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Why Do Gamers Prefer Mechanical Keyboards?

For those who don’t know much about it, gaming seems like something that some people do to simply pass the time. Little do they know that gaming is a professional activity with millions of players worldwide taking part in tournaments and competitions regularly. Being a professional gamer means having the right set of gear to help you play better. Similar to any sport, online gamers need to be equipped with a quality gaming kit to help them excel at any competition. Among the most important computer parts for any gamer is the keyboard.

There are numerous types of keyboards out there that can be used for a variety of purposes. However, when it comes to online gaming, players have shown to prefer mechanical keyboards over any other type. To understand why these are especially popular, one would have to learn about the different types of keyboards and what mechanical keyboards can do better. Here is everything you should know about mechanical keyboards and other gaming equipment that can help you excel.

What are Mechanical Keyboards?

The whole gaming experience depends in great part on the keyboard that each gamer chooses to use. Recently, many gamers have been seen making the switch to mechanical keyboards and not looking back at any of the older types. Mechanical keyboards are not magical in any way; they are relatively simple and straightforward to use. These keyboards are very classic and have been used since the 80s. It is only recently that more gamers have started discovering how versatile they actually are and started making the switch.

Understanding Keyboard Switches

Any keyboard has switches that lie underneath every keycap to control what each key does. When it comes to the compact 60% mechanical keyboard for gaming, the quality of the switches is what makes these keyboards popular among gamers. As a professional gamer, you are most likely going to be spending long hours using your keyboard, so you will need the switches to handle all that pressure. In the case of mechanical keyboards, the switches are made from durable plastic that can handle almost anything.

There are linear or tactile keyboard switches within this keyboard type, and you can choose according to your personal preferences. The linear switches require the person using the keyboard to press the key all the way down until you hear the click loud and clear. Whereas the tactical switches are a bit more sensitive to touch, so only clicking halfway down will do the job. All in all, there is something for everyone according to preference when it comes to this specific keyboard type.

Customizable Keyboards

One of the great things about mechanical keyboards that attract a lot of gamers is that they can be easily customizable in a variety of ways to fit their needs and preferences. Other than your ability to play around with the colors and key switches of the keyboard, you can program your keys to do different functions as you please. You can also choose to add or replace certain key materials and print your chosen logos or designs as desired.

Clicking Sounds

All keyboards make a clicking sound when you press any of their keys. However, some keyboards have a louder or softer sound depending on their type. Gamers usually prefer their keyboards to have a loud clicking sound so that they can be certain they pressed a specific key when they are in the middle of a game. That is why a lot of gaming fanatics are now leaning more toward mechanical keyboards rather than any other type of keyboard. They have a very noticeable clicking sound that assures anyone clicking a key that the key was pressed correctly.

Sturdiness in Comparison With Other Keyboard Types

Gamers use keyboards heavily. They usually press excessively hard on the keys during certain moments of a game and can be using the keyboard for long hours daily. As keyboards are not that cheap, nobody wants to spend their money replacing them too often; this is why many online gamers love mechanical keyboards. They are made from sturdy materials that can last for a long time compared to other types of keyboards. You do not have to worry about replacing your keyboard due to damage to the sensors of the keys or breakage in the materials. You can be using the same keyboard for years on end without as much as a scratch on its base.

They Look Better

The world of gaming is one where there are a lot of creativity and artistic developments made by the minute. If there is one thing that gamers love more than anything is to ensure they keep up with the developments by having the most advanced equipment and the best-looking ones. Mechanical keyboards look better than most other types of keyboards, and that is why gamers buy them. They are colorful, easily customized, and they have a modern vibe about them that you cannot find elsewhere.

Ability to Play in the Dark

Professional gamers often have their own designated room where they play for hours every day. Even if it is in the morning, and the sun is shining outside, many gamers still prefer to play in dark, cold rooms as it gives them more of an edge and allows them to be in the game entirely. By having a backlit mechanical keyboard in the room, they can easily control their switches without a hassle even in the darkest of rooms.

Better Value for Money

Gaming equipment is not cheap. So, the last thing any gamer would want is to keep replacing faulty parts frequently to keep on gaming. Investing in a mechanical keyboard gives gamers the best value for money they can get when it comes to buying a high-quality keyboard. It can be relatively more expensive than other types of keyboards, even ones specifically made for gaming. However, it lasts longer, and you do not have to replace it too often like you probably would with other types.

