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Mechanical Keyboard Switch Basics

Mechanical keyboards offer a distinct advantage: superior performance and a highly customizable experience. They’re characterized by the mechanical switches nestled underneath each keycap that, when pressed, activate the printed circuit board (PCB). Tactile feedback and rich acoustics make mechanical keyboards the go-to choice for gamers seeking an edge in precision and speed.

Mechanical Keyboards

A mechanical keyboard uses individual switches beneath the keycaps to register each press. Switches make keystrokes more precise, deliver premium acoustics, and feel satisfyingly tactile, which is why gamers, writers, and developers often prefer them. With a wide variety of switch types available, you can customize the sound and feel to suit your style perfectly.
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Membrane Keyboards

A membrane keyboard uses a large silicone rubber pad underneath the keys to register each press. They’re more affordable and easy to produce, which is why they’re commonly found in schools and offices. However, they lack the tactility, acoustics, and aesthetics mechanical keyboards are known for. Because there’s just rubber underneath the keycaps, keystrokes feel "mushy" and lack any key travel.

Styles of Switches

Switches come in three main styles: Linear, Tactile, and Clicky.

The Glorious Switch Family

Linear Switches

Smooth, uninterrupted press with no bump or audible click.

Glorious Linear Switches

Tactile Switches

Feature a haptic bump when pressed for tactile feedback, but no audible click.

Glorious Tactile Switches

Clicky Switches

Feature a haptic bump and produce an audible click for a typewriter-like experience.

Glorious Clicky Switches

Anatomy of Mechanical Switches

I. Top Housing helps contain the switch's internals while having an opening at the top to keep the stem steady as it moves up and down.

II. Stem juts out from the top of the switch and is what connects to the keycap. When you press a key, the stem is what travels up and down.

III. Spring is what rests underneath the stem, allowing it to bounce back up after being pressed.

IV. Contact Leaf gets moved by the switch's stem as you press down. When moved, metal-to-metal contact is formed that sends a signal to the keyboard through metal pins that stick out from the bottom of the switch.

V. Bottom Housing holds the contact leaf's metal pins in place. It may also have two additional plastic "pins

Magnetic Switches

Magnetic switches share the same design as their traditional mechanical counterparts, however, they do not use metal contacts inside the switch to register a key press.

Inside their stem is a small magnet whose position is constantly being read by keyboards equipped with Hall Effect technology.

This technology enables a range of powerful customization features for boosting a gamer's speed and control through the power of magnets

Learn About Hall Effect

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What does a switch's lifespan rating mean?

A switch’s lifespan rating refers to how many times it can be pressed before it starts to wear out. Typically measured in millions of clicks, it indicates the switch's durability and long-term performance.

Why does lubrication matter for switches?

Lubrication reduces friction between a switch's moving parts, leading to smoother keystrokes, cleaner acoustics, and improved overall feel. It can also help extend the switch's lifespan by minimizing wear over time. Some keyboard enthusiasts prefer to apply lube themselves to meet their preferences.

What is "3-pin" and "5-pin" compatibility?

This refers to the number of pin below a mechanical switch that connect it to the keyboard's PCB. It’s important to note that a 3-pin switch is compatible with keyboards with 3- and 5-pin sockets. While a 5-pin switches are only compatible with keyboards with 5-pin sockets - unless you clip the two incompatible pins.

What do "Actuation Force" and "End Force" mean?

"Actuation force" is the amount of pressure needed to press a switch far enough for it to register a keystroke. "End force" is the total force required to fully press the switch down to the bottom. Both measurements help determine how a switch feels during use.

What is a silent switch?

A silent switch is designed to minimize noise during key presses. It typically includes dampening features that reduce the sound of both actuation and bottoming out, making it much quieter than standard mechanical switches.

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