precision and style.
What are the different types of mechanical keyboards?
One of the main characteristics that distinguish mechanical keyboards from each other is the type of switch they use. A switch is the mechanism that registers a keystroke when a key is pressed. There are many different types of switches, each with its own feel, sound, and performance.
The most common and popular types of switches are made by a German company called Cherry, which produces the Cherry MX series of switches. These switches are categorized by color, such as red, blue, brown, black, and so on. Each color represents a different combination of actuation force, travel distance, tactile feedback, and clickiness.
For example, Cherry MX Red switches are linear, meaning they have no bump or click when pressed. They have a low actuation force of 45 grams and a short travel distance of 2 mm, making them ideal for fast and smooth typing and gaming. Cherry MX Blue switches, on the other hand, are clicky, meaning they have a loud and satisfying click sound when pressed. They have a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a longer travel distance of 4 mm, making them more suitable for typists who enjoy a tactile and audible feedback.
Other types of switches include Cherry MX Brown, which are tactile but not clicky, Cherry MX Black, which are linear but heavier than red, Cherry MX Green, which are clicky but stiffer than blue, and so on. There are also other brands of switches, such as Gateron, Kailh, Outemu, and Razer, which offer similar or different variations of switches.
The type of switch you choose depends on your personal preference and gaming style. Some gamers prefer linear switches for their speed and consistency, while others prefer tactile or clicky switches for their feedback and accuracy. Some gamers also like to mix and match different types of switches on their keyboard, depending on the function of each key.
To help you compare the different types of switches, I have created a table that summarizes their main features and benefits:
| Switch Type | Color | Actuation Force | Travel Distance | Tactile Feedback | Clicky Sound | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry MX Red | Red | 45 g | 2 mm | No | No | Fast, smooth, quiet |
| Cherry MX Blue | Blue | 60 g | 4 mm | Yes | Yes | Tactile, audible, satisfying |
| Cherry MX Brown | Brown | 45 g | 2 mm | Yes | No | Tactile, quiet, balanced |
| Cherry MX Black | Black | 60 g | 2 mm | No | No | Heavy, smooth, consistent |
| Cherry MX Green | Green | 80 g | 4 mm | Yes | Yes | Stiff, tactile, audible, durable |
| Gateron Red | Red | 45 g | 2 mm | No | No | Smooth, light, inexpensive |
| Gateron Blue | Blue | 55 g | 4 mm | Yes | Yes | Tactile, audible, inexpensive |
| Gateron Brown | Brown | 45 g | 2 mm | Yes | No | Tactile, quiet, inexpensive |
| Kailh Speed Silver | Silver | 40 g | 1.1 mm | No | No | Ultra-fast, smooth, responsive |
| Kailh Box White | White | 50 g | 3.6 mm | Yes | Yes | Tactile, audible, dust-proof, water-proof |
| Outemu Red | Red | 50 g | 2 mm | No | No | Smooth, cheap, reliable |
| Outemu Blue | Blue | 60 g | 4 mm | Yes | Yes | Tactile, audible, cheap, loud |
| Razer Green | Green | 50 g | 1.9 mm | Yes | Yes | Tactile, audible, optimized for gaming |
| Razer Yellow | Yellow | 45 g | 1.2 mm | No | No | Linear, silent, fast, optimized for gaming |
Why are mechanical keyboards better for gaming?
Mechanical keyboards are not only more durable and customizable than membrane keyboards, but they also offer several advantages for gaming. Here are some of the reasons why mechanical keyboards are better for gaming:
- Faster and more accurate input: Mechanical keyboards have a shorter actuation point, which is the distance that a key needs to travel before it registers a keystroke. This means that you can press the keys faster and more accurately, giving you an edge in games that require quick and precise reactions. Mechanical keyboards also have a higher rollover, which is the number of keys that can be pressed simultaneously without missing any inputs. This is especially useful for games that involve complex combinations of keys, such as fighting or strategy games.
- Better feedback and feel: Mechanical keyboards provide a tactile and/or audible feedback when you press a key, letting you know that your input has been registered. This can improve your typing and gaming experience, as you can feel more connected and immersed in the game. Mechanical keyboards also have a more consistent and satisfying feel, as each key has the same resistance and response, unlike membrane keyboards that can become mushy and uneven over time.
- More customization and personalization: Mechanical keyboards allow you to customize and personalize your keyboard to suit your preferences and needs. You can choose from a variety of switches, keycaps, layouts, sizes, colors, and lighting effects to create your own unique keyboard. You can also program your keyboard to have different macros, shortcuts, and functions for different games or applications, making your gaming more convenient and efficient.
What are the current and future trends of mechanical keyboards in the gaming industry?
Mechanical keyboards have been gaining popularity and recognition in the gaming industry for the past few years, and they are expected to continue to grow and evolve in the future. Here are some of the current and future trends of mechanical keyboards in the gaming industry:
- Wireless and low-profile mechanical keyboards: One of the drawbacks of mechanical keyboards is that they are usually bulky and heavy, which can limit their portability and compatibility with different devices. However, some manufacturers have been developing wireless and low-profile mechanical keyboards that offer the same benefits of mechanical keyboards without the hassle of wires and extra weight. These keyboards use Bluetooth or wireless dongles to connect to various devices, such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and consoles, and they have thinner and lighter switches and keycaps that reduce the height and weight of the keyboard. Some examples of wireless and low-profile mechanical keyboards are the Logitech G915 Lightspeed, the Corsair K63 Wireless, and the Cooler Master SK621.
