A keyboard is one of the most important computer hardware that plays a highly significant role for those who spend all their lives at desks, especially typists. Therefore, any typist needs to know which type of keyboard is better for typing.
Well, mainly people talk about two types of keyboards – membrane and mechanical. Membrane keyboards are mostly used for typical day-to-day office work. This type of keyboard features a rubber dome underneath the keys that register key presses.
While on the other hand, mechanical keyboards work quite differently. They use plastic spring-loaded switches under each key that register your key presses more accurately and give tactile feedback when typing. And compared to membrane keyboards, they are more expensive.
However, despite being expensive, mechanical keyboards provide a big upgrade over a membrane keyboard with a more accurate typing experience. But typists who never have used a mechanical always seem to ask the question that “why are mechanical keyboards better for typing?”
If you also haven’t used any mechanical keyboard yet but want to know how it affects typing experience then this article is for you. Today, I will share some benefits of mechanical keyboards that make them better for typing.
So, without further talk, let’ get started.
Here are 5 reasons that make mechanical keyboards better than any regular keyboard in terms of typing.
1. Faster Input & Consistent Keystrokes
First of all, mechanical keyboards work quite differently from traditional keyboards. While a typical style keyboard uses rubber dome or membrane keys to register your keypresses, mechanical keyboards use plastic-built mechanical switches that are optimized to record keypresses faster.
Since mechanical keyboards are engineered with dedicated switches underneath every key, they are able to register each keystroke consistently without making any typos.
Compare to membrane keys, mechanical switches are quite easy to press. They require less actuation force to get activated.
Also, mechanical keyboards let you choose switches according to your preferences to get you the ultimate typing experience. There are various types of switches available out there but mainly they fall into three main categories:
Tactile Switches: Tactile switches are a type of mechanical switch that is engineered with a little resistance, so when you press them you will get a nice tactile bump. The nice tactile feedback of these switches increases typing accuracy as well feels satisfying.
Clicky Switches: As the name suggests, clicky switches make a loud noise and give you a tactile feel each time you press any key. These switches are similar to tactile switches. The clicky sound of these switches gives you a better typing experience and assurance that everything is in order.
Linear Switches: Linear switches works silently. There is no resistance, no tactile bump, but they are consistent with each keystroke. Typists who work in an open office prefer linear switches.
This is why typing is quite easy with a mechanical keyboard and most typists prefer mechanical to a rubber dome keyboard.
2. Better Feedback
A keyboard with better tactile feedback is very important for a typist because it helps him to type quickly and accurately without making errors. It assures the typist that his input has been logged.
Since most of the traditional keyboards use a rubber dome to register your clicks, they don’t give you feedback while typing. And without feedback, it feels like you are your fingers are lost at sea. Due to this reason, typists make errors and sometimes they bottom out the switches too hard while typing to get the sound of their keypresses.
In this case, mechanical keyboards are much better. Thanks to the design and mechanical switches, mechanical keyboards are able to provide small tactile feedback each time you press any key. This small tactile bump encourages you to continue your writing and assures you that everything going alright.
This is how mechanical keyboards enhance the typing experience of typists and allow them to type faster. Therefore, most typists prefer mechanical keyboards over membranes when it comes to better feedback.
Also, the sound of mechanical keyboard switches is audible, so people who are concerned about noise won’t face any issue getting adjusted.
3. N-Key Rollover
Another reason that makes mechanical keyboards better for typing is N-key rollover.
If you don’t know what N-key rollover is, it is a keyboard feature that detects each button press individually and registers them — no matter how many keys are pressed simultaneously. There are some levels of N-key rollover. For example, if a keyboard has a 5-key rollover, it means the keyboard is able to register 5 key presses at once successfully.
Therefore, when it comes to typing accuracy, N-key is very important, especially for fast typists. However, most standard keyboards don’t come with N-key rollover, as it is quite expensive to implement. As a result, when typists type fast on a keyboard, they experience typing errors.