Enhancing Performance

Numerous gamers who have made the switch from regular keyboards to mechanical ones swear by the difference it has made on their gaming capabilities. The growth in mechanical keyboards’ popularity is, in great part, a result of gamers’ reviews that these keyboards can enhance their overall performance. As a result of the keyboard being super smooth to use, it allows gamers to be fully focused and to perform noticeably well during tournaments and any gaming sessions.

Other Types of Keyboards

To understand why so many gamers prefer mechanical keyboards, one should learn about other types of keyboards and what they have to offer. Here are some of the most popular types of keyboards used for gaming purposes and their features for comparison.

Membrane Keyboard

These are among the most commonly used types of keyboards. The membrane or rubber keyboards are not only used in gaming, but can also be found on laptops and connected to personal computers. They are relatively basic in their make but are not too sturdy or durable. The keys are super light, and you won’t get a high clicking sound that many gamers specifically look for.

Photo-Optical Keyboard

This type of keyboard is neck-to-neck in the popularity competition with the mechanical keyboards. The optical or photo-optical keyboards are technologically advanced, where they have switches similar to those of their mechanical counterparts. The switches are highly responsive and make it easy for gamers to do their thing without any hassle. They are also waterproof and can resist dust particles that can cause damage to any keyboard. The only issue is that they are usually very expensive and do not have as much value for money as other keyboards might.

Scissor Switch

These keyboards are very similar to the membrane or rubber keyboards and can also be found on different laptops and home computers. The scissor-switch keyboards tend to collect a lot of dust that can result in the keyboard mechanism breaking entirely because of environmental factors. Although scissor-switch keyboards are relatively more durable than other types of keyboards, they are not too reliable when it comes to gaming purposes.

Dome Switch

Dome Switch keyboards are basically a mix of membrane keyboards and the mechanical ones. The only problem with them is that their quality is usually quite poor, and they break easily. The material making these keyboards is not as sturdy as gamers would need them to be, and they need to be replaced far too often. They can be used for low-budget purposes, but they are not durable in any way.

How to Choose the Best Mechanical Keyboard

Once you have decided on getting yourself a mechanical keyboard for gaming, you need to make sure you are investing in the right one. These keyboards also come in different ranges depending on a variety of factors. Here is how you can pick the best keyboard for your specific needs.

Key Force

Every keyboard is different, even the mechanical ones. When you are buying a keyboard, you need to make sure you test the key force or what is commonly known as the actuation force. It is to see how much force is needed to press on keys for them to respond to your action demands. Sometimes the actuation force can be too light or too hard; it all comes down to personal preference, so make sure you check before you buy one.

Resistance

The keys on any keyboard have some resistance to them when it comes to typing and pressing for game controls. The resistance differs from one keyboard to the next depending on the brand and how they place the layers for each key. Usually, the resistance for any key becomes less and less the more you use it, so you will want to invest in a keyboard with high resistance so that it can last for a long time.

Noise

All keyboards make a clicking noise; some keyboards have it higher than others. Gamers usually prefer higher sounding keyboards. However, the strength of the noise still varies from one keyboard to the next. That is why you must try the keyboard before buying so that you can check for yourself if the clicking sounds are good for your personal preference. Some keyboards are also customized to make specific sounds on certain commands so it might be worth asking the vendors if that is something you want in a keyboard.

Cost

When it comes to buying a new keyboard, the budget you set for yourself can make all the difference in the world in what you choose. Mechanical keyboards vary in price according to the features they have. If you are customizing your own unique keyboard, then it sure will be more expensive than other keyboards with regular features. The design on each keyboard can also play a huge part in how much it costs. You should set yourself a budget as it will help you in the choosing process, so you know where to start and what you will be able to afford precisely.

Lifespan

The great thing about mechanical keyboards is that they are sturdy and made from durable materials. However, different keyboard brands within the same type can have different lifespans. Before investing in any keyboard, you must ensure that the materials in it are strong and durable enough to last you for a long time. You can start by reading reviews and researching certain brands, and even asking vendors for their professional advice.

Now that you have better insight into why a gamer needs a mechanical keyboard, you are able to gain a better understanding of why this particular activity is important to them. Professional gamers put a lot of thought into every piece of equipment they get for their gaming endeavors. The keyboard any gamer chooses to use can have a huge impact on how well they perform. Mechanical keyboards have proved to be among the best types of keyboards for gamers to use as they are durable and smooth to use. Before you invest in any keyboard, make sure you do some research and read a few reviews so that you can get the best deal.