A lot of people rave about them but I can't see how they can be that much different/ better? And they seem pretty noisy which I think would get annoying?
Are Mechanical Keyboards Worthwhile?
alex123711 on 12/09/2021 - 17:10
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After using two mechanical keyboards, (both the Keychron K6 and K1 V4), I can safely say that I prefer 'normal' membrane/scissor keyboards.
My main device is a 2019 15" MacBook Pro and the keyboard on that is extremelyyyyy shallow. So switching between that and a mechanical keyboard felt like a rollercoaster ride. Recently I decided to switch to the new Apple magic keyboard (the one with the rounded corners) and it is soooo much better. I also tend to make less mistakes when typing, and it is also a lot quieter.
But like everything in life, you don't know until you try. So I suggest you give a shot and see what you think, you never know if you might be building custom keyboards in a couple of months time.
I'm on my keyboard for WFH and find they're great.
I use a cheap MK from China and then I went the Keychron route with a k4v2 and aside from Bluetooth latency it's been great.
They definitely are, had the same one for the last 9 years and has held up great. How noisy they are completely depends on which switch you choose to get, some are very clicky and loud while others are the opposite
Going from a variety of mechanical kbs and then to mx keys, I’d say there’s no real huge benefit of mechanical.
What's the mx keys like? It seems to get lots of good reviews, but I'm not sure I can justify $150+ for a keyboard. Anywhere I can try one out?
Anywhere I can try one out?
officeworks should have them ..not sure i would suggest you touch it in the current covid climate though.
I like the MX keys, easily swap between pc/laptop/ smart devices. Keys have a nice tacticle response.
No obnoxious click clack (I am aware you can get silent mech switches BUT WHATS THE POINT???)
And you get a nice set bonus when paired with mx master mouse, LMAO
Try before you buy. As customisable as the switches can be, it's still not for everyone. My partner prefers the Logitech MX Keys over anything I've had her type on.
What's the mx keys like? It seems to get lots of good reviews, but I'm not sure I can justify $150+ for a keyboard. Anywhere I can try one out?
It really depends. Good keyboards are good keyboards imo. The whole concept behind what is and isn't a mechanical keyboard is a fuzzy area to begin with, so meh.
My wife for example uses a mechanical keyboard with MX Silent Black which is relatively quieter than non-silent switches. She uses that one at work and she's been loving it so far.
I personally like using a mechanical keyboard because you don't have to press as hard, the key feel is not "mushy" and you get a lot of options with the keycaps. I like using a linear switch for typing, but I have bit of everything so I kinda rotate between what I have.
you don't have to press as hard
It's absolute magic to me that people can apparently type at any actual speed without bottoming out.
I'm loud af when I type, even on a regular keyboard.
Well, you still can bottom out without being too forceful. Just slightly reduce the force, that kind of stuff.
So softer bottoming out, since where the key registers on the mechanical keyboard is above the bottoming out point, it registers.I think membrane + rubber dome keyboards are worse for that tbh, since it has to bottom out to register a key press so you have to make sure it bottoms out completely.
Pretty much the mushy feel vs very tactile. Also mk is very consistent because of this.
In my opinion, definitely, especially if you get into the custom mech realm. A pricey one though, keep that in mind. I'd much rather use a mech keyboard than a membrane one, the customisability is endless.
And they seem pretty noisy which I think would get annoying?
Then get linear switches or silent switches; the 'annoying' ones are clicky switches, which are quite loud.
I've been into custom mech keyboard modding, and it's pretty fun and satisfying.
As to whether mech keebs are better than membrane keyboards, it's entirely personal preference. No single keyboard is 'better' than another, some people like rubber dome, some like heavy black switches.
If you want, you can order switch testers online to see what you do and don't like, this is generally a good starting point in the mech keeb scene.Yes. You can spend $100 on a mid-range board from a good brand (e.g. Ducky) and it'll last you for 10+ years. I still have one that I bought in 2013 and still use on a daily basis.
I wish more of the PC community realised this, but the most valuable purchases I've made are keyboards and monitors. That 780 Ti and 4930K I bought back in 2013, yeah, that's worthless today. My mechanical keyboard and great 1440p monitor I bought are still going strong.
I had a 70~80 dollars cheapo Mechanical keyboard by CM Storm from an Ozbargain deal. It had a Cherry MX Brown switch and it lasted me around 5 years? The switches didn't break, the PCB got damaged from how I spilt coffee twice (or even more) on it which got worsened when I tried to solder and desolder to modify things. If it weren't for that I probably would still have it with me right now.
I do recommend Leopold if you don't mind having no RGB on your keyboard. Solidly built with foam inside, compatiable with Cherry Profile keycaps, and the keycaps that it comes with are fairly decent imo.
I bought a mechanical razor keyboard when on sale for WFH just prior covid and regret the decision. It was loud, heavy and added no real benefit compare to the $30 budget crap in the office. It also makes typing during conference call very annoying. I still use it now because it is nice quality and looks good.
Looking at any deals on a RBG membrane keyboard , preferably wireless.