On the other hand, mechanical keyboards are quite expensive but they provide everything that a typist would require. Most of the mechanical keyboards include N-key rollover to help the typists type smoothly with a reduced amount of errors.
N-key rollover is a must-have keyboard feature for typists. So, if you don’t want to experience typing errors, you should purchase a mechanical keyboard.
4. Customized Layouts
Another pro side of mechanical keyboards is that they come with various keyboard layouts and sizes so that you get the right keyboard that meets your requirements.
The keyboard size and form factor play a crucial role for those who spend their whole day sitting in front of the screen, especially typists. A properly sized keyboard will provide you the ultimate comfort you require while typing and enhance your typing experience.
Thanks to different sizes and form factors, mechanical keyboards allow you to pick the right one according to your preferences. Whether you need a small keyboard, a full-sized or only the num-pad, there is always an option out there. Picking the perfect sized keyboard will eventually help you to be more precise while typing and save your desk space.
Typists mostly prefer small-size keyboards like 65% or tenkeyless mechanical keyboards so that they can carry their keyboards on the go. Also, smaller keyboards make your desk less cluttered and let you work more efficiently.
So, no matter what sized keyboards make you feel comfortable while typing, there is always a mechanical option out there.
5. More Durable
Mechanical keyboards are more durable than membrane or rubber dome keyboards. Even there are still so many keyboards that were first introduced in 80’s working fine today.
Generally, the durability of a keyboard is measured by considering how many keystrokes the keyboard is rated for over its lifespan. And the mechanical keyboard switches are designed to have a much longer lifespan than a membrane keyboard.
For example, Cherry MX switches are durable enough to survive up to 70 million keystrokes before deviating from factory conditions. This means if you press any of those keys 70 million times, it will slightly lose its performance or feel worn in but won’t break. So, even after the lifespan period, mechanical keyboards work just fine.
On the other hand, membrane keyboards are rated for 5 to 10 million keystrokes on average. However, there are so many cases where users reported that certain keys of their membrane keyboard have stopped working before exceeding the lifespan period.
So, mechanical keyboards are the winner also in terms of durability. Also, there are so many features that make mechanical keyboards last longer such as metal casing, braided cable, PBT keycaps, etc.
Do mechanical keyboard improve typing speed?
Now you know why are mechanical keyboards are better for typing. But if you are thinking that switching from a membrane keyboard to a mechanical keyboard will instantly make you type faster, you are probably wrong.
Mechanical keyboards feel comfortable while typing, but you have to go through a small adjustment period to get used to the new typing sensation. In this period, you may not get the typing speed that you used to achieve with membrane keyboards. Also, you make so many typing errors, which is completely normal.
It can take few days or even a few weeks to get adjusted with a mechanical keyboard. But once your fingers get used to the mechanical keys, you will start getting your old speeds back and you will make fewer errors while typing. After that, the more you practice, the better and faster you will be at typing.
It should be now clear to you that a mechanical keyboard is not an instant pill that will increase your typing speed overnight. You have to practice and put lots of hours typing at your keyboard to get better. So, keep practicing from now.
Best mechanical Keyboard for Typing
Final thoughts
Mechanical keyboards are not only made for gaming but also are being widely used for typing. They come with all the features that a typist require with long-lasting durability. Also, mechanical keyboards enhance typing experience as well as give the user a better key feel.
Also, as mechanical switches are made of plastic, they attract less dust compared to rubber, so cleaning and maintaining mechanical keyboard is easier.
However, it is not true that using a mechanical keyboard will make you type faster instantly, but it will improve your typing accuracy. Therefore, it is always recommended to try one out to get the experience.
Hopefully, I have answered all your questions. If you require further assistance then you can email us or leave a comment below.
Thanks for being with us 🙂
Also Read: How to Know If a Keyboard is Mechanical?
