If you ever met the following situation before? Using the keyboard which comes with the computer, the typing speed is too slow to improve work efficiency. Using a simple mechanical keyboard but the typing sound keeps bothering colleagues. The repeated or sluggish keys makes the gaming process full of mad. The mechanical keyboard is too heavy to carry for comfortable typing, etc.
The reason is that you do not find a suitable mechanical keyboard. Why our keyboard choice matters more than we think? The major usage of a mechanical keyboard is for gaming or work.
Keyboard Usage
A mechanical keyboard is designed with different features, which can decide it is better for gaming performance or work productivity.
What gamers need is fast response, anti-ghosting, or customizable within software.
What a programmer needs is flexible customization. While what a office user need is comfort, quite typing or durability.
Users also difference in typing habits and keyboard performance requirements. On-the -go work mostly needs a keyboard which is smart or supports wireless connection. So here are some factors to help us choose a right mechanical keyboard. The first thing is to know the keyboard need.
Keyboard types
Keyboard types varies in standard mechanical keyboard, membrane keyboard, magnetic switch keyboard, ergonomic & split keyboards, low profile keyboard, optical switch keyboard, electrostatic keyboard and so on.
Standard mechanical keyboard
Each keys own the individual switch, the typing feeling is clear, linear, tactile, or clicky. Normally the lifespan is longer than the membrane keyboard. The features makes it suitable for daily gaming or daily working. But if you have some specific requirement for the keyboard. We can refer to the following keyboards.
Membrane keyboard
The membrane is more affordable than the standard mechanical keyboard. There is another blog to introduce the mechanical keyboard VS. Membrane keyboard. If we have no much need for the typing precise and no much budget, we can try this keyboard first. The key is triggered by the pressing the silicone bowl to contact with the conductive film. The typing sound is quite silent.
Optical switch keyboard
According to the trigger principle, it uses infrared light for actuation detection, with no physical contact between components. With the feature of extremely fast response, high durability and zero input delay. It is ideal for E-sports players or high-speed typing or gaming scenarios.
Magnetic switch keyboard
Magnetic switch keyboard is also known as hall effect keyboard. It is the other keyboard type which is suitable for the E-sports players or high-speed typing or gaming scenarios. The magnetic keyboard supports RT and zero dead zone. Based RT, there are many other function to improve the gaming speed, like DKS, MT, adjustable actuation point and so on. The common magnetic keyboard like Wooting 60HE, Steelseries Apex pro, or Kzzi G68 CNC magnetic keyboard, G68se magnetic gateron switch keyboard, or Ares75, Ares98 wired magnetic keyboard.
image from Kzzi G68 magnetic keyboard
Ergonomic & Split Keyboards
Unlike the standard keyboard which is in the shape of a rectangle. The ergonomic keyboard is designed to reduce strain and improve comfort during long typing sessions by supporting a more natural hand, wrist, and arm posture. The curved or angled key layout minimizes wrist twisting. It is ideal for office professionals,writers and coders or users with wrist or arm fatigue.
A split keyboard divides the key layout into two separate sections, allowing users to position each half according to their shoulder width and typing posture.Each half can be angled or spaced freely for maximum comfort. It suits for users seeking a truly ergonomic setup, programmers, typists, and long-hour computer users. Gamers who want freedom of hand positioning can also try split keyboard, normally each part can be used separately.
Low profile keyboard
A low profile keyboard features thinner switches and a slimmer body compared to traditional mechanical keyboards, offering a sleek look and faster key response. The reduced key travel and compact structure make the keyboard thinner and more portable.
Shorter key travel distance allows for quicker input and a more responsive typing or gaming experience. Lower height helps reduce wrist strain and supports a more natural hand position.Sleek, minimalist appearance fits perfectly with contemporary desktop setups. It is ideal for users who prefer laptop-like typing feel, like mac user. The low profile keyboards match well with office and minimalist setups where design and comfort both matter
image from Kzzi i75v2 low profile white mechanical keyboard
Keyboard size and layout
The keyboard layout differs from full size to 98%, TKL, 85%,75%,60%, 40%.