Razer's aren't really a good example of a good mechanical keyboard, they're overpriced, build is just ok, switches are scratchy, stabilizers are rattle-galore and the keycaps are thin ABS and a non standard layout.
Agree with your comment regarding Razer quality.
I have had a few products - keyboard and 2 mices.
It took some time, but I finally realised that the best thing about the brand is the marketing.
Their products are not representative of their image.
Not all mechanical keyboards are the "same" like all cheap keyboards are not the same. Some are good and some people do not like. Most mechanical keyboards I have used need more force to press a key in order to activate it, but they are more tactile, so bad and then good.
I would go into Hardley Normal or Office works and play with the keyboads before buying any and if you cannot do this then WAIT, but if you need a keyboard buy a $10 to $15 cheapie until you can. If you do not then you may end up with a keyboard you like or maybe not and you may not be able to return it depending on the store's return policy.
They last longer, but like most interface devices, it depends on what you prefer.
I used to have a mechanical, but the missus complained that it was so loud, it kept her up at night.
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/kogan-full-rgb-mechanical-keybo…
Been using this one since January and I don't like it. The keys are too big and it's noisey.
I think so.
I bought a Topre Realforce from PCCG back in 2012 and it's still perfect.
Great to type on too (variably weighted keys).
Paid $235 but from what I can see they've gone up in value.
There can be crap mechanical keyboards and good ones. You also have to do a bit of research into the varying different types of key switches that are available in the market since the switch is what dictates how a keyboard feels (and sounds). They're usually categorized into 3 major types. But most people won't have the luxury of comparing all three switches at the same time, unless you bought a switch tester kit or tried out a computer store's demo unit.
I've been through a few mechanical keyboards and have tried the major switch types, with brown switches being my preferred. However I've found the membrane-based Logitech Mx keys to be my favourite daily driver KB as of a few months ago — took a while to get used to since I've been using mechanicals for nearly a decade but the Mx Keys shows that a well designed membrane keyboard can provide a very satisfying typing experience and hold up to a mechanical in terms of typing comfort. (it is very expensive though).
For gaming though, I'd still connect my brown switch keyboard. It feels rather awkward to game on a low-profile membrane KB.
I understand your question OP. I didn't quite have this issue because I started using computers with mushy keyboards that were in a word, utter crap. I was then able to transition to the glorious Model M's by IBM and their quality was night and day. Time went on and I eventually ended up using cheap membranes - but at least these were still 100x better than the mushy rubber ones from before. Now I'm back to using a mechanical but haven't gone the really expensive route. I have a durgod which is pretty darn good quality for it's price. I spent in the neighbourhood of $130.
Like other comments have mentioned, not all MK are equal. There are cheap ones and pricey ones, also with differing levels of quality. And of course, a good deal of experience is subjective, so again, makes it difficult to quantify.
I suppose you could compare it to a really good quality pen on good quality paper. The writing experience is going to feel so much better than paper of lower stock and a pen that is rubbish. (Although, to be honest, even the cheapest pens now are of a decent quality)
If you are tempted to grab Model M, I am sure Unicomp still produces Model M based on the later models that were produced by Lexmark. :D
I kinda want that one, but shipping does make it slightly more expensive than what I'd like to pay :'(
Thanks. Am aware, but the pricing is wee bit too rich for my taste. I mean I've wanted to go back to an MK for years and years now. I just couldn't make myself spend the money when a regular membrane could be had for 20-30 and the fact that the keyboard I was using was still functioning. The only reason I finally pulled the trigger was because my 9 year old Logitech G110 started getting flaky. It was still working but I had to periodically unplug the usb cord for it work after waking up the computer. After months of doing this, and seeing a sale on the Durgod, a moment of weakness overtook me. Hahahahaha
edit My usual sensibilities might have been pained by my moment of weakness, but it's a joy to use the keyboard. So, no regrets and absolutely grinning each time.
I think as long as you get joy out of it, it's not bad :D I think there is a moment when something becomes a hobby (where you buy things for joy they bring, not out of need).
Anyways, sounds like you are enjoying your keyboard :)
Model Ms are hard to beat - if you can get one. I have three, all working. The one I am using was made in 1989. Really worth the effort if you can.
I can do without the clacking. Also, quite like short-travel. Logitech mx-keys for me.
Looks guiltily at the 10 or so hand soldered custom keyboards amounting to over $1000 sitting around
Well… "worth it" is a relative term you see…
Soldered keyboards are one of the reasons that stopped me from getting a custom kb apart from the cost. I knew I wanted to try all kinds of switches instead of being fixed to one per kb. Which is why I went with a hot-swappable one for my first custom kb. Finally settled on the silent Gazzew Bobagums with 52g springs and they are a joy to type on.
Bobagums are a great choice.
Most of mine are soldered with hot swap sockets. It would be well over $1500 if I'd not been able to recycle switches. My favourite MXs have been the Boba U4s, just wish they were a little lighter.
My daily drivers these days are all LP Choc switch keyboards however, with 25g springs.
I've always wanted to try LP switches but there aren't a lot of nice looking PBT shine-through keycaps to choose from, especially in white. What keycaps are you using?
