What is the Reason for the High Cost of Mechanical Keyboards?
Jake posted this in Mechanical Keyboards.
I’m a big fan of mechanical keyboards, almost to the point of addiction. I’ve been researching all aspects of mechanical keyboards, including switches, cases, stabilizers, and keycaps, since I first discovered the world of mechanical keyboards.
When talking to relatives and friends about mechanical keyboards, they always seem to have the same question: why do they cost so much?
Mechanical keyboards can cost up to five times as much as regular keyboards due to the additional components and work required. Each key has a separate mechanical switch underneath it. Mechanical keyboards are more expensive due to the switches. While mechanical keyboards can be expensive, there are several that cost less than $30.
Keyboards with a Rubber Dome
Rubber dome keyboards are the most common form of keyboard used at home and at work. It’s the material used in the majority of non-mechanical keyboards. If you go to an office, you’ll notice that the majority of people use a rubber dome keyboard.
Rubber dome keyboards are cheap to build and easy to put together. They are made up of a membrane sheet with rubber keys attached to it. The rubber dome is placed on top of the keycaps.
The strengths of this keyboard lay in the affordable pricing. Rubber dome keyboards, in my opinion, are not very enjoyable to use. When pressed, the keys have an uneven sensation and are mushy. The actuation point of a key, or the point at which it registers, is never the same. This can lead to inaccuracies in typing and is inconvenient to use.
When more than one key is pressed at the same time on a rubber dome keyboard, the keys do not register. This sort of keyboard may not record your keystrokes accurately if you are gaming and need to hit a lot of keys in a short period of time, or if you are a fast typist.
If you have the time and money, we strongly advise you to replace your rubber dome keyboard with a mechanical keyboard.
Keyboards with Scissor Switches
Another common style of keyboard is the scissor switch keyboard. Laptops are the most common place to find these. Because there are individual switches, the scissor switch is comparable to a mechanical keyboard, yet the feeling is vastly different.
These scissor switch keyboards, on the other hand, are a headache in terms of usefulness and ergonomics. They’re not very tactile, offer no support, and bottom out quickly without providing any protection for your hands.
Scissor switches do not provide the optimum user experience due to their flat shape. When the key is pressed, the flat switches provide little support and no tactile feedback. Repetitive strain injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome are more likely with this keyboard design.
Scissor switches are small, flat, and thin. This makes them ideal for portability, which is why they’re seen on laptop keyboards. From an aesthetic standpoint, the design is also quite sleek and attractive.
Furthermore, all scissor switches have a similar feel, therefore there is no variety or modification in the way the switches feel. We recommend obtaining a mechanical keyboard to use with your laptop if you are using a laptop with scissor switches and don’t like the feel. You can learn more about it by clicking here.
Read More: Gaming Keyboard vs Normal Keyboard
Why are mechanical keyboards more expensive?
While mechanical keyboards are more comfortable than rubber dome and scissor switch keyboards, they are also more expensive. There are a few reasons for the higher cost, the most important of which is the switches.
Mechanical keyboards get their name from the fact that each key has its own mechanically actuated switch underneath it. Because these switches are entirely independent of one another, they allow for more precise typing and consistent performance.
Furthermore, there are hundreds of various switch kinds to choose from. You can order a switch with a low actuation force if you type extremely softly, so you don’t have to press as hard to type. If you’re on the opposite end of the scale and bang your fingers into the keyboards when typing, get a switch with a high actuation force and your fingertips will be more protected from the impact.
When it comes to switch types, there are three basic categories: tactile, linear, and clicky. Tactile switches have a slight bump that registers the keystroke and gives the user feedback on each push. This is our preferred switch for office workers who use a keyboard primarily for typing. This type of switch is quiet and provides the most enjoyable typing experience.
There is no bump with linear switches, only a smooth, uniform keystroke. Gamers choose linears because they are the most reliable to press in rapid succession. For gamers, the tactile bump from tactile switches is mainly merely a distraction that might ruin their gaming experience.
When most people think of mechanical keyboards, they think of clicky switches. These switches are obnoxious and proud. They have a tactile feel to them, yet when pressed, they emit a loud click. We advise against using this type in public spaces, yet they are quite enjoyable to use. The deafening clicks are a lot of pleasure.
As you can see, mechanical keyboards allow you to customise the switch type to your liking, allowing you to find exactly what works best for you. Regardless of switch type, most mechanical keyboard switches are guaranteed to last 50 million or more keystrokes before breaking. This means you’ll be able to use your keyboard for decades before the switches need to be replaced.
N-key rollover is another characteristic of mechanical keyboards that can be quite handy. This is the maximum number of keys that can be pressed simultaneously before the system stops registering them. Because of the independent switch mechanism, most mechanical keyboards perform exceptionally well when numerous keys are pressed. When two or more keys are pressed simultaneously on a rubber dome keyboard, it frequently does not register.
What are the prices of mechanical keyboards?
Mechanical keyboards come in a wide range of prices. Some of the most expensive keyboards, such as the Massdrop CTRL keyboard, are around $200. Mechanical keyboards in the lower price category, such as the Redragon K552, are usually around $30. When comparing the quality of costly and inexpensive mechanical keyboards, there are significant discrepancies. The average cost of a good mechanical keyboard is roughly $80.
Plastic cases, ABS keycaps, off-brand switches, and limited lighting options are common features of low-cost mechanical keyboards. These keyboards are still excellent and provide an upgrade over rubber dome or scissor switch keyboards, although they are not as good as the more expensive models. There will be a noticeable difference in the feel and quality.
Conclusion
What makes mechanical keyboards more expensive than rubber dome and scissor switch keyboards was compared. Independent switch design, N-key rollover, and improved quality and durability are just a few of the characteristics. We also looked at the differences between expensive and inexpensive mechanical keyboards, finding that pricier mechanical keyboards provide a better user experience and are of higher quality.
While mechanical keyboards are more expensive than other types of keyboards, we strongly advise you to check one out. We think you’ll be impressed by how they feel and want to try them for yourself. A mid-range keyboard, such as the HyperX Alloy Origins Core, is a good choice for a high-quality, mid-priced keyboard. One may be found on Amazon for a very reasonable price. This keyboard is one of our favorites, and we think you will as well.