Mechanical Keyboard Buying Guide

 When looking to buy a mechanical keyboard, there can be sometimes an information overload. To understand why you need to consider before buying one, we must look at where they shine. Their applications come directly from their inherent qualities, these keyboards use high-quality switches that are rated for between 20 and 50 million key-strokes. They require a consistent downward actuation force and provide an unmatched consistency. Therefore, these keyboards are perfectly suited for situations that require long-term sustained use, and areas that require quick unfaltering performance. This carves out two specialty user groups, modern professionals and gaming enthusiasts.

For the modern professional that spends a lot of time in front of a computer, one of the most common reasons for wrist and hand fatigue is having to use inconsistent force to mechanical keyboard press different keys. This prevents the typist from forming a rhythm that can help get through their work quickly and painlessly. For gamer that demands precise and quick key-presses, the performance and durability of the mechanical keyboard make it an obvious choice.

In the market today there are a variety of manufacturers making several different models of mechanical keyboards, some of them are summarized below:

Cherry MX Blue Keyboards- These provide a tactile feel and an audible click

• Das Keyboard Model S Professional & Ultimate
• iOne Scorpius M10, Xarmor U9, U9 Plus, & U9BL
• Adesso MKB-125B & MKB-135B
• Razer BlackWidow & BlackWidow Ultimate

Cherry MX Brown Keyboards - These provide the tactile feel but with a softer sound

• Das Keyboard Model S Professional Silent & Ultimate Silent
• iOne Xarmor U9BL-S

Cherry MX Black Keyboards - These are non-tactile switches with a linear-action

• SteelSeries 6GV2 & 7G

White ALPS (Simplified Type I) Keyboards - These are tactile switches with an audible click

• Matias Tactile Pro 3
• SIIG JK-US0112-S1
• Solidtek 6600

Black ALPS (Simplified Type I) Keyboards - These have a tactile feel but a softer sound

• ABS M1

The best way to find the keyboard that is best-suited for you is to try one out. If there aren't many mechanical keyboards around you, it is best to read the descriptions of the characteristics of each switch, and settle on a specific "feel." After that, it is a simple search of the design you like best, and what fits your budget. If you cannot settle on a switch-type, I would recommend you go with the most common Cherry MX Blues, unless you have circumstances that require a less noisy keyboard. It will give you the chance to experience both aspects of a mechanical keyboard, the tactile feel and the audible click. After you have experienced one, then you can move on to the more specialized key-switches and watch as your fingers do a happy little dance across the keyboard.