@Castaelux: Some custom resin printed ones that are LP key spaced, for a tighter keyboard feel.
They're printed using ABS-like resin, which feels quite nice but is obviously not PBT.
It's a personal preference really. I've always liked keyboards with a lot travel and I got tired of replacing membrane keyboards because the space key failed so I went mechanical and I haven't looked back. I feel I'm far more accurate with a mechanical keyboard too. When I type on a really low travel keyboard and I can't stand it. I really don't like Apple keyboards for this reason. As to noise that really depends on the switch. I've seen in numerous PC stores a Cherry MX demo pad where they have all their switches that you can try out. My current KB has MX blues in it and is quite loud, WebEx always pops up messages about background noise when I'm on a conf call, but that doesn't bother me as I really like the feel of them. Plus I normally wear headphones or have music playing on speakers as I've WFM for that last 5 years.
My first mechanical keyboard was a Razer Blackwidow with green (clicky) switches and they looked and sounded cool when they first came out. Now I can't even stand clicky switches and I'm glad I never went back. In terms of being "worth it", it has definitely stopped sounding annoying everytime I used the keyboard for me and the people around me. I have silent switches and they are light to type on and I don't have to bottom-out each time I hit a key. My fingers don't feel tired even after typing for 10+ hrs straight.
Honestly though, if it's something you constantly use and will do so in the future it is worth the investment not only in QOL but also knowledge. I went with a hot-swappable one for my first customised mkb where I could try out and change switches without committing to just one. It was TKL (tenkeyless) because I didn't need the numpad and wanted more space for my mouse, but couldn't commit to a 60% because I need the function keys for gaming.
Basically every aspect of a mechanical keyboard is customisable. What you can choose from but are not limited to:
- having RBG or none
- how your case looks, how heavy your case is, the profile of your case (tilt angles)
- how your keycaps look and feel (whether u want ABS which are smooth or PBT which are textured)
- how your heavy your switches are, how they sound, how they look (you can select from different housing, stems, springs)
- different sizing and layouts of the kb (Full, TKL, 87, 60%, 40%)
- whether cords are detachable and how they look (new trend is the aviator cable which lets you quick disconnect and connect to a variety of input/output types)If all this information is too overwhelming, I suggest you watch the tutorial videos from TaeKeyboards. He's also Aussie so that's a bonus. When you do finally decide to get a mkb, please please please don't ever ever ever get clicky switches (:
I spent around $80 something on a Logitech G610 Brown and haven't had any regrets.
There are various switches and each has a different feel and sound level so it's something you need to try before you buy really.My typing is more accurate on a mechanical keyboard, but membrane keyboards are better for the workplace (quieter). It's all subjective, though. You're better off trying one and seeing if you like it.
Prior to being stuck working from home I used an older Microsoft sculpt keyboard as I was starting to develop carpal tunnel syndrome from all the typing I did at work on a membrane standard layout keyboard. The sculpt is also membrane, but the ergonomic shape fixed up the problem.
At home I was using my laptop keyboard and as this was less than ideal I ended up getting a Ducky with cherry brown switches as I think everyone else in my house would kill me if I went with blue switches. Whilst the Ducky is not ergonomic in shape, the feedback from the keys allows me to type in a way that hasn't caused a return of the carpal tunnel issues. My wife bought a new Sculpt for her use at home and I find the responsiveness and feel of the keys soft and non-precise.
In addition to writing a lot for work (80-100 page documents are not rare), I am also doing part time university and writing 20 page reports, so I do spend a lot of time at my keyboard. The $150 I spent on the Ducky were well worth it.
There are ergonomic mechanical keyboards if you are interested, though, that's another rabbit hole :)
Any recommendations?
It's unfortunately not the rabbit hole I got into, but Alice layout looked "ergonimic-y" with the angling on the alpha and modifiers.There was "Calice" which is Alice layout with Function row (so F row) which looked interesting. ErgoDox looked interesting with the split.
Though as I said, I am not an ergonomic keyboard person myself. Think of my list as, something popped up on my feed and I happened to remember them for some reason.
So you might benefit from say going onto a keyboard enthusiast group. There is Mechanical Keyboard Australia (AUMK) on Facebook, r/MechanicalKeyboards on reddit and bunch of discord groups (that I have little clue on).
does mx keys have macros?
I dont like mechanical keyboards even though the one I use everyday is a Corsair K70 SE. Had another mechanical for a year previous but was told that the MX speed keys on the corsair would be a huge improvement for noise and response. It is, but membrane style keys are so much easier to type and use. My fingers press other buttons because of the height of the keys and noise which is supposed to be low on that model is still high, only low for mechanical keys. Mechanical keyboards are more for tactile response when playing games. The problem is they put all the best features into mechanical boards, so you either have to put up with it or get something of lesser quality. If I was you I would not go mechanical and try and get the best one you can in other formats
It's subjective. Some people like them, some do not. Try them out for yourself when you can and see if they work for you.
Larger JB HiFi and Harvey Norman Home stores have display models with different switch types to try out.