Size or 98% keyboard suits for data process or office working since it contains number pad, arrow keys and all the function keys.
The TKL layout keyboard takes the number pad away. It is suitable for daily use or daily game.
75% layout keyboard is more compact when compared with larger keyboard. It also remains the F row and several function keys. The 75% keyboard balances well between office and gaming.
The 60% 65% keyboard only remains the letter parts and arrow keys. The combination of F arrows and number keys on the top row makes it easy to carry with.
A 40% keyboard is an ultra-compact layout that typically includes only the alphanumeric keys and a few essential modifiers, removing the number row, function row, and arrow keys. It is mainly for keyboard enthusiasts who value minimalism and customization, travelers or users seeking a clean, compact desk setup.
Keyboard switches
There are mainly 6 types of switch in the market now. Optical switch，Magnetic switch, linear switch, tactile switch, clicky switch, silent switch.
After deciding well which keyboard type we need, the next step is that we can choose the switch type. For the magnetic keyboard, we must need a magnetic switch. The optical keyboard requires the optical switches. While for the standard keyboard, we can choose from linear, tactile, clicky or the silent switch. For the detailed difference, let’s dive into the previous blog.
Appearance
The keyboard design is getting richer and richer. The additional features like knob, keyboard with screen, shortcut key, mode lever, touch to open, rgb light bar and so on. And the keyboard types or the keyboard layout also influence the keyboard design. Of course we will consider both functionally and appearance. Choosing the right combination depends on your daily usage, whether for work, gaming, or creative tasks.
Connectivity: Wired vs. Wireless vs. 2.4GHz
The keyboard connectivity is another factor we need to consider. For the wired keyboard only, it can save some budget while the cable makes it inconvenient to move. The wireless keyboard will be more flexible in connecting with PC. It also offers a cleaner desk setup, making them ideal for users who frequently move their keyboard or prefer a clutter-free workspace.
However, the wireless keyboards rely on batteries or rechargeable power, so you need to monitor battery life to avoid interruptions. When choosing a keyboard, also consider compatibility with your operating system, connection range for wireless models, and latency requirements for tasks like gaming or fast typing.
By carefully evaluating connectivity options, you can select a keyboard that balances convenience, performance, and reliability for your daily use.
Keycap
The keycap material directly affects keycap durability, texture and sound. While the keycap profile mainly impacts typing feeling, ergonomics and aesthetics.
Keycap Materials:
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Lightweight, smooth, and affordable; prone to shine and wear over time.
PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate): Durable, resistant to shine, and textured; often preferred for long-term use.
POM (Polyoxymethylene): Smooth and dense, offering a premium feel with low friction.
Keycap Profiles/Heights:
OEM: Standard height and sculpted, common in most keyboards.
Cherry: Slightly lower than OEM, sculpted for comfortable typing.
SA: Tall, spherical, retro-style, offers deep finger grooves.
DSA: Uniform, low-profile, flat across all rows for easy keycap swapping.
XDA: Similar to DSA but slightly larger and more rounded, uniform across rows.
According to our budget and using habit, choose a better combination to enhance typing comfort, performance and experience.
Programmable
Most mechanical keyboard supports software or QMK/VIA to customize the keyboard profile. Or set macros for daily use. The magnetic switch keyboard adds the function like SOCD and RT for competitive gaming. Other features like hot-swappable, build-quality, or the stabilizer performance and the price.
All in all, Choosing the right keyboard is all about matching your style and daily routine. If it is hard to tell, here are some methods. Ty it out in person, read user article reviews, or watch hands-on videos to see how it feels and sounds.
A great keyboard strikes the right balance between design, quality, and price — find the one that makes every keystroke feel just right.