Top Mechanical Keyboards: How To Choose the Best One

Mechanical keyboards are popular for a good reason: compared to ordinary membrane keyboards, they're way better in every way. But since so many of them are out there in the market, it can be tough to find the right one.

Fortunately for you, this article will serve as your guide to buying the best mechanical keyboards for your specific preferences. So, read on!

With Mechanical Keyboards, Size Matter

Mechanical keyboards come in a wide variety of sizes. According to the New York Times, this is the first and foremost consideration you should make when shopping for the best mechanical keyboards. After all, you can't be caught spending too much on something that won't even fit your desk!

There are four main sizes for mechanical keyboards: full size, compact, ergonomic, and tenkeyless.

Full-size keyboards have every single key there is. There are letters, numbers, function keys, a number pad, and modifiers. If you require a dedicated number pad for work stuff, you should go for a full-size mechanical keyboard.

Tenkeyless keyboards, also known as TKL, don't have a number pad, but they have everything else. If you're looking for a general-use keyboard for both work and gaming, this is a perfect choice since it's not too compact and not too wide at the same time.

Compact keyboards are the smallest of the bunch because they only contain the most critical keys (i.e. letters, numbers, and modifiers). They don't have a number pad, function keys, and arrow keys, and are perfect for folks who don't need to do much other than type letters or numbers.

Ergonomic keyboards are designed for an obvious reason. They mean to hold your wrists, hands, arms, and even shoulders at a natural angle to minimize physical stress. They're classified into two more categories: partially split or fully split. The former has a very obvious gap down the middle, and fully split ones are designed as such so you can angle each half at a more comfortable position for your hands.

Mechanical Keyboards Are All About Switches

The best thing about mechanical keyboards are the switches. It's these switches that give them a far more responsive feel compared to their membrane brethren. The switches are another important consideration because not all of them are the same. Some can be better for gaming, others for typing, etc.

Here are the main types of switches for mechanical keyboards, according to AzioCorp.

Linear switches do not make an audible "click" when they're pressed. They're easier to press and are more silent than other switch types, which makes them a perfect choice for a great PC gaming experience.

Tactile switches give you a sensation of a "bump" which tells you that your keystroke was registered without having to press on it too hard. For a lot of people, this is a very satisfying sensation. If you type a lot and you hate the feeling of missing a keystroke, mechanical keyboards with tactile switches are your best choice.

Clicky switches are defined by their name: they make the characteristic "clicking" sound when they register a keystroke. They're much like tactile switches, though their indicator of a fully registered keystroke is sound, hence the click. A lot of users (both gamers and typists) find clicky switches fun to use just because of the sound. They're also far easier to press than tactile switches because there's not a lot of "bump" when you press them.

Final Thoughts

Putting out recommendations based on model and manufacturer can extend this article to kingdom come and make choosing even more difficult. In reality, everything that's been discussed here is all you'll ever need to buy great mechanical keyboards.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by RJ Pierce