Mechanical Keyboards

On a mechanical keyboard each key has its own switch instead of sharing a rubber membrane. The feel is consistent across the board, the actuation point is defined, and the switches are rated for far more presses than a membrane will survive.

Switches come in three families. Linear switches move smoothly all the way down — the quietest feel and the one most gamers prefer. Tactile switches give a bump partway down so you can feel the key register, which most typists get on with best. Clicky switches add an audible click to the bump; satisfying, and not for shared rooms.

Beyond the switch, two features are worth knowing. Hot-swap boards, including much of the Keychron range and the MARVO Titan, let you pull switches out and replace them without soldering. Hall-effect boards such as the ASUS ROG Azoth HE and Keychron Q6 HE read the key magnetically, so you can adjust how far it travels before it registers.

Sizes run full-size, 96%, 75% and TKL.