- Optical and analog mechanical keyboards: Another innovation in the mechanical keyboard technology is the use of optical and analog switches, which use light or variable voltage to register keystrokes instead of metal contacts. These switches offer several advantages over traditional mechanical switches, such as faster and more accurate input, longer lifespan, lower latency, and higher durability. Optical switches use infrared beams or lasers to detect when a key is pressed, while analog switches use variable voltage to measure how far a key is pressed, allowing for more nuanced and precise control. Some examples of optical and analog mechanical keyboards are the Razer Huntsman, the Wooting One, and the SteelSeries Apex Pro.
- Modular and hot-swappable mechanical keyboards: One of the most appealing features of mechanical keyboards is their customization potential, which allows users to tailor their keyboards to their preferences and needs. However, changing the switches or keycaps of a mechanical keyboard usually requires soldering or desoldering, which can be difficult and risky for some users. To solve this problem, some manufacturers have been creating modular and hot-swappable mechanical keyboards, which allow users to easily swap and replace switches or keycaps without any tools or soldering. These keyboards have sockets or clips that hold the switches or keycaps in place, and they can be removed and inserted with a simple pull or push. Some examples of modular and hot-swappable mechanical keyboards are the Glorious GMMK, the Drop CTRL, and the Hexgears Gemini Dusk.
How to choose the best mechanical keyboard for your gaming needs?
With so many types, brands, and models of mechanical keyboards available in the market, it can be overwhelming and confusing to choose the best one for your gaming needs. However, by considering some important factors and criteria, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect mechanical keyboard for you. Here are some of the factors and criteria that you should consider when choosing a mechanical keyboard for gaming:
- Budget: Mechanical keyboards can vary widely in price, depending on the quality, features, and brand of the keyboard. Generally, mechanical keyboards are more expensive than membrane keyboards, but they also offer more value and durability in the long run. You can find mechanical keyboards ranging from $30 to $300 or more, depending on your budget and preferences. However, you don’t have to break the bank to get a good mechanical keyboard, as there are many affordable and reliable options available in the market. You can also look for discounts, deals, and coupons to save some money on your purchase.
- Size and layout: Mechanical keyboards come in different sizes and layouts, depending on the number and arrangement of keys on the keyboard. The most common and standard size and layout is the full-size keyboard, which has 104 keys, including the number pad, the function row, and the arrow keys. However, some gamers prefer smaller and more compact keyboards, such as the tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard, which has 87 keys, excluding the number pad, or the 60% keyboard, which has 61 keys, excluding the number pad, the function row, and the arrow keys. These keyboards are more portable and ergonomic, as they take up less space on your desk and allow you to position your mouse closer to your keyboard. They also have a minimalist and sleek design, which can appeal to some gamers. However, they also sacrifice some functionality and convenience, as they lack some keys that you may need for gaming or other tasks. You can also find other sizes and layouts, such as the 75%, the 65%, the 40%, and the split keyboard, which have different combinations and variations of keys on the keyboard. The size and layout of the keyboard you choose depends on your personal preference, gaming style, and available space.
- Switch type and feel: As we discussed earlier, the switch type and feel of a mechanical keyboard is one of the most important and distinctive features of a mechanical keyboard. The switch type and feel determines how the keyboard sounds, feels, and performs when you press a key. There are many different types and brands of switches, each with its own characteristics and advantages. The switch type and feel you choose depends on your personal preference, gaming style, and desired feedback. Some gamers prefer linear switches for their speed and smoothness, while others prefer tactile or clicky switches for their feedback and accuracy. Some gamers also like to mix and match different types of switches on their keyboard, depending on the function of each key. You can also choose from different brands of switches, such as Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Outemu, and Razer, which offer similar or different variations of switches. You can also look for reviews, videos, and sound tests of different switches online to get a better idea of how they sound and feel. However, the best way to choose the switch type and feel that suits you is to try them out yourself, either by testing them in a store, ordering a switch tester, or borrowing a keyboard from a friend.
- Keycaps and lighting: Another factor that you should consider when choosing a mechanical keyboard for gaming is the keycaps and lighting of the keyboard. The keycaps are the plastic covers that sit on top of the switches and have the letters, numbers, and symbols printed or engraved on them. The keycaps can affect the look, feel, and durability of the keyboard, as they come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. The most common and standard keycaps are made of ABS plastic, which is cheap and lightweight, but also prone to wear and tear over time. However, you can also find keycaps made of PBT plastic, which is more expensive and heavier, but also more resistant to fading and shine. You can also find keycaps made of other materials, such as metal, wood, or rubber, which have different textures and aesthetics. You can also customize and personalize your keycaps by choosing different colors, fonts, themes, or designs, or by creating your own keycaps with 3D printing or artisan crafting. The lighting of the keyboard is another factor that can affect the look and feel of the keyboard, as well as the visibility and functionality of the keys. Most mechanical keyboards have backlighting, which means that the keys have LEDs underneath them that illuminate them in different colors and patterns. Backlighting can enhance the appearance and ambiance of the keyboard, as well as the readability and accessibility of the keys in low-light conditions. You can also find keyboards that have RGB lighting, which means that the keys can display any color of the rainbow and have different effects and modes, such as breathing, wave, reactive, or custom. You can also control and customize the lighting of the keyboard with software or hardware, depending on the keyboard model and brand. The keycaps and lighting of the keyboard you choose depends on your personal preference, gaming style, and desired look and feel.
Conclusion
Mechanical keyboards are more than just a fancy accessory for gamers. They are a powerful and versatile tool that can improve your gaming performance, experience, and enjoyment. Mechanical keyboards offer faster and more accurate input, better feedback and feel, more customization and personalization, and more durability and reliability than membrane keyboards. They also come in different types, sizes, layouts, and features, allowing you to choose the best one for your gaming needs and preferences. Whether you’re a casual or hardcore gamer, a beginner or a pro, a fan of FPS or RPG, there’s a mechanical keyboard for